Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union

People that think that credit unions are the cat's meow are on drugs. Although the customer service is above average within the branches themselves, don't expect to get a response if you contact them via web. The deposit products are sub-par. The savings account offers a return of .010% and a minimum balance of $100.00 with their traditional savings account to even reap the paltry interest. The free checking account is indeed free but there are no free checks with your account, no frills, no thrills, nothing. However, you do get rewarded with their reward points for using services like E-statements and online banking etc. But, they can only be redeemed for services that the bank offers. Most of these services are either overpriced to begin with, or will be services that only a select few will use.
This credit union is nothing special. Carolina Trust also says that you can join online. Not so much. You still have to go into the bank and sign paperwork. So, signing up online is really a misnomer and the site should be changed to reflect the truth of the inconvenience.
If you are thinking about changing banks to come to this one; don't. The only difference between this credit union and the "evil" bank you hear so much about, is that you have to pay $5.00 to join.
If you are looking for convenience in opening an account with a bank that doesn't require a trip to a branch, pays higher interest (.85%-1%) on savings, and no minimum balance to gain interest, stick with online banks; large or small.
Some accounts only require $1.00 to open and no minimum balance.
If you want to keep your money locally, bank with the smaller banks like Conway National Bank, Horry County State Bank, Anderson Brothers etc. You may find that their deposit accounts are equal, if not better than Carolina Trust.
Carolina Trust will not treat you any better than anyone else. You are nothing more than a credit score to them, as is with 99.9% of all banks. So, other than having the chance to win a TV or supplying kids with an endless supply of Vienna Sausages, stick with the bank you have or shop around for better deposit products that are available locally and online.