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Writer's pictureAllan Kirby

In Review: Ohio University Credit Union (OUCU)

Updated: Jun 3, 2021

“Selected an Excellent Choice Credit Union, Ohio University Credit Union currently serves the University of Ohio as well as the counties of Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington County, Ohio."


By: Allan R Kirby

Excellent Choice Credit Union, Ohio University Credit Union (OUCU) serves the University of Ohio as well as the counties of Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington County, Ohio.
 

We review Credit Unions:


Mysmallbank.com feels compelled to find the best credit unions and community banks to write a small review. These reviews are to help you learn more about community banks, possibly one that's in your area that you might be interested in. In this review we are choosing the following local Credit Union:

 

Location: Athens

Headquartered: PO Box 476, Athens, Ohio, 45701

Branches: 3

Year Established: 1955


Review:


Ohio University Credit Union (OUCU) is a 3 branch full-service bank that serves not only alumni, students, and staff of the university but also the counties of Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington County. Our decision to name Ohio University Credit Union, Excellent Choice Credit Union, was based on our own research on reviews, services offered as well as their commitment to their membership and the communities they serve. What we found was a great community credit union that provides great services such as the college student checking account with:

  • No minimum balance and unlimited transactions

  • No monthly maintenance or low balance fees

  • Free debit card, online services & mobile app

  • 5 Free non-OUCU ATM transactions a month

Additionally, we also liked the no-fee Visa Platinum and Visa Platinum Rewards credit cards, the Visa Platinum for example is a great basic credit card to get you started while the Visa Platinum Rewards allows you to earn CU rewards points for cash, travel, merchandise, gift cards & OUCU discounts.


We were also surprised by the number of account service offerings such as the Charitable & Memorial Accounts as well as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to help you get started with your retirement. However, what we liked most is that the credit union does try to help students out by offering computer loans to allow students get the equipment they need to succeed in school.


About OUCU


Ohio University Credit Union currently has close to $424 million in assets, 3 branches, and nearly 25,000 members. ibanknet. Ohio University Credit Union got its start in 1955 when Dr. Harry Crewson, then professor of economics and later president of Ohio University along with Ohio University Treasurer Paul O'Brien secured a charter from the State of Ohio. OUCU officially opened for business in 1955 in the cashier's office in Ewing Hall.


"Overall we found OUCU has keept to their roots in providing high quality financial services to its members."

We will now provide you some highlights of specific products and services Ohio University CU provides its members as well as their commitment to their community.


Great Credit Cards:


When looking at service offerings, we found OUCU has a great set of credit cards specifically the Visa Platinum and Visa Platinum Rewards:


Both OUCU credit cards feature great benefits:

  • No annual fee

  • No balance transfer fee

  • No cash advance fee

  • Local member service

  • Access through online banking

  • Security with EMV chips + more

VISA Platinum

  • Great basic card

  • Helps establish your credit history

  • 6.25% - 18.25% APR

VISA Platinum Rewards

  • Earn CU Rewards points for cash, travel, merchandise, gift cards & OUCU discounts

  • 8.25% - 18.25% APR


Kids Accounts


We love credit unions that provide accounts for younger generations, and Ohio University Credit Union does not disappoint with the Bobcat Savings Club for members ages birth to 12 which includes:

  • No fee savings account

  • Seasonal fun family events

  • Treasure chest prizes with each deposit

  • Cool Cat register to keep track of your money

  • Cool Cat savings card – make 10 deposits totaling $50 and earn your own stuffed Cool Cat.

  • Get a $5 deposit if you get Bs or higher on your report card. Just bring your report card to the teller line!

Start Smart Teen Account


It's a Free Checking Account for kids 13 - 17 with parent(s) as a joint owner. This is another service offering that allows teens to learn more about banking. The good grades bonus is a great idea!

  • No monthly service fee or minimum balance.

  • Debit/ATM Card.

Online and Mobile Banking

  • Alerts by text or email for teens and parents.

  • Snap a picture to deposit checks.

  • Lock debit card if lost or stolen.

Good Grade Rewards

  • Get a $5 deposit if you get Bs or higher on your report card.

  • Just bring your report card to the teller at the branch.


Commitment to Community:


OUCU created founded the Harry B. Crewson Foundation a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, honors the memory of OUCU Founder Harry B. Crewson. The mission of the foundation is to fund educational opportunities for OUCU members and the children of members.


Scholarships


Harry B. Crewson OHIO Freshman Scholarship


The fund provides three $3,000 scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend Ohio University through an endowment with the Ohio University Foundation. Applicants must be members of the children of members.


Excellent Choice Credit Union:


With such a wide range of service offerings, a commitment to their community, and great products and services for Youths, Teens, and University Students, it's not hard to see why this is such a great Credit Union. This is why Mysmallbank.com believes Ohio University Credit Union is well deserved to receive the designation of Excellent choice, Credit Union [2]. So if you're looking for a great community-based credit union and you plan to study at Ohio University or plan to live in the counties of Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington County, this could be a great financial institution for you.


Finally, we found that Ohio University CU is a federally insured credit union through NCUA [1].

 

Who is Eligible:


As per their website: You are eligible to join OUCU if you fit one of these requirements:


OUCU can serve those who live, work, worship or attend school in the following counties: Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, and Washington County.


Additionally, you can be eligible if you are:


An Ohio University or Hocking College Employee (active or retired), student, or Alumni.


Belong to one of the following Association:


Ohio University Friends of the Libraries

Athens Friends of the Library

Athens County Area Beekeepers Association

Athens Amvets Post 76

Albany Amvets Post 93

Athens Country Club

Athens Elks

Athens Masonic Bodies

Career Connections Alumni Association



Have a Family member Eligible for membership


Family members of current and eligible members can join. (Examples include parents, siblings, aunts & uncles, cousins, grandparents, in-laws, etc.)


Apply Now to become a member.

 

The following provides additional information on Ohio University CU services, branches as well as hours of operation.


Services Offered:


Full-Service Credit Union: Yes

 

Ohio University Credit Union (OUCU) Routing Number: 244273826


Banking:


Checking Accounts

College Student Checking

Estate Accounts

Savings Accounts

Bobcat Savings Club (1-12)

Start Smart Teen (13-17)

Certificates

Individual Retirement Account

Charitable & Memorial Accounts


Credit Union Loans:


Auto Loans

Recreational Loans

Tractor & Farm Equipment

Personal Loans

Line of Credit

Computer Loans

Energy Efficiency Loans

Home Loans

Home Equity Lines & Loans

Rental Property


Business Banking


Checking

Savings

Loans

Visa Platinum

Rentals

Shared Branching

Payroll & Accounting

Tax Preparation Services


Credit Card: VISA Platinum


Credit Union Online

Online and Mobile Banking: Yes


Ohio University CU Branch Locations:


944 E State St. Branch Athens, OH 45701


Lobby Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed

Drive-Thru Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sunday Closed

 

90 S. Shafer St. Branch Athens, OH 45701


Lobby Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed

Drive-Thru Hours: Monday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed

 

12 W Union St Branch Athens, OH 45701


Lobby Hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday Closed

 

eBranch Call Center


Local: 740 597-2800

Toll-free: 800 562-8420

 
 

Fee Schedule: Yes

 

About Ohio University:


Ohio University is a public research institution that was founded in 1804 in Athens Ohio. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 20,000 students, on-campus, and a campus size of 1,800 acres. Ohio University's ranks #53 in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, Ohio State University--Columbus | US News Best Colleges

Ohio University is the oldest university in Ohio, the tenth oldest public university in the United States, and the 32nd oldest among public and private universities [3]

 

Notes:


1. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is one of two agencies that provide deposit insurance to depositors in U.S. depository institutions. NCUA's standard maximum share insurance amount at $250,000.00.


2. Periodically Mysmallbank.com will name a credit union as a top choice (Top credit union) based on several criteria such as customer and employee reviews, complaints, satisfaction, growth, locations, brand, and social responsibility. We only select the best credit unions, so they must meet minimum standards of excellences (Excellent Choice) to be reviewed by Mysmallbank.com


In Review is a segment of the MySmallBank.com blog written by Allan R Kirby, who writes and produces Personal Finance articles and videos.

 

Disclosure: mysmallbank.com nor the author received any compensation from the mentioned credit union for this article. The article is our opinion only and is written to help readers learn more about local credit unions.

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