{"id":23253,"date":"2026-02-12T21:35:47","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T21:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/incredipros.com\/?p=23253"},"modified":"2026-02-12T21:35:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T21:35:48","slug":"how-to-choose-the-best-credit-union-6-things-to-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/incredipros.com\/?p=23253","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose The Best Credit Union: 6 Things To Consider"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\">\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden relative bg-blue-50 aspect-video w-full rounded-lg\"><\/div>\n<p>\n            MesquitaFMS\/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton\/Bankrate\n        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"block_95b16da07e8737b09deb21488692d248\" class=\"key-takeaways sm:border-l-4 border-(--accent) sm:pl-8 my-8 relative\" style=\"--accent: var(--color-blue-medium)\">\n    <!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading-4 mt-0 mb-4 text-crop-none max-sm:flex max-sm:items-center max-sm:gap-4\" id=\"key-takeaways\" data-position=\"0\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-0-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Key takeaways\" data-outcome=\"\">\n    <span class=\"shrink-0\">Key takeaways<\/span><br \/>\n        <span class=\"max-sm:h-0.5 max-sm:w-full max-sm:w-full max-sm:bg-(--accent) max-sm:rounded-full max-sm:block\"\/><br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<p>    <!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col text-gray-700 mb-0 gap-2 list-disc\">\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            Unlike banks, credit unions often limit membership to those belonging to the same community, workplace or organization, though there are credit unions with unrestricted membership.&#13;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            Credit unions tend to charge lower fees compared to banks, but you should still compare fees and account minimums to find the best account options.\n                                                <\/li>\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            Look for credit unions that pay out generous dividends, which is the credit union term for interest.\n                                                <\/li>\n<li class=\"pl-4 relative marker:text-(--accent)\">\n                                                            To tell whether it will be easy to manage your money, look at the credit union\u2019s branch locations along with its online and mobile platforms.&#13;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>In recent years, credit unions have gained popularity as an alternative to for-profit banks. By late 2025, there were 145 million credit union members, according to data from the National Credit Union Administration.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re considering joining the millions who share a stake in a credit union or want to switch to a new one, it\u2019s worth comparing your options to find the best fit and highest rates.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"1\" data-position=\"1\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-1-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"1. Membership requirements\" data-outcome=\"\">1. Membership requirements<\/h2>\n<p>One of the primary distinctions between credit unions and banks is membership eligibility. Credit unions are not-for-profit institutions owned by their members. Historically, members have shared a common bond such as belonging to the same community, workplace or organization. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in California, for example, serves current and former school employees.<\/p>\n<p>But today, many credit unions have more permissive membership requirements that let anyone join. When looking for the best credit union, check the eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n<p>Common membership requirements include:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Living within a certain city, state, or region<\/li>\n<li>Being or becoming a member of a particular club, organization or group<\/li>\n<li>Belonging to a specific church or religious group<\/li>\n<li>Working in a specific field or for a specific employer<\/li>\n<li>Living with or being directly related to an existing member<\/li>\n<li>Opening an account with a minimum deposit<\/li>\n<li>Making a small donation to a partner organization<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"BlockQuote pb-8 BlockQuote--bordered flex flex-col items-center text-center md:text-left md:flex-row gap-3 md:gap-8 mb-8 md:mb-0\">\n<blockquote class=\"BlockQuote-text text-center md:text-left\"><p>\n        <q>When I opened an account at a local credit union, the only requirements were that I live  within a certain area of Missouri and deposit at least $1 in my savings account. Easy peasy!<\/q><br \/>\n                    <cite class=\"PullQuote-cite text-gray-900 ml-0 md:ml-4\"><br \/>\n                \u2014 Pippin Wilbers, Bankrate editor<br \/>\n            <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"2\" data-position=\"2\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-2-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"2. Range of products and services\" data-outcome=\"\">2. Range of products and services<\/h2>\n<p>While credit unions generally provide standard products like checking and savings accounts, many also provide additional financial products such as:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Loans\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Credit cards<\/li>\n<li>Mortgages\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Investment options\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Insurance\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Plus, some credit unions have greater variety among their account offerings, such as a wider range of share certificate terms (the credit union term for certificates of deposits).<\/p>\n<p>Consider your financial goals and needs. If you anticipate needing a loan or mortgage in the future, ensure that the credit union offers competitive rates and favorable terms for these products. Similarly, if you\u2019re looking to open a share certificate, make sure the credit union offers competitive certificate rates and a term that aligns with your timeline.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3\" data-position=\"3\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-3-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"3. Fees and account requirements\" data-outcome=\"\">3. Fees and account requirements<\/h2>\n<p>Many credit unions offer lower fees compared to traditional banks, because profits are redistributed back to members. It\u2019s still important to review fee schedules carefully, though.<\/p>\n<p>Common <u>fees to watch for<\/u> include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monthly maintenance fees<\/li>\n<li>ATM fees (especially if you frequently use ATMs outside the credit union\u2019s network)<\/li>\n<li>Overdraft fees<\/li>\n<li>Money transfer fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to consider minimum balance requirements. Some credit unions may require a minimum deposit to open the account and maintain credit union membership. There may be a monthly fee if an account falls below a certain balance.<\/p>\n<div class=\"BlockQuote pb-8 BlockQuote--bordered flex flex-col items-center text-center md:text-left md:flex-row gap-3 md:gap-8 mb-8 md:mb-0\">\n<blockquote class=\"BlockQuote-text text-center md:text-left\"><p>\n        <q>I&#8217;ve been with BECU since I started college. A friend recommended it and when I saw there were no fees anywhere for the savings I was instantly in.<\/q><br \/>\n                    <cite class=\"PullQuote-cite text-gray-900 ml-0 md:ml-4\"><br \/>\n                \u2014 Rhys Subitch, Bankrate editor<br \/>\n            <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"4\" data-position=\"4\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-4-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"4. Dividends\" data-outcome=\"\">4. Dividends<\/h2>\n<p>All members of credit unions are shareholders, and profits are distributed to members in the form of dividends, which are interest payments. That means credit unions have the potential to pay out competitive rates on savings products.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to research the interest rates on savings accounts to see which credit unions have the best rates for savings, share certificates rates and interest-bearing checking accounts. That way, you can compare options and get the best return on your money.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"5\" data-position=\"5\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-5-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"5. Customer service and accessibility\" data-outcome=\"\">5. Customer service and accessibility<\/h2>\n<p>Credit unions are known for their emphasis on providing personalized service and building relationships with their members. Consider looking into credit unions\u2019 customer service hours and reviews.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of accessibility, you\u2019ll also want to consider branch locations and banking options. If you prefer to do most of your banking online or through mobile apps, make sure the credit union offers robust digital banking options, including features like online bill payment, mobile check deposit and easy account management.<\/p>\n<section class=\"editorial-insight-box --insight-box +mg-vertical-md\" data-template=\"insight_box\">\n<div class=\"card-body border-l-4 border-blue-800\">\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<p>\n                    Expert insight\n                <\/p>\n<div class=\"content wysiwyg wysiwyg--flush\">\n<p>\u201cEven at a credit union, not every customer service rep may know you personally, but I have been shown significantly more empathy by those at BECU than I ever did with a big bank. When I was young and not that great with money, they took the time to explain products to help me sort my finances and, upon reflection as the personal finance expert I am today, they did good by me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Rhys Subitch, Bankrate editor<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<h2 id=\"6\" data-position=\"6\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-6-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"6. Community initiatives\" data-outcome=\"\">6. Community initiatives <\/h2>\n<p>As non-profit organizations, credit unions emphasize community and typically seek to give back in a number of ways. They may do so by offering affordable financial services for their members, providing educational resources and participating in charitable giving. You may want to choose a credit union that supports values and causes you care about.<\/p>\n<p>You can start by looking for credit unions that are associated with existing memberships, organizations, occupations or communities you\u2019re involved in. For example, if you\u2019re an educator, you may consider credit unions for teachers and school employees. Likely, these credit unions support educational initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>Alternatively, you can make a list of credit unions you\u2019re eligible for and then look into the causes they support. Many credit unions have a page on their website dedicated to community involvement and provide links to impact reports, annual reports and other relevant documents.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"vs-banks\" data-position=\"7\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-7-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"Credit unions vs. banks\" data-outcome=\"\">Credit unions vs. banks<\/h2>\n<p>In addition to learning what to look for in a credit union, don\u2019t forget to compare credit unions to banks. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a credit union over a bank and a look at what credit union members might be missing out on that a bank can offer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"w-full overflow-x-auto\">\n<table class=\"wp-block-table Table Table--stripedOdd Table--spacing1 align-top has-fixed-layout wrapped\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Credit unions<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Banks<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<strong>Member ownership:<\/strong> Credit unions are owned by their members, giving you a voice in the decision-making process and the opportunity to participate in its governance.<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<strong>Large branch and ATM networks:<\/strong> National banks offer much larger branch and ATM networks than credit unions do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<strong>Personalized service:<\/strong> Members typically have close relationships with their credit unions and can receive personalized advice and solutions tailored to their needs.<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<strong>No membership requirements:<\/strong> Though you may have to meet a minimum deposit requirement to open a bank account, banks don\u2019t have specific criteria for customers to join.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<strong>Competitive rates:<\/strong> Many credit unions may offer higher rates than traditional banks in the form of dividends. Though you might find higher rates with online banks.<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<strong>Technology and innovation:<\/strong> While credit unions are making progress in terms of technological advancements, they may not offer the same level of digital banking innovation as larger banks.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\n<strong>Community focus:<\/strong> Credit unions are often deeply rooted in their communities, supporting local initiatives and giving back through scholarships and programs.<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-position=\"8\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" data-id=\"br-h2-8-onpage-placement\" data-type=\"h2\" data-location=\"Editorial\" data-name=\"h2_all\" data-text=\"FAQs\" data-outcome=\"\">FAQs<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"Accordion w-full align\">\n<li x-id=\"['panel-how-do-you-know-if-a-credit-union-is-insured', 'heading-how-do-you-know-if-a-credit-union-is-insured']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-how-do-you-know-if-a-credit-union-is-insured')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-how-do-you-know-if-a-credit-union-is-insured')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    How do you know if a credit union is insured?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><title>Caret Down Icon<\/title>\n<path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-how-do-you-know-if-a-credit-union-is-insured')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-how-do-you-know-if-a-credit-union-is-insured')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<div class=\"Accordion-content text-gray-700 px-3 pb-4 sm:px-6 sm:pb-6\">\n            Federally insured credit unions must display a National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insurance sign at teller stations and on their websites. You can also confirm a credit union is insured by searching its name or charter number using the NCUA\u2019s credit union locator tool.\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-how-do-you-pick-a-credit-union-with-good-financial-standing', 'heading-how-do-you-pick-a-credit-union-with-good-financial-standing']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-how-do-you-pick-a-credit-union-with-good-financial-standing')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-how-do-you-pick-a-credit-union-with-good-financial-standing')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    How do you pick a credit union with good financial standing?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><title>Caret Down Icon<\/title>\n<path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-how-do-you-pick-a-credit-union-with-good-financial-standing')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-how-do-you-pick-a-credit-union-with-good-financial-standing')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            When choosing a credit union, make sure you pick an institution with NCUA insurance \u2014 this ensures your deposits, up to federal limits, will be safe in case of bank failure. Beyond that, you can look into a credit union\u2019s finances by reading its call report, a quarterly report disclosing detailed financial information including assets, liabilities income, and expenses. You may also be able to find much of the same information in a credit union\u2019s annual report.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li x-id=\"['panel-what-is-the-most-popular-credit-union-in-the-us', 'heading-what-is-the-most-popular-credit-union-in-the-us']\" x-data=\"{ expanded: 0 }\" class=\"Accordion-item\">\n<button class=\"Accordion-titleContainer py-4 px-3 sm:px-6 group sm:py-6\" type=\"button\" :id=\"$id('heading-what-is-the-most-popular-credit-union-in-the-us')\" :aria-controls=\"$id('panel-what-is-the-most-popular-credit-union-in-the-us')\" :aria-expanded=\"expanded ? true : false\" x-on:click=\"expanded = !expanded\" :data-outcome=\"expanded ? 'open_accordion' : 'close_accordion'\"><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Accordion-title my-0 mr-2 md:flex-1\">\n    What is the most popular credit union in the U.S.?<br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p><!-- htmlmin:ignore --><span class=\"Accordion-icon Icon mb-0 block leading-none Icon--sm icon-base-blue-600\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><title>Caret Down Icon<\/title>\n<path d=\"M12 17.152c-.33 0-.675-.131-.94-.378L3.384 9.09a1.32 1.32 0 0 1 0-1.86c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0L12 13.977l6.755-6.747c.51-.51 1.351-.51 1.862 0 .51.51.51 1.35 0 1.86l-7.694 7.684a1.295 1.295 0 0 1-.94.378H12Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"Accordion-contentWrapper\" :id=\"$id('panel-what-is-the-most-popular-credit-union-in-the-us')\" :aria-labelledby=\"$id('heading-what-is-the-most-popular-credit-union-in-the-us')\" x-show=\"expanded\" x-collapse=\"\" role=\"region\" style=\"height: 0; overflow: hidden; display: none;\">\n<p>\n            The largest credit union in the US is Navy Federal Credit Union, with more than 14 million members and more than $190 billion in assets.\n        <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA mx-auto flex flex-col items-center gap-6 my-6 py-12 text-base border-y border-gray-200\" data-helpful-cta=\"\" data-beam-element-viewed=\"\" id=\"did-you-find-this-helpful\" data-type=\"cta\" data-location=\"article-bottom\" data-position=\"banner\" data-text=\"Did you find this page helpful?\">\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-initial w-full flex flex-col items-center gap-4\" data-cta-initial=\"\">\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-question text-lg font-bold text-center text-gray-900\">\n            Did you find this page helpful?<\/p>\n<div id=\"2TNj1zpCb7\" class=\"hidden\">\n<div class=\"wysiwyg wysiwyg--sm wysiwyg--flush max-w-xs\">\n<p class=\"mb-6 text-base\">\n                            <strong class=\"block font-bold text-gray-900\">Why we ask for feedback<\/strong><br \/>\n                            Your feedback helps us improve our content and services. It takes less than a minute to<br \/>\n                            complete.\n                        <\/p>\n<p>Your responses are anonymous and will only be used for improving our website.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Help us improve our content<\/p>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-actions flex gap-4 mt-2\">\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"HelpfulCTA-btn HelpfulCTA-btn--yes border border-2 border-blue-600 text-blue-600 rounded px-6 py-2 transition font-semibold flex items-center gap-2 hover:bg-blue-50\" data-cta-yes=\"\" data-beam-element-clicked=\"\" id=\"did-you-find-this-helpful-yes\" data-type=\"button\" data-location=\"article-bottom\" data-position=\"banner\" data-text=\"Yes\" data-outcome=\"response submitted\"><br \/>\n                <span class=\"Icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"Icon-glyph\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\" focusable=\"false\"><title>Thumbs Up Icon<\/title><path d=\"M13.165 2.175c.322 0 .57.022.774.065.796.161 1.43.624 1.85 1.345.71 1.216.722 3.067.023 5.499h.516c2.28 0 3.422 0 4.337.548a3.844 3.844 0 0 1 1.721 2.25c.29 1.032 0 2.13-.592 4.336l-.516 1.926c-.312 1.151-.484 1.786-.882 2.324a3.368 3.368 0 0 1-1.442 1.098c-.625.247-1.28.248-2.475.248l-.021.01h-4.595c-.42 0-.636 0-.84-.032a4.19 4.19 0 0 1-.635-.15c-.204-.065-.387-.162-.763-.355l-1.69-.856c-.014.034-.026.069-.043.102a2.334 2.334 0 0 1-1.044 1.044c-.495.247-1.012.248-1.948.248h-.161c-.936 0-1.453 0-1.947-.248a2.333 2.333 0 0 1-1.044-1.044C1.5 20.038 1.5 19.52 1.5 18.585v-7.683c0-.936 0-1.452.248-1.947A2.387 2.387 0 0 1 2.792 7.91c.494-.248 1.01-.247 1.947-.247h.16c.937 0 1.454 0 1.95.247.353.177.653.44.875.763.64-.606 1.788-2.184 3.31-5.142.183-.366.312-.603.538-.819.193-.193.462-.355.72-.441.302-.097.539-.097.873-.097ZM4.739 9.288c-.624 0-1.076 0-1.227.076a.721.721 0 0 0-.323.322c-.075.15-.075.603-.075 1.216v7.683c0 .624 0 1.076.075 1.227.065.14.183.248.323.323.151.075.603.075 1.227.075h.16c.625 0 1.078 0 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0-.323.322c-.075.15-.075.603-.075 1.226v7.68c0 .623 0 1.075.075 1.226.075.14.183.247.323.322.15.075.603.075 1.228.075h.16c.625 0 1.078 0 1.228-.075a.778.778 0 0 0 .324-.322c.075-.151.075-.603.075-1.227V5.423c0-.623 0-1.076-.075-1.226a.722.722 0 0 0-.324-.322c-.15-.076-.603-.076-1.227-.076h-.161Z\" class=\"icon-base\"\/><\/svg><\/span> <span class=\"text-base leading-4\">No<\/span><br \/>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <!-- Yes Form --><\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No Form --><\/p>\n<div class=\"HelpfulCTA-thankyou flex flex-col items-center gap-2\" data-cta-thankyou=\"\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<p>Thank you for your<br \/>\n            feedback!<\/p>\n<p>Your input helps us improve our<br \/>\n            content and services.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Read the full article <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/banking\/how-to-choose-the-best-credit-union\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"nofollow\">here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MesquitaFMS\/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton\/Bankrate Key takeaways Unlike banks, credit unions often limit membership to those belonging to the same community, workplace or organization, though there are credit unions with unrestricted membership.&#13; Credit unions tend to charge lower fees compared to banks, but you should still compare fees and account minimums to find the best<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23254,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-23253","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-homes"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How To Choose The Best Credit 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