Credit Unions

Different from traditional banks, credit unions offer member-focused financial services and a community-oriented approach, making them an attractive choice for consumers seeking personalized banking experiences.

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Explore credit union basics

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Pros and cons of credit unions

Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
By Libby Wells
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How to choose the best credit union: 5 things to consider

Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
By René Bennett
3 min read
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How to join a credit union: Here’s what to do to become a member

Here’s what you need to do to become a credit union member.
By Marcos Cabello
3 min read

Compare products offered by credit unions

Mortgages

Credit union vs. bank mortgages: How to choose

Discover the benefits and disadvantages of getting a mortgage loan from a credit union and how to choose the right lender with expert insights from Bankrate.

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Loans

Getting a personal loan from a credit union

When considering personal loans offered by credit unions, use this guide to make an informed decision about your borrowing needs.

Credit Cards

Best credit union credit cards

These credit cards may not be as widely known or used compared to traditional issuers, but many offer lower interest rates to help you save money if you can’t pay your balance in full.

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Banking

Banks vs. credit unions: Where to keep your money

Bankrate helps you compare the advantages of banks and credit unions to make the smartest choice for housing your finances.

 

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Latest articles

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The 10 largest credit unions in the US

These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
Jul 03, 2024
Credit Union

Failed credit unions list: 2012-2024

Check out this list of credit unions that have failed since 2012.
Jul 02, 2024
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NCUA: What it is and how it keeps your money at credit unions safe

The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
May 31, 2024
Credit sign on stone wall building

Pros and cons of credit unions

Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
May 16, 2024
Whimsical artwork of four piggy banks standing atop of four stacks of coins, gradually increasing in height

Best credit union savings account rates in July 2024

If you’re looking to save with a credit union, here are the top rates available.
Dec 01, 2023
Coworkers discussing a project

How to choose the best credit union: 5 things to consider

Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
Jun 08, 2023
vystar credit union building in jacksonville, FL

VyStar Credit Union members locked out of accounts

Technology upgrades are at the heart of the outage, which has gone on for days.
May 19, 2022
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Credit union branching out to nonmembers with check cashing and payday loans

One Florida credit union aims to offer an alternative to check-cashing stores by starting their own, offering lower interest rates and fees. Elsewhere, middle-income consumers and college students are [...]
Jul 30, 2021
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Survey: Nearly one-third of Americans dealing with lower income due to coronavirus outbreak

Half of those same households report having taken on more debt.
May 13, 2020
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The unemployment rate, explained – and why the coronavirus crisis has caused it to skyrocket

Joblessness has surged to catastrophic levels not seen for nearly a century.
May 08, 2020
A man wearing a mask walks past the U.S. Federal Reserve building in Washington D.C.

Here’s what the Fed has to see before lifting interest rates from rock bottom

One of the Fed’s greatest fears is a slow and grueling economic recovery.
May 08, 2020
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell talks to reporters at press conference

Fed expects to hold rates near zero until economy has weathered ‘severe’ virus effects

The coronavirus pandemic has brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
Apr 29, 2020
A custom image of a $100 bill and a mask.

Survey: 57% of Americans want more coronavirus financial relief from government

Stimulus checks have arrived, but more support is needed from political leaders, consumers say.
Apr 27, 2020
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Federal Reserve lifts six-withdrawal limit on savings accounts

Consumers get more access to their savings at a time when they may urgently need it.
Apr 24, 2020
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Forecast survey: Economy’s slow rebound from coronavirus free fall will keep Fed on hold until 2022

It could take years for growth and unemployment to return to where they were before the pandemic.
Apr 24, 2020
Federal Reserve and the coronavirus

Preview of the Fed meeting: What’s left in Powell’s coronavirus recession playbook?

The Fed’s biggest priority should be making sure as little as possible breaks on the way down.
Apr 24, 2020
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