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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.

Explore credit union basics

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Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
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Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
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Here’s what you need to do to become a credit union member.

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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Experts in all things banking

Our expert writers and editors bring you timely news and reliable information - backed by data and first-hand experience.

About Bankrate's team
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
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Check out this list of credit unions that have failed since 2012.
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The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
Credit sign on stone wall building
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
Whimsical artwork of four piggy banks standing atop of four stacks of coins, gradually increasing in height
If you’re looking to save with a credit union, here are the top rates available.
Coworkers discussing a project
Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
vystar credit union building in jacksonville, FL
Technology upgrades are at the heart of the outage, which has gone on for days.
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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 [...]
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Overdraft protection can be a helpful and convenient tool to avoid paying a steeper overdraft fee.
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If you’re unsure whether you have an account you didn’t agree to open, take action now.
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Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
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Your banking past has come back to haunt you. Here’s how to ask for a second chance.
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Now might be the time to dust off those paper bonds and cash them in. Here’s what you need to know.
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If you overdraw your account frequently, then overdraft protection could be a good way to avoid hefty overdraft fees.
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Banks and banking technology are in a constant state of evolution. Whether you’re opening a high-yield savings account at a bank because it offers a yield that’s outpacing inflation, or joining a bank [...]
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Switching banks can be complicated. Here’s your checklist to success.
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