101 Reasons to Be a Credit Union Member

I’m a proud member of several credit unions—and a lifelong supporter of the financial cooperative movement.

Why? Because credit unions represent what banking should be: people helping people.

Before we dive into 101 reasons to become a credit union member, I want to spotlight two important things.

What Makes Credit Unions Different

First, credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions.

They offer the same services as traditional banks—checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and online banking—but operate with one key difference: profits go back to members, not shareholders.

Second, while all credit unions share cooperative principles like “people before profit,” each one has its own culture, team, and mission. Some focus on digital access and innovation; others emphasize local, face-to-face service and community impact.

That diversity is part of what makes the credit union movement so powerful.

👉 Read: Why Credit Unions Matter (and Why I’ll Always Choose Member-Owned Banking) →

Thinking About Making the Switch?

If you’re considering switching from a traditional bank to a credit union, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Find the right fit. Every credit union operates differently. Some prioritize in-person service; others focus on digital banking convenience.
• Match their offerings to your needs. Consider which accounts, loans, and financial tools matter most to you.
• Check accessibility. Look for ATM networks, shared branches, and strong mobile apps.
• Compare fees and rates. Credit unions typically offer better deals, but it’s worth reviewing each one’s pricing structure.
• Balance technology and personal service. Some members want 24/7 app access; others want a friendly face at the local branch.

For example, I personally prefer larger credit unions that offer 24-hour support, a robust mobile app, and nationwide ATM access. I rarely visit a branch—I just need seamless, secure digital banking.

Your ideal credit union might look completely different, and that’s the beauty of choice.

Smile Money Tip: Use our Credit Union Finder or Best Credit Unions by State lists to discover options near you.

101 Reasons to Be a Credit Union Member

Ready to see why credit unions consistently rank higher in member satisfaction than big banks?

Here are 101 reasons—practical, emotional, and values-based—why joining a credit union could be one of the best financial decisions you’ll ever make.

Credit Unions and Your Financial Well-being

1. Credit unions are financial cooperatives.
2. Offer banking products and services.
3. Not-for-profit business model.
4. Democratically controlled by its members.
5. You’re a member-owner, not a customer.
6. Voluntary and open membership.
7. Members share a common bond.
8. Your family members can become members.
8. A volunteer Board of Directors.
10. As a member, you can run for a Board seat.

Competitive products and services

11. Little to no-fee accounts and services.
12. Better rates on deposit accounts.
13. Lower minimum balance requirements.
14. Lower rates on loans.
15. Personalize loan service.
16. Offers Visa or Mastercard debit cards.
17. Many offer no-fee balance transfers.
18. Easy transfers from credit lines to checking accounts.
19. Auto loan pre-approval.
20. Very competitive auto loan rates.

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Member service as a member-owner

21. You get a member number, not just an account number.
22. Personal greetings because you’re a member.
23. Provide member service, not lip service.
24. A motive to help members, not increase stockholder profits.
25. Profits reinvested back and not distributed as stockholder dividends.
26. Answers to members, not stockholders.
25. Flexible fee refund policy.
26. Less banking jargon or confusing terms.
27. High tech – invests in online mobile services.
28. High touch – a priority to get to know you.
29. Multigenerational banking relationships.
30. Staff is typically members too.

Convenience is a priority

31. Direct deposit capability.
32. Automated savings transfers.
33. Connected accounts and cross-member transfers.
34. Offer convenient online and mobile access.
35. Access to online statements.
36. Text message alerts and controls.
37. Online and telephone loan applications.
38. 24-hour telephone support.
39. Pay your loans and bills online.
40. Deposit checks using your smartphone.

Help each other and partner together

31. Many cooperate under a shared branch agreement.
32. Access your accounts with other credit unions through networks.
33. Cash access through thousands of ATMs on a shared network.
34. Share resources and services.
35. Invest together in developing new tools.
36. Sponsor events as a team.
37. Big credit unions lend support to smaller operations.
38. Collaborate on projects.
39. Socially share each other’s articles.
40. Compete with each other to better the industry.

Invested in communities

41. Provides financial education sessions.
42. Sponsor community programs.
43. Participates in local chambers and networking groups.
44. Hosts events and workshops.
45. Wants you to attend the Annual Meeting.
46. Access to speak with the CEO and other executive management.
47. Community and member feedback are taken seriously.
48. Attends employee health and wellness fairs.
49. Provide banking services to underserved communities.
50. Educates students in high school and college classrooms.

Supports your financial wellbeing

51. Not offer a loan that can put you under.
52. Wants to work with you through financial hardships.
53. Offers free credit counseling services.
54. Access to financial experts.
55. It provides insurance products to protect your legacy.
56. Websites with financial education.
57. Provides financial education workshops
58. Offers financial calculators and tools
59. Creates programs to improve your financial wellbeing.
60. Shares financial knowledge on social media.

Offer credit that helps you achieve goals

61. Credit cards without penalty APRs.
62. Credit cards offer the same interest rate on purchases and cash advances.
63. Credit cards with a rewards program.
64. Credit cards with no balance transfer or cash advance fees.
65. Credit cards used for overdraft protection.
66. Mortgages to buy your first home or your rental property.
67. Home equity loans and lines of credit.
68. Recreational vehicle loans.
69. Motorcycle loans.
70. Student loans to help you achieve a life goal.

Changing the status quo

71. Wants to end the payday lending cycle.
72. Loan officers who will go over your credit reports.
73. Financial recovery specialists who want to work with you.
74. Offer loan skip payments.
75. Loan payment deferrals and modifications.
76. Secured credit cards to establish credit.
77. Loan programs to improve credit scores.
78. Provide credit scores through online banking.
79. Not afraid to find ways to say “yes.”
80. Access to people.

Staff are fun and engaging

81. Take member concerns seriously.
82. Dress up during holidays.
83. Make an effort to know your name.
84. Offer services that reflect your needs, not sales goal.
85. Give hugs to members.
86. Wear jeans on Friday.
87. Genuinely wants to know how your day is going.
88. Spend time getting to know you.
89. Volunteer their time for community events.
90. Management return phone calls.

Some more interesting things about credit unions

91. The first credit union in Manchester, New Hampshire founded in 1909.
92. Federal Credit Union Act was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939 to “promote thrift and thwart usury.”
93. Federal tax-exemption status.
94. But pay other types of taxes.
95. No tax dollars have been used to bail out credit unions.
96. Regulated and held to high standards to mitigate risk.
97. Not a single penny of federally insured deposits (NCUA) has been lost.
98. Cool names like Navy Federal, Lake Trust, and Blue.
99. Credit unions are international.
100. Offer discounts on cell service, tax preparation, cars, theme parks, and more.

101. Once a member, always a member.

I want to congratulate you if you’re reading this sentence. You made it!  

This list is based on personal experiences as a former credit union employee and a current credit union member.

Related Guides & Resources

• 👉 What Is a Credit Union? A Complete Guide →
• 👉 Credit Unions vs Banks: 5 Big Differences You Must Know →
• 👉 How to Join a Credit Union →
• 👉 How to Switch From a Bank to a Credit Union (Without the Hassle) →