Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland in Cleveland, OH
Third Federal is a savings and loan offering mortgage refinancing, home equity loans, and deposit products like CDs and savings accounts since 1938.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland Review
Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland has been operating since 1938, establishing itself as a traditional savings and loan institution focused on helping customers achieve homeownership and build wealth through real estate. The company's primary business centers on mortgage lending and home equity products, but they also offer deposit products including certificates of deposit (CDs) and savings accounts, making them a full-service banking institution rather than a mortgage-only lender.
Third Federal's service offerings include mortgage refinancing (with fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options ranging from 3/1 to 5/1 ARMs), home equity lines of credit, home equity loans with terms from 5 to 30 years, and savings products. Their mortgage rates as of April 2026 show 10-year fixed rates around 6.34%, with ARM options starting at 5.84%. For deposits, they offer CDs with terms from 7 days to 59 months (with rates up to 5% APY for 30-day online CDs and 4.30% APY for savings accounts), making them competitive in the current rate environment.
What distinguishes Third Federal is their multi-state operational presence (offering products across numerous states via their website), online banking capabilities, and traditional savings-and-loan heritage. They've been recognized as one of the top 500 financial services companies for customer service by USA TODAY in 2026. They also provide specialized support, such as payment assistance for federal employees affected by government shutdowns, demonstrating community-focused lending practices.
A key caveat is that while their website shows extensive rate offerings and product variety, the company limits certain products by geography—they explicitly note "7 REFI/HOME EQUITY OOM STATES - NO PURCHASE - NO HELOAN," indicating purchase mortgages and home equity products are not available in all states. This geographic restriction, combined with their traditional banking model, means they're not a universal lender but rather a regional savings institution with expanded online reach.
Services & Features
Feature Checklist
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Competitive CD rates up to 5.00% APY for 30-day online CDs and 4.30% for savings accounts as of 2026
- Multiple mortgage options including 3/1, 5/1 ARM products and fixed-rate mortgages with rates around 6.34%-6.64%
- Flexible home equity loan terms from 5 to 30 years with rates starting at 6.39% for 5/1 ARMs
- Online banking and application capabilities with rate confirmation tool
- Specialized support services including payment assistance for furloughed federal employees
- USA TODAY recognition as one of top 500 financial services companies for customer service in 2026
- Multi-state geographic reach through online platform
Cons
- Geographic limitations explicitly stated—purchase mortgages and home equity loans unavailable in 7 states per website notice
- Limited product scope compared to full-service banks (no checking accounts, consumer loans, or credit cards mentioned)
- Refinance-focused business model means primary lending restricted to existing homeowners, not purchase mortgages in many states
- Website indicates mortgage products limited to refinance and home equity in restricted states, reducing accessibility for some borrowers
Rating Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland legitimate?
Yes. Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland is a registered company, headquartered in Cleveland, OH, founded in 1938.
How long does Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland take to show results?
Account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions vary by product.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1938
- Headquarters
- Cleveland, OH
- BBB Accredited
- No
- Certifications
- FDIC Insured FDIC Cert #30012
- Starting Price
- Contact provider
- Setup Fee
- None
- Money-Back Guarantee
- No
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Doctor's Verdict on Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland
Third Federal is best for homeowners in their service area seeking competitive mortgage refinancing or home equity products, and savers wanting solid CD and savings rates through a traditional savings institution with online convenience. The main caveat is geographic restrictions—their website explicitly limits purchase mortgages and home equity products to certain states, so applicants must verify availability in their location before applying.
Best For
- Homeowners seeking mortgage refinancing or home equity loans in states where Third Federal operates
- Savers looking for competitive CD rates and savings products with online account management
- Federal employees and government workers who may need payment assistance during disruptions
- Multi-state customers who want a traditional savings institution with online accessibility
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