Frequently Asked Questions – Share Savings Accounts

Answers to Common Questions About SFFCU Share Savings Accounts

Like other financial institutions, the Credit Union accepts deposits and makes loans, but we are NOT in business to make a profit. When you put your money in a bank, you’re a customer. But when you put your money in a Credit Union, you become a member and own a partial “share” in the organization. Credit Unions are owned and operated by their members, who elect the volunteer Board of Directors that run the organization. In comparison, most banks are owned by groups of stockholders whose primary interest is to earn a return on their investment.
To preserve your membership in the Credit Union, $5.00 ($10.00 for joint ownership accounts) must be maintained in your Share Account. The $5.00/$10.00 is not a fee and remains yours; it simply provides the eligibility as a member owner to take advantage of our great savings and loan rates.
Member accounts are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), up to $250,000. Learn more about NCUA insurance or use the Share Insurance Estimator to determine how share insurance rules apply to your accounts.
We offer several ways to access your money:
  • Online Transfer: move money online between your Credit Union accounts and accounts at other financial institutions using the Transfer widget in online banking. Transfers can be initiated by members to send and receive money through Credit Union account(s). All requests initiated by 2 pm CT are posted the next business day. NOTE: It may take up to three (3) business days for a financial institution receiving a transfer to post it to a member’s account.
  • Check: you can request a check to be mailed to your address on file. Members also may go to the Member Care Station at Corporate Headquarters and request a check in person. Call ahead request for check “pick up” is not available. Additionally, the Member Care Station is not able to process cash withdrawals.
  • Wire Transfer: wire transfers can be used to send or receive funds electronically the same or next business day (wire transfer requests received after 2:00 p.m. CT are processed the next business day). Refer to our Rate & Fee Schedule for wire transfer fees.
Secondary Share Accounts (also known as “sub-accounts” or S2 accounts) are a great way to organize savings to meet your financial goals. Multiple sub-accounts can be opened to identify, organize, and budget for any number of reasons! Members can nickname secondary accounts (ex: vacation fund, wedding savings, fun money, etc.) and create recurring transfers to make saving automatic!
No, we do not offer Credit Cards or Debit Cards. We offer Personal Line of Credit loans which offer the flexibility of requesting money as you need it. Note: All borrowers for SFFCU loans must be an SFFCU member and qualify according to current Credit Union guidelines.
Dividend Rate: SFFCU Share Savings accounts earn dividends each month. A dividend is the rate of interest paid for keeping your money in a State Farm Federal Credit Union share savings account. It is calculated as a percentage of your total balance. SFFCU dividends are calculated daily and paid monthly.

Annual Percentage Yield (APY): The APY is what you may earn over the course of the year for keeping your funds (deposits + dividends) in your State Farm Federal Credit Union Share account. This percentage differs from the dividend rate because it takes compounding dividends into account. This means that in one month you will earn a dividend on your balance, and the next month you will earn a dividend on the original balance plus the dividend earned in prior months. Essentially, you will be earning dividends on your dividends.

Annual Percentage Yield Earned (APYE): The APYE is included in your Credit Union statement and reflects the total amount of dividends actually earned for the statement period. The amount is based on the actual average daily balance in the account and is affected by deposits and withdrawals made, and the number of days in the statement period.
APYE is a calculation reflecting dividends actually earned for the period. It takes into account the average daily balance in the account and the number of days in the dividend cycle. It can vary, sometimes significantly from the stated dividend rate and annual percentage yield (APY), especially on low balance accounts. However, rest assured that all savings accounts earn the same dividend rate even though the APYE varies.
Great Rates: the dividend rates on our Share Savings accounts are many times above the national average. Your deposits earn more money with State Farm Federal Credit Union!

Convenience: because we’re a State Farm benefit, you can automatically contribute to savings accounts and make SFFCU loan payments using payroll deduction from your State Farm paycheck. Watch your savings grow and never miss a loan payment.

Security: your deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA). Additionally, you can rest assured that your State Farm Federal Credit Union is focused on maintaining and growing your savings through our conservative management approach.

Personalized Service: not only are we a benefit for State Farm employees, agents, retirees, and qualifying family members, we’re State Farm employees too! We understand your needs, and work to ensure we’re providing the best possible service.