Skip to Main Content

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

Credit sign on stone wall building
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
Coworkers discussing a project
Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
Two coworkers sharing an interaction in a nice office building
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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Banks vs. credit unions: Where to keep your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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.
Closeup of someone counting money
The National Credit Union Administration is similar to the FDIC, which covers banks.
A friendly female customer service representative
These are the 10 largest credit unions in the United States based on assets.
Credit Union
Check out this list of credit unions that have failed since 2012.
Credit sign on stone wall building
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
vystar credit union building in jacksonville, FL
Technology upgrades are at the heart of the outage, which has gone on for days.
Placeholder image
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 [...]
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
If you’re one of the 80 million Chase Bank customers, chances are you already know of many benefits to banking with the largest banks in the U.S.: cardless ATM access, a robust mobile app and overdraft [...]
woman working on a computer
You can invest in a CD. You don’t technically invest in an IRA. Here’s what else to know.
women on her phone walking on a sidewalk
Here’s when it makes sense to open a bank account abroad and tips for choosing the bank.
Woman online banking
The concept is seen as a way to boost innovation and competition, ultimately giving consumers better digital options for their money.
Design element of cargo containers with nation flags on them
Trump has made tariffs an economic priority — experts share how you may be affected.
US Bank app
These features are designed to save you time and money.
Ally Bank logo
Ally’s money market account offers a high APY, no minimum deposit or monthly fee.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc