CSE Federal Credit Union

What Happens When a Lender Checks My Credit Score? (And 5 Tips to Keep It Strong)

If you’ve ever applied for a loan, credit card, or even a new phone plan, chances are the company said, “We’ll need to check your credit.” But what does that actually mean? And can it hurt your credit score?

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand — and give you 5 simple tips to keep your score healthy.

First:...

Understanding Buy Now, Pay Later Services

What You Need to Know Before You Click “Pay Later”

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services are popping up everywhere — from online shopping carts to your favorite clothing apps. They promise a simple solution: break up your purchase into smaller payments, often with “no interest” or “no fees.” It sounds like a great deal, right?

But like many things that sound too good...

The recent surge in scam attempts isn’t new—but it’s becoming harder to ignore.

It seems like every time we check our phones these days, there’s another suspicious text, voicemail, or call. Maybe you’ve gotten a text claiming you owe a toll fee, or a voicemail telling you you’ve been approved for a loan you never applied for. These scams are becoming more frequent — and more convincing — and let’s be real more annoying!

These...

HOW TO GUIDE: STAYING SAFE FROM AI SCAMS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live, work, and manage our finances. While AI has many benefits, scammers are also using this technology to create more convincing and sophisticated fraud schemes.

As your trusted credit union, we want to ensure you know how to protect yourself. Follow this step-by-step guide to stay safe!

Step 1: Recognize the Most Common AI Scams

Attention Shared Branch Users: Enhanced Security for In-Person Verification

Your security is our top priority—both at CSE and through our Shared Branch partners. With the Shared Branch network, you can access your CSE accounts at over 5,000 credit union branches nationwide.

New Security Step for Out-of-State IDs:
Beginning May 1, 2025, if you visit a Shared Branch and present an out-of-state ID, you’ll now go through a quick multi-factor...

A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Finances to Gen Alpha

As parents, we want to equip our children with the skills they need to succeed in life, and financial education is one of the most important lessons we can pass down. But for Gen Alpha — kids born between 2010 and 2025 — the way they learn is already drastically different from previous generations. With rapid advancements in technology, digital banking, and a shift toward a cashless society, teaching...

How-to-Guide on How Money Management Accounts Works

1. What Is a Money Management Account?

A money management account (MMA) is a type of bank account that lets you save money while earning a bit more interest (or dividends) than a regular savings account. It’s a good place to put money you want to keep safe and grow, but still have available when you need it. Generally, a MMA savings rate isn’t as high as a Term Share Certificate or a Certificate...

A How-to-Guide on Your First Credit Card

Getting your first credit card is an exciting step toward financial independence, but it’s also a huge responsibility. At CSE, we want to set you up for success with these essential tips:

The Do’s

DO: Pay on Time, Every Time

How-to-Guide on How a Checking Account (and Debit Card) Works

1. What Is a Checking Account?

A checking (or share draft) account is a bank account that helps you manage and spend your money easily. You can use it to save money safely, pay for things and keep track of your spending. Checking accounts are perfect for everyday transactions like buying groceries, paying bills, and getting your paycheck deposited.

2. How Do You Use a Checking Account?

Deposit...

How-to-Guide on How a Credit Card Works

1. What Is a Credit Card?

A credit card is a plastic (or digital) card that lets you borrow money to make purchases. When you use a credit card, you're using the credit union’s money, not your own. The credit union has allowed you up to a certain dollar amount (or credit limit, see below) to borrow. This is different from a debit card, which takes money directly from your checking account.

2. How...