First South Financial

Credit-Unions · TN

Rating: 4.0/5

Member-owned credit union serving Greater Tennessee with full-service banking, lending, and investment products. NCUA-insured with top 1% national safety rating.

Official Website

https://www.firstsouth.com

First South Financial Review

First South Financial is a federally-chartered credit union serving the Greater Tennessee region, positioning itself as a community-focused financial institution. The organization emphasizes membership benefits and local presence through multiple branch locations and ATM networks across Tennessee. The credit union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products including checking and savings accounts, CDs and IRAs, credit cards (Visa Platinum variants), personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and student loan refinancing.

They provide business banking services including commercial real estate loans, business credit cards, and lines of credit. Additional offerings include health savings accounts (HSAs), investment services, prepaid cards, and VISA gift cards. The organization also serves Spanish-speaking members through dedicated Hispanic Member Services.

First South distinguishes itself through current promotional offers including 6.25% APY on high-yield checking (up to $10,000), 1.99% APR HELOCs, 0% APR balance transfer credit cards, and member referral bonuses ($50 per successful referral). They advertise being ranked in the top 1% nationally for safety and soundness. The credit union emphasizes member education through calculators, how-to guides, FAQs, and a newsletter subscription service.

As a credit union, First South operates on a not-for-profit, member-owned model with NCUA insurance protection. The competitive rates advertised suggest active market positioning, though these represent promotional rates requiring specific balance or usage requirements.

Pros & Cons

Reader-focused summary of the strongest reasons to consider First South Financial and the factors most worth weighing before contracting. Individual outcomes depend on your credit situation and goals.

Pros

✓Top 1% nationally ranked for safety and soundness (NCUA-insured)
✓High-yield checking at 6.25% APY on balances up to $10,000
✓Competitive HELOC rate at 1.99% APR
✓0% APR for 12 months on balance transfer credit cards with 3X travel rewards
✓Member referral program offering $50 bonuses for both parties
✓$75 incentive for switching direct deposit
✓60-day no-payment auto loan promotion ('Drive Today, Pay Later')
✓Full-service mortgage lending with multiple loan options
✓Spanish-language member services and Hispanic community focus
✓Member-owned, not-for-profit structure aligned with member interests

Areas to Consider

!Geographic limitation to Greater Tennessee region may restrict membership or service accessibility
!No information provided about membership eligibility requirements or field of membership restrictions
!Promotional rates require meeting specific conditions (balance limits, direct deposit, etc.) that may not apply to all members
!Limited detail on fee structures, monthly maintenance costs, or overdraft policies beyond mention of 'Overdraft Privilege'
!No transparency provided regarding asset size, member count, or competitive positioning relative to other regional credit unions

Verdict Summary

First South Financial works best for consumers who value top 1% nationally ranked for safety and soundness (ncua-insured) and can accept the tradeoff of geographic limitation to greater tennessee region may restrict membership or ser. Compare against similar providers below before signing any contract.

Services & Features

Services offered

✓Checking accounts with overdraft privilege
✓High-yield savings accounts and money market accounts
✓Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
✓Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and IRAs
✓Youth savings accounts
✓Visa Platinum credit cards (multiple variants including Titanium/Edge, Flex Rewards, Advantage, Fresh Start, Share Secured)
✓Personal loans and Fresh Start Saver Loans
✓Auto loans with pre-approval and promotional financing
✓Mortgages (purchase and refinance)
✓Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans
✓Student loan refinancing for undergraduate and graduate borrowers
✓Business checking and savings accounts
✓Commercial real estate loans
✓Business lines of credit
✓Business credit cards
✓Investment services and financial advisory
✓Prepaid cards and VISA gift cards
✓International accounts and services
✓Wire transfers and payment services

Feature Checklist

✗Credit Monitoring

✗All Three Bureaus

✗Goodwill Letters

✗Cease Desist Letters

✗Debt Validation

✓Credit Education

✗Identity Theft Protection

✗Score Tracking

✗Mobile App

✓Online Portal

✓Personal Advisor

✗Ai Powered

Best For

•Tennessee residents seeking member-owned, not-for-profit banking with top-tier safety ratings
•Consumers interested in promotional high-yield checking and competitive lending rates
•Spanish-speaking members requiring dedicated bilingual banking services
•Small business owners needing comprehensive business banking and commercial lending services

Before You Contact First South Financial

Before signing up with any Credit Unions provider, review these safeguards:

Confirm state licensing via your state regulator directory.
Check CFPB complaint data for the company name.
Read the contract before paying any upfront fees — most states prohibit upfront credit-repair fees.
Compare against alternative options before committing.

Compare Your Needs With First South Financial

Match these decision factors against First South Financial's profile before committing. This rubric mirrors what independent consumer-finance research typically checks for Credit Unions providers.

Category

Credit Unions

Service scope

19 services listed

Geographic coverage

Match to your priorities

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Budget priority: Pricing published above — factor in setup, monthly, and cancellation fees over the full expected service window.
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Complexity priority: Consider First South Financial's stated strengths (Top 1% nationally ranked for safety and soundness (NCUA-insured)) against your specific credit situation.
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Timeline priority: Credit Unions typically takes 3-6 months for meaningful outcomes. Providers guaranteeing overnight results are red flags under federal consumer protection law.
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Recourse priority: Confirm state licensing via your state regulator and check the CFPB complaint database before contracting.
●
Alternatives: Compare against all Credit Unions providers, DIY options via non-profit counseling agencies, and free CFPB resources.

Pricing

Monthly Price: 0
Setup Fee: 0
Money Back Guarantee: False
Guarantee Details:
Free Consultation: True
Tiers: []
Currency: USD

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does First South Financial offer?

First South Financial offers 19 services including Checking accounts with overdraft privilege, High-yield savings accounts and money market accounts, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and IRAs, Youth savings accounts, and 14 more. Confirm current service list directly with the provider before contracting.

Who is First South Financial best suited for?

First South Financial's profile signals suggest it may fit: Tennessee residents seeking member-owned, not-for-profit banking with top-tier safety ratings; Consumers interested in promotional high-yield checking and competitive lending rates; Spanish-speaking members requiring dedicated bilingual banking services; Small business owners needing comprehensive business banking and commercial lending services. Individual outcomes vary based on your specific situation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of First South Financial?

Key strengths: Top 1% nationally ranked for safety and soundness (NCUA-insured); High-yield checking at 6.25% APY on balances up to $10,000; Competitive HELOC rate at 1.99% APR. Areas to consider: Geographic limitation to Greater Tennessee region may restrict membership or service accessibility; No information provided about membership eligibility requirements or field of membership restrictions.

How does First South Financial compare to similar companies?

In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include Navy Federal Credit Union, Security Service Federal Credit Union, 1199 SEIU Federal CU. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

How much does First South Financial cost?

Listed pricing for First South Financial: monthly price: 0; setup fee: 0; money back guarantee: False. Pricing may change — verify current fees directly with the provider before signing any contract.

Visit First South Financial

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Tennessee. It does not confirm that First South Financial or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator: Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions

Consumer protection: Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection Division

Credit and debt help rules in Tennessee

Relevant law: Tennessee Credit Services Businesses Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-18-1001 to 47-18-1012)
Registration: Required with Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Division of Regulatory Boards
Upfront fees: Prohibited under state law
Cancellation window: 3-day right to cancel
Bond required: $100,000

Key state rules to check

Credit repair companies must provide written contract clearly stating all services, costs, and cancellation terms before charging any fees
Prohibited from making false or misleading claims about ability to improve credit reports or remove accurate negative information
Required to disclose that consumers have right to dispute credit report items directly with credit bureaus at no cost
Must inform clients that credit repair outcomes cannot be guaranteed and improvement takes time
Prohibited from advising clients to dispute accurate items or engage in deceptive practices

Payday lending in Tennessee: Legal (max $500)

Usury cap: 24% for consumer finance loans; payday loans regulated under Deferred Presentment Act

Complaint resources

Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions — Primary regulator for payday lenders, consumer finance companies, credit services organizations, and mortgage lenders. Accepts complaints...
Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection Division — Enforces Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-18-101 et seq.). Investigates complaints of deceptive lending practices,...
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — Accepts complaints about payday loans, consumer finance companies, mortgage lenders, credit reporting agencies, and other financial produ...
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Investigates credit repair scams, deceptive lending practices, identity theft, and other consumer fraud affecting Tennessee residents.

State references

Tennessee allows payday lending with a $500 cap and 15% fee limit. Borrowers are limited to two simultaneous loans. The Department of Financial Institutions regulates all consumer lenders, and complaints can be filed with the Department or the Attorney General.

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Quick Summary

First South Financial — Credit Unions in TN.

Overall rating: 4.0/5

Member-owned credit union serving Greater Tennessee with full-service banking, lending, and investment products. NCUA-insured with top 1% national safety rating.

Visit First South Financial

Next Steps

Compare First South Financial against similar options above.
Run our borrowing power quiz to see how First South Financial matches your situation.
Check state regulator listings for First South Financial's licensing before committing.
Visit First South Financial once you're ready.

Glossary of Terms

Common terms that come up when comparing Credit Unions providers. Full glossary at creditdoc.co/glossary/.

Amortization — Loan Amortization: The process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.; Why it matters: Understanding amortization explains why paying extra early in a loan saves the most money — you're reducing the principal that interest is calculated on.; Example: Month 1 of a $200,000 mortgage at 6%: your $1,199 payment splits as $1,000 interest + $199 principal. By month 300: only $47 goes to interest and $1,152 goes to principal.
Balloon Payment: A large lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan, after a period of smaller monthly payments. The loan isn't fully paid off by the regular payments — the balloon settles it.; Why it matters: Balloon payments make monthly payments look affordable but create a financial cliff. If you can't pay or refinance at the end, you could lose your home or asset.; Example: A 5-year balloon mortgage on $200,000: you pay $1,054/month (as if it were a 30-year loan), but after 5 years you owe a balloon of $186,108 all at once.
Collateral — Loan Collateral: An asset you pledge to the lender as security for a loan. If you stop paying, the lender can seize and sell that asset to recover their money.; Why it matters: Secured loans (with collateral) have lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. But you could lose your home, car, or savings if you default.; Example: A mortgage uses your house as collateral. A car loan uses your vehicle. A title loan uses your car title. If you miss payments, the lender can foreclose or repossess.
Cosigner — Loan Cosigner: A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.; Why it matters: Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.; Example: A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
Credit Bureau — Credit Reporting Agency (Bureau): A company that collects and sells information about your credit history. The three major bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.; Why it matters: Not all lenders report to all three bureaus, so your reports may differ. You should check all three reports because an error on one could be costing you money.; Example: Your car loan only reports to Equifax and TransUnion. Your Experian report doesn't show that good payment history, so your Experian score is 15 points lower.
Credit Freeze — Security Freeze / Credit Freeze: A free tool that locks your credit report so no one (including you) can open new accounts until you lift it. It's the strongest protection against identity theft.; Why it matters: A credit freeze prevents criminals from opening loans in your name, even if they have your Social Security number. It's free by law and doesn't affect your credit score.; Example: Your data was in a breach. You freeze your credit at all 3 bureaus (takes 10 minutes online). A thief tries to open a credit card in your name — denied because the lender can't pull your frozen report.
Credit Mix — Credit Mix (Types of Credit): The variety of credit accounts you have — credit cards (revolving), auto loans (installment), mortgage, student loans, etc. Having multiple types shows you can manage different kinds of debt.; Why it matters: Credit mix accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. Having only credit cards isn't as strong as having a card, an installment loan, and a mortgage.; Example: Borrower A has 3 credit cards. Borrower B has 2 credit cards, a car loan, and a student loan. Even with the same payment history and utilization, Borrower B's score is typically higher.
Credit Report — Consumer Credit Report: A detailed record of your borrowing history maintained by credit bureaus. It lists every loan, credit card, payment history, collection, and public record tied to your name.; Why it matters: Errors on credit reports are common — 1 in 5 consumers has at least one mistake. Checking your report regularly is the first step to fixing errors that are costing you money.; Example: You pull your free report from AnnualCreditReport.com and find a $2,400 medical collection you already paid. You dispute it, the bureau verifies it's resolved, and your score goes up 40 points.
Credit Score: A 3-digit number (300-850) that summarizes how reliably you've handled borrowed money. Higher scores mean lower risk to lenders and better loan terms for you.; Why it matters: Your credit score determines whether you get approved and at what rate. A 100-point difference can mean thousands of dollars more or less in interest over a loan's life.; Example: On a $250,000 30-year mortgage: a 760 score gets you 6.2% ($1,536/month). A 660 score gets 7.4% ($1,729/month). Over 30 years, the lower score costs you $69,480 more.
Credit Utilization — Credit Utilization Ratio: The percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. If you have $10,000 in credit limits and owe $3,000, your utilization is 30%.; Why it matters: Utilization is the second-biggest factor in your credit score (after payment history). Keeping it below 30% helps your score; below 10% is ideal.; Example: You have 3 cards with a $15,000 total limit. You're carrying $4,500 in balances (30% utilization). Paying down to $1,500 (10% utilization) could boost your score by 20-50 points.
Default — Loan Default: When you fail to repay a loan according to the agreed terms — usually after 90-180 days of missed payments. It's the point where the lender gives up on collecting normally.; Why it matters: Default triggers severe consequences: credit score drops 100+ points, the debt may be sent to collections, you could be sued, and your wages or assets could be seized.; Example: You miss 4 consecutive car payments. The lender declares your loan in default, repossesses your car, sells it at auction for $8,000, and you still owe the remaining $5,000 (called a deficiency balance).
FICO Score — Fair Isaac Corporation Score: The most widely used credit scoring model, created by Fair Isaac Corporation. 90% of top lenders use FICO scores for lending decisions.; Why it matters: FICO has many versions (FICO 8, 9, 10). Mortgage lenders still use older versions (FICO 2, 4, 5), so your mortgage score may differ from what free apps show you.; Example: Your FICO 8 score (used for credit cards) is 740. Your FICO 5 score (used for mortgages) is 725 because it weighs collections differently. Same credit history, different scores.
Hard Inquiry — Hard Credit Inquiry (Hard Pull): When a lender checks your credit report because you've applied for credit. Each hard inquiry can lower your score by 5-10 points and stays on your report for 2 years.; Why it matters: Multiple hard inquiries in a short period suggest you're desperately seeking credit, which is a red flag. Exception: mortgage and auto loan shopping within 14-45 days counts as one inquiry.; Example: You apply for 5 credit cards in one month. Each application triggers a hard inquiry. Your score drops 25-50 points from the inquiries alone, making each subsequent application harder.
Loan Term (Tenor) — Loan Term / Tenor: How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.; Why it matters: Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.; Example: Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
Origination Fee — Loan Origination Fee: A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.; Why it matters: Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.; Example: You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.