Is there a downside to a credit union?
Choosing to use a Credit Union
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.
Why are credit unions safer than banks? Like banks, which are federally insured by the FDIC, credit unions are insured by the NCUA, making them just as safe as banks. The National Credit Union Administration is a US government agency that regulates and supervises credit unions.
Insured Deposits
Above all, one of the most acclaimed credit union advantages is that all deposits remain secured. You won't lose your hard-earned money because the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) backs credit union deposits. Each depositor's account is insured for up to $250,000.
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.
Membership requirements. To open an account with a credit union, you must become a member. Many credit unions determine membership eligibility based on where you live, work or worship.
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.
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.
The NCUA insures depositors' funds up to the same threshold as the FDIC, $250,000. Just like banks, deposits above the $250,000 mark at credit unions are uninsured, but unlike banks, credit unions do not have the same level of risk exposure to the factors that took down SVB and other troubled lenders.
What happens to credit unions if banks collapse?
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.
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.
If a credit union is placed into liquidation, the NCUA's Asset Management and Assistance Center (AMAC) will oversee the liquidation and set up an asset management estate (AME) to manage assets, settle members' insurance claims, and attempt to recover value from the closed credit union's assets.
What Are the Major Advantages of Credit Unions? Credit unions typically offer lower closing costs for home mortgage loans, and lower rates for lending, particularly with credit card and auto loan interest rates. They also have generally lower fees and higher savings rates for CDs and money market accounts.
While the individual options may differ from one to the next, most credit unions offer custom loan programs designed to help borrowers establish credit for the first time or rebuild damaged credit. Some credit unions use aptly-named “credit builder loans” that function much like secured credit cards.
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.
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) credit unions had seven conservatorships/liquidations in 2022 and two so far in 2023. While credit unions have experienced several failures in 2022, there were no Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
Credit Unions: Shrinking in Number but Growing in Size
While the number of credit unions declined during that period, the number of members grew. In 2012, credit unions had roughly 94 million members. By 2022, that number had grown to more than 135 million, a 44 percent increase.
Through right of offset, the government allows banks and credit unions to access the savings of their account holders under certain circ*mstances. This is allowed when the consumer misses a debt payment owed to that same financial institution.
- Mobile Banking Might Be Limited or Unavailable. ...
- Fees Might Not Be as Low as You Think. ...
- Credit Card Rewards Might Be Limited. ...
- ATMs and Branches Might Not Be Convenient.
Which is safer banks or credit unions?
Just like banks, credit unions are federally insured; however, credit unions are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Instead, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the federal insurer of credit unions, making them just as safe as traditional banks.
You'll save more money.
Instead of paying shareholders a portion of the profit generated, credit unions return their profits to their member-owners in the form of better dividends on savings, lower interest rates on loans, interest-earning checking and fewer fees.
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.
Do Credit Unions Check Your Credit? There are many differences between credit unions and banks, but both routinely check credit reports and credit scores as part of their application process.
- 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.