San Diego County Credit Union was founded and originally charter in 1938 and has been serving the San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties ever since. Initially established to provide financial services to local county government employees, SDCCU expanded its membership availability in the 1970s to include all residents of its three-county service area.
In addition, residents outside these Californian counties can join the Financial Fitness Association, making them eligible for membership.
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SDCCU Background
SDCCU is a credit union providing financial services across the San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties. Founded in 1938, SDCCU has served southern California for more than 80 years, providing banking, mortgage, auto, and personal loan services.
As a credit union, only those living or working in the southern California counties, as well as members of the Financial Fitness Association, are eligible for mortgage loans and other services. It is known as one of the leading credit unions in the San Diego area and was voted the Best Mortgage Home Lender by local California residents several times.
The credit union prides itself on personal service and also supports more than 75 local and national nonprofit agencies, including the San Diego Blood Bank and the San Diego Humane Society.
As opposed to issuing stock or paying out dividends like a traditional credit union, SDCCU leverages its returns to support lower loan rates and fees for members.
SDCCU Mortgage Rates
SDCCU Loan Products
SDCCU offers loans for both personal and business purposes. The credit union was dubbed the Best Mortgage and Home Loan provider in a reader poll from the San Diego Union-Tribune. SDCCU is known for its lower rates relative to other providers in the area.
SDCCU provides ‘No Closing Cost Home Loans’, ‘Fixed Rate Mortgage Loans’, and ‘Adjustable Rate Mortgages’ and enables members to become pre-qualified through an application process on its website. Let’s take a closer look at what each entails:
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
This mortgage option includes a free 60-day rate lock, low closing costs, and no risk-based pricing. Members can receive loan amounts of up to $1,500,0000 and up to 80 percent loan-to-value (LTV) for owner-occupied, single-family residences. This option is applicable for conforming loans up to $484,350, purchases or refinances up to 95 percent LTV, and cash-out refinances up to 80 percent LTV.
Loans amortized over a 30-year period will have an estimated 3.375 percent rate, an annual percentage rate (APR) of 4.580 percent, 0 points, and an approximate payment of $4.42 per $1000 borrowed.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
This option includes low closing costs, and the rate/points members qualify for are based on elements including FICO scores, loan-to-value/combined loan-to-value, cash-out refinance, high-balance loan amounts, and subordinate financing.
This mortgage offers support conforming loans of up to $766,550 and is applicable for several property types, including owner-occupied single-family residences, townhomes, Fannie Mae-approved condominiums, and PUD properties within California. Options include 10, 15, 20, and 30-year terms for both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages: High Balance Loans
SDCCU also has fixed-rate mortgage options for high-balance loans, including amounts ranging from $484,351 up to $726,525. SDCCU leverages annual conforming loan limits from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, meaning high-cost area loan limits can differ according to location.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Jumbo Loans
SDCCU also provides fixed-rate mortgages for jumbo loan amounts, according to limits published by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. These loans can vary in amount, from $484,351 to $1,500,000, according to 10, 15, 20, and 30-year terms.
These mortgages are available for owner-occupied home purchases up to 80 percent LTV, rate/term refinance maximum of 80 percent LTV, and cash-out refinance maximum of 70 percent LTV only.
No Closing Costs Mortgages
This option offers SDCCU members more flexibility and stability compared to other traditional offerings.
This 5/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage boasts rates starting as low as 3.375 percent and 4.557 percent APR. In addition to a lack of closing costs, this option means members’ rates change only once over each five-year period, with a maximum allowable rate adjustment of 5 percent over the entire loan period, or 2.2 percent per five-year period.
This offer is available on loans up to $1,500,000 and 80 percent LTV. The No Closing Cost-benefit is available for owner-occupied, primary residents and external refinance. In these qualifying cases, SDCCU pays closing costs, including lender’s title insurance, title services, appraisal, tax service, credit report, flood certification, and recording fees.
Members are responsible for fees, including pre-paid interest, homeowners insurance, an initial escrow deposit, owner’s title insurance, and other local taxes.
SDCCU Loan Product Overview
Loan Product | Highlights |
---|---|
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) | Low-Rate ARMs With No Closing Costs, Ideal for Conforming Loans, Purchases, and Refinances Up to $1.5M |
Fixed-Rate Mortgages | Fixed-Rate Mortgages With Low Costs and Flexible Terms, Up to $766,550 for Owner-Occupied Properties |
Fixed-Rate Mortgages: High Balance Loans | Fixed-Rate Options for High-Balance Loans, With Versatile Terms |
Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Jumbo Loans | Fixed-Rate Mortgages for Jumbo Loans With Various Term Options |
No Closing Cost Mortgages | 5/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgages With Low Rates, No Closing Costs, and Periodic Rate Adjustments, Up to $1.5M |
SDCCU Mortgage Customer Service
This California credit union provides services from its 43 branch locations across San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties and also allows members to become pre-qualified or to fill out an application online for its fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and no-closing-cost mortgage loan options.
SDCCU provides estimated rate amounts for its mortgage offerings on its website, including those for 10, 15, 20, and 30-year programs, where applicable.
In addition, members can also open an account, switch accounts from other financial providers to the credit union, close other bank accounts, or start direct deposit using online banking tools.
The credit union prides itself on personal service, both to individual consumer members and business members. It also provides financial knowledge resources on its website, including those covering financial education and business resources.
SDCCU has also partnered with money management expert George Chamberlin and cybersecurity expert Jim Stickley and allows members to tap into their expertise through online videos, webinars, and recommended readings. In addition, the credit union’s community involvement and support of non-profit organizations make it a local staple.
SDCCU Lender Rating
SDCCU is a credit union providing home loan mortgages, home equity loans, credit lines, auto loans, and personal loans, and serves residents across three counties in California, as well as Financial Fitness Association members. SDCCU is associated with the Financial Fitness Association and has been voted the Best Credit Union for 19 consecutive years by the San Diego Union-Tribune readers poll.
The credit union has also been voted the Best Mortgage Home Lender and Best Financial Planner in the California area.
SDCCU has been a Better Business Bureau-accredited lender since 1995. Despite having 29 customer complaints filed with BBB – many of which revolve around unauthorized transactions and/or identity theft outside the credit union’s control – the SDCCU boasts an A+ rating.
- Information collected on October 18, 2023
SDCCU Mortgage Qualifications
Loan Type | Down Payment Requirement | Subordinate Financing | Jumbo Loan Available |
---|---|---|---|
Adjustable-Rate | 10% minimum for conforming loans | No | Yes |
Fixed-Rate | 10% for conforming loans | Yes | Yes |
No Closing Cost ARM | 5-10% for conforming and jumbo loans | No | Yes |
SDCCU’s qualifications are relatively straightforward and include a small down payment minimum and jumbo loan options on both adjustable and fixed-rate loan offerings.
Members, including those living or working in the San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties, benefit from a 60-day rate lock-in period and as little as 5 percent down, depending on the loan amount and term. Members can become pre-qualified and apply for a loan through the credit union’s website.
SDCCU Phone Number & Additional Details
- Homepage URL: https://www.sdccu.com/
- Company Phone: 877-732-2848
- Headquarters address: 6545 Sequence Drive, San Diego, California, 92121
The Bottom Line – SDCCU Mortgage Review
San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) has firmly established itself as a trusted financial institution over the decades. With its diverse mortgage products, unwavering commitment to customer service, and strong community roots, SDCCU remains a top choice for many in southern California.
Its accolades, such as the Best Credit Union award and an A+ BBB rating, further testify to its dedication and service quality. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, considering SDCCU for your mortgage needs means partnering with a credit union that prioritizes its members and the broader community.
How We Review Mortgage Lenders:
Good Financial Cents evaluates U.S. mortgage lenders with a focus on loan offerings, customer service, and overall trustworthiness. We strive to provide a balanced and detailed perspective for potential borrowers. We prioritize editorial transparency in all our reviews.
By obtaining data directly from lenders and carefully reviewing loan terms and conditions, we ensure a comprehensive assessment. Our research, combined with real-world feedback, shapes our evaluation process. Lenders are then rated on various factors, culminating in a star rating from one to five.
For a deeper understanding of the criteria we use to rate mortgage lenders and our evaluation approach, please refer to our editorial guidelines and full disclaimer.
Product Name: SDCCU Mortgage Product Description: San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) is a longstanding financial institution based in Southern California, known for its diverse range of banking and loan services tailored to its regional clientele. Founded in 1938, SDCCU has since expanded its offerings while emphasizing community engagement and member-centric policies. Summary Established in 1938, the San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) has evolved to become a beacon of financial trust and service in the southern California region. Serving the counties of San Diego, Riverside, and Orange, SDCCU not only offers traditional banking solutions but also a variety of mortgage, auto, and personal loan services. Its commitment to the community is evident through its continuous support of local and national non-profits, alongside a dedicated approach to personal customer service. Pros Cons
SDCCU Mortgage Review
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