Join First New York
As a not-for-profit credit union, we exist for one reason: To serve the financial needs of our members. Since our founding in 1937 as Schenectady Teachers FCU, we’ve made them our priority, and that will never change.
But don’t take our word for it. Just ask our members, who have voted First New York the Best Credit Union two years running.
The Member Experience
“Went in without an appointment to open a checking account and left within 15 minutes with a working debit card and a pin in hand. They were very patient with me and my young child, and answered all of my questions. They also have a coin machine that allows you to deposit your coins into your account without taking a percentage. And they are so nice! We have also used this bank for personal loans, and that was a stress-free, easy experience as well. Oh and they do student banking, and give your child additional money if they bring in a report card! Gotta love a family friendly business.” – Stephanie E.
Experience The Credit Union Difference
As a credit union, First New York is a member-owned not-for-profit cooperative, which means we have a Service Motive, not a Profit Motive. Members, not stockholders, own a credit union, and each member has an equal membership stake.
The revenue generated through credit union functions goes back to the members in the form of:
- Best-in-class service experience
- Better interest rates on loans and deposits
- Fewer and lower fees
- Continuous innovation and improvement of our products and services
- Investments in our communities
If you live, work, worship, or attend school in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schoharie County or are related to a member, you are eligible for membership.
Control your accounts, spending, and savings wherever you are with First New York’s mobile and online banking services. It’s fast, free and secure.
- View balances and transfer funds
- Pay bills
- Manage your debit and credit cards
- View statements
- Deposit checks from your phone
- Set custom alerts and notifications
- Send and receive money with Zelle
First New York’s transaction accounts (AKA checking accounts) put you in control of your spending. Tap-to-Pay, Digital Wallet, alerts, notifications, and more. Plus: no hidden fees, and you can access your account 24/7/365 through our online and mobile apps.
- Free Visa® Debit Card with Tap-to-Pay
- Digital Wallet enabled
- No minimum deposit to open
- No monthly minimum balance
- No monthly service charges
- No per-check charges
- All Access, Choice, and Member Business Accounts are available
Earn More Savings
With First New York’s super competitive Share Certificate of Deposit rates, you can find the perfect term and rate to meet your short- or long-term savings goals. To open a certificate, you can visit a branch or contact the Contact Center.
Best-in-class service, highly competitive rates, flexible terms, and people who care about your success. Shop First New York’s new and used auto loans or auto refinancing today!
- Highly competitive rates
- Up to $150 cash back when you refinance.**
- Defer your first payment up to 120 Days***
- New and used, lease-like, and refinancing options are available
- Payment protection available
First New York’s Visa® Rewards Credit Card comes with exclusive features that help you spend smarter.
- 4.99% Promotional Rate*
- 25,000 ScoreCard Bonus Points**
- No annual fee.
- 25-day interest-free grace period.
- ScoreCard Bonus Point Program: Earn one point for every dollar spent. Redeem at point of sale, cash back, travel, merchandise, and more.
- Tap-to-Pay and Digital Wallet enabled.
- No balance transfer fees.***
- Visa Purchase Alerts help monitor account activity wherever you are.
Tackle your first or next home renovation project with First New York’s Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). Our smart home improvement line of credit is a great alternative to larger financial institutions’ high-interest, non-tax-deductible loans.
Get the most equity out of your home with below-industry-average HELOC rates and fast approval.
Apply NowSave, Learn, Grow!
- $2 to join*
- E-Z Access Visa® Debit Card program
- Exclusive contests, giveaways, and prize parties
- Additional in-school rewards
- Participating schools across the Capital Region, elementary through high school
First New York’s KIDS Banking program makes it easy for kids and teens to start banking. All you need is $2* to open a KIDS Savings account for your minor. Once enrolled, your minor will have access to exclusive KIDS Banking events and contests. If your child is in a participating school, they’ll have additional in-school banking rewards.**
The First New York Retirement & Investment Services program is a financial management program designed to help you organize your financial affairs and plan for the future.
- Retirement Planning
- Education Funding
- Insurance Planning
- Investment Planning
Members can use the First New York Retirement & Investment Services program for consultations at no cost or obligation.
July 28, 2024: “Everything was great. I appreciate the customer service provided” – Review from an anonymous member on our Loan Survey.
August 21, 2024: “This credit union is top notch. Staff are friendly and efficient. There is a notary present. Loans are processed quickly with this credit union” – Joseph S.
August 24, 2024: “Best experience I’ve ever had with getting a loan” – Review from an anonymous member on our Loan Survey.
September 3, 2024: “First New York is the best!” – Review from an anonymous member on our Loan Survey.
September 25, 2024: “Scott (Niskayuna Branch) helped me today move some money into CD’s. He was so nice and super helpful. He was a pleasure to work with.” – Cheri F.
October 1, 2024: “The personal, professional, kind attention given to my loan and financial needs is the reason why I will be a First New York member for life.” – Review from an anonymous member on our Loan Survey.
October 6, 2024: “The whole loan process was perfect with First New York! Tina (Saratoga Branch) was extremely helpful and supportive. She couldn’t have made this loan any easier or more efficient. Thank you!” – Review from an anonymous member on our Loan Survey.
October 10, 2024: “First New York was honestly the best customer service I’ve ever had, from start to finish. True professionals.” – Review from an anonymous member on our Loan Survey.
October 17, 2024: “First New York was very courteous and attentive during the loan process. They answered all my questions and got back to me in a very timely manner. This is why I have been banking with First New York for close to 30 years.” – Review from an anonymous member on our Loan Survey.
December 9, 2024: “I cannot say enough positive things about FNY. I had a car loan through them that I recently paid off, and the process was so smooth, from the initial paperwork to the final payoff of the loan. The rates were the lowest in the area, the online portal was extremely easy to use and secure, and there were no issues that arose from paying off the loan early. Should I ever need another auto loan, I’d definitely go through them again.” – Kate A.
December 12, 2024: “I can’t say enough about how professional, kind, and fun Adam and K-Lee made my lending experience! I will be back in the Spring to work with them again!” – Jennine
December 12, 2024: “I contacted First New York to refinance my auto loan, because I was looking to lower my monthly payments. They were able to work with my loan and car value to reduce my interest rate by 10% and save some money on my monthly payment without extending my term.” – Anonymous Member
Get Your Financial Wellness Checkup Today
Real Help From Real Experts
A First New York Exclusive
During a Financial Wellness Checkup, our dedicated lending experts or branch team will offer personalized financial checkups that are tailored to your unique goals and situation. Like a medical exam, a financial checkup ensures your financial health is on track and sets you up for a secure future.
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Disclosures:
†Our Contact Center is available Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Share Certificates of Deposit:
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) assumes principal and interest remain on deposit for the term of the certificate. Dividends compounded monthly. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earning on the account. Minimum balance $500 on Share Certificates. Minimum balance $250 on IRA Certificates. Rates set weekly. All certificate terms are eligible for IRAs (except the 3, 15 and 25 month). Share Certificate is automatically renewed for same length as initial term.
Auto Loans:
*Annual Percentage Rate. Competitive Fixed Rates. Financing up to 125% of the NADA value or purchase price, whichever is less, PLUS tax, title, registration, and warranty for model years 2018-2024. Never owned or previously titled. For terms 72 months or greater, the minimum loan amount of $20,000. APR offered is subject to change and all loans are subject to approval. A 0.25% APR discount is available for automatic loan payments and automatic payment discounts are reflected in the rates above. A 0.5% APR discount is available on auto loans for hybrid cars. The actual rate may vary. The monthly payment amount shown is calculated per $1,000 and is based on a 30-day month.
**96-month term ONLY available on NEW Automobile Model Years 2021-2024.
***Interest will continue to accrue from the date of loan disbursal and become due once payment begins. Interest begins accruing on loans when funds are disbursed.
†Loan Center is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Visa Credit Cards:
*Annual Percentage Rate. Promotional APR is applicable for all purchases made during the first 90 days of card ownership. This promotion is available from 04/01/2023 until 12/31/2023. After the 90-day promotional period, the rate is based on Prime Rate, as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin. APR on those purchases will remain at 4.99% through the initial 90-day promotional period. The Prime Rate as of 09/30/2023 is 8.50%. The APR will not exceed the ceiling, or highest APR, which is the NCUA usury rate in effect at the time. As of 05/04/2023, the NCUA usury rate was 18.00% APR. Rates are subject to change at any time and are subject to approval. Offer valid for existing First New York credit card holders only. Offer not valid for current cardholders currently in another promotional program. For Fee information, read our Promotional Visa® Credit Card Disclosure at FirstNewYork.org.
**To receive the 25,000 ScoreCard points, activate the card and spend at least $1,000 during the first 90 days of card ownership. This offer is not available to current cardholders.
***We do not charge a balance transfer fee. If you have a high-interest-rate credit card, transferring your balance to a First New York credit card could lower your rate and save you money. To start your balance transfer, simply call us or visit any First New York branch.
KIDS Banking:
*The $2 is composed of $1 for the child and $1 for the joint member on the account.
**In-school banking and its features are available only at participating schools.