What is the advantage of a federal credit union?
Credit unions tend to offer lower fees than banks. This is because of their not-for-profit business structure and their tax-exempt status. Rather than paying shareholders, credit unions are able to reinvest their earnings back into their members, decreasing the need to charge fees such as overdraft penalties.
Why should you choose a credit union?
Credit unions typically offer lower fees, higher savings rates, and a more hands-and personalized approach to customer service to their members. In addition, credit unions may offer lower interest rates on loans. And, it may be easier to obtain a loan with a credit union than a larger impersonal bank.
What is the catch with credit unions?
Disadvantages of credit unions If you don’t meet the requirements, you can’t join the credit union. Smaller credit unions don’t have the size and budget necessary to offer the same services that many large banks do. And the technology that credit unions use, including apps, may lag behind the technology of large banks.
What are the pros and cons of credit unions?
Pros and cons of credit unions vs. banks
| Pros and cons of credit unions | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Ownership: Credit unions are owned by their members, with members being able to vote on policies and decisions. | Online services: Some small credit unions lack the resources for extensive digital banking services. |
Are there downsides to credit unions?
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 like Allpoint or MoneyPass. Not all credit unions are alike.
Should I have my money in a bank or credit union?
Choosing between the two involves some trade-offs. On average, credit unions tend to offer higher interest rates on deposits and lower rates on loans. Banks often adopt new technology and tools more quickly, especially online banks, which are typically able to offer higher-than-average interest rates.