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Star One Credit Union Review

Updated April 28, 2025
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At a glance

Overview

Star One Credit Union could be a good fit for consumers in eligible California counties looking for a feature-filled interest-bearing checking account and to avoid high fees.

Highlights:

Free Checking No Monthly Fees Reward Checking
3.8
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
Info Icon

CDs

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5 /5

Checking

Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
4.9 /5

MMA

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4 /5
Sponsored offers
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These are sponsored offers rated highly by us for competitive rates, fees, and minimums.

Bank logo
Member FDIC
Savings Account
4.00
%
APY
APY
Info Icon
As of 6/20/2025
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
$5,000
Min. balance for APY
View offer Arrow Right Icon
Promoted offer:
Bank logo
FDIC insurance eligibility through Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC
Savings Account
4.00
%
APY
APY
Info Icon
As of 6/20/2025
$0
Min. balance for APY
View offer Arrow Right Icon
Promoted offer: Get up to 4% interest. Online savings made simpler with high interest and no fees. Save for your goals, your way.
Bank logo
Member FDIC
Savings Account
3.65
%
APY
APY
Info Icon
As of 6/20/2025
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
$0
Min. balance for APY
View offer Arrow Right Icon
Promoted offer: Backed by the financial expertise of Goldman Sachs.

Overall

At more than 60 years old, Star One Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in Silicon Valley.

Though Star One’s six  branches are limited to the Silicon Valley area, it is part of a network of nearly 6,000 shared branches, which allow members to do their banking at partnered credit union locations. Plus, members get access to around 30,000 fee-free ATMs through the CO-OP network.

Star One’s checking accounts are standouts. They earn interest, there are no monthly fees and two of the checking accounts offer ATM surcharge refunds. On the other hand, Star One’s share certificate selection is limited, and although it offers a competitive money market account rate, better rates can still be found elsewhere.

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    Minimum deposit requirements overall are low for most accounts.

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    There are no monthly service fees.

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    All checking accounts earn interest.

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    Members have access to digital features like voice banking through Amazon or Google voice devices.

Cons

  • There’s a limited product selection available for savers.

  • Higher rates on certificates and money market accounts are available elsewhere.

  • Membership is limited to those in select counties in California or those who work with corporate partners of the credit union.

Star One Credit Union banking products

Star One Credit Union CD overview

3.5
/5
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Pros

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    Certificate accounts can be opened online.

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    Earned interest can be mailed or transferred to a Star One checking or savings account.

Cons

  • Only three certificate terms are available.

  • Star One doesn't offer any specialty certificates.

  • Higher rates can be found elsewhere.

Star One Credit Union money market overview

4.4
/5
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    A money market savings account can be opened with a low minimum deposit of $50.

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    Account holders can create multiple savings accounts for different goals at no additional cost.

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    There’s no monthly fee.

Cons

  • Account holders do not have check-writing privileges.

  • Higher APYs are available elsewhere.

Star One Credit Union checking overview

4.9
/5
Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    Minimum opening deposits are low.

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    There are no monthly service fees on any checking account.

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    All three checking accounts earn interest, regardless of balance.

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    ATM rebates of $10 and $20 are available to members with the student checking and Rewards Checking accounts, respectively.

Cons

  • The free checking account doesn’t refund out-of-network ATM surcharges.

Bank fees

Fee Charged?
Overdraft fee $15
Non-sufficient funds fee $15
Account maintenance fees None
ATM fee Free for first 20 withdrawals each month; then $1 per withdrawal

Customer experience

Branch and ATM access. Star One Credit Union has six branches, all of which are located in California’s Silicon Valley region. Most locations have the same hours and a few are open on Saturdays. More than 5,600 shared branches are available plus nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs available through the CO-OP network. Some ATMs accept deposits.

Customer service. Members who want to meet with a bank representative can schedule an appointment in advance online. Representatives are available over the phone from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time, weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends and most holidays. Customers can also fill out a web form for general questions. 

Digital features. Fans of digital wallets can use Star One Visa debit and credit cards with Apple Pay and Google Pay. Other digital features include voice banking (a skill available through Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant or a Google voice device), Zelle, mobile check deposit and the ability to create balance alerts. The credit union’s app is highly rated. 

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Review methodology

With so many financial institutions to choose from, it can be hard to know who to trust. Bankrate’s ever-growing list of bank and credit union reviews is updated regularly. Our editorial team analyzes and reviews each institution across deposit products such as savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts (MMAs). Banks are rated by important factors such as offered interest rates, fees, minimum balance requirements, access to funds and more.

We assign a score to each type of account and its features, weigh them carefully based on importance to account holders and determine an overall score. Read our full review methodology.