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The Credit Union for School Employees
Gulf Coast Educators FCU is a credit union for teachers and school employees within the state of Texas. If you or an immediate family member works for a school or college in Texas, you are eligible for membership and can open your account completely online.
Get Started - Become a Member-Owner
Gulf Coast Educators FCU is a credit unionfor teachers and school employees in the state of Texas. Here you will find all the same products and services of a big bank, designed specifically for school employees. Check out some of our most popular products below.
- ✔ Texas Educators Rewards Credit Card – Available to all school employees in Texas who qualify. Earn rewards by shopping at all your favorite places. Learn More.
- ✔ Educator Mortgage – School Employees can finance a new home up to 103%, with no down payment or PMI required.Learn More.
- ✔ Auto Loan Discounts – Get up to 0.75% off your APR* when you finance or refinance your car loan. Learn More.
- ✔ Dollar Up Account – Link your GCEFCU debit card to a Dollar Up Savings Account, and have the extra change from your transactions automatically transferred to a savings account. Learn More.
- ✔ Mobile App – Get 24/7 access to your funds using our top rated mobile app. Learn More.
Open Your Account Online
Get started today by opening your account online. There is no cost to join, we only ask that you keep $1 in your savings account.
The Credit Union for Texas Educators
THE CREDIT UNION FOR TEACHERS & SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
As an educator, you’re all about helping students learn and grow to live the best lives they can. As a credit union that was formed exclusively for educators, Gulf Coast Educators FCU is all about helping YOU improve your financial life. We understand your needs, your goals, and your career as an educator.
Educating the youth of Texas is what you do. Educating you about how to bank better is what we do. Browse some of our products and services below to learn more.
Accounts
Savings accounts, Free Checking, Kid accounts, & more
Learn more
Loans
Auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, loans for educators.
Learn more
Home Loans
Mortgages, Refinances, Home Equity Loans, Teacher Mortgage
Learn more
Who Can Join
THREE WAYS TO BECOME A MEMBER
To become a member of Gulf Coast Educators FCU, you must fall within our field of membership.
1. School District Employee
Employees who work regularly in the Educational Industry in the state of Texas, meaning they work for:
- an elementary school, secondary school, or post-secondary school;
- a county superintendent of schools office;
- an authorized education foundation; or
- a school board, either as employees or trustees.
Those who have retired as pensioners or annuitants from above employment are also eligible.
2. GCEFCU Employee
Employees of Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union are eligible for membership.
3. Family Members
Immediate families or households that fall within the chart below are eligible for membership, as well as spouses of those who have died while within the field of membership of this credit union.
How to Join
BECOMING A GCEFCU MEMBER
Becoming a member of Gulf Coast Educators FCU is easy! In fact, you can even open your account right here online.
Step 1:
Open your account with Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union online or at any one of our locations. You will need to bring:
- Pictured drivers license or state identification card
- Your name as it appears on your Social Security Card
- Proof of employment (one of the following)
- Contract
- Pay Stub
- Letter from your Personnel Office
Step 2:
Switch direct deposits and automatic deposits with our Switch Kit, or by contacting your employer for the corresponding forms.
Step 3:
Change automatic payments and withdrawals using theChange Automatic Withdrawal form.
Step 4:
Close all other savings, checking & bill payment accounts using theClose Account form.
For additional details or help switching your accounts to Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union just ask us! We’ll be glad to help. Please visit any branch office or call 281.487.9333 or 1.800.683.3863.
Banking On The Go
BANK ONLINE – NOT IN LINE.
As a credit union for teachers, we know your time is valuable. Don’t waste it by rushing to the bank before or after work. Experience the convenience of banking with the people who know you best. Gulf Coast Educators FCU gives you 24/7 access to your money all online and through our mobile app.
Download our FREE Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play for your mobile device. You can also text “Apple” or “Android” to 281-843-8611 to have the download link sent straight to your phone.
Disclosures
DISCLOSURES
Texas Educators Rewards Credit Card is only available to school employees within the state of Texas. Credit qualifications apply.
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. All rates are subject to change without prior notice.
FAQs
Why is it sometimes easier to open an account with a bank rather than with a credit union? Most credit unions require some kind of affiliation, but banks will let anyone with money open an account. Jack plans on using network ATMs about 4 times per month.
What is the routing number for Gulf Coast Educators Federal credit union? ›
The credit union's routing number, also known as the ABA number, is 313087286.
Is there a credit union for Texas teachers? ›
We are a credit union dedicated to serving the financial needs of educators and school district employees in the state of Texas. Here you will find all the products and services of a big bank, but designed to help make our members more money, save time, and provide peace of mind.
Does Gulf credit union have Zelle? ›
Located conveniently in your GCEFCU app, Zelle® enables you to send and receive money with friends and family, no matter where they bank. Follow these easy tips to use Zelle® safely: Only send to those you know and trust. Beware of payment scams.
Why do banks not like credit unions? ›
First, bankers believe it is unfair that credit unions are exempt from federal taxation while the taxes that banks pay represent a significant fraction of their earnings—33 percent last year. Second, bankers believe that credit unions have been allowed to expand far beyond their original purpose.
What are reasons a bank won't let you open an account? ›
A bank can deny your request to open an account because of past accounts that were closed due to negative balances, a history of overdrafts or problems verifying your identity. If you're unable to open a bank account, here are some tips on what to do next.
What is Teachers Federal Credit Union bank code? ›
Information to provide sender to receive funds at Teachers: Financial Institution Name: Teachers Federal Credit Union. Financial Institution Address: 102 Motor Parkway Hauppauge, NY 11788. ABA/routing number: 221475786.
What is MICR account number? ›
Your MICR number is the long number located at the bottom of your checks and is used for setting up direct deposits and automatic withdrawals from your accounts. This is not the same as your account number.
How many digits is a Coastal Federal Credit Union account number? ›
To complete this form, you will need to know Coastal's Routing Number, your full 14 digit Account Number, and the account type, such as Go Green Checking.
What is the largest credit union in Texas? ›
Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union is based in Live Oak, Texas and has more than 60 branches in select metro areas across the state. Launched in 1952, RBFCU originally served military members. Today the credit union has expanded its access to much more.
Top 10 Credit Unions in Texas - 2024 Guide with Sortable APR
Rank | Credit Union | CC APR |
---|
1 | Austin Telco | 9.90% |
2 | RBFCU | 12.70% |
3 | TDECU | 7.99% |
4 | FCCU | 10.99% |
6 more rows
Which Texas Teacher union is best? ›
With TSTA/NEA you have: The most powerful education association in Texas and the nation. Over 68,000 Texans and 3.1 million Americans as your fellow members. A voice in your profession.
What is the best online bank? ›
Top Online Banks in April 2024
- Discover Bank. 4.6. Savings APY 4.25% CD APY 2.00% to 4.70% Checking APY Not offered. ...
- SoFi Bank. 4.5. Savings APY 1.20% to 4.60% Checking APY 0.50% ...
- Ally Bank. 4.5. ...
- Varo Bank. 4.5. ...
- LendingClub Bank. 4.3. ...
- Upgrade. 4.3. ...
- Alliant Credit Union Bank. 4.3. ...
- FNBO Direct Bank. 4.3.
Is Zelle safer than Venmo? ›
Both of the payment services are decently safe, have user-friendly interfaces, and allow you to conveniently send money when you need it. Zelle stands out from Venmo with its absence of instant transfer fees, but it also cannot be used as a wallet. So, if you need a wallet function, you should go for Venmo .
What bank does Cash App use? ›
Cash App is a financial platform providing services through its bank partners, Lincoln Savings Bank and Sutton Bank. It also offers investing services through Cash App Investing LLC, which is a registered broker-dealer and a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member.
How easy is it to open a bank account? ›
You can open a checking account online in just a few minutes with an online bank or credit union or with traditional banks and credit unions that offer online banking and checking accounts. The funds in your new account may take a few days to process, though. offer the ability to open accounts on their websites.
What is an advantage of having an account with a bank? ›
Opening a bank account can be one of the most important steps you take toward reaching your financial goals. Why? Because putting your money in an FDIC-insured bank account can offer you financial safety, easy access to your funds, savings from check-cashing fees, and overall financial peace of mind.
Is it faster to open a bank account in person? ›
Opening a bank account is generally a fast process that can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on the financial institution and the type of account. Most banks can open accounts on the same day when you apply in person.
Is it better to open a bank account online or in a bank? ›
Fees are the biggest drawback of brick-and-mortar banks, which have more overhead than online-only institutions. Monthly service fees alone average $15.33 for interest checking accounts, according to Bankrate's 2023 checking account and ATM study, with the average minimum required to avoid the fee at $8,684.