What to look for in credit union checking

Convenience means different things to different people, depending on their habits, says Bonnie Doolin, chief operating officer for the Massachusetts Credit Union League in Marlborough, Mass.

"I recommend that a credit union branch be on the flight path of where you conduct your day-to-day business," Doolin says. "Whether that's on your way to work, where you shop, where you worship or in your neighborhood doesn't matter."

Even if you conduct all your checking account business remotely, before deciding on a credit union, you should at least make an initial in-person visit to a branch.

If you travel frequently, you'll want to choose a credit union that subscribes to shared branching so that wherever you go, you'll be able to access your money.