Shared Branching

Nationwide, credit unions have formed various alliances giving branch access to credit union members at more than 2,600 locations, including Texas. This combination of resources is referred to as Shared Branching.

The Member Service Center (MSC) established offices to be shared by several individual credit unions, including SACU. Through this alliance, SACU offers its members the convenience of increased account accessibility at additional facilities. In addition to account access at other credit union locations, our members have access to several Credit Union Service Centers operated by MSC.

Standard service center transactions include:
  Savings deposits/withdrawals

  Transfers within members' accounts

  Loan payments¹

  Balance inquiries

  Check cashing

  Transaction history

  Travelers' checks, money orders, notary and fax services²

Shared Branching is especially convenient for members who:
  Find a Shared Branch or Credit Union Service Center close to home or work

  Travel and need access to a teller or ATM while on the road

  Have to relocate and would like continued access to their SACU account

Any SACU member that meets the following criteria may take advantage of Shared Branching³:
  All SACU accounts must be in good standing (no outstanding payments, legal issues, etc.)

  Account must be free of special handling designations (security codes, two signatures required, etc.)

  Member must be an authorized signer for the account (primary, joint, etc.)

  Member must know his/her account number and present a valid photo ID to make a Shared Branching transaction
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  To find the Shared Branch nearest you, call Toll Free at 1-888-287-9475 or
visit www.cuservicecenter.com

Frequently Asked Questions
Credit unions in the alliance have the option to be either an issuer, an acquirer or both. SACU is both.

What does it mean to be an "issuer"?
As an "issuer", SACU allows its members to use the branches of participating credit unions and Credit Union Service Centers for various financial transactions. See information below for details.

What does it mean to be an "acquirer"?
As an "acquirer", SACU will provide branch service to members of participating credit unions nationwide. SACU has designated certain branch locations to operate as acquirer credit unions.

How does a member sign up for Shared Branching?
No sign up is necessary. Members who meet the following requirements automatically qualify for this service:
  All SACU accounts must be in good standing

  Account must be free of special handling designations.
This includes:

  Accounts with a password

  Accounts with a two signatures requirement

  Guardianship accounts

  Representative payee accounts

  Accounts restricted by court order

  Accounts controlled by the Collection Department

  Member must be an authorized signer for the account

  Member must know their credit union affiliation, account number and present a valid photo ID to make a Shared Branching transaction

How does a member find a Shared Branching location?
Members can find a Shared Branch or Credit Union Service Center location by visiting the CU Service Centers Web site. Click on "Find a Shared Branching location" on our Shared Branching page. Or, members can call 1-888-287-9475.

What member services are not available for SACU members at Shared Branching locations?
  IRA transactions

  Share Certificate transactions

  Loan closings

  Opening a new account

  Adding or deleting members from accounts

  Adding or deleting stop payments

  Fee reversals

  Third party cashing

  Collection draft items

  Insurance check endorsements

  Powers of attorney

  Offline withdrawals

  Offline cash-back transactions

  Credit card cash advances (may be available at some locations)

  Educational loan payments

  Real Estate loan payments

  Credit card payments

  ATM/Debit card maintenance (request/issue, estate settlements)

What are the typical hours of operations of the Shared Branching sites?
Credit Union Service Center locations are typically open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, including some holidays.
Participating credit unions' hours vary.
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¹ Payments for SACU accounts can only be made for consumer loans. Real estate loans, education loans and Visa and MasterCard payments cannot be made at Shared Branches.
²Fees determined by each location separately, and may not reflect fees charged by SACU, as listed in the Service Fee Brochure. Not all services listed will be available at every Shared Branch location. Check with the branch you choose for a list of services offered.
³ No exceptions will be made. Shared Branching is a convenient service provided to SACU members in cooperation with participating credit unions nationwide and established guidelines must be followed. Adherence to this criterion provides added security.
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