What’s The Difference Between A Bank And A Credit Union? (2024)

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When you’re looking for a new checking or savings account, a loan or a line of credit, you have more choices than just the myriad local and national banks that compete for your business. An often-overlooked option for these sorts of products is the credit union, which offers many of the same types of financial products and services you can get at a bank.

But what exactly is a credit union, and how is it different from a traditional bank? Although banks and credit unions have similar offerings, there are some important distinctions between these two types of institutions.

Understanding the difference between banks and credit unions can help you make the best decisions for your household.

For-Profit vs. Nonprofit

What makes banks and credit unions different from each other is their profit status. Banks are for-profit, meaning they are either privately owned or publicly traded, while credit unions are nonprofit institutions. This for-profit vs. not-for-profit divide is the reason for the difference between the products and services each type of institution offers.

A credit union is owned by its members, since the institution is actually set up as a cooperative. Credit unions typically open membership to individuals who share a common bond, such as the industry they are employed in, the community they live in, their faith or their membership in another organization.

In addition, as a nonprofit, credit unions are also generally exempt from federal taxes, and some credit unions even receive subsidies from the organizations that they are affiliated with. This means credit unions do not have to worry about making profits for shareholders.

It is the credit union’s mission to provide its members with the best terms it can afford for their financial products. This means members generally get lower rates on loans, pay fewer (and lower) fees and earn higher APYs on savings products than bank customers do.

Banks are focused on making a profit, rather than specifically centering on the needs of the account holders. This is one of the reasons you’ll often find that banks charge more fees, and at a higher rate, than credit unions do. Interest rates on lending also tend to be higher at banks, while their APYs on savings products tend to be lower.

Advantages of Banks Over Credit Unions

  • More financial products and services: Banks offer a variety of products and services, while credit unions tend to stick with a few core offerings, such as deposit accounts, credit cards and loans. Many banks provide investment accounts and financial advisory services in addition to standard banking products.
  • Physical branches and ATMs: One of the main draws of banks is their physical locations. Many people like having access to bank tellers and ATMs—preferably right in their neighborhood. Though a lot of banking occurs online nowadays, sometimes there’s a need to visit a branch or take out cash, making banks preferable to credit unions for certain consumers.
  • Better online and mobile banking options: Banks are generally more advanced when it comes to websites and mobile apps, making managing your accounts a breeze. Though many credit unions offer online banking, the quality and availability of mobile apps are hit or miss. If you prefer banking from your laptop or phone, banks will likely provide a better experience than credit unions.

Advantages of Credit Unions Over Banks

  • Fewer fees and requirements: Credit unions tend to have lower costs and more flexibility than banks. For example, credit unions are more likely than banks to offer checking accounts without monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.
  • Better rates on savings accounts and loans: Credit unions offer higher interest rates on savings accounts and lower rates on loans—exactly what consumers want. Higher interest rates on bank accounts help your money grow faster, while lower rates on loans make it cheaper to borrow money.
  • Attentive customer service: Since credit unions are smaller and committed to serving their members, not investors, they tend to provide better customer service. Credit union representatives will likely give you personalized attention and help you identify the best services for your needs—something often lacking at large banks.

FDIC vs. NCUA

A common concern about credit unions is that they’re not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. However, even though credit unions are not subject to FDIC insurance, Congress created the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) in 1970 to insure deposits in credit union accounts.

The FDIC is a government agency that provides deposit insurance for up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. If your bank were to fail or run out of money, the FDIC will pay account holders the money they are due from the accounts in the failed bank. FDIC insurance has been around since 1933 to prevent the kind of bank runs and panic that occurred when banks failed in the 1920s and early 1930s.

Before 1970 and the creation of the NCUA, credit union members had no such insurance should their financial institution fold suddenly. Like FDIC insurance, NCUA insurance guarantees up to $250,000 per share owner, per insured credit union, for each account ownership category, should the credit union close or go into conservatorship.

All federal credit unions and most state credit unions are insured by the NCUA. At the NCUA website, you can see if your credit union is covered, and NCUA-insured credit unions always prominently display their insurance status on signage in their branches.

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Pros and Cons

Which financial institution will be a better fit for you and your family—a bank or a credit union?

Banks

Pros

  • Accounts FDIC-insured up to $250,000
  • Convenience
  • Financial technology
  • Likely more branches and ATMs / More products offered

Cons

  • More and higher fees
  • May offer lower APYs on savings vehicles
  • Higher interest rates on loans

Credit Unions

Pros

  • May offer lower interest rates on loans
  • Higher APYs on savings vehicles
  • Fewer and lower fees
  • Excellent customer service and financial education
  • Accounts NCUA-insured up to $250,000

Cons

  • May have fewer branches and ATMs
  • Less access to financial technology
  • Fewer products offered
  • Eligibility requirements to become a member

Making the Right Choice for Your Money

While banks and credit unions offer a number of the same products and services, they are not the same. For consumers who need nationwide convenience, easy access to mobile banking and a wide array of different products, a bank may be the better bet. But consumers who need lower rates and fees, higher APYs, a personal touch when it comes to customer service and access to excellent, free financial education may do better with a credit union.

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Bottom Line

Choosing a bank or credit union comes down to what you value. Consumers who value technology and access to in-person services may prefer banks, while those who value better rates and customer service may be better suited for credit unions. You will need to consider all the factors to choose the option that aligns with your banking needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get a loan from a credit union?

Loan processing times at credit unions vary by the lender and type of loan you’re applying for. Generally, you can expect a response one to seven business days after submitting your application. If approved, the loan funds should arrive in your account a few days to a week later.

How to close a bank or credit union account?

Closing an account at a bank or credit union typically involves calling the customer service number to submit a request. Be aware that some institutions may require you to visit a branch to complete the process, while others may let you initiate a request online.

How long does an international transfer take for credit unions and banks?

International transfers typically arrive within one to seven business days for banks and credit unions, though exact transfer times vary by currency. You can find international transfer information on your bank’s or credit union’s website.

What’s The Difference Between A Bank And A Credit Union? (2024)

FAQs

What’s The Difference Between A Bank And A Credit Union? ›

Banks are typically for-profit entities owned by shareholders who expect to earn dividends. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives that are committed to the financial success of the individuals, families, and communities they serve.

Which is better, a bank or a credit union? ›

The Bottom Line. Credit unions can be ideal for a low-interest loan, lower mortgage closing costs, or reduced fees, but you'll need to qualify for membership. Larger banks may offer you more choices regarding products, apps, and international or commercial products and services, and anyone can join.

What is the downside of banking with a credit union? ›

Limited accessibility. Credit unions tend to have fewer branches than traditional banks. A credit union may not be close to where you live or work, which could be a problem unless your credit union is part of a shared branch network and/or a large ATM network such as Allpoint or MoneyPass.

Which is safer a regular bank or a credit union? ›

However, because credit unions serve mostly individuals and small businesses (rather than large investors) and are known to take fewer risks, credit unions are generally viewed as safer than banks in the event of a collapse. Regardless, both types of financial institutions are equally protected.

What are three big differences between banks and credit unions? ›

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.

Why do banks not like credit unions? ›

First, bankers believe it is unfair that credit unions are exempt from federal taxation while the taxes that banks pay represent a significant fraction of their earnings—33 percent last year. Second, bankers believe that credit unions have been allowed to expand far beyond their original purpose.

What's the best credit union to join? ›

Here are some of the country's top credit unions:
  • Alliant Credit Union. Alliant offers an above-average interest rate for savings. ...
  • Consumers Credit Union. ...
  • Navy Federal Credit Union. ...
  • Connexus Credit Union. ...
  • First Tech Federal Credit Union.

What is a weakness of a credit union? ›

With a credit union, you might have to do some extensive research to compare accounts and find out what services they offer. Credit unions only serve certain groups of people and if the ones you can join don't have mobile banking or their apps aren't up to par, that could potentially be a major disadvantage.

Can a credit union crash like a bank? ›

Experts told us that credit unions do fail, like banks (which are also generally safe), but rarely. And deposits up to $250,000 at federally insured credit unions are guaranteed, just as they are at banks.

Are credit unions safe if banks fail? ›

Like banks, which are federally insured by the FDIC, credit unions are insured by the NCUA, making them just as safe as banks.

What happens to credit unions when banks collapse? ›

If your money is at a credit union, it is similarly protected by the NCUA, with the same limits. This can provide peace of mind, no matter what type of institution you prefer for your money.

Should I move all my money to a credit union? ›

You'll save more money.

Instead of paying shareholders a portion of the profit generated, credit unions return their profits to their member-owners in the form of better dividends on savings, lower interest rates on loans, interest-earning checking and fewer fees.

Can you get a debit card from a credit union? ›

If you are opening a checking account at a credit union or traditional bank you will be offered a debit card when you open your account. Or you may request a debit card at any time. Most financial institutions let you apply for a debit card online.

Why choose a credit union over a bank? ›

Credit unions tend to offer higher interest rates for savings accounts than banks. Lower loan rates. Credit unions typically charge lower interest rates for loans than banks. Lower fees.

Why choose a credit union over a big bank? ›

People choose banks primarily because of the convenience of multiple branches across the country, along with better technology. On the flip side, people choose credit unions primarily because of discounted loan rates, higher interest rates and better customer service.

What is the best bank to use? ›

Best Banks of April 2024
  • Capital One 360 Checking: Best online checking account.
  • Chase Total Checking®: Best for a large branch network.
  • Axos Bank Rewards Checking: Best for online account options.
  • Discover® Bank: Best for doing all of your banking at one place.
  • Synchrony Bank: Best high-yield savings account.
Mar 27, 2024

Are credit unions safer than banks during a recession? ›

bank in a recession, the credit union is likely to fare a little better. Both can be hit hard by tough economic conditions, but credit unions were statistically less likely to fail during the Great Recession. But no matter which you go with, you shouldn't worry about losing money.

Why are credit unions so much better than banks? ›

Why Choose a Credit Union? Lower interest rates on loans and credit cards; higher rates of return on CDs and savings accounts. Since credit unions are non-profits and have lower overhead costs than banks, we are able to pass on cost savings to consumers through competitively priced loan and deposit products.

What is the biggest difference between a bank and a credit union? ›

Banks are typically for-profit entities owned by shareholders who expect to earn dividends. Credit unions, on the other hand, are not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives that are committed to the financial success of the individuals, families, and communities they serve.

What is a benefit of being a member at a credit union? ›

Credit unions can offer great interest rates and low fees. Rather than paying profit margins to investors, credit unions put profits back into the business by offering low interest rates on loans and high interest rates on savings accounts, effectively giving any extra money back to credit union members.

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