Credit Union Members Know the Difference
When it comes to your financial life, selecting a trusted partner is extremely important. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of International Credit Union Day, let’s take a look at the top 75 reasons to make your partner a credit union.
75 Reasons to Join a Credit Union
- Caring Team: At a credit union, you’ll find real people helping people everyday.
- Lower Interest Rates on Loans: Credit unions often offer lower interest rates on loans, which can save you money over time.
- There for Your Biggest Firsts: Credit unions help you finance your first car, get your first mortgage, establish a savings for your first born child, and more.
- Local Focus:Around here, we have a strong understanding of the communities we serve.
- Great Rates on Savings Accounts: Earn more on your savings with competitive interest rates at a credit union.
- Innovation: Credit unions offer the same suite of online services and apps as bigger banks.
- Member Ownership: As a member, you’re also an owner, with a say in how the credit union operates.
- Goodbye Un-needed Fees: Community Choice recently eliminated numerous ‘nuisance’ fees for members.
- Not-For-Profit Structure: Credit unions are member owned and not-for-profit, so earnings go back to members in the form of better rates and services.
- Community Involvement: Credit unions actively participate in community events and support local causes.
- Credit Unions Care! You may find it less stressful to engage with a credit union to qualify for small personal loans when compared to the experience at traditional banks.
- Local Decision Making: Local member centers have the authority to make decisions that benefit their members.
- Member-centric! Credit unions offer quality service personalized for the needs of individual members.
- Convenient Locations: Credit unions give you convenient access to your accounts at numerous member centers.
- ATMs Everywhere! Credit unions offer thousands of ATMs across the country through credit union networks.
- e-Deposit: Community Choice helps you deposit checks using your smartphone for added convenience.
- Community Investment: Credit unions often reinvest in the local community through scholarships, sponsorships, and small business loans.
- Shared Branching: Credit unions work together to let you use other credit union branches like your own.
- Personalized Financial Counseling: Get expert advice tailored to your financial goals on your personalized Choice Map.
- Lower Credit Card Rates: Enjoy lower interest rates on credit cards, saving you money.
- Competitive Mortgage Rates: Find affordable home financing options at favorable rates.
- Scholarship Opportunities: The Community Choice Foundation supports students of every age.
- Home Equity Loans: Tap into your home’s equity for home improvement or other expenses.
- Auto Loans: Get financing for your vehicle purchase with competitive rates.
- Financial Education: Community Choice’s financial wellness program, Choice Map, provides certified credit union advisor that can help members identify and meet their financial goals.
- Recreational Vehicle Loans: Finance your dream RV, boat, or motorcycle purchase.
- Personal Loans: Borrow for various needs, often with flexible terms and low interest.
- Online Account Opening: Easily open new accounts online.
- Business Loans: Credit unions offer business loans to support local entrepreneurs.
- Student Loans: Secure affordable financing for education expenses.
- Credit Score Monitoring: View your current credit score, and identify ways to maintain or improve your score.
- Debt Consolidation Programs: Combine high-interest debt into a more manageable payment plan.
- Overdraft Protection: Avoid costly overdraft fees with overdraft protection.
- Tutorial Videos: Learn tips and tricks related to your financial life.
- Identity Theft Protection: Receive assistance and protection in case of identity theft.
- Insurance Products: Access insurance products to protect what matters most.
- Individual Retirement Accounts: Plan for retirement with competitive IRA options.
- Certificates of Deposit: Lock in a fixed interest rate with CD accounts.
- No Hidden Fees: Credit unions are transparent about their fees, ensuring you know what to expect.
- e-Pay: Simplify bill payments online by paying within e-Banking.
- Wire Transfer Services: Securely transfer funds domestically or internationally.
- Payment Options: Obtain money orders or cashier’s checks for secure payments.
- Notary Services: Get documents notarized conveniently at your credit union.
- 24/7 Account Access: Access your accounts at any time, day or night, with e-Banking.
- Express Pay: Members can receive direct deposit up to two business days early!
- Online Loan Applications: Apply for loans online for added convenience.
- Member Rewards: Community Choice members have access to exclusive benefits and offerings.
- Youth Savings Programs: Teach kids financial responsibility with youth savings programs.
- Teen Checking Accounts: MyChoice members can learn to manage money with their own checking accounts and debit cards.
- Financial Literacy Workshops: Attend workshops to improve your financial knowledge.
- Trust Services: Establish trusts and ensure your assets are managed as per your wishes with the assistance of CU Trust.
- Business Banking: Credit unions offer a suite of business banking services.
- Merchant Services: Businesses can access payment processing and other Treasury Management services.
- Business Checking Accounts: Manage business finances with convenient checking accounts.
- Member Appreciation Events: Enjoy exclusive events and promotions as a credit union member.
- Skip-a-Payment Programs: Credit unions offer the option to skip a loan payment during tough times.
- Member Referral Bonuses: Earn rewards for referring new members to the credit union.
- Online Budgeting Tools: Access tools to help you budget and manage your finances.
- Discounts on Entertainment: Members with Choice Checking get discounts on entertainment and more!
- Low Minimum Balance Requirements: Many accounts have low minimum balance requirements.
- Online Calculators: Use calculators to plan your financial future.
- Online Account Management Tools: Manage your accounts efficiently online.
- Mobile Wallet Integration: Use mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay with your accounts.
- Charitable Giving Opportunities: Participate in charitable initiatives through your credit union.
- Social Responsibility Programs: Support organizations and causes that your credit union is involved in.
- Online Chat Support: Get quick assistance through online chat services.
- Access to Investment Advisors: Consult with financial advisors from Community Choice Investment Services.
- Enhanced Online Security: Credit unions prioritize online security to protect your accounts.
- Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs): Access a line of credit based on your home’s equity for various expenses.
- Reach Your Goals: Access the products and services to help reach your goals (without any pressure to use products and services just so the credit union can reach its goals).
- Cash Fast! Express Cash gives access to emergency funding with only 6 clicks in 60 seconds.
- Join the Team: Find career choices you may have never considered and surround yourself with the good kind of different.
- Community = Everyone: Employees in the cannabis industry sometimes have issues accessing even the most basic banking services elsewhere. Community Choice welcomes members of the cannabis industry with open arms.
- Keep Savings Goals in Sight: Community Choice’s goal-based saving tool, Targets, is simple; choose the dollar amount you want to save, set a timeline to achieve your goal, and Targets will help keep you on track!