3 Benefits of a Credit Union - California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union (2024)

3 Benefits of a Credit Union - California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union (1)

3 Benefits of a Credit Union - California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union (2)

People often ask, "What is a credit union?"

Well, just like banks, credit unions are financial institutions that offer a range of products and services to help you reach your financial goals. However, there are a few key differences that set a credit union apart, and we are here to share those with you.

3 Benefits of a Credit Union

Owned by the people, for the people.

Credit unions are nonprofits that are owned by you, the member, instead of being owned by shareholders. This means, that as a member, you get a say in the decisions the credit union makes.

Attractive rates.

Since credit unions are nonprofits, they have the ability to offer financial products and services at a more cost-effective rate for its members. Banks, on the other hand, need to make money for shareholders. At a credit union, the net proceeds are distributed back to the members in the form of lower fees, lower lending rates, and higher returns on savings.

Local and personalized service.

Credit unions are local organizations that work to serve the community they are in. They strive to build relationships with their members, seeing each person as an individual and not a number. They work to make informed decisions quickly, in order to provide you with the products and services you need in the moment.

Credit unions are a great choice if you are looking to have a voice in the way your financial institution is run, save money on interest and fee expenses, earn more on your savings, build relationships with those who serve you, and get timely decisions on your financial applications.

All materials contained herein are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute tax or legaladvice.

3 Benefits of a Credit Union - California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union (2024)

FAQs

3 Benefits of a Credit Union - California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union? ›

At a credit union, the net proceeds are distributed back to the members in the form of lower fees, lower lending rates, and higher returns on savings. Open a Savings Account Today!

Are California Credit Union and North Island Credit Union the same? ›

In Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties, we are known as California Credit Union. In San Diego and Riverside County, we do business as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union.

What are 2 benefits of using a credit union? ›

11 Benefits of Joining a Credit Union
  • Personalized Financial Services. ...
  • Low Fees and Great Rates. ...
  • Community Focus and Local Impact. ...
  • Member Ownership and Democracy. ...
  • Emphasis on Financial Education. ...
  • Accessibility and Convenience. ...
  • Focus on Financial Well-being. ...
  • Socially Responsible Investing.
Feb 27, 2024

What are the three top credit unions? ›

  • No. 1 — Navy Federal Credit Union.
  • No. 2 — State Employees' Credit Union.
  • No. 3 — Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
  • No. 4 — Boeing Employees' Credit Union.
  • No. 5 — SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.
  • No. 6 — Golden 1 Credit Union.
  • No. 7 — America First Credit Union.
  • No. 8 — Alliant Credit Union.
Apr 25, 2024

What are the pros and cons of a credit union? ›

The pros of credit unions include better interest rates than banks, while the cons include fewer branches and ATMs.

Is there a difference between credit unions? ›

Banks and credit unions both offer a number of financial products, including savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs). The main difference between the two is that banks are typically for-profit institutions while credit unions are not-for-profit and distribute their profits among their members.

How strong is California Credit Union? ›

Financial Security

We are highly capitalized, with a net worth ratio of 9.66%, which well exceeds regulatory requirements for well capitalized credit unions.

What are three pros and three cons for credit unions? ›

The Pros And Cons Of Credit Unions
  • Better interest rates on loans. Credit unions typically offer higher saving rates and lower loan rates compared to traditional banks. ...
  • High-level customer service. ...
  • Lower fees. ...
  • A variety of services. ...
  • Cross-collateralization. ...
  • Fewer branches, ATMs and services. ...
  • The biggest negative.
Oct 4, 2022

Is it OK to have 2 credit unions? ›

By spreading your accounts around to different federally insured banks and credit unions, you can get access to having more of your money insured by the NCUA or the FDIC. You can better manage your money and build your savings.

What are the 5 listed benefits of joining a credit union? ›

Pros of credit unions
  • Lower borrowing rates and higher deposit yields. Credit union profits go back to members, who are shareholders. ...
  • Variety of products. ...
  • Insured deposits. ...
  • More personal service. ...
  • Educational resources. ...
  • Member-owned.
Aug 24, 2023

What are 3 differences between a bank and a credit union? ›

But compared to banks, credit unions tend to be smaller, operate regionally and are not-for-profit. In many instances, they offer lower rates on loans, charge fewer fees and offer better interest rates for deposit accounts than traditional banks.

What is the biggest benefit of using a credit union? ›

The main benefits of a credit union vs. a bank are that credit unions tend to offer better rates and customer service, lower fees, and a national network of ATMs. However, a bank may offer more branches and products than a credit union.

What is the largest credit union in California? ›

The No. 1 honoree, SchoolsFirst FCU, is California's largest credit union, serving more than 1.3 million school employees and their families — and managing $28 billion in assets. This is the fifth consecutive year SchoolsFirst has earned a spot among the top-ranking credit unions on Forbes' annual rankings.

What are the benefits of using a credit union vs. a bank? ›

Pros and cons of credit unions
ProsCons
Fewer feesMembership required
More personalized service and product offeringsLimited online and mobile banking options
Lower borrowing ratesFewer physical locations
Higher deposit yieldsFewer product offerings
1 more row

What is a good credit score? ›

Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.

What are the pros and cons of a bank? ›

In conclusion, traditional banking offers a range of advantages such as personalized customer service, physical branches, and a sense of security and trust. However, it also has its drawbacks, including potential fees, limited accessibility, and lengthy processes.

What is the new name of North Island Credit Union? ›

In 2017, North Island Credit Union joined forces with California Credit Union to provide even greater opportunities to Californians throughout the state. A true partnership for the future, California Credit Union further established our roots in the local community and our proud ties to the military.

Who bought North Island Credit Union? ›

The credit union also has members in the San Diego area after it acquired North Island Credit Union in 2017, which has since operated under that name as a brand of California CU.

What was the previous name of the California Credit Union? ›

Los Angeles Teachers Credit Union was founded in 1933 to provide financial services to teachers and others in the education community. In 1995 the credit union changed its name to California Credit Union.

How many locations does California Credit Union have? ›

Welcome to your credit union

25 branches across Southern California to serve you. Find one close to you with our ATM locator.

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