If you don’t know the difference between a credit union and a bank, you’re not alone. Many consumers use the terms interchangeably or just use whichever one is closer and more convenient, without realizing how they operate.
When you’re looking for the best place to keep your money or take out a loan, it’s important to have all the information available to you.
The main difference between banks and credit unions is this: Although both financial institutions do similar things, each offers different pros for their members. The biggest difference between a bank and a credit union is that a bank is a for-profit institution and a credit union is a not-for-profit institution.
Keep reading to find out the difference between credit unions and banks and which one is best for you.
Credit Unions vs Banks Basics
Credit unions and banks are similar in some ways: they’re both financial institutions that offer services like checking accounts or loans, and can help you manage your money.
But the key difference is in how they operate: for-profit banks are open to everyone, while credit unions and non-profits only offer services to members.
| Credit Union | Banks | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Credit unions are not-for-profit and owned by the members. | Banks are for-profit and owned by investors. |
| Membership | Credit unions must limit their consumer base to a “field of membership”. | Anyone is eligible to open an account with a bank. |
| Products | Credit unions offer fewer products than banks. | Banks offer more products than credit unions. |
| Interest Rates | Credit unions generally offer better interest rates on consumer loans. | Banks offer higher interest rates on consumer loans. |
| Fees | Credit unions have less and lower fees than banks. | Banks have higher and more fees than credit unions. |
| Customer Service | Credit unions usually provide better-tailored customer service. | Bigger banks may offer you bad customer service. |
| Locations | Credit unions have fewer physical locations than banks. | Banks have more physical locations than credit unions. |
| Online Banking | Online banking is not as advanced compared to large banks. | Online banking is more advanced with banks. |
| Safety | Online banking is safe for credit unions and your money is FDIC insured up to $250,000. | Online banking is safe for banks and your money is FDIC insured up to $250,000. |
What That Means
Since banks are for-profit (and are often very profitable and have market caps), they pay taxes on their earnings. Because of this, they often charge higher monthly maintenance fees and pay lower rates to consumers.
On the flip side, credit unions can offer lower fees and pay higher rates because they are non-profit and exempt from federal taxes. Credit unions can even put their surplus income back to the members!
Credit unions are also owned and controlled by the members and not shareholders. They are run by a local board of directors, who are voted on by the members. As a credit union member, you can vote on how things are run, putting a lot more control in the hands of the customer than at a traditional bank.
That may sound like an obvious reason to choose a credit union, but unfortunately, it isn’t that simple. Credit unions require memberships, which isn’t always easy to get. Some credit unions have strict eligibility, like only for those working in a certain industry, like the Teachers Plus Credit Union, or living in a particular area, like the Dane County Credit Union.
Credit Union vs Banks: Which One Is Better?
Both institutions have their pros and cons. Many people find that credit unions have better customer service than banks, often because they are community-focused.
This means they might be more likely to approve loans or help you manage your finances, whereas big banks are often unable to provide personalized service.
Banks, on the other hand, often offer more products and services than credit unions. For example, not all credit unions have commercial loans or other services for small businesses.
Some credit unions, especially smaller, local ones, may not have many branches, have shorter hours than traditional banks, or fewer ATMs. They are also less likely to have the latest technology in online banking — large, national banks are leading the charge in that sense and are often more convenient than credit unions.
Ultimately, you need to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you’re concerned about fees or interest, a credit union might be the solution for you.
But if you’re looking to start your own business and need convenient access to branches, a bank could be the better option.
- Get spotted up to $250 without fees
- Join 10+ million people using the finance super app
- Banking with instant discounts on gas, food delivery, groceries and more
- Start investing, saving, and budgeting for free
