{"menuItems":[{"label":"What\u2019s the difference between a credit union vs. bank?","anchorName":"#what-s-the-difference-between-a-credit-union-vs-bank"},{"label":"Pros and cons of credit unions","anchorName":"#pros-and-cons-of-credit-unions"},{"label":"Pros and cons of banks","anchorName":"#pros-and-cons-of-banks"},{"label":"Credit union vs. bank: Which is better for me?","anchorName":"#credit-union-vs-bank-which-is-better-for-me"},{"label":"Credit union vs. bank: Which is safer?","anchorName":"#credit-union-vs-bank-which-is-safer"},{"label":"5 ways to compare credit unions vs. banks","anchorName":"#5-ways-to-compare-credit-unions-vs-banks"},{"label":"Compare bank accounts from credit unions and banks","anchorName":"#compare-bank-accounts-from-credit-unions-and-banks"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"},{"label":"Frequently asked questions","anchorName":"#frequently-asked-questions"}]}
Should you open an account with a bank or a credit union? To decide, you’ll need to know the difference between a credit union vs. bank. They both offer checking and savings accounts with insured deposits up to $250,000. But credit unions are known for superior customer service, while banks are quick to adopt new technology.
What’s the difference between a credit union vs. bank?
Both credit unions and banks offer a suite of financial accounts. But there are a few key differences between the two.
Credit unions
Traditional banks
More banking products
More branch locations
More ATMs
Better customer service
Lower monthly fees
Higher APYs
Better technology
Insured deposits up to $250,000
Pros and cons of credit unions
Credit unions insure deposits up to $250,000 through the National Credit Union Administration and offer unique pros and cons such as:
Pros
Non-profit. Credit unions are customer-owned, so they’re known to have better customer service than traditional banks.
Local branches. Credit unions typically have several local branches in the communities it serves.
Lower monthly maintenance fees. Through its membership-only structure, credit unions are able to offer lower monthly fees to its customers.
Higher interest rates. Credit unions typically have higher interest rates on savings and checking accounts than traditional banks.
Cons
Limited locations. Locations are typically limited to one area or region, making it hard to bank in-person if you move or travel.
Restricted eligibility. Often times you must be affiliated with a certain group or community to join a credit union membership.
Membership fees. You’ll pay a membership fee to open an account with a credit union.
Older technology. Credit unions are slow to adopt new banking technology compared to traditional banks.
Pros and cons of banks
Banks offer FDIC-insured deposits up to $250,000 and have unique perks and drawbacks, such as:
Pros
More products. Banks have a broader product offering than credit unions, which typically includes checking and savings accounts, business accounts, credit cards and more.
More locations. Banks have a national presence, making it convenient to bank in-person wherever you are.
More ATMs. Customers at most traditional banks can find ATMs nationwide.
Up-to-date technology. Banks usually roll-out new technology quickly, while credit unions lag behind.
Cons
For-profit. Banks are known for having less superior customer service than credit unions due to its for-profit structure.
Higher monthly fees. Banks don’t have membership fees, so it typically makes up for this cost through higher monthly fees.
Lower interest rates. Traditional banks offer lower APYs on checking and savings accounts than credit unions.
Credit union vs. bank: Which is better for me?
It all depends on what you’re looking for in a financial institution. If you want highly personalized service and solid interest rates, then a credit union may be best for you. But if you’re looking for a modernized bank account with a large ATM network, then a traditional bank may be the way to go.
Credit union vs. bank: Which is safer?
Your money is just as safe and secure in a bank as it is at a credit union. Both federally insure deposits up to $250,000 and deploy safeguards to protect your data and privacy. The only difference is banks insure funds through the FDIC, while credit unions use the NCUA.
5 ways to compare credit unions vs. banks
Keep the following in mind when you compare credit unions vs. banks:
1. Fees
Credit unions typically have lower monthly fees than traditional banks, but there’s often a one-time membership fee you’ll have to pay. Compare monthly fees and membership fees when deciding which institution may be right for you.
2. Eligibility requirements
Anyone can open an account at a bank as long as you’re 18 years or older and a US resident.
Credit unions typically have stricter eligibility guidelines, which require you to be part of a certain group or community. However, some credit unions let anyone join as long as you make a small donation to a particular organization.
3. Locations and ATMs
Banks have branch locations and ATMs nationwide, while credit unions are typically centralized in one region or community. However, some credit unions fill in this gap through the CO-OP Shared Branches network, which offers branch locations and ATMs in all 50 states.
When comparing branch and ATM locations at banks and credit unions, see if the credit union is a part of a larger network.
4. Interest rates
Credit unions generally have better loan interest rates and higher interest rates on deposits than traditional brick-and-mortar banks. That means you’ll save more when borrowing money and make more when saving.
But since interest rates vary greatly by region and provider, you’ll want to shop around to find the best deal. And be sure to compare online banks as well, since they tend to offer higher-than-average interest rates.
5. Technology
Banks — especially online banks — are quick to roll out new tech and apps. Their mobile and online banking services are likely more advanced and include more features than credit union tech offerings.
Compare bank accounts from credit unions and banks
Use the table to compare bank accounts from popular financial institutions by minimum deposit, ATMs and more. View your top picks side-by-side by checking the “Compare” box next to each one.
Bottom line
Credit unions are known for its local ties to the community and quality customer service, while banks offer more products and stay up-to-date on technology. Whichever you prefer, shop around for the best credit union savings accounts or check out our A to Z list of banks before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Credit unions are not-for-profit, so membership fees go toward higher APYs, lower monthly fees and personalized service offerings.
The Big Four US banks are Wells Fargo, Citi, Bank of America and Chase.
No. Although not common, some banks and credit unions aren’t insured. You can find out if an institution is insured by visiting its website or a local branch. You can search for NCUA-insured credit unions at mapping.ncua.gov and FDIC-insured banks at research.fdic.gov.
Cassidy Horton is a freelance personal finance copywriter and past contributing writer for Finder. Her writing and banking expertise have been featured in Forbes Advisor, Money, The Balance, Money Under 30, Insure.com, and other top digital publishers. She holds a BS in public relations and an MBA from Georgia Southern University.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser Disclosure
finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
