Last Updated on July 29, 2022 by Admin
Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) was established in 1937 taking an open and honest approach to helping clients handle their money. It is a Credit Union based in Peoria, Illinois with 32 member centers providing savings, checking, consumer loan, mortgage, credit card, and investment services. Here we cover all an existing or new client of CEFCU needs to know about their services, rates, fees, and how to handle their CEFCU online banking login portal.

Website | www.cefcu.com |
Branch/ ATM/ Member Center Locator | Locations |
Routing Number | 271183701 |
Swift Code | CHASUS33 |
Contact | 1(309)-633-7048 |
CEFCU Mobile Banking | iPhone I iPad I Android |
How to Login to CEFCU Online Banking Portal
CEFCU Bank services are accessible via a click of a button on your monitor or gadgets. Once you get to the website, you only need to login to your account.
Follow the guidelines below.
Step 1: Access the CEFCU Bank website on this link. Locate the CEFCU login box as shown below on the left.

Step 2: Insert your valid CEFCU login ID as shown below:

Step 3: You can tick the Remember this tab if you are on a trusted device to save your time when you have to log in to do CEFCU online banking activities again. Then insert the password and continue to your online account.
How to Reset Your Password on CEFCU Login
Imagine you have completely forgotten your password and can’t get into your account anymore. Therefore, you have to reset your password whether you like it or not. You can reset your password by following the guidelines below.
Step 1: If you are signing in through www.cefcu.com, enter your Login ID, then select Forgot your password? once you get the tab insert your password.
Step 2: Fill in the details to allow the website to contact you through your preferred method of communication (phone/ email) to reset your password.
If you are signing in through the Mobile Banking app, select Forgot your password? and follow the steps to reset your password.
How to Enroll/Sign up/Open an Account
If you have yet to open an account at CEFCU, you must follow this simple guide to help you sign up or open up an account.
Step 1: You can click the Sign-Up button inside the Account Login box, right next to the Help button.

Step 2: Afterwards, the website will direct you to this link page:

Step 3: Then you will need to fill in your Base/Primary Account Number, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth and choose your Login ID.
Step 4: Click the Continue button to proceed with your enrollment.
Type of Accounts/Services of CEFCU
CEFCU has two categories of services; Personal and Business. In this article, we will list and breakdown each of these services one by one:
Personal (Save and Spend)
Here we cover nine types of Personal services for you to determine whether CEFCU is the optimal choice for getting your finances in order.
Personal Checking
This easily comes with no annual fees, no minimum balance requirements, and a free Debit Mastercard®. It also has other benefits like protection for your account from overdraft fees with their Overdraft Transfer Plan and free access to nearly 30,000 ATMs. There are two types of accounts to compare; Checking and Dividend Checking:

Personal Savings
The aforementioned members of Personal Savings will include Online Banking to check your balances 24/7, Mobile App to access your account with your smartphone or tablet, E-statements to enjoy convenient and secure statement access, and Direct Deposit to save time and enjoy faster access to your money.
Insured Money Market Account
This is beneficial to access your money with great rates and easy access and it has the benefit of Overdraft Protection which allows you to avoid merchant fees and declined transactions.
IRAs
This is a great option to start saving for your retirement. If you’re interested in transferring or rolling over an IRA to CEFCU, you can visit their Member Center or call 1.800.542.3328 ext. 33409
CEFCU Gift Mastercard
The Mastercard can be used where the Debit Mastercard is accepted and it offers flexible amounts from $20 to $500. For more information, you can check the photo below:

Here the rates for purchasing and maintaining the card are covered.
Certificates
These are Federally Insured for up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). In order to choose which certificate is right for you, feel free to check the picture below:

Health Savings Account
This is for people looking to pay qualifying medical expenses like surgery, prescription drugs, chiropractor, and more.
College Savings
This allows you to retrieve tax-free qualified withdrawals, income limits as well as elementary, secondary, and college education expenses.
Youth Accounts
Offer greater freedom and flexibility for kids. There are three types of accounts for your kids to choose from:

As your child ages from 3 to 17, you can opt for different types of accounts to optimize a saving plan for their future.
Personal Borrow
Here we discuss four types of loans a Personal client can apply for.
- Personal Loans from CEFCU will get you loans at low rates and fees. There are four types of accounts to select:

- Hybrid Home Equity Line of Credit is your best companion to use the value in your home for those much-needed home repairs, tuition, and great benefits such as no pre-payment penalties and no closing costs.
- Student Loans from CEFCU are a great choice to take the stress out of finances and focus on your future and your children’s future. You can apply for Private Student Loans at this link or you can apply for Consolidation Student Loans at this link.
As applying for personal loans can be stressful, CEFCU gives a wide array of options for the consumer to choose from.
Business (Save & Spend)
Business Checking from CEFCCU is the best companion for all business owners. There are four types of Business Checking accounts you can select from:
- Basic Business is a good choice if you have a small business without a lot of transactions. There’s no service fee monthly if you keep a $2,500 average daily balance.
- The dividend is available to maximize your dividend income and it’s paid on a tiered rate system with no monthly fee but a $2,500 average daily balance.
- Regular Business Checking is a good choice if you have a medium to large business and maintain higher checking balances.
- Sweep Services allow you to access funds quickly and easily, earn great rates on excess operating cash, and avoid brokerage fees with automated cash management.
Business Savings are a great way to earn dividends on the money you save for your business. There are three types of Business Savings to choose from:
- Regular Business Savings allows you to make unlimited deposits and withdrawals, and funds are available at free ATMs, Member Centers, and Shared Branches.
- Certificates have terms ranging from three months to five years, and a seven-day grace period with automatic renewal.
- An insured Money Market Account that allows you to earn competitive rates on IMMAs while maintaining a minimum balance of $2,500.
Business Loans
Business Loans offer a variety of financing options with great rates and quality services such as fixed asset term loans, Commercial Real Estate Loans, and Personal services from a Business Loan Officer.
Mobile Banking Capabilities of CEFCU
CEFCU On-Line & CEFCU Mobile Banking are designed to let you easily manage nearly all of your finances. It’s capable of managing accounts, moving money, paying bills, taking loans, and credit card payments.
Online and Mobile Banking features:
- Online Budgeting Tools to categorize transactions and set budgets.
- Mobile Quick Balance and Mobile Check Deposit to deposit checks without leaving the house by using the Mobile Banking App.
- Card Management to enjoy online card alerts.
- CardSwap to update your Credit and/or Debit Card information.
- Biller Direct to track bills due within the week or the month or make payments.
You can also download CEFCU’s app from Apple App Store and Google Play for free.
Common Banking Fees of CEFCU Online Banking Portal
Miscellaneous Fees
In the CEFCU Gift Cards section, you will find yourself a list of fees and charges as shown in the photo below:

Personal Credit Cards have no annual fee, but it comes with Transaction and Penalty Fees. For more details, you can check the list below:

Vehicle Loans Center from CEFCU will charge you a monthly payment of $1,000 for standard vehicles. Here’s the list below in order to give you an idea about the fees:

Minimum Deposits of CEFCU
Personal Savings: Here is the list of minimum deposits for Personal Savings accounts:

An insured Money Market Account can be started with as little as a $2,500 minimum deposit.
Certificates have various amounts for minimum/opening deposit on each type of certificate. Here is the list below:

Personal Loans have four types of accounts with their respective minimum amount. Here are some of them:

Business Savings Certificates: For these certificates, you only need $1,000 to open an account.
Business Insured Money Market Account: For this account, you need a minimum balance of $2,500 to open.
CEFCU Bank Interest Rates
This section covers rates for deposits, loans, credit cards, and mortgages.
Deposit Rates
Deposits Rates are effective from June 23, 2022, and here are some of the classifications you can find below ranging from Saving Accounts, Checking Accounts, and Certificate Accounts:


Certificate Accounts Rates are subject to change daily, dividends are compounded, and the dividend period is monthly:



Loan Rates
Loan Rates are effective from July 1, 2022, and are subject to change. Here is the list of rates:



Credit Card Rates
Credit Card Rates from CEFCU have different amounts of interest rates per card and transaction. Here is the list:

Mortgage Rates
Mortgage Rates are effective from July 1, 2022, and are subject to change. Here is the list and more details of Fixed-Rate Mortgages and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages:


How To Contact CEFCU Bank
Phone Number: 1.800.542.3328, Available at M – TH: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (CT); Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. (CT); Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (CT)
Member Contact Center: 800.542.3328
Electronic Services: Online and Mobile Banking, eStatements, Bill Pay, Phone Banking
800.542.3328, ext. 37030
Direct Lending: 800.858.3400, Available at M – F: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (CT).
Mortgages: 800.542.3328, ext. 33424, Available at M – F: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (CT) Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (CT).
IRA/HSA Department: 800.633.7077, ext. 33409, Available at M – F: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (CT).
Comparison with Similar Financial Companies
If you are weighing the pros and cons of investing in CEFCU Vs. investing in another bank, check out these other banks of similar capacity.
- American West Bank Online Banking Login
- Banner Bank Online Banking Sign In
- BB&T/ Truist Online Banking Login
Today, Citizens Equity First Credit Union provides better loan rates, fewer fees, extraordinary dividends, and personal benefits. It is is currently owned by more than 360,000 members. CEFCU members will enjoy access to many of the same services you’d find at a bank — but with some important differences, including putting members first, being genuinely happy, and being resourceful.
We hope this article helped you in deciding where to put your money carefully. Please do reach out for any questions you may have.