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UNH Wildcats

Get $100 when you open a checking account and get the official debit card of the UNH Wildcats.*

Get Rewarded

Make the most out of your UNH experience. Get a checking account with Service Credit Union with the official debit card of the UNH Wildcats, and you’ll get $100 deposited right into your account.*

Apply online today, and pick up your debit card at our branch inside Wildcat Stadium. Once you’re a Service Credit Union member, you’ll enjoy all these perks, and more.

Member Perks Include:

  • Bank anytime, anywhere with our mobile app for iOS or Android
  • Access three convenient ATMs on campus
  • No-fee shared branching throughout the U.S.
  • Earn 5% APY** on your first $500 with our Primary Savings Account

As your relationship with us grows, you’ll gain access to more checking account features and benefits.

Ready to Apply? Follow These Quick Steps:

  1. Visit our branch, or use our online application portal
  2. Select your membership eligibility
    • Not sure if any apply to you? Join the American Consumer Council on us, and you can become a Service Credit Union member
  3. Under "Selected Products," there is no need to select a debit card
    • Once approved, visit our UNH branch and present your UNH ID to pick up your official Wildcat debit card

Service Credit Union Locations

 Get started or pick up your UNH Wildcats debit card at any of these convenient spots:
Service Credit Union UNH Branch

Service Credit Union UNH Branch

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Whittemore Center ATM

Whittemore Center ATM

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Field House ATM

Field House ATM

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Apply Now

Get More Savings Tips and Tricks on Our Good Cents Blog!

Financing Summer Home Projects: HELOC, Loan or Savings?

This article comes from our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness

A fresh coat of paint can turn into a kitchen remodel surprisingly fast. 

Whether you're tackling unexpected repairs or taking on upgrades you've planned for years, summer is busy season for home projects. And financing choices matter because renovation costs add up quickly: according to a recent U.S. Houzz & Home Study, median renovation spend held at $20,000 in 2025, while high-end project spending rose to $150,000.  

Before picking up a hammer or signing a contractor agreement, consider your funding sources carefully. Savings, a HELOC, and home improvement loans each offer distinct advantages, but they also come with different costs, risks, and repayment responsibilities.  

Paying with Savings 

If you have money set aside, savings can be one of the most cost-effective ways to pay for home improvements. Benefits include: 

  • No interest charges 
  • No monthly loan payments 
  • No additional debt 

Just avoid draining your emergency fund; experts generally recommend keeping money available for unexpected expenses before funding discretionary projects. Using your savings  may make the most sense for smaller renovations, cosmetic updates, or projects you've planned for over time. 

Using Home Equity: Benefits and Risks  

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) lets homeowners borrow against the equity in their homes and access funds as needed during the draw period. HELOCs are often used for: 

  • Major renovations 
  • Multi-phase home projects 
  • Improvements that may increase a home's value or functionality 

Before choosing a HELOC, look closely at the tradeoffs. Because your home serves as collateral, missed payments could put your home at risk. HELOCs also often have variable interest rates, which means borrowing costs and monthly payments can increase over time. 

A HELOC may be a viable option if you have substantial home equity, strong credit, and a clear repayment plan. It can be useful when project costs are spread across phases, but it is best suited for borrowers who are comfortable with changing rates and disciplined about drawing only what they need. 

Comparing a Home Improvement Loan 

A home improvement loan is typically a fixed-rate personal loan that provides a lump sum upfront. Potential advantages include: 

  • Fixed monthly payments 
  • Predictable repayment schedules 
  • No need to use your home as collateral

These loans can work well for clearly budgeted projects, such as replacing windows, remodeling a bathroom, or buying new appliances. 

Interest rates may be higher than HELOC rates but fixed payments can make budgeting easier. Rates, terms, fees, and eligibility requirements vary by lender and borrower qualifications. 

Questions to Ask Before Borrowing 

Before choosing a financing option, ask: 

  • What is the total project cost? 
  • How quickly do I need access to funds? 
  • Do I have enough savings to cover part of the expense? 
  • Can I comfortably manage the monthly payments? 
  • How will this project affect my overall financial picture? 

Choose the Option That Fits Your Goals 

Considering financing? Connect with your financial institution to compare products, costs, and resources that can support an informed borrowing decision. 

If your budget feels stretched or you want help weighing home improvements against other priorities, our trusted partner GreenPath offers free financial counseling. Certified counselors can help you compare borrowing options and create a personalized plan. 

   
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*Must be a member of Service CU with at least $5 in a Primary Savings account and open a new Everyday or Dividend Checking account with the UNH Wildcats debit card. The $100 bonus will be deposited to the Primary Savings account upon member presenting a valid UNH student or faculty ID and receiving the UNH Wildcats debit card at the UNH branch. Dividend Checking has a variable Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.15% accurate as of 07/16/2025; no minimum balance required to earn APY. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this offer in any way or that you intend to do so, we may not credit the bonus to, we may freeze the bonus to, or we may take away bonus from your account. The credit union will issue a 1099-INT for tax purposes. This promotion is exclusively for members that do not currently, or have not previously, held any checking account product with Service CU. Offer subject to change or be discontinued without notice.

**Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date of 07/16/2025 and subject to change without notice. Dividends paid on daily balances of up to $500; variable APY of 5.00%. If actual daily balance exceeds $500, the remaining balance will receive variable APY of 5%-0.25%. Dividends are calculated based on the daily balance with the sum of the daily earning credited on the last day of each month. Must be a member of Service CU or establish membership with $5 in a Primary Savings Account.