Should you bank with a credit union or bank?
If you want higher deposit rates and don't need access to branches across the country, for example, you might prefer a credit union. If you want access to in-person services and don't mind lower interest rates, a bank might be more suitable.
The Bottom Line. Credit unions can be ideal for a low-interest loan, lower mortgage closing costs, or reduced fees, but you'll need to qualify for membership. Larger banks may offer you more choices regarding products, apps, and international or commercial products and services, and anyone can join.
Limited accessibility. Credit unions tend to have fewer branches than traditional banks. A credit union may not be close to where you live or work, which could be a problem unless your credit union is part of a shared branch network and/or a large ATM network such as Allpoint or MoneyPass.
For decades, bankers have objected to the tax breaks and sponsor subsidies enjoyed by credit unions and not available to banks. Because such challenges haven't slowed down the growth of credit unions, banks continue to look for other reasons to allege unfair competition.
However, because credit unions serve mostly individuals and small businesses (rather than large investors) and are known to take fewer risks, credit unions are generally viewed as safer than banks in the event of a collapse. Regardless, both types of financial institutions are equally protected.
Both can be hit hard by tough economic conditions, but credit unions were statistically less likely to fail during the Great Recession. But no matter which you go with, you shouldn't worry about losing money. Both credit unions and banks have deposit insurance and are generally safe places for your money.
- Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union.
- Ally Bank: Best bank; best CDs.
- Charles Schwab Bank: Best for ATM access.
- Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses; best for branch access.
- DiscoverĀ® Bank: Best online banking experience.
Weaknesses of Credit Unions
The membership of a credit union is restricted to a specific community, most often a religion, profession, or geographic location. For a member to be eligible to join a credit union, they must belong to a group listed in the credit union's charter.
Experts told us that credit unions do fail, like banks (which are also generally safe), but rarely. And deposits up to $250,000 at federally insured credit unions are guaranteed, just as they are at banks.
No. Credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Just like the FDIC insures up to $250,000 for individuals' accounts of a bank, the NCUA insures up to $250,000 for individuals' accounts of a credit union. Beyond that amount, the bank or credit union takes an uninsured risk.
Why do people choose banks over credit unions?
People choose banks primarily because of the convenience of multiple branches across the country, along with better technology. On the flip side, people choose credit unions primarily because of discounted loan rates, higher interest rates and better customer service.
Joining a credit union requires comparing different offerings, learning about membership qualifications, and funding your account. Unlike banks, which are open to the public, credit unions often have membership criteria, so not everyone can join.
Why Choose a Credit Union? Lower interest rates on loans and credit cards; higher rates of return on CDs and savings accounts. Since credit unions are non-profits and have lower overhead costs than banks, we are able to pass on cost savings to consumers through competitively priced loan and deposit products.
If the bank fails, you'll get your money back. Nearly all banks are FDIC insured. You can look for the FDIC logo at bank teller windows or on the entrance to your bank branch. Credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Money held in credit union accounts is insured through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Many types of accounts are covered by insurance such as checking, savings, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, and others.
Bank | Forbes Advisor Rating | Learn More |
---|---|---|
Chase Bank | 5.0 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
Bank of America | 4.2 | |
Wells Fargo Bank | 4.0 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
CitiĀ® | 4.0 |
Nationally, two have gone under already in 2023, and on average seven failed in each of the prior five years, according to data compiled by the National Credit Union Administration, a federal agency akin to the FDIC or Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
- Citigroup.
- Barclays.
- BNP Paribas.
- Morgan Stanley.
- Wells Fargo. The San Francisco-based bank is the Des Moines metro's largest private employer.
- Alliant Credit Union. Alliant offers an above-average interest rate for savings. ...
- Consumers Credit Union. ...
- Navy Federal Credit Union. ...
- Connexus Credit Union. ...
- First Tech Federal Credit Union.
Rank by Asset Size | Bank Name | Total Assets |
---|---|---|
1. | Chase Bank | $3.38 trillion |
2. | Bank of America | $2.45 trillion |
3. | Wells Fargo | $1.7 trillion |
4. | Citibank | $1.68 trillion |
What is the most trusted bank in America?
Following one of the most successful years in United's long history, United Bank has been named the Most Trustworthy Bank in America by Newsweek for 2023.
Money coach and certified financial planner Ohan Kayikchyan says it can make sense for a household to maintain four accounts: one checking account for monthly recurring bills and another for variable expenses, plus one savings account for emergency funds and a second for other savings goals.
- Better interest rates on loans. Credit unions typically offer higher saving rates and lower loan rates compared to traditional banks. ...
- High-level customer service. ...
- Lower fees. ...
- A variety of services. ...
- Cross-collateralization. ...
- Fewer branches, ATMs and services. ...
- The biggest negative.
But compared to banks, credit unions tend to be smaller, operate regionally and are not-for-profit. In many instances, they offer lower rates on loans, charge fewer fees and offer better interest rates for deposit accounts than traditional banks.
Because credit unions are not-for-profit, they can offer members numerous benefits that can directly and indirectly build an individual's credit score.