MoneySense
For every paper refund check the IRS issues, taxpayers spend $1. Direct deposits cost only a dime.

Open a SmartStart Checking and Savings Account with SmartStart Spark, our interactive app that helps kids and teens set goals, earn rewards, track progress, and build money confidence.

Earn 6.00% APY* on the first $1,000 and 1.50% APY* on balances above $1,000 with SmartStart Savings, for ages 0–17.

Build money confidence with SmartStart Checking and Savings and SmartStart Spark, an interactive app where kids and teens can learn, earn, save, spend, give, and more.

With SmartStart Checking, teens ages 12–17 can manage everyday spending with a debit card and build money confidence with guidance from a parent or guardian.

Stay involved as your child learns to manage money with SmartStart Checking and Savings and the SmartStart Spark app. Parent approvals, account alerts, and card controls help you guide their spending along the way.

Open a SmartStart Checking and Savings Account with SmartStart Spark, our interactive app that helps kids and teens set goals, earn rewards, track progress, and build money confidence.

Earn 6.00% APY* on the first $1,000 and 1.50% APY* on balances above $1,000 with SmartStart Savings, for ages 0–17.

Build money confidence with SmartStart Checking and Savings and SmartStart Spark, an interactive app where kids and teens can learn, earn, save, spend, give, and more.

With SmartStart Checking, teens ages 12–17 can manage everyday spending with a debit card and build money confidence with guidance from a parent or guardian.

Stay involved as your child learns to manage money with SmartStart Checking and Savings and the SmartStart Spark app. Parent approvals, account alerts, and card controls help you guide their spending along the way.

Get a free financial education on all things personal finance from credit scores and debt consolidation to saving and student loans.
Direct deposit is the easy, worry-free way to have electronic deposits – like paychecks or Social Security payments – deposited automatically into your checking or savings account. You never have to worry about losing a paycheck or going to the bank again.
For every paper refund check the IRS issues, taxpayers spend $1. Direct deposits cost only a dime.
Set up direct deposit and let the money roll right in.
It is very convenient (I have direct deposit) and the staff are very accommodating. I could be anywhere in the world, and I am able to reach out to them for any unexpected issues I have on my account.
-Evelyn
Free ATMs. Free Online Banking. USC Credit Union checking accounts give you perks and plenty of choices from our no-fee basic to interest-bearing accounts.
Go cashless! Your Debit/ATM card lets you access the funds in your checking account with one quick swipe.
Keep your earnings high and your assets liquid. Fund a USC Credit Union Money Market account for as little as $2,500.
Many parents wonder when the right time is to open a bank account for their child. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, introducing banking at an early age can help children develop healthy financial habits and confidence with money.

When Should You Open a Bank Account for Your Child?
As children get older, many parents begin looking for ways to teach financial responsibility in real-world situations. One of the most common questions families ask is: Should my child have a debit card? Before making that decision, it’s important to understand what a debit card is and how it works.

What Is a Debit Card and How Does It Work?
Financial confidence doesn’t happen overnight. Like any life skill, learning how to manage money takes practice, guidance and the right tools. That’s why many parents are exploring youth bank accounts to help children and teens develop healthy financial habits before they enter adulthood. But what exactly is a youth bank account, and how does it work?

What Is a Youth Bank Account and How Does It Work?
Should kids and teens get an allowance? Learn how a thoughtful approach can teach responsibility and build essential money management skills.

Should Kids and Teens Get an Allowance?
USC Credit Union is aware of a cybersecurity incident involving TruStage, a third-party provider that offers certain insurance and financial services to some USC Credit Union members. The incident occurred within TruStage’s environment, not USC Credit Union’s systems.

TruStage Cybersecurity Incident
Julisa’s journey to becoming a nurse began long before she ever stepped into a nursing program. As a first-generation Latina raised by her grandmother who immigrated from Honduras, Julisa took on the role of caregiver at a very young age. In grade school, she regularly missed school to help care for her abuela, assisting with daily needs, preparing meals, and accompanying her to doctors’ appointments. Even through difficult circumstances, her grandmother encouraged her to believe she could build a better future through education.

Meet one of our remarkable 2025 scholarship recipients, Julisa Merwin.
In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on February 17 and ushers in the Year of the Horse – specifically the Fire Horse – a symbol of courage, action, independence, and forward momentum. It’s the perfect moment to take charge of your financial future, from short-term goals to long-term retirement planning.

Lunar New Year: Ride Into Prosperity
Los Angeles, CA — Following its October 20, 2025, victory in the Rivalry for a Cause Charity Challenge, USC Credit Union is recognizing the impact of the initiative after defeating Notre Dame Federal Credit Union 2,884–1,464. The friendly competition transformed a historic college football rivalry into meaningful community impact.

USC Credit Union Wins Rivalry for a Cause Charity Challenge, Secures $10,000 for Community Foundation
Recent developments signal the elimination of the SAVE income-driven repayment plan—so it’s important to understand what this means for your budget and what options remain available.

The End of the SAVE Plan: What It Means for Student Loan Borrowers
Palm Desert, CA. November 3, 2025 — California and Nevada’s credit union community gathered October 26 – October 30 at the REACH 2025 conference to celebrate innovation, leadership, and service across the industry. The annual Credit Union Awards dinner brought together credit union professionals, advocates, and partners for an evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals and organizations that embody the cooperative spirit of “people helping people.”

USC Credit Union CEO/President Gary J. Perez Receives Prestigious Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues