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

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.
Closeup of someone counting money
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.
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 professional woman shaking hands
Here’s a regional look at what today’s job seekers are up to.
family on vacation in south carolina
The right savings strategy could put that family vacation within reach.
Woman having coffee and texting on her phone at home
Should you let these fintechs automate your budgeting?
A jogger runs past CFPB building
Here’s how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau works to keep consumers safe.
Jerome Powell at frowning while standing at podium
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said interest rates “may not be far off” from their peak.
US President Joe Biden speaks at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 26 in Lanham, Maryland, US, on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023.
Lawmakers have less than a month to raise or suspend the debt ceiling.
A check-cashing store.
If you don’t have a bank account, check-cashing services offer access to your money, at a cost.
young woman working on her laptop
A savings account is a useful financial tool for building a stable financial future.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc