Skip to Main Content

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

Credit sign on stone wall building
Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks to decide if a credit union is right for you.
Coworkers discussing a project
Here’s how to find the credit union that will best fit with your financial needs.
Two coworkers sharing an interaction in a nice office building
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.

Arrow Right Icon
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.

Image for Banks vs. credit unions: Where to keep your money
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.

 

Arrow Right Icon

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 Icon

Chief Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

A friendly female customer service representative
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.
Placeholder image
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 [...]
Design element with Jerome H. Powell chairman of the Board of Governors
Rate cuts are coming. Just don’t call this a low-rate environment just yet.
Design element of woman sitting at desk in front of laptop.
Wages are on pace to fully recover from inflation by the second quarter of 2025.
Panorama of aerial view of Downtown Houston, Texas, USA
As the old saying goes: “Everything is bigger in Texas.” And that’s also true of your list of options when choosing a bank or credit union in the state.
Women using tablet
Online checking accounts stand out for different features. Here’s our top picks.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
cash folded into a piggy bank shape
These seven banks and credit unions offer competitive rates on CDs for businesses.
Golden piggy bank and golden coins
Here’s how to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information
Wall Street Journal
Usa Today
New York Times
Cnn
Bloomberg
Abc