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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

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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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.
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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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Taking a close look at your tax status will be especially vital if you’re still in school.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at post-meeting press conference
For consumers, the pros and faults of today’s low-rate world will prevail for months, if not years, to come.
Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President as his wife Dr. Jill Biden stands beside him.
Carefully managing your finances will be crucial, even if more aid is around the corner.
President-elect Joe Biden addresses the nation about his plans to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief bill proposal comes during the pandemic’s biggest inflection point yet.
A line of people waits on food handouts in the sun
Those hit financially by the pandemic saw average monthly charges for their checking account of $11.41.
Rapidly spreading coronavirus has left markets jittery
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but the economic hardship won’t be over anytime soon.
Hosue Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill
The deal comes just days before key CARES Act programs are set to expire.
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The new year calls for a new look at your old savings account.
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