Best credit unions of 2025 — Compare & Learn

Our top credit union picks

How we picked: We compared rates, fees, membership requirements, services, digital platforms, and member satisfaction across different credit union types.

Best overall: Alliant Credit Union

Why it stands out: National credit union with easy membership, excellent rates on savings and loans, robust digital platform, and comprehensive financial services. Perfect balance of credit union benefits with modern banking.

• Easy membership: Join by becoming a member of Foster Care to Success (small donation).
• High savings rates: Competitive APYs on savings accounts and CDs.
• Low loan rates: Excellent rates on auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans.
• Digital platform: Modern online banking and highly-rated mobile app.
• ATM network: 80,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide through shared branching.
• No monthly fees: Free checking and savings with low minimum balances.

Best for military: Navy Federal Credit Union

Why it stands out: Largest credit union in the world serving military members and families. Exceptional rates, specialized military banking services, and worldwide presence for deployed service members.

• Military focus: Tailored services for active duty, veterans, and military families.
• Excellent rates: Competitive rates on all loan products and deposits.
• Global presence: Branches and ATMs on military bases worldwide.
• Military perks: PCS loans, deployment savings, and military-specific programs.
• Family membership: Spouses, children, and grandchildren can join.
• Superior service: Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.

Best rates: PenFed Credit Union

Why it stands out: Consistently offers some of the best rates in the market on auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. Easy membership and nationwide service make it accessible to most consumers.

• Top-tier rates: Often leads the market in auto loan and mortgage rates.
• Easy membership: Open to anyone with small donation to military charity.
• Credit card rewards: Excellent cash back and travel rewards credit cards.
• No fees: Many products have no fees or very low fees.
• Relationship benefits: Rate discounts for multiple products.
• Strong reputation: Long-standing credit union with excellent financial stability.

Best technology: Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)

Why it stands out: Tech-forward credit union with innovative digital banking features, excellent mobile app, and competitive rates. Great for members who prioritize digital banking convenience.

• Digital innovation: Cutting-edge online and mobile banking platforms.
• Easy membership: Join through various associations or make a small donation.
• Competitive rates: Strong rates on savings, loans, and credit cards.
• Mobile deposit: Advanced mobile check deposit and account management.
• ATM access: Extensive ATM network with fee reimbursements.
• Student focus: Excellent student loan rates and college-focused services.

Best for students: University of Iowa Community Credit Union

Why it stands out: Specializes in serving students and young adults with student-friendly products, financial education, and low fees. Excellent starter accounts and credit-building options.

• Student focus: Products designed specifically for college students.
• No minimum balances: Student accounts with no minimum balance requirements.
• Credit building: Secured credit cards and credit-builder loans.
• Financial education: Comprehensive financial literacy programs.
• Low fees: Minimal fees on student accounts and services.
• Easy membership: Students, alumni, and employees of participating schools.

Best customer service: Connexus Credit Union

Why it stands out: Consistently top-rated customer service with personalized attention, competitive rates, and member-focused policies. Excellent for people who value relationship banking.

• Award-winning service: Consistently ranked for exceptional customer service.
• Personal attention: Dedicated member service representatives.
• Competitive rates: Above-average rates on savings and below-average on loans.
• Easy membership: Open through various community organizations.
• Member benefits: Regular dividends and profit-sharing with members.
• Community focus: Strong local community involvement and support.

Best for mortgages: FirstTech Federal Credit Union

Why it stands out: Specializes in serving technology workers with excellent mortgage programs, competitive rates, and tech-industry understanding. Strong digital platform and innovative services.

• Mortgage expertise: Excellent home loan rates and programs.
• Tech industry focus: Understands tech worker compensation and stock options.
• Jumbo loans: Competitive rates on high-balance mortgages.
• First-time buyer programs: Special programs for first-time homebuyers.
• Digital platform: Modern online mortgage application and tracking.
• Member benefits: Rate discounts for multiple relationships.

Best local option: Your Local Credit Union

Why it stands out: Local and community credit unions often provide the most personalized service, competitive rates, and deep community involvement. Research credit unions in your area for potential hidden gems.

• Personal relationships: Know your banker and local decision-making.
• Community focus: Invested in local economic development.
• Competitive rates: Often match or beat larger institutions.
• Flexible underwriting: Manual review for unique situations.
• Local knowledge: Understanding of area economics and needs.
• Easy membership: Usually based on where you live, work, or worship.

Credit unions vs banks comparison

How we picked these credit unions

We evaluated credit unions based on member rates and fees, service quality, digital platform capabilities, membership accessibility, financial stability, and member satisfaction scores across different categories and specializations.

Understanding credit union eligibility

Credit unions serve specific groups of people who share a common bond. Understanding eligibility requirements is key to finding credit unions you can join.

Common eligibility types

• Geographic: Live, work, or worship in a specific area.
• Employer: Work for specific companies or organizations.
• Associational: Membership in certain organizations or groups.
• Military: Active duty, veterans, and military family members.
• Educational: Students, alumni, or employees of specific schools.
• Family: Immediate family members of existing members.

Easy-to-join credit unions

Many credit unions have expanded their membership through associations that anyone can join with small donations or memberships, making them effectively open to the general public.

Credit union services and products

Deposit accounts

• Share savings: Basic savings accounts (called "shares" at credit unions).
• Checking accounts: Often called "share draft" accounts with low or no fees.
• Money market accounts: Higher-yield accounts with limited transactions.
• Certificates of deposit: Term deposits with competitive rates.

Lending products

• Auto loans: Often the best rates available for vehicle financing.
• Mortgages: Competitive home loan rates and flexible underwriting.
• Personal loans: Lower rates than banks for unsecured borrowing.
• Credit cards: Lower rates and fewer fees than bank cards.

Additional services

• Financial counseling: Free or low-cost financial education and counseling.
• Investment services: Many offer investment and retirement planning.
• Insurance: Auto, home, and life insurance products.
• Business banking: Services for small businesses and nonprofits.

Tips for choosing a credit union

• Check eligibility first: Make sure you qualify for membership before comparing rates.
• Compare rates and fees: Look at the products you'll actually use most.
• Consider convenience: Evaluate branch locations, ATM access, and digital banking.
• Read member reviews: Current member satisfaction is a good indicator of service quality.
• Assess financial health: Check NCUA ratings and financial stability reports.
• Think long-term: Consider how your banking needs might change over time.

Credit union red flags

• Very limited hours or poor customer service accessibility.
• Outdated technology that makes banking difficult.
• Excessive fees that negate the credit union advantage.
• Poor financial health or NCUA regulatory issues.
• Limited product offerings that don't meet your needs.
• Restrictive membership requirements that might exclude you later.
• No shared branching access limiting your banking convenience.

Finding credit unions near you

Research tools

• NCUA Credit Union Locator: Official tool to find credit unions by location or charter.
• ASmarterChoice.org: Credit union industry site with comparison tools.
• Local searches: Google "credit unions near me" for area options.
• Employer benefits: Check if your employer partners with specific credit unions.

Questions to ask

• Membership requirements: How do I qualify and what are ongoing requirements?
• Account minimums: What are minimum balance and deposit requirements?
• Fee structures: What fees apply to the accounts I'll use most?
• Digital services: What online and mobile banking features are available?
• ATM access: Where can I access my money without fees?

How to join a credit union

Application process

• Verify eligibility: Confirm you meet membership requirements.
• Gather documents: ID, Social Security number, proof of eligibility.
• Initial deposit: Most require a small deposit to establish membership.
• Complete application: Can often be done online or in person.
• Purchase share: Buy a membership share (usually $5-25).

After joining

• Set up accounts: Open checking, savings, or other needed accounts.
• Establish services: Set up direct deposit, automatic transfers, online banking.
• Explore benefits: Learn about member perks and additional services.
• Consider consolidation: Move more of your banking to take advantage of relationship benefits.

Questions about credit unions

Are credit unions safe like banks?

Yes, federally chartered credit unions are insured by NCUA up to $250,000 per member, per credit union—the same level of protection as FDIC insurance at banks. Your money is equally safe.

Can anyone join a credit union?

Credit unions serve specific membership groups, but many have expanded eligibility through associations. Some credit unions are effectively open to anyone willing to join a qualifying organization with a small donation.

Do credit unions have the same services as banks?

Most credit unions offer the same core services as banks: checking, savings, loans, credit cards, and digital banking. Some may have fewer specialized services, but they cover most consumer banking needs.

Why are credit union rates better than banks?

Credit unions are non-profit cooperatives that return profits to members through better rates and lower fees, rather than paying shareholders. This structure allows them to offer more favorable terms.

Can I use ATMs if I join a credit union?

Yes, most credit unions participate in shared ATM networks providing access to thousands of fee-free ATMs. Many also reimburse fees from out-of-network ATMs.

What happens if I no longer meet membership requirements?

Once you're a member, you typically remain eligible even if your circumstances change. For example, if you joined through an employer and change jobs, you can usually keep your membership.

Are credit union digital services as good as big banks?

This varies by credit union. Many now offer excellent digital platforms comparable to big banks, though some smaller credit unions may have more basic technology. Research the specific credit union's digital offerings.