Chartway Credit Union in Utah: Accounts, Loans, and Member Benefits

Chartway Credit Union in Utah

Chartway Credit Union is headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was founded in 1959 as NorVA N.A.S. Federal Credit Union by 7 civilian employees at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, with the goal of offering low-cost loans and a structured way for members to save. Today, Chartway has a presence in Utah and Texas in addition to Virginia. In this Chartway Credit Union profile, you’ll find key customer service information and an overview of its main banking products available in Utah.

Expansion

Chartway Federal Credit Union’s expansion has been notable over the decades. In 1969, taking advantage of legislation that made it easier to modify credit union charters, the credit union expanded its membership, welcomed retired Navy civilians, and merged with Radron Credit Union to include the Cape Charles Air Force Station.

Over the years, Chartway went through several name changes, from NorVA N.A.S. Federal Credit Union to its current designation as Chartway Federal Credit Union in 1996.

Later, the merger with HeritageWest Credit Union and SouthWest Community Credit Union in 2010—followed by the incorporation of Utah Central Credit Union in 2011—further strengthened Chartway’s reach.

More recently, Chartway has continued investing in its branch network, including the opening of a new Herriman, Utah, branch in July 2026. The credit union now reports about $3.2 billion in assets and more than 265,000 members across Virginia, Utah, and Texas.

Chartway Credit Union Products and Services

chartway.com | Products and Services

Chartway Federal Credit Union offers a broad mix of financial products in Utah, combining everyday banking with borrowing options and home financing. If you prefer to keep most of your financial needs in one place—daily spending, savings goals, credit cards, and larger loans—Chartway covers the core categories most people look for in a full-service credit union.

Product details, rates, and fees can change over time, so it’s smart to confirm current terms directly with Chartway before opening an account or applying for credit. Main categories include:

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Credit cards
• Loans (including auto, boat, and RV loans)
• Mortgages
• Student accounts

Chartway Credit Union Checking Accounts

Chartway Federal Credit Union offers a variety of checking accounts designed to fit different needs and preferences. Available accounts include:

• High-Yield Checking
• Cash Back Checking
• Essential Checking
• Student Checking

Each option offers different features and benefits to help you manage your money in a convenient way.

chartway.com | Checking Accounts

High-Yield Checking

• $0 monthly fee
• Earn interest when you complete 15+ debit card purchases, receive $500+ in direct deposits, and enroll in eStatements with a valid email address during the monthly cycle
• Get access to direct deposits up to three days early
• Access to fee-free ATMs
• Overdraft protection options
• Free access to your credit score

Cash Back Checking

Chartway offers a checking account with a $0 monthly fee and $0 minimum balance requirement, along with cash back on debit card purchases and ATM fee reimbursements when qualifications are met. Members can also get access to direct deposits up to three days early.

To learn more about this account, read our Chartway Cash Back Checking review.

Essential Checking

• $10 monthly fee
• or $0 with $500+ in direct deposit and eStatements
• $0 overdraft fees
• Get access to direct deposits up to three days early
• Free credit score monitoring

Student Checking

• $0 monthly fee and $0 overdraft fees
• $0 minimum balance requirement
• Allows a minor (age 13+) to open an account with a legal guardian (age 18+) as co-owner
• Get access to direct deposits up to three days early
• Debit card for the student
• Free access to a credit score feature to help start building credit early

To open a minor account, you must contact Chartway customer service.

Chartway Credit Union Savings Accounts

Prime Share Savings Account

• Minimum opening deposit: $5
• Starts earning dividends with a $100 average daily balance
• Supports ACH transfers plus mobile and phone deposits

Custom Share Account

• Minimum opening deposit: $5
• Starts earning dividends with a $100 average daily balance
• Good option as a second savings account to separate goals

Bonus Savings Account

• Minimum opening deposit: $100
• Promotional savings option designed to earn higher dividends on qualifying balances
• Promotional funds may need to be new money not already on deposit with Chartway

Smart Steps Savings

• $0 monthly fee
• $0 minimum balance requirement
• Designed to reward smaller savings balances with tiered dividends
• Limited to one account per member

Money Market Plus

• Tiered dividends: higher balances may earn higher rates
• Designed to provide access to funds while earning dividends on higher balances
• Additional relationship benefits may be available with a qualifying Chartway checking account

Retirement Savings Options

• Traditional IRA and Roth IRA options
• Tax benefits depend on IRA type and eligibility rules

Chartway Credit Cards

Chartway’s credit cards are positioned around low fees and everyday protection. The current lineup includes options for cash back, rewards points, a lower-rate card, and a credit-building card. All four cards carry a $0 annual fee, while rewards and promotional offers vary by card.

chartway.com | Credit Cards page

Cash Back Credit Card

Best for someone who wants simple cash back on everyday purchases and no foreign transaction fees.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: $200 cash back after $2,000 in net purchases within the first 60 days
• Intro offer: 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months when transfers are made within the first 60 days; 3% balance transfer fee
• Rewards: 2% cash back on qualifying purchases
• Other perks: $0 foreign transaction fees; Visa Concierge access; fraud and identity theft protection

Rewards Credit Card

Best for someone who spends frequently on dining and fuel and wants higher category rewards.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: 10,000 bonus points after $1,000 in net purchases within the first 60 days
• Intro offer: 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months when transfers are made within the first 60 days; 3% balance transfer fee
• Rewards: 5x points on dining, 3x points on fuel, and 1x point on all other purchases
• Other perks: Online rewards portal; Roadside Dispatch; fraud and identity theft protection

Preferred Rate Credit Card

Best for someone who prioritizes a lower interest rate over earning rewards.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None
• Intro offer: 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months when transfers are made within the first 60 days; 3% balance transfer fee
• Rewards: None
• Other perks: Contactless payments; 24/7 ATM access for cash advances; fraud and identity theft protection

Ignite Credit Card

Best for someone who wants to build or rebuild credit without a secured deposit.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None
• Intro offer: Not offered
• Rewards: None
• Other perks: No deposit required; starting credit limit of $500–$1,500 based on qualifications; $0 balance transfer fee; $0 cash advance fee

Loans

Chartway Credit Union offers several borrowing options in Utah, including personal loans, credit-building loans, secured loans, and financing for vehicles and recreational purchases.

Signature (Unsecured) Personal Loan

• Loan type: Unsecured personal loan
• Loan amount: Up to $35,000
• Term: Up to 60 months
• Payments: Fixed monthly payments
• Best for: Larger one-time expenses without using collateral

Personal Line of Credit

• Loan type: Unsecured revolving line of credit
• Credit limit: Up to $35,000
• Term: Not specified
• Payments: Flexible payments based on your balance
• Best for: Ongoing access to funds instead of a one-time loan

Credit Builder Loan

Chartway’s credit builder loan is designed to help you build credit while saving. The loan amount is held while you make scheduled payments, and after payoff you can access the funds.

• Loan amount: $500 or $1,000
• Term: 6 or 12 months
• Goal: Build credit with on-time payment history
• Structure: Funds released after payoff
• Best for: Building or rebuilding credit while saving

Shared & Certificate Secured Loans

• Loan type: Secured personal loan
• Collateral: Funds held in an eligible Chartway savings or certificate account
• Loan amount: Based on eligible funds pledged as collateral
• Benefit: Allows members to borrow without withdrawing the savings or certificate securing the loan
• Best for: Members who want to borrow against existing savings

Auto Loans

• Use cases: New or used vehicle financing and refinancing, depending on eligibility
• Terms: Varies
• Rates: Varies
• Feature: No payments for up to 90 days after signing
• Best for: Financing or refinancing a vehicle with predictable monthly payments

Recreational Vehicle and Boat Loans

Financing or refinancing is available for:

• Motorhomes
• Boats
• Motorcycles
• Utility vehicles
• Other watercraft
• Other recreational vehicles

Mortgages

Chartway Credit Union offers home financing options designed for both buying and refinancing, plus programs for first-time buyers and ways to tap into home equity.

• Fixed-rate mortgages: A set interest rate for the life of the loan
• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs): A lower starting rate with the potential to change after a fixed period
• Mortgage refinance: An option to lower your rate, change your loan term, or consolidate debt
• VA loans: For eligible U.S. veterans and qualifying spouses
• FHA loans: Designed for lower down payments and more flexible qualification standards
• First-Time Homebuyer: A mortgage option for eligible first-time buyers that may offer up to 100% financing
• Hometown Heroes: A home financing program designed for eligible community professionals
• Alternative Mortgage Programs: Options designed for borrowers who may not fit traditional mortgage qualification standards
• Home equity loan: A lump-sum loan using home equity, with terms available up to 20 years
• HELOC (home equity line of credit): A revolving line of credit that lets you borrow as needed, with a 15-year draw period followed by a 15-year repayment period outside Texas

Business Checking

Chartway Credit Union offers business checking options designed for day-to-day operations like deposits, payments, and keeping business finances separate from personal spending.

Small Business Checking

Small Business Checking is Chartway’s standard day-to-day option for routine business banking needs. It has a $10 monthly fee, which is waived with eStatements, and a $0 minimum balance requirement.

Read our full review of Chartway Small Business Checking.

Community Checking

Community Checking is a $0 monthly fee option with a $0 minimum balance requirement, designed for eligible organizations such as nonprofits, clubs, and associations.

Premium Business Checking

Premium Business Checking is Chartway’s higher-tier business account. It has a $10 monthly fee, waived with a $2,500 average daily balance. The account can earn tiered dividends and is required for businesses that use Chartway’s Cash Management Services.

Who Can Join Chartway Credit Union?

You may be eligible for membership if you meet one of the following:

• You or a family member live, work, worship, or study in Utah
• A family or household member is currently a Chartway member
• You or an immediate family member works for one of the 750+ companies that offer Chartway membership benefits
• You make a $10 donation to the Chartway Promise Foundation

Chartway also follows a “once a member, always a member” approach, so eligible members can generally maintain membership even if their circumstances later change.

For more details, contact Chartway Credit Union customer service.

Conclusion

Chartway Credit Union began in 1959 as NorVA N.A.S. Federal Credit Union, founded by 7 civilian employees at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, it expanded over time through broader membership eligibility, name changes (becoming Chartway Federal Credit Union in 1996), and mergers that helped it grow beyond Virginia into states like Utah and Texas.

In Utah, Chartway offers a full-service lineup for both everyday banking and larger financial needs, including multiple checking and savings options, CDs, credit cards, personal and secured loans, auto/RV/boat financing, business checking, and a range of mortgage and home equity products. Membership is also flexible: you may qualify based on where you live, work, worship, or study, through a family or household member, through employer eligibility (750+ companies), or by making a $10 donation to the Chartway Promise Foundation.

Disclaimer:
This page is not affiliated with, maintained by, or sponsored by Chartway Credit Union. The information provided in this overview may be outdated or inaccurate after the publication date. UtahFi does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the content. The logo is a registered trademark of Chartway Credit Union.