Student Accounts

student loans

Accounts, products, and services for all ages


Youth Share (Savings) Accounts

Parents, guardians, and/or grandparents can open a joint share (savings) account for children 10 and under to start saving for the future. The child’s social security card must be presented at the time of account opening, along with valid photo identification for the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Once the account has been established, the joint account owners may transact on behalf of child, including make deposits and withdrawals, cash checks, or make transfers. We encourage parents, grandparents, and guardians to instill healthy financial habits from a young age by bringing their children into the office when making transaction on the account.

Term Share Certificates (Certificates of Deposit)

For higher yield savings we offer term share certificates, which are similar to certificates of deposit offered by other financial institutions. The interest rate is guaranteed for the term of the deposit. We offer one year terms at very competitive rates. Our minimum term share certificate deposit is $1,000.00.


Youth Share (Savings) Accounts

Parents, guardians, and/or grandparents can open a joint share (savings) account for children 13 and up to start saving for the future. A government or school issued photo ID along with the child’s social security number are preferred, otherwise the child’s social security card must be presented at the time of account opening, along with valid photo identification for the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Once the account has been established, the joint account owners may transact on behalf of child, including make deposits and withdrawals, cash checks, or make transfers. We encourage parents, grandparents, and guardians to instill healthy financial habits from a young age by bringing their children into the office when making transaction on the account.

Term Share Certificates (Certificates of Deposit)

For higher yield savings we offer term share certificates, which are similar to certificates of deposit offered by other financial institutions. The interest rate is guaranteed for the term of the deposit. We offer one year terms at very competitive rates. Our minimum term share certificate deposit is $1,000.00.

Visa Travel Cards

A Visa Travel Card is great option for parents to teach their children how to pay using a card in a safe and secure way. Members 13 years old and up can start learning daily banking skills and financial independence at an early age. Because they’re in the Visa network, they work just like a Visa Debit Card in that they can be used over the counter, online, and at ATMs. The main difference is how the card is funded. Rather than drawing directly from a checking account, Visa Travel Cards can only draw from funds pre-loaded onto the card. The card can be linked to an app on the parents phone, providing complete oversight into your child’s spending.


Youth Share (Savings) Accounts

Parents, guardians, and/or grandparents can open a joint share (savings) account for children 16 and up to start saving for the future. A government or school issued photo ID along with the child’s social security number are preferred, otherwise the child’s social security card must be presented at the time of account opening, along with valid photo identification for the parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Once the account has been established, the joint account owners may transact on behalf of child, including make deposits and withdrawals, cash checks, or make transfers. We encourage parents, grandparents, and guardians to instill healthy financial habits from a young age by bringing their children into the office when making transaction on the account.

Share Draft (Checking) Accounts

With signed authorization from an adult, joint account owner, our checking account services are available to every qualified member. Your first debit card and order of checks are free, and no monthly service or minimum balance fees apply to all members who enroll in eStatements. Account statements are issued monthly or may be viewed online.

Visa® Debit Cards

Visa® debit cards work just like a credit card, only the funds are taken directly from your checking account. With signed authorization from an adult, joint account owner, students age 16+ can use their debit card for purchases both in stores and online, or cash withdrawals from an ATM. Since the card carries the Visa® logo, it is accepted worldwide.

ATM Cards

Use your ATM card for withdrawals from your savings or checking account with the credit union. You may use your card at any Allpoint or M&T Bank ATM machine, where your first 6 transactions a month are surcharge free.

Direct Deposit/Payroll Deduction

Starting your first job or trying to save money? Amherst FCU accepts both Direct Deposit and Payroll Deduction from nearly all employers. Setting up a Direct Deposit or Payroll Deduction is a great way to save and allow quick and easy access to your funds or to build your savings.


College Scholarships

– NYCUA Scholarships: due by January 9, 2026
– Hughes – Demmin Scholarship: due by April 1, 2026
– Amherst High School Scholarship: due by April 1, 2026

Information regarding our 2027 scholarship opportunities coming September 2026.


Wherever you are in your higher education, get the money you need for school. Student loans from Amherst Federal Credit Union in partnership with Sallie Mae® could help!

Sallie Mae® student loans are designed for the needs of all types of students.

  • Competitive interest rates
  • Multiple repayment options
  • No origination fees; no prepayment penalty1

Smart Option Student Loan® for undergraduate and career training students.
Plus, the graduate loan suite is designed to meet the needs of students in specific fields of study. Find out which loan is right for you

Borrow responsibly

We encourage students and families to start with savings, grants, scholarships, and federal student loans to pay for college. Students and families should evaluate all anticipated monthly loan payments, and how much the student expects to earn in the future, before considering a private student loan.

These loans are made by Sallie Mae Bank. Amherst Federal Credit Union is not the creditor for these loans and is compensated by Sallie Mae for the referral of loan customers.

Applications are subject to a requested minimum loan amount of $1,000. Current credit and other eligibility criteria apply. Click here for additional eligibility information about each product.

1 Although we do not charge a penalty or fee if you prepay your loan, any prepayment will be applied as outlined in your promissory note—first to Unpaid Fees and costs, then to Unpaid Interest, and then to Current Principal.

SALLIE MAE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

©2024 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

Visa® Platinum Credit Card

Begin establishing your good credit rating with the Amherst FCU Visa Platinum credit card. Available for members age 18 and up, our Visa Platinum gives you a manageable line of credit with the added advantages of a low, fixed rate that keeps monthly payments easy to handle. 

Rate: 8.95% Fixed APR*
Term: Open-ended line of credit
Minimum Payment: 3% of balance due
Maximum Credit Line: $15,000, subject to credit approval