Credit unions offer the same �nancial services you’ll �nd at banks. The

difference? Credit unions offer those �nancial services, while keeping you

and your needs in mind. Banking doesn’t have to be a frustrating endeavor.

Say goodbye to long lines, poor customer service and ridiculously high rates and

fees. Instead, entrust your money with a credit union, where decisions are made

with your needs in mind.

SOURCEShttp://www.investopedia.com/�nancial-edge/1211/6-bene�ts-of-using-a-credit-union.aspx

http://www.lovemycreditunion.org/Why-Join-a-Credit-Union-156.html

https://www.western.org/the-bene�ts-of-a-credit-union

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/05/02/how-you-can-avoid-rising-atm-fees

http://www.gallup.com/poll/1597/con�dence-institutions.aspx

http://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/credit-unions-vs-banks/#.U80nMPldX5w

http://www.daily�nance.com/2011/11/01/5-credit-unions-myths-debunked/

http://www.co-opsharedbranch.org/about-us/?bene�ts

71% of credit unions belong to a surcharge-free ATM network,

which includes as many as70,000 ATMs.

90% of savings & CD accounts with a rate beating inflation were credit union

products.

of business checking

accounts at credit unions are free, compared to 13% of

banks.

39%

89% of the top credit unions in states with high senior populations offer free or

senior checking, compared to 62% of banks.

of the time credit unions are found to be better for student checking than big banks that

are near campus.

88% 70% of the top-10 credit

unions offer a free checking account, while only 10% of

banks do the same.

THE FACTS

Friendly and AccessibleCool perks, such as free classes or useful productsMember-Owned, Member-RunStrives to benefit each of its membersNon-ProfitsLow Credit Card Fees and Interest RatesHigh Interest Rates on Savings Accounts, certificates and Money Market AccountsLow Cost of Free Checking with Low or No Minimum Balance Requirements

BENEFITS OF A CREDIT UNION

CREDIT UNION MISCONCEPTIONS

Only certain people are eligible to join.

Credit unions offer fewer services than banks.

Credit unions aren’t guaranteed by the FDIC.

MISCONCEPTION FACT

Many credit unions are “community charters,” meaning membership privileges are available to anyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school within a geographic area.

Credit unions provide many of the same services as banks, typically at a more reasonable rate.

Credit unions have their own self-funded, federally-guaranteed deposit insurance fund through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Simply put, your deposits are just as safe in a credit union as they are in a bank.

You are a member or stakeholder, meaning you have an individual vote and say in what happens.

A volunteer board of directors, which are elected by account holders, represent the credit union members.A volunteer board of directors, which are elected by account holders, represent the credit union members.

It’s service focused, offering competitive rates and value-added products.

Credit union ATMs are typically fee-free.

You’ll receive higher rates on savings, checking, money market and share certificates.

Many credit unions have shared branching, giving you access to nearly 30,000 ATM locations nationwide, 5,000 credit union branches and more then 2,000 self–service locations.

CREDIT UNIONS BANKS

You’re just a customer at a bank, with its goal being to make money for the company’s stockholders.

It’s a for-profit financial institution, which is controlled by stockholders and paid officials.

Banks are driven by profits.

The profits are primarily returned to the stockholders.

Often, bank ATMS charge a withdrawal fee, with the average cost being $2.45 to use an out-of-network ATM.

74% of Americans say they have some or very little confidence in banks, with only 10% saying they have a great deal of confidence.

CREDIT UNIONS ARE DESIGNED WITH ONE SOLE GOAL IN MIND:Meeting their members’ needs. Unlike banks which can often feel cold

and formal, credit unions are friendly, accessible and member run, meaning

when you bank there, you have a say in what happens. And because credit

unions are not-for-pro�t, there’s more focus on �nding the right products for

their members.That’s right; it’s as great as it sounds. Credit unions are here to

serve you.

BANKING ON CREDIT UNIONS