If you’re not careful, the fees that come with using a checking account can add up quickly.

Getting cash from an out-of-network ATM costs more than ever. Average total ATM fees, including both the charge from your own bank as well as from the ATM’s operator, are at a record high of $4.86, according to a recent Bankrate survey.

The average minimum balance required to avoid a monthly maintenance fee on an interest-bearing checking account has reached an all-time high, too. Customers have to keep $10,705 in their accounts to sidestep a fee of $15.65, on average.

Overdraft fees have dropped slightly from 2024, but they’re still steep, averaging $26.77.

The good news is that you can steer clear of all these fees, especially if you choose your account wisely. Use these tips to keep them at bay.

Beat ATM surcharges

Before you withdraw cash at an ATM, make sure the ATM is in your bank’s network. Some institutions are members of large networks, such as Allpoint or MoneyPass, that allow customers to withdraw money fee-free from tens of thousands of ATMs around the country.

And members of credit unions that are part of the CO-OP network can access more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

Another idea: When you use your debit card to make purchases at participating retailers, such as some grocery stores and pharmacies, you may be able to get cash back as part of the transaction (but check first whether the merchant charges a fee for this service).

Keep in mind that retailers often impose lower limits than ATMs on how much cash you can get.

Some banks reimburse customers for out-of-network ATM surcharges. Ally Bank, for example, refunds up to $10 monthly in ATM fees for those who use its checking account or money market deposit account.

Charles Schwab Bank reimburses all ATM surcharges, both in the U.S. and abroad, with its Investor Checking and Investor Savings accounts.

The Cash Management Account from Fidelity Investments includes unlimited reimbursement of ATM fees worldwide, too.

Dodge other fees

You can still find free, no-strings checking accounts. The above-mentioned accounts from Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank and Fidelity don’t charge a monthly fee, and other internet banks offer no-fee checking, too, including Axos Bank, Capital One 360, Discover Bank and EverBank.

Even checking accounts that charge a monthly fee usually offer at least one way to avoid it. You may be able to skip the fee if you set up direct deposit, for example.

And plenty of accounts that include a minimum-balance requirement as a qualification have a threshold of less than $10,000. TD Bank, for instance, lets you skip the $15 monthly fee on its Beyond Checking account if you meet one of three requirements, and one of them is maintaining a daily balance of $2,500 in the account.

If you’re enrolled in overdraft coverage, your bank will cover for you if you spend more money than you have in your checking account, but it’ll charge you an overdraft fee.

You can opt out of overdraft coverage; in that case, your debit card may be declined in a transaction if you have inadequate funds in your account.

Alternatively, many banks let you link your checking account to a backup source, such as a savings account, and have money automatically transferred if you overdraw your checking account.

Some institutions charge a fee for this service, but it’s typically less than what you’d pay for overdraft coverage. Other banks offer overdraft transfers at no extra charge.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Banks and credit unions have made a lot of effort through the years to restore the trust of Americans who rely on them to hold their hard-earned money.

Since the turn of the century, consumers have had plenty of reasons to be selective and critical of institutions due to cyberattacks, personal identification hacks, mismanagement of accounts and the mortgage crisis of the late 2000s.

Trust in a financial institution is built over time, yet it can be lost in an instant. When that trust is fragile, as it's been for some time, the role of a credit union becomes even clearer.

Kiplinger's Adviser Intel, formerly known as Building Wealth, is a curated network of trusted financial professionals who share expert insights on wealth building and preservation. Contributors, including fiduciary financial planners, wealth managers, CEOs and attorneys, provide actionable advice about retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies and more. Experts are invited to contribute and do not pay to be included, so you can trust their advice is honest and valuable.

People want to know that the organization holding their money sees a customer as more than an account number. Individuals, couples and families want a financial partner that listens, responds, and acts with their best interests at heart.

Trust is built through daily actions

For me, trust is built in those everyday moments when a member's well-being comes first. It's the time to listen to someone who's uncertain about their finances, the clarity a financial institution can provide when options feel overwhelming, and the follow-through that shows words matter.

Each action sends a signal that there's an investment in people's security and peace of mind.

That commitment is woven into how we operate at Affinity Federal Credit Union, where I am the CEO and president.

Reliability, transparency, and empathy shape every interaction. If we make a mistake, we own it. If a concern goes unresolved, we revisit it until it's right.

That consistency forms the base layer of trust because members notice not just what we do well, but how we respond when things don't go as planned.

One moment that stands out involved a member facing unexpected medical bills and struggling to keep up with loan payments.

Rather than send a form letter, our team reached out to the person directly, reviewed the situation, and adjusted the repayment schedule so it fit the member's reality.

There was nothing complex about it on our side. It was just a simple act of understanding. That approach reinforced what trust really means: being there when people need you most.

Different generations often define trust in slightly different ways:

• Younger members tend to associate it with convenience and digital reliability. They want seamless, secure access paired with responsiveness when they reach out.
• Older members often value face-to-face relationships and personal familiarity.

The common thread is dependability. Whether someone taps a mobile app or walks into a branch, they want to feel the same level of care and accountability.

Balancing technology and human connection

It's important to focus on aligning technology and the people a financial institution serves. Strong digital tools make banking easier, but they can't replace empathy or judgment.

When personal connection is supported by trustworthy systems, members feel confident that their financial partner is looking out for them.

Looking for expert tips to grow and preserve your wealth? Sign up for Adviser Intel (formerly known as Building Wealth), our free, twice-weekly newsletter.

Trust can erode quickly in today's environment. Cyberattacks, fraud, misinformation, and confusing fees all have the potential to weaken confidence. My team at Affinity takes those risks seriously.

Our employees receive ongoing training to stay ahead of new scams, and our response teams act immediately when a threat arises. Every communication is clear, prompt, and honest.

That transparency, especially in stressful moments, strengthens trust.

Recent data reinforces that there's still work to do. A 2025 Accenture study found that while most consumers trust their main bank to keep their data secure, barely half extend that same trust to other financial providers. That gap shows why steady communication and visible action matter.

People want to see that their institution is as invested in their safety as they are in their savings.

Trust through shared ownership

What makes credit union trust distinct is that it's built on shared ownership. Members aren't customers. They're part of the cooperative itself.

Every decision these institutions make is shaped by accountability to those they serve, not to outside shareholders. That creates a deeper sense of purpose behind every interaction.

When people know an institution exists to serve rather than to sell, trust comes more naturally.

People want to feel that their financial partner is steady, transparent, and genuinely on their side. Credit unions were built to uphold that mission.

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This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

In 2023, InvestiFi helped WeStreet Credit Union and Frankenmuth Credit Union offer crypto investing services to members.

"At the time, most credit unions weren't willing to jump into the market," says Kian Sarreshteh, CEO and co-founder of InvestiFi.

The environment for cryptocurrency is much more favorable today. Bitcoin went above $124,000, an all-time high, earlier this year, while many other coins are notching milestones of their own.

Crypto stocks are also red hot, as evidenced by the impressive price action in cryptocurrency platform Coinbase Global (COIN) and the strong public offerings of CoinDesk owner Bullish (BLSH) and stablecoin provider Circle Internet (CRCL).

In the meantime, the regulatory environment is much more amenable, as seen with the recent passage of the GENIUS Act, short for the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, which provides a framework for stablecoins.

There is also the recent regulatory guidance from the National Credit Union Administration, which has made it easier for credit unions to provide crypto services through partnerships with licensed service providers.

"These relationships allow credit unions to facilitate crypto investing without directly managing or holding the digital assets," says Felix Shipkevich, special professor of law at Hofstra Law.

In light of these developments, credit unions have shown growing interest in welcoming digital investing solutions. In the case of InvestiFi, it's continuing to partner with notable institutions such as Florida's Ocala Community Credit Union, Nevada's Clark County Credit Union and Oklahoma's Citizens Bank of Edmond.

"Credit unions are realizing that if they don't offer crypto to their members, their members are going to engage in crypto anyway and transfer their money to third-party crypto platforms to do so," Sarreshteh says.

Let's look at the type of services credit unions are offering their members, as well as the pros and cons for investing in crypto.

What types of crypto services are credit unions offering?

Generally, a credit union will use a technology partner such as InvestiFi to manage crypto services, including the buying and selling of digital assets.

This allows consumers to have a more robust offering, with access to mobile apps, a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, and high levels of security and risk management.

Credit union members can make transactions through their bank account, which makes the process convenient. The fees are usually competitive, too.

"Most credit unions are finding a happy medium with transparent transaction fees to the members that are lower than most major crypto exchanges and also don't have nearly as high of spreads as many of the platforms," Sarreshteh says.

The spread is the difference between the bid and ask price on a crypto transaction. This is a way that some cryptocurrency exchanges will disguise fees, even though they claim to be "commission-free."

The pros and cons of crypto investing

One of the main benefits of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is to allow for peer-to-peer electronic cash transactions that do not rely on governmental or financial institutions.

Built on blockchain technology, these assets record transactions in a publicly accessible ledger secured through cryptography.

"Cryptocurrencies can be traded or transferred 24/7, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, and are especially useful for international payments," says Philip Martin, chief security officer at Coinbase. "They create opportunities for diversification, more efficient transactions, and greater financial flexibility."

However, for many people, cryptocurrencies are about the potential of making attractive returns. This type of investment is emerging as an asset class, similar to stocks or bonds.

Yet the volatility can be extreme. Within minutes, the price of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can make a dramatic move higher or lower, with little or no apparent reason.

Because of this, it's important for investors to evaluate their financial goals and tolerance for risk. It's usually a good idea to talk with a financial adviser.

One very important note: When investing in crypto through a credit union, the deposit insurance, which is similar to the FDIC insurance that protects your money at a bank, doesn't apply to digital assets.

"At InvestiFi, we thoroughly vet our crypto custodial partners, which are all regulated trust companies," Sarreshteh says.

"They all carry a certain amount of private insurance. While this does not cover all types of events of lost crypto and is not always dollar-for-dollar coverage, it is more than what you would get on almost every other crypto exchange or wallet."

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About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards

The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: National Banks

These large brick-and-mortar institutions have a presence in many states, and they offer a range of products and services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and loans. We assessed readers’ overall satisfaction with their bank, their opinion of its customer service, and the likelihood they would recommend the bank to others. 

OVERALL WINNER: KeyBank

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Readers bestowed KeyBank with the highest total score among national banks. It has 1,000 full-service branches in 16 states scattered around the U.S. Notably, KeyBank’s basic Key Smart Checking account has no maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement. 

Key Select Checking comes with extra perks, such as reimbursement of out-of-network ATM fees, and the monthly fee is waivable if you have $5,000 monthly in direct deposits or meet other requirements. Savings accounts with KeyBank recently yielded as much as 4% for the first six months, and one of the CDs has a 5% yield over a nine-month term.

Huntington Bank

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Huntington Bank also earned high praise from readers. “An excellent bank that cares about its customers,” says one survey respondent.

Huntington operates approximately 1,000 branches in 11 states, primarily in the Midwest. The bank offers four types of checking accounts; some are loaded with perks, such as unlimited no-fee withdrawals from non-Huntington ATMs and interest rate benefits with money market accounts and savings accounts. 

If you’re looking for a no-fuss account, check out Asterisk-Free Checking, which requires no minimum opening balance and no monthly maintenance fees. Yields on money market deposit accounts hover at about 4.4% on balances of $25,000 up to $2 million.

Chase Bank 

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Overall satisfaction

Chase is the largest bank in the U.S., with millions of customers and more than 4,700 branches in all of the lower 48 states. “For such a huge bank, they seem to do most things right,” says one reader. Survey respondents also complimented the personal touch that the bank offers clients. “A Chase representative occasionally calls just to check in, which is really appreciated.”

The bank offers a handful of checking and savings accounts. To avoid a monthly maintenance fee on its basic account, Chase Total Checking, maintain a $1,500 minimum balance in checking or meet other requirements. CDs with yields up to 5% were recently available, depending on the deposit amount and term. 

TD Bank

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended

Readers called TD Bank “accessible, friendly and competent” and “extremely accommodating” in our survey, and they spoke highly of its customer service. “TD Bank reps really go out of their way to resolve issues,” says one respondent.

With more than 1,100 branches in 15 states and Washington, D.C., TD has a large presence on the East Coast. Its Complete Checking account charges no monthly fee if you keep a minimum checking balance of $500 or meet other requirements, and Beyond Checking (maintaining $2,500 in checking is one way to avoid the monthly fee) comes with benefits such as free standard checks and reimbursed wire transfer fees.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• Airline Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Homeowners Insurance Companies 
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

Getting a credit card from a larger bank sounds like a good idea. After all, some come with generous cash back rewards to help you save on everyday purchases.

However, larger financial institutions don't always have the best customer service, and people are starting to take notice, according to a recent study.

68% of national banks last year issued consumers their primary cards and have an even stronger lead among consumers who also bank with them, according to the study by PYMNTS Intelligence and Elan Credit Card. This, however, is a significant decline from the 76% that big banks issued in 2020, as shown in the study, which surveyed 2,088 U.S. consumers who earn more than $100,000 annually.

By contrast, credit unions and small banks — which still have relatively small market shares — have increased their shares over the same time period. Credit unions grew their share of primary credit cards from 6% in 2020 to 8.3% in 2023, while community banks increased theirs from 2.3% to 5.1% in the same time period.

The numbers aren’t massive, but they certainly indicate some shifting preferences, especially, as the study states, national banks trend in the opposite direction. In addition, one in four survey participants said they are most likely to use either a credit union or community bank for their next credit card application.

“Though modest in absolute terms, these shifts represent sizable relative gains,” PYMNTS and Elan say in the study.

The appeal of going small

There are a number of reasons to consider joining a credit union or community bank, especially during unsettling financial times.

Credit unions usually tout lower interest rates than national banks. The reason for this is that they're member-owned, meaning everyone who has an account with them is a partial owner.

Because many don't pay out to shareholders, they can keep their rates lower, giving them an edge on larger financial institutions. And it could save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the loan in interest fees.

It can also help you save more money quicker, as they tend to have higher rates of return on high-yield savings accounts and CDs.

Banking locally also ensures that your money stays in your community. As shopping and sourcing locally increase in popularity, perhaps so too does banking locally in the interest of community.

According to the study, key features that participants valued most — and that credit unions and small banks could improve on — include rewards and cash-back programs.

If you’re interested in exploring credit unions as an option for your next card, some of Kiplinger’s top picks include Alliant, which offers low fees and attractive CD options, as well as Bellco and Connexus, each for their ranges of free checking account options and savings yields. You can learn more about each one here.

The bottom line

The appeal to going local for banking is slowly growing. With one in four considering community banks or credit unions for their next credit card, it indicates a shift in the way some view smaller financial institutions.

Credit unions do an exceptional job offering lower interest rates on loans and higher rates on savings and CDs. The only drawback to going with smaller options like community banks is you might miss out on better cashback rewards offered by larger banks. Therefore, prioritize what you need from your next credit card or savings account before making the switch.

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced a plan to curb bank overdraft fees, which it says cost American consumers billions of dollars annually. 

Under the proposal, some overdraft fees could drop to as low as $3.

“The proposed rule would allow financial institutions to charge a fee in line with their costs or in accordance with an established benchmark,” the consumer watchdog agency said. The CFPB has proposed benchmarks of $3, $6, $7 or $14 and is seeking public comment on the amount.

Overdraft fees from major financial institutions can reach as high as $35. Thanks to a loophole in the 1968 Truth in Lending Act, which protects customers from unfair credit card practices, overdraft loans were exempt from providing disclosures to customers whose accounts were overdrawn, the CFPB said. This was during a time when people used paper checks and overdraft was less ubiquitous.

"Today, we are proposing rules to close a longstanding loophole that allowed many large banks to transform overdraft into a massive junk fee harvesting machine," CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said.

The CFPB hopes to eradicate the outdated loophole, which it says provides massive profits to the banks at the expense of customers. The news comes after a December 2023 CFPB report finding that most Americans are still surprised by overdraft fees.

President Biden, who has made eliminating junk fees a tentpole of his presidency, said in a January 17 statement that the rule will do more to help Americans deal with their finances.

“For too long, some banks have charged exorbitant overdraft fees — sometimes $30 or more — that often hit the most vulnerable Americans the hardest, all while banks pad their bottom lines. Banks call it a service — I call it exploitation," he said. "Today’s proposal would cut the average overdraft fee by more than half, saving the typical American family that pays these fees $150 a year.”

CFPB has worked to lessen the blow of overdraft fees before. In December 2023, it ordered Atlantic Union Bank to refund consumers $5 million in illegal overdraft fees. In 2022, banks including Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Capital One eliminated overdraft fees. The CFPB has also worked to slash credit card late fees.

Convenience over profit

Under the proposal, large financial institutions, including the nation's 175 largest depository institutions, would be required to treat overdraft loans like credit cards and other loans, meaning they will need to provide clear disclosures about what’s involved with customers.

The CFPB said it wants to get overdraft fees back to the place they were during the checks era — a matter of convenience, not profit.

You can submit comments

Comments on the proposal are due by April 1. You can submit them at the Federal eRulemaking Portal by following the prompts for submitting comments.

You can also send an email to: 2024-NPRM-OVERDRAFT@cfpb.gov and include Docket No. CFPB-2024-0002 or RIN 3170-AA42 in the subject line of the message.

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In today's increasingly complex financial landscape, working on your financial goals and wellbeing requires more than just willpower to spend less and save more. It should include a strategic approach to utilizing the resources that your financial institution offers that can provide the vital support and knowledge needed to effectively navigate your financial journey.

These resources often encompass a wide array of financial education programs, personalized services and products that are intentionally geared to bolster your ability to reach your goals, smoothing the path toward financial stability and growth.

A resource that is often underestimated is financial education. The modern financial environment is full of intricate concepts that, once understood, can significantly alter your financial perspectives and view of your financial wellbeing. Most financial institutions strive to boost financial literacy by offering resources like classes, interactive tools, webinars, and on-demand digital content. These features aim to deconstruct complex financial topics into digestible, comprehensible pieces, spanning various topics from managing credit and savings to understanding investments and retirement planning.

Despite the apparent value of these resources, they tend to be underutilized. This unfortunate trend can be attributed to various factors, including a lack of awareness, cost misconceptions, competing priorities or even a hesitance to seek assistance. However, by embracing these educational tools, you can enhance your financial confidence, navigate issues such as credit management, understand investment strategies and handle debt effectively.

Credit and debt counseling can help

Another invaluable resource available through many financial institutions is credit and debt counseling. These services play an instrumental role in guiding you toward a healthier relationship with your finances and planning for the future. Counselors can aid in managing credit effectively, improving credit scores and developing efficient debt-repayment strategies. They can also help you work toward financing a large purchase or using and managing debt effectively.

Financial institutions also offer a variety of incentives and programs designed to encourage saving and investing while supporting you in achieving financial milestones. Resources such as high-yield savings accounts, rewards programs, matching contributions, and reduced loan rates can help you grow your savings, earn higher returns, and minimize the costs associated with financial products.

Even as the digital age has seen many banking services transition online, the importance of face-to-face consultations cannot be overstated. Personal interactions offer opportunities for tailored advice and guidance, addressing your unique financial circumstances and needs. This level of personalization is particularly beneficial when making significant financial decisions, such as buying a home or a car. All told, the optimal approach for many people may involve a combination of in-person meetings and digital interactions, depending on the complexity of your financial needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Resources for retirees and pre-retirees

For retirees and pre-retirees, making the most of your financial institution's resources includes strategic decisions about liquid savings. One of the primary financial objectives in this life stage is ensuring that these funds remain safe and accessible while generating the highest possible interest. Strategies to achieve this delicate balance include confirming that your funds are insured by a reputable authority, such as the FDIC, consulting with a financial adviser, considering the impact of inflation and exploring various types of accounts and financial instruments.

Your financial institution is uniquely equipped to guide you through these considerations and decisions, providing the resources and expertise to help you make informed choices.

Remember — financial institutions are partners in your financial journey. They offer a comprehensive array of resources, tools and services designed to support you in achieving your financial objectives. By leveraging these resources and incorporating them into your fiscal strategies, you equip yourself with the knowledge, tools, and confidence necessary to navigate your financial journey, make informed decisions and work effectively on your financial goals and wellbeing.

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This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

In these uncertain economic times, it’s essential to find a financial institution that prioritizes your best interests, provides stability for your hard-earned money and investments and offers some of the best lending rates available. Credit unions could be the answer. That could be especially true when it comes to your credit card debt.

According to the Credit Union Trends Report by TruStage (formerly the CUNA Mutual Group), credit union credit card loan balances rose 14.5% in the 12 months between March 2022 and March 2023. That figure is significantly higher than the cumulative 7% annual rise credit unions experienced in the past 30 years.

The sharp rise is due to more consumers relying on credit cards and credit card debt to manage these tough economic times. One of the advantages that credit unions can offer to their members, unlike traditional banks, is that credit union members will never pay more than 18% interest on their credit card debt. Traditional banking customers can pay over 20% interest on their credit card debt. This difference in interest rates allows members to keep more money in their pocket.

Beyond the sharp rise in confidence and investment from consumers, it’s important to understand why these institutions stand out as the best option for individuals right now. The characteristics of credit unions — including a member-focused approach, lower fees and better rates, community support and commitment to financial education — can help you make informed decisions and improve your financial well-being.

Member-focused approach: Tailored solutions for your financial needs

Credit unions are committed to their member-first approach. They put your best interests first, offering personalized assistance and tailored solutions to help you navigate financial challenges. Unlike banks that focus on maximizing profits for shareholders, credit unions are member-owned and prioritize the well-being of their members. This means they provide personalized guidance and support, allowing you to make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.

In uncertain times, having a trusted partner that understands your unique needs can make a significant difference when saving for emergencies, planning for retirement and securing loans.

Lower fees and better rates: Optimizing cost savings

One of the standout advantages of credit unions' cooperative structure is their commitment to offer lower fees and better rates compared to big banks. This translates into significant cost savings for you.

Credit unions typically have lower fees for services such as ATM withdrawals, overdrafts and account maintenance. Moreover, they generally provide more competitive interest rates on loans, credit cards and savings accounts.

Most also offer a range of options for repayment periods, allowing borrowers to choose terms that best fit their financial situations and budgets. The cost savings that can result from finding the right repayment solution can provide a sense of stability even in the face of economic challenges.

Community support: Harnessing local resilience

Credit unions tend to have deep roots in the communities they serve, often focusing on community development and reinvesting funds locally. Particularly in challenging economic environments, credit unions are attuned to the needs of their communities, providing additional support, programs and resources.

By banking with a credit union, you contribute to the stability and growth of your community, while also being able to take advantage of the targeted resources and programs. This collective effort helps individuals and small businesses weather financial hardships and foster resilience.

The sense of community support and shared responsibility can provide reassurance and a stronger sense of belonging during turbulent times.

Financial education: Empowering you to make informed decisions

Credit unions place a strong emphasis on financial education, offering a wealth of resources such as workshops and counseling services to help you make informed financial decisions.

By expanding your financial knowledge, you can navigate uncertain economic periods with confidence. The knowledge gained through education empowers you to take control of your financial situation and adapt to changing circumstances.

Overall, a credit union’s member-focused approach, competitive fees and rates on loans, impact on the community and commitment to education make it an ideal institution for strengthening your financial well-being. By leveraging the benefits of credit unions, you can receive tailored solutions, reduce costs, contribute to community development and empower yourself with financial knowledge.

Making the choice to partner with a credit union means you’ll have ample help to navigate these challenging times with confidence.

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

Are you looking for a better bank? You’re in the right place. With the help of Curinos, a financial-data provider, we’ve analyzed accounts at 40 financial institutions, evaluating them based on criteria including fees, minimum balance requirements, yields and the availability of extra perks, such as free checks or financial planning services. (For more on how we judged the contenders, see the methodology below.)

One alternative to traditional banks is a credit union. Credit unions are nonprofit institutions owned by their members.

Because they’re not profit-driven, they tend to keep fees low, and they may offer hefty yields. The institutions listed here have open membership to customers anywhere in the U.S.

Alliant Credit Union

Standout account: Alliant’s no-fee High-Rate Checking account yields 0.25% if you meet simple requirements, and it reimburses out-of-network ATM fees.

Where it is: Alliant operates online.

How to join: Join the Alliant Credit Union Foundation; Alliant will make a $5 contribution to the foundation on your behalf.

Alliant’s free High-Rate Checking provides a 0.25% yield if you receive electronic statements and make at least one monthly electronic deposit. You also get $20 a month in rebates for out-of-network ATM fees. Teens between the ages of 13 and 17 can open a no-fee Teen Checking account, which offers a yield of 0.25% with the same eligibility requirements and ATM fee rebates. Parents own the account jointly with the teen (you must be an Alliant member to be a joint owner).

Alliant’s free High-Rate Savings account offers a 3.1% yield if you keep a daily balance of at least $100. Want to save for multiple financial goals? You can open separate Supplemental Savings accounts, which also offer a 3.1% yield with a $100 minimum balance. Children 12 or younger can get a jump start on saving with the Kids Savings account, which has the same yield and balance requirement as the other savings accounts. Among Alliant’s CDs, you could recently earn 4.3% with a one-year maturity ($1,000 minimum deposit).

Bellco Credit Union

Standout account: With the Boost Interest Checking account, you can earn a 4.5% yield by meeting certain activity requirements.

Where it is: About 30 branches in Colorado, with many in the Denver area.

How to join: Make a one-time, $5 donation to the Bellco Foundation.

As its name suggests, the Free Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement. Bellco’s Student Checking account offers the same benefits for customers between the ages of 13 and 24, and the first box of checks is free. Boost Interest Checking boasts a 4.5% yield on a balance of up to $25,000 if you meet monthly requirements of making 15 debit card purchases, having at least one direct deposit, and logging into online or mobile banking. The premium Platinum Checking account waives its $12 monthly maintenance fee if you have a combined $15,000 in deposits and loans, and it offers perks including free standard checks, money orders, cashier’s checks and wire transfers.

Among savings options, the Premier Money Market account yields 2.7% if you have a balance of at least $10,000, or you can earn 3.25% with a balance of $50,000 or more; you must maintain a $10,000 balance to dodge a $10 monthly fee. The Youth Savings account, for customers between the ages of 13 and 24, provides a 3.25% yield on a balance up to $1,000. Traditional CDs recently offered a 3.9% yield on a six-month term and a 3.7% yield on a one-year term; the minimum deposit is $500.

Connexus Credit Union

Standout account: The free Xtraordinary Checking account has a remarkable 5% yield if you meet certain monthly requirements.

Where it is: More than a dozen branches in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

How to join: Make a $5 donation to the Connexus Association.

The Simply Free Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum deposit requirement, and the free Xtraordinary Checking offers a juicy 5% yield on a balance of up to $25,000 if you meet monthly requirements of receiving electronic statements; making 15 debit card purchases or spending $500 on your debit card; and making at least $500 in direct deposits or certain other deposits. Plus, you get $15 monthly in reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees. For those ages 10 to 17, the free Teen Checking account offers a 2% yield on balances up to $1,000.

For your savings, consider the Money Market Account. The yield depends on your balance; if you have a balance of $20,000 to $99,999, for example, you get a 2% rate. Connexus’s CDs require a $5,000 minimum deposit, and recently, the two-year CD offered a 4.06% yield.

Methodology

With data from Curinos, a financial-data provider, as well as from financial institutions and other sources, we evaluated 13 national banks, 14 internet banks (including online accounts from brokerage firms) and 13 credit unions. We reviewed checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit from each institution.

We looked at interest rates; minimum deposit and balance requirements; monthly maintenance fees and the ease of waiving those fees; ATM benefits, such as waived or reimbursed fees for out-of-network withdrawals; free or discounted benefits, such as personal checks, cashier’s checks, paper statements and overdraft-protection transfers; overdraft fees and concessions, such as cushions; and online and mobile banking features, such as the availability of peer-to-peer payment services. Yields and other data listed in the article are as of early July.

Curinos LLC. Data is obtained from public sources; accuracy and completeness is not guaranteed. Curinos is not liable for reliance on the data.

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Quietly, a major shift is taking place in the financial services industry. Over the past ten years, roughly 28 million consumers have chosen to use a credit union as their primary bank. And credit unions continue adding members at a record pace.

Eric M. Hepkins, CEO of Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union (CCFCU) that services Niagara and Erie County, New York, attributes this phenomenon to credit union’s reputation for helping rather than making a profit. He is now able to use his in-depth understanding of the financial services industry to better serve anyone who lives, works, volunteers, or worships in Niagara or Erie County. “Historically, credit unions and financial cooperatives started as a grassroots movement of people,” he explains. “More than six decades after we were founded, we are still a nonprofit organization led by a local volunteer board. Decisions are made exclusively for the benefit of members, not those of stockholders.”

Trust—The Credit Union Difference

When members walk in the door of any of CCFCU’s five offices, they are welcomed by personal financial advocates whose primary concern is how they can make a positive difference in a family’s and the community’s financial wellbeing. “You are treated like an owner because you are one. Every product, every service is designed to meet the wants and needs of individual members,” says Hepkins who left the profit motivated retail banking world behind after more than 17 years. He is now able to use his in-depth understanding of the financial services industry to better serve anyone who lives, works, volunteers or worships in Niagara and Erie County.

Fortunately, this old-fashioned personal attention doesn’t mean members have to forgo the conveniences, value and services they expect from their bank. CCFCU’s earnings are continually plowed right back into the pockets of members in the form of better rates, over-the-top services including retirement planning/investment, CURTIS telephone banking, online banking services 24/7 and more.

Borrowers benefit from competitive rates on credit cards and loans for homes, vehicles, personal use, recreational activities, home equity, home improvement, and lines-of-credit. They also enjoy the benefits of membership -- personal relationships with lending officers.

“We use both our heart and our head to make lending decisions. Decisions are made locally, without unnecessary red tape. We don’t depend solely on a black-and-white formula, but we carefully consider what is in the best interest of the member,” says Hepkins. “We even go so far as to refer members to another financial institution if we don’t have the best product for them.”

“I’m forever grateful and blessed that CCFCU is always there to help,” said a member who was adopting two daughters from abroad. “The bank I had been using for years turned down my loan request for one of the girl’s plane tickets saying, ‘we’re not in the business of buying children.’ But CCFCU celebrated with us on this occasion. They loaned the amount I needed for the ticket and gave me a loan for an additional $1,000 to purchase clothing for the girls. The rates were very good and the only stipulation they made was that I would bring in the children so they could welcome them into our community,” explained the new mom.

A few years later the same member again came to CCFCU for a line-of-credit to provide a safety net during the months immediately after her husband died. “It’s clear their only mission is to serve the needs of real people,” she said.

“We are all committed to the welfare of this community,” says Hepkins. “It’s never an interruption when a member wants to talk about how we can help. We view every member contact as an opportunity to find ways we can improve lives.”

cornerstonecommunityfcu.org | 1.800.488.6481 | 716.434.2290 Lockport • Middleport • Niagara Falls • North Tonawanda

This content was provided by Financial Service Directory. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.

Francois Verleysen is out to dispel a common misconception about credit unions in general, and Signal Financial Federal Credit Union in particular.

You don’t have to belong to a union or work for the government or any other large organization to become a member.

“There’s a common misunderstanding that our credit union is only for people who work for certain companies or institutions,” says Verleysen, president and chief executive officer of Signal Financial. “That is simply not the case.”In fact, with six locations in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia – all of them open to the public – Signal Financial is for virtually anyone seeking a better financial alternative and to improve the quality of their financial life.

“We are just as open as any other financial institution,”says Said Halim, vice president of real estate and consumer lending.

Chartered in 1947 as the Washington Telephone Federal Credit Union, Signal Financial serves members of all ages and from all walks of life. What most members share in common, as revealed by a membership survey, is a desire for relationship-based banking.

“When life moments happen, when they need a loan, a savings or a checking account, or any other banking product or service, we’re here to help our members,” Verleysen says. “We’re here to support their financial empowerment, every step of the way.”

Members save money, through higher returns on their savings and investment accounts, and lower interest rates on their loans, with three financial bundles: Signal Connect, Signal Direct and Signal Premium.

“We basically took all of our products and placed them into these bundles,” Verleysen explains. He likens this approach to the way telecom customers can save money if they purchase internet, cable and phone services from the same company.

Members’ Financial Well-being Comes First

What does the future hold for Signal Financial? Growth, growth and more growth. According to Halim, the organization is exploring various options to expand its footprint and enhance its services. It recently opened a new branch at One Loudoun in Ashburn, Va. and is looking to open additional offices in locations that are convenient for its members. And soon, a new mobile branch will take banking services to college campuses, community events and other locations throughout the region.

At the same time, Signal Financial is looking to merge with other area credit unions as part of ongoing efforts to help members benefit from economies of scale.

“Our members count on us to help them save money and look out for their best interests,” Halim says. “As a result, we strive to get them the best home loan or car loan for their needs. We provide customized support and solutions for each and every member who comes through our doors about to embark on a major life milestone, like borrowing to buy their first house, or taking out a home equity line of credit to renovate their existing home for a growing family. Because we are a nonprofit, member-owned lending institution we stand to gain nothing by granting loans that could someday be a financial hardship to our members.”

“For us,” Verleysen adds, “it’s not about the sale. We take a true, needs-based approach to our members’ financial well-being. At Signal Financial, our vision is to be our members’ lifelong primary financial partner. We are continuously working to better ourselves for the betterment of our members.”

This content was provided by Financial Service Directory. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.

A major shift is taking place in the financial services industry. Over the past 10 years, roughly 28 million consumers have chosen to use a credit union as their primary bank. And credit unions like Jovia Financial Credit Union in Long Island continue adding members at a record pace.

The reason? The perks of ownership.

“Our members actually own the credit union. And, as owners, they can expect a very high level of attention and services usually reserved for affluent customers at typical banks,” says Renu Dalessandro, Jovia’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Perks like lower rates on loans, higher earnings on deposits, surcharge-free ATMs, and personal relationships with our experienced, extensively trained staff are provided to everyone, regardless of the size of their account.”

People Helping People

Jovia is owned by its members, for the benefit of its members…not those of stockholders. Unlike traditional bank employees, Jovia professionals are not just order takers; they become personal advocates for members. Their only concern is how they can help members succeed.

“When I first became a member of Jovia in 1996, the thing I appreciated most was the difference I felt in the atmosphere when I visited the Valley Stream branch,” says Lou Panacciulli, a teacher and co-founder of The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra. “As soon as I entered, the first thing I was greeted with was a smile and a friendly hello.”

Jovia Members - Doing Well by Doing Good

Jovia members also enjoy the benefit of knowing that their credit union is contributing to the communities of Nassau and Suffolk counties. “Since 1938, making our communities a better place to live and work has been a part of our charter,”says Dalessandro.

Originally formed for educators, Jovia is best known for its active involvement in many educational efforts such as its scholarship and teacher grant programs, partnerships with local colleges and universities to provide financial literacy education, and sponsorship of the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Mobile Museum which brings music education to local schools. In April 2020, it will also present its first workshop on cybersecurity for schools and workplaces at The Space at Westbury.

Jovia has also become a leading player in many other community projects. For example, Jovia is the official credit union of the NY Islanders hockey team, the presenting sponsor of The Jovia Theater at The Space concert hall, sponsor of the Jones Beach Bandshell, sponsor of the Nassau Pops orchestra and title sponsor of the Long Island Marathon. It also supports various philanthropic efforts that include Special Olympics, The Maurer Foundation breast cancer organization, and United Cerebral Palsy to name a few. The credit union also supports sustainability initiatives as it recently installed electric vehicle charging stations at its Westbury headquarters that are free of charge to the public.

Credit union membership is a unique alternative for consumers as it provides greater value, more personalized service and a local focus you won’t find at big banks,” said Dalessandro. “At Jovia, our goal is to give our members a better banking experience while making this community a brighter place for everyone who calls Long Island home.”

This content was provided by Financial Service Directory. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.

With locations in all 100 counties in North Carolina and a commitment to enhance the quality of life for the entire state, the aptly-named Local Government Federal Credit Union welcomes government employees in North Carolina and their family members to use its affordable and empowering products and services.

Serving the Tar Heel State

Local Government Federal Credit Union’s mission is to improve the lives of its members. How that manifests in the programs, products, and services is evident in a myriad of offerings available in all 100 counties of North Carolina.

With a primary focus on its membership of employees of the city, county, police, firefighters, and other municipal and governmental departments throughout the “Tar Heel State,” Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) provides competitively priced banking-related products and services “from Murphy to Manteo,” with 270 physical locations.

In the words of President Mark R. Caverly, MBA, CUDE, “We know the jobs our members do protecting and serving our local communities is important, and we want them to be able to focus on that, not worry about hidden fees or not being able to pay their mortgages.”

“Our day-to-day work revolves around serving our members’ needs and helping them manage their finances in convenient and affordable ways.”

Community Investment Enriches the Lives of North Carolina’s Public Servants

Serving the Community

Embedded in the philosophy of LGFCU’s leadership team is the long-held belief in the power that credit unions can have in helping working people maintain and improve their quality of life, whether they live in remote, rural areas in the further eastern and western areas of the state, in the big metropolises of Charlotte or Raleigh, or anywhere in between.

“Approximately 70 percent of our members live in economically distressed communities,” says Caverly.

“We want to lend deeper to have an even deeper impact.”

Not only does LGFCU provide affordable and accessible banking options, such as savings and checking accounts, it also provides loans for those who may not qualify for loans at other institutions, through its status as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a distinction earned in 2014 through the U.S. Treasury. This designation is based on a demonstrated commitment to serving members in communities that face economic challenges. In November 2019, a grant awarded from the Treasury to LGFCU further supported this effort.

Beyond the value LGFCU provides to its members through its exemplary service as a financial institution, it also improves the overall quality of life for all North Carolinians through a robust collection of community investment programs that demonstrate a deep understanding of all the factors that create opportunity and social mobility for working people.

Strategic Partnerships and the Development Finance Initiative

Two of the major areas in which LGFCU’s commitment can be seen are 1) its strategic partnerships, and 2) its involvement with the Development Finance Initiative through the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Government.

“We have a number of partnerships that support improvement of North Carolina communities,” Caverly says, “and these partnerships are established in trust, cooperation, and sustainability.”

LGFCU partners with several organizations to make sure that the hardworking civil servants of North Carolina have access to affordable banking products and services, including:

• The North Carolina League of Municipalities
• The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners
• The North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association
• The North Carolina Recreation & Park Association

The relationship with the Firefighters’ Association is highlighted by a debit card offered to members, which generates financial support to firefighters and their families with each transaction. The relationship with the Recreation & Park Association helps fund scholarships and professional development opportunities for NCRPA members, marketing efforts for the profession, and local community projects.

The Development Finance Initiative (DFI) at the UNC School of Government assists local governments with attracting private investment for projects by offering finance and development expertise. The DFI staff works with North Carolina communities on infrastructure projects including building reuse; community development; downtown revitalization; economic development; neighborhood redevelopment; and small business finance. LGFCU is the sponsor of this ambitious program.

Investing in Employees, Expanding Creativity in Serving Members

Educating Leaders in The Community and Internally

LGFCU partners with the UNC School of Government on the LGFCU Fellows program, which provides a career-enriching certificate program open to emerging leaders working in North Carolina local government seeking to further their education and develop leadership, management, and organizational communication skills.

The program is responsible for changing the careers of hundreds of participants, who report both enhanced performance in current positions and promotions to more responsible positions after participating in the program. The program is competitive, and tuition free to participants.

In addition to the stewardship that LGFCU demonstrates to its members and the state at large, the Credit Union also brings a spirit of support and empowerment to the people at the heart of its mission: its employees.

Internally, in 2016 LGFCU launched The Academy, which focuses on developing and honing leadership competencies for current and aspiring management staff. Facilitated by the Human Resources department, The Academy includes four progressive programs—an overview course for staff interested in management; orientation for staff new to a management role; leadership development for staff identified as potential leaders; and executive development for senior leadership.

The Intern Experience, designed by LGFCU’s Human Resources department in 2017, provides meaningful work experience to college students, while populating the organization’s talent pipeline. Rather than relying on various departments to develop ad hoc internships to meet the particular needs of the day, LGFCU—ever the innovator—engineered a replicable multi-week experience that enriches the student while providing a meaningful look at real world work experience.

Caverly explains that these types of investments in employees ultimately result in an improved member experience and stronger communities across the state.

“We have always exhibited passion for living our mission, which is improving the lives of our members,” says Caverly, “and the impact is felt as communities and neighborhoods grow stronger when the people who make up those communities have the resources, infrastructure, and opportunities to help them achieve what they want and need in life.”

This content was provided by Financial Service Directory. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.

A major shift is taking place in the financial services industry. Over the past 10 years, roughly 28 million consumers have chosen to use a credit union as their primary bank. And credit unions like Service Credit Union in New Hampshire continue adding members at a record pace.

“Behind all that growth is the banking public’s desire for personal attention and the need for value,” says Service Credit Union Vice President of Marketing Wendy Beswick.

“As an organization owned by our nearly 294,000 members, our energies are focused on helping members and the communities we serve.”

How well does Service Credit Union serve its members? “In member satisfaction reviews, we score an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars,” reports Beswick.

Banking Services Your Way

In 2019, Service Credit Union tackled a critical quality-of-life issue that affects the community: inadequate savings. “Nationally, 47 percent of families have $500 or less in liquid savings… not nearly enough to handle common emergencies such as car repair,” explains Beswick. “We streamlined our products to make it easier to save, innovated ways that give members better control of their costs, increased our financial education efforts, and enhanced access to banking services.”

One such program, “Everyday Checking,” is a checking account that allows members to choose from three levels of benefits: Basic, Direct Deposit and Direct Deposit+. As members add more services, they can also enjoy additional discounts on auto, personal and motorcycle loans, and they can qualify for up to $30 in ATM reimbursements.

“Homeownership is one of the most important ways families create financial security,” says Beswick. “That’s why we offer a wide-ranging suite of competitively priced mortgage products, including VA, Jumbo, Mortgage and First Time Buyer.We excel at finding creative ways to serve the specific needs of our members.”

At Service Credit Union, Money Management is Personal

Service Credit Union makes ease of access a priority. In 2019, it partnered with AllPoint, bringing its number of surcharge-free ATMs to 85,000. Members also enjoy modern banking conveniences such as 24/7 online banking and check deposit via phone or tablet.

Anywhere in the world, any time of day, a team of Service Credit Union professionals is available to assist members through 24/7 phone and live chat support. “Modern banking technologies are essential, but we refuse to let technology disrupt us from taking a very high touch approach to service,” says Beswick. “Service, after all, is in our name.”

More than Six Decades of Service

In 1957, Service Credit Union was founded to meet the needs of service men and women at what is now Pease Air Force National Guard Base in New Hampshire. Over the years, the organization extended its charter to include the civilian population. Membership in today’s Service Credit Union is open to families and businesses anywhere in the state or in the Falmouth, Massachusetts region, as well as to active military, DOD employees, veterans and their families.

With more than $3.8B in assets, Service Credit Union is highly ranked as a top performing, healthy credit union. It operates 50 branches throughout its service area, which includes Grand Forks, North Dakota, Falmouth, Massachusetts and 14 branches in U.S. Army and Air Force bases in Germany, in addition to 34 branches in New Hampshire.

Service Credit Union invests heavily in the communities it serves through thousands of volunteer hours with numerous local and national philanthropic efforts, such as the NH Food Bank and Toys for Tots, as well as an annual backpack drive in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of New Hampshire. In response to the government shutdown in 2019, Service Credit Union offered a 0% interest loan and covered pay for affected members. “Our members were hit hard by the shutdown. We were gratified to help them ease the burden,” says Beswick.

This content was provided by Financial Service Directory. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.

Opening a small business can be daunting.John H. did not even know where to start.

Fortunately, help was close at hand.

The Pennsylvania resident found the support and guidance he needed at Belco Community Credit Union, where he had been a personal account member for nearly 30 years. His local branch manager was a “great resource” as he embarked on his new venture, he says, “instrumental in making the transition less stressful.”

“She helped me open a business account and integrate my accounts for online banking. And her years of experience and industry knowledge provided me with options I didn’t know were available to me. She represents Belco with integrity, professionalism and vast experience, and she is a natural at providing an ‘old-fashioned’ level of customer service that seems to be a lost commodity these days.”

Lifelong, Multigenerational Relationships

Belco Community Credit Union, based in Harrisburg, has been helping members like John H. – and bettering people’s lives – for 80 years, forging lifelong, multigenerational relationships along the way.

“Whether they’re a young adult purchasing their first home or car or applying for their first credit card, or a small-business owner like John, we strive to be a partner in each member-owner’s financial journey,” says Amey Sgrignoli, president and CEO.

“Because we take the time to listen to our members, we know they value accuracy, speed of service, convenience and friendliness as they pursue their financial goals and dreams,” she says. Repeated customer experience surveys and numerous member testimonials tell Sgrignoli and her team they continue to deliver on all counts. Indeed, according to a recent survey by Raddon Financial Group, an analytics firm for financial institutions, members score Belco as a high performer. The Member Loyalty Index and Net Promoter Scores place Belco among the highest-performing credit unions.

“When you’re dealing with people’s money, arguably the most important thing is making sure we can be trusted to handle it with care and accuracy,” says Adam Stewart, vice president of marketing. “Our members have made it very clear they feel we are professional, convenient and accurate.”

Belco believes in its members, and its members believe in Belco, Sgrignoli says. “We believe we’re providing them with a better experience. We believe we’re providing them with meaningful relationships and really helping them to improve their own personal financial situation.”

Founded in 1939 by 25 employees of Bell Telephone Company, who each contributed $5 to the startup organization, Belco now has more than 66,000 members and $616 million in assets. It is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry or York counties.

Modern Technology. ‘Old-fashioned’ Commitment and Service.

Much has changed since Belco first opened its doors. It has grown from one branch to 14. Technology such as online and telephone banking and a mobile app have made it easier and more convenient than ever for members to manage their money. But for all these changes, the credit union has never lost sight of its commitment and loyalty to its members and its communities.

“Our members continue to enjoy strong relationships with the people who work at their local branches,” Sgrignoli says. “In addition, we continue to support a wide range of community organizations through volunteer participation, fundraising, financial literacy programs, sponsorships and charitable contributions.”

In fact, Belco was recently recognized by the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association as a leader in financial literacy, thanks to its efforts to provide financial education and resources to area students, employees and business owners through its Believe in Community initiative.

With its deep roots in the Greater Harrisburg community, Belco is “here for the long haul,” Sgrignoli says.

“We live here. We work here. We have outstanding board and community volunteer involvement. We are part of the community that you are a part of, and we understand what your financial needs look like. While we’ve modernized the delivery of products and services to meet the needs of future generations, our members still feel like they belong to something special here.”

This content was provided by Financial Service Directory. Kiplinger is not affiliated with and does not endorse the company or products mentioned above.

Credit unions are nonprofit institutions owned by their members -- meaning they tend to offer accounts and services that are more customer-friendly than those of large national banks. And, like banks, they deliver a full range of options, from checking and savings accounts to credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.

Many credit unions limit membership to people who live in a certain region or work for eligible employers, but some open their doors to any U.S. customer who joins a qualifying organization. With data from Informa Research Services, we evaluated 16 such all-access credit unions, plus Navy Federal Credit Union, which reaches a large number of customers despite its membership limitations. Among other factors, we examined the fees, minimum-balance requirements and interest rates on checking, savings and CD accounts.

Take a look at these 10 outstanding credit unions. Most of them participate in the CO-OP shared branch network, allowing members to use the services of 3,500 credit unions with more than 5,000 branches. And customers whose credit unions are part of CO-OP's ATM network get access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

Hanscom Federal Credit Union, which launched in 1953, is based in Massachusetts. Most of its 21 branches are clustered in and around Boston (there is also one in McLean, Va.). All current and retired employees of federal government offices located in Massachusetts, and supporters of other partner organizations, can join, as well as family members.

• How you can join: Support one of three partner organizations; the least expensive is Burlington Players ($12 membership fee), a volunteer theater group. (Hanscom will submit the Burlington Players application on your behalf.) You must also deposit $25 into a free Primary Savings account.
• Checking accounts: Three of Hanscom's four checking accounts are fee-free. The basic account lets you earn "MemberPoints" that you can redeem for travel, merchandise or gift cards, while Premier Checking ($9.95 per month unless your average daily balance exceeds $2,000) ladles on an extra 250 points each month and yields 0.3%. You can also choose between two rewards checking accounts from Kasasa, a financial-services company that offers free rewards accounts through community banks and credit unions: one that pays 2% cash back on debit card purchases (up to $7 per month) and one that yields 2.5% on balances up to $15,000. For both Kasasa accounts, you need to meet several conditions each month to qualify for these perks, including 12 debit or credit card purchases and at least one direct deposit.
• Savings accounts: Hanscom offers several savings options, but one of the most intriguing is CU Thrive, which rewards customers who set up automatic monthly transfers (capped at $500 per month and for a one-year term) with a 3% rate. The money market account earns up to 1% and requires an initial $2,000 deposit. CDs require either a $250 investment to earn a flat 0.85% for three-, six- or 12-month terms, or a $1,000 investment to earn 1.25% on a one-year CD and 2.25% for a five-year term.
• Credit cards and loans: The Platinum credit card has no annual fee and an APR as low as 8.49%. In November, Hanscom will debut the no-fee Mastercard World Cash + Rewards credit card. It pays 1% cash back on everything, plus bonus rewards for shopping at partnered retailers that can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel and more. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage starts at 4.674%, while a new-car loan could be as low as 2.24% APR for up to 24 months.

Since Connexus was founded in 1935 to serve employees of an insurance company in Wausau, Wis., it has merged with eight other credit unions both inside and outside of the state. Nowadays, 13 branches are sprinkled around Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wisconsin. Employees of several companies, including Honeywell and Liberty Mutual Insurance, and residents of certain parts of Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin are eligible to join Connexus, as are their family members. Connexus isn't a participant in the CO-OP shared branch network, but members can use CO-OP ATMs free.

• How you can join: Donate $5 to the Connexus Association, which provides scholarships and supports education, and deposit $5 into a savings account.
• Checking accounts: The no-frills Innovative account doesn't pay interest. The MyRewards account pays 1.35%, and Xtraordinary checking pays 1.75% on up to $25,000 in deposits, provided you meet certain requirements each month. For Xtraordinary, this means 15 debit card transactions, one direct deposit and one bill payment, plus electing to receive electronic instead of paper statements; the MyRewards rules are a bit more relaxed.
• Savings accounts: The regular savings account earns 0.25% as long as you keep a minimum daily balance of $100 or more. Money market accounts earn between 0.5% and 1.15% on balances over $1,000 (and the requirements to earn interest are similar to those for the checking accounts). You'll need at least $5,000 to open a CD; a one-year term earns 2.5%, and the five-year option earns 3.25%.
• Credit cards and loans: Connexus's no-fee Visa Platinum card offers a 0% introductory APR for your first 15 months as cardholder and an 11.74% to 17.99% rate thereafter. There are also several rewards cards, including the Premier Rewards American Express card. It carries a $99 annual fee (waived the first year) but returns four points per dollar spent on restaurants, three points on airline purchases, two points on gas, and one point on everything else, as well as a rebate for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck enrollment and no foreign transaction fees. New-car loans start at 2.99% for 36 months. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage recently showed a 4.750% rate.

Virginia-based Langley Federal Credit Union got its start in 1936, when members of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (the predecessor to NASA) chartered it. Later, Langley expanded its reach, opening membership to Air Force civilian and military personnel in the Hampton Roads area. Today, Langley serves those affiliated with qualifying employers, schools and organizations in the Hampton Roads community.

• How you can join: Anyone can take advantage of Langley's attractive suite of accounts by paying a fee of as little as $5 to one of several Virginia causes. You'll have to open a savings account with at least $5 to establish your share in the credit union.
• Checking accounts: Members can choose among four checking accounts, two of which charge no monthly fee. The free LangleyPays checking account yields 0.25% on the first $1,000 in deposits and pays 10 cents every time you swipe your debit card. Or keep it simple with the basic Smart Checking account, with no monthly fee or minimum balance required. If you're 60 or older, you can join the Silver Select Club. Benefits include two free boxes of checks per year if you have a direct deposit; free money orders, certified checks and wire transfers; and a 20% discount on a safe-deposit box. (Langley is the runner-up in our rankings of the best financial institutions for retirees.)
• Savings accounts: Langley offers the free Traditional money market deposit account, which yields up to 1.0%, and the Platinum money market account, which pays 1.26% on balances of $25,000 or more (but you can make only one free withdrawal or transfer per month with Platinum). CD yields include 1.41% on a 12-month term ($1,000 minimum deposit). And Langley hosts a variety of no-fee savings accounts, including one that pays interest of 1.21% on balances of up to $1,000.
• Credit cards and loans: Members have their pick of four Visa credit cards. The Select Visa Platinum card features an annual percentage rate as low as 8.75%, and the Cash Back Visa offers rewards of 3% cash back on gas purchases, 2% on groceries and 1% on all other spending. An auto loan for a vehicle between model years 2013 and 2018 recently carried an APR as low as 3.24% (term: up to five years). The fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage recently started at 5.0%.

Lake Michigan Credit Union debuted in 1933 as the Grand Rapids Teachers Credit Union and is still headquartered in Grand Rapids. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, goes to school or worships anywhere in the state of Michigan's lower peninsula or one of 14 counties in southwest Florida, as well as family members. After merging with Encore Bank in Florida this year, there are now 51 total branches -- 10 in southwest Florida and 41 in Michigan. LMCU members can earn points through the MORE rewards program for using LMCU services, which are redeemable for perks such as free out-of-network ATM transactions or complimentary books of checks. LMCU is not a member of the CO-OP shared branch or ATM network.

• How you can join: Donate $5 to the ALS Foundation, and deposit $5 into a Member Savings account. (Note: those who live in Michigan's upper peninsula or any part of Florida aside from the southwestern counties of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Palm Beach, Polk or Sarasota cannot join LMCU at all.)
• Checking accounts: The free Max Checking gets the edge over no-frills Free Checking because it pays a generous 3% yield on up to $15,000 and returns up to $15 in non-LMCU ATM fees each month. To earn that rate, you'll need to meet monthly requirements including a direct deposit, at least 10 debit or credit card purchases, at least four logins to your bank account online or by app and opting into e-statements.
• Savings accounts: Members are required to open a Member Savings account, which must have a minimum daily balance of $300 to avoid the $5 monthly fee and pays up to 0.25%. Max Savings pays a superior 1%, as long as your balance exceeds $100,000 (0.25% on balances below that and above $100). Rates on the money market accounts range from 0.25% to 0.5%, with $2,500 as the minimum deposit. Or open a CD with $500 to earn 1.8% on a five-year term.
• Credit cards and loans: The Max Rewards Visa gives you the choice of cash back or rewards points redeemable for travel, merchandise and more; for example, gas purchases could earn 3% back or three rewards points per dollar. The Prime Platinum Visa charges an APR as low as 8%. Auto loans were recently as low as 3.79% (for vehicles from 2010 or newer and for a three-year term), and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage starts as low as 4.625%.

Hiway opened in 1931 for employees of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Today, membership is available to those who work for other eligible employers or live, worship or attend school in the St. Paul area.

• How you can join: You qualify for credit union membership if you support the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation ($10 fee per year) or the Association of the U.S. Army ($40 for two years for civilian supporters). Make a deposit of $5 or more into a savings account to establish your share in the credit union.
• Checking accounts: Hiway's Free Checking account has no monthly fee or minimum-balance requirements, and the first box of checks is free. Or, with Minnesota Wild checking, enjoy the benefits of Free Checking and show your pride for the city's professional hockey team with a Minnesota Wild–branded debit card. Each purchase you make earns you a free entry into monthly drawings for prizes such as game tickets and signed jerseys. Members 55 and older are eligible for the Premier Lifestyles Club, through which they get free custom personal checks and a discount on official checks, money orders and a safe-deposit box, among other perks.
• Savings accounts: Open the free money market deposit account with a minimum $500 deposit; the account yields from 0.1% to 0.65%, depending on balance. CD rates depend on the amount deposited. Recently, with a $500 deposit, a one-year maturity yielded 0.8%, and a five-year maturity yielded 2.51%.
• Credit cards and loans: Among the credit card options is the Visa Platinum card, which carries an APR starting at 9.9%. Auto-loan APRs were recently as low as 2.49% for a three-year term or 2.99% for a five-year loan, and interest on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage started at 4.875%.

Alliant formed in 1935 as a credit union for United Airlines employees. Eligibility has since expanded to employees and retirees of more than 250 companies nationwide, as well as residents of municipalities around Chicago, and a number of other groups and associations, such as Life Time Fitness. Family members of those members are welcome, too. The brick-and-mortar footprint is small: Alliant has two branches in Illinois.

• How you can join: Alliant will deposit $5 to open your savings account, and will make a $5 donation to Foster Care to Success on your behalf.
• Checking accounts: Earning a 0.65% rate on Alliant's High-Rate Checking account is contingent on two simple requirements: accepting e-statements and receiving one direct deposit each month. The account is free and reimburses users for up to $20 each month in out-of-network ATM fees. (The Free Teen Checking account is available for teens up to age 17 with the same perks, but requires joint ownership with an adult.) Free Checking is similar but does not pay interest.
• Savings accounts: The High-Rate Savings account returns 1.8% on all balances, as long as you maintain a minimum daily balance of $100. Alliant pays the initial $5 deposit for you. CDs can be opened with as little as $1,000 and yield 2.65% for 12 to 17 months or 2.95% for five years. You can sometimes earn a bit more on a "jumbo" CD ($25,000 minimum), such as 3% for a five-year term.
• Credit cards and loans: The Alliant Visa Signature is Kiplinger's runner-up for best flat-rate cash-back card in our 2018 roundup of best rewards credit cards. You earn 3% on all purchases for the first year and 2.5% on all purchases thereafter (the $59 annual fee is waived for the first year). The starting rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 4.625%, or 3.24% for a new-car loan with a 60-month term.

Based in the Denver area, Bellco has 25 branch offices in Colorado. It opened its doors in 1936 and is now the largest credit union in Denver. Colorado residents may join if they live or work in certain counties, are employees of select companies or become a member of the nonprofit Consumers United Association ($5 a year or a $25 lifetime fee).

• How you can join: If you live outside of Colorado, make a minimum donation of $10 to the charitable organization Bellco Foundation. The credit union also requires a one-time, $5 membership fee and a minimum $25 deposit in a savings account.
• Checking accounts: The Boost Interest Checking account stands out for offering a healthy 2.25% rate on up to $25,000 if you meet monthly requirements of making 15 debit card purchases, having one direct deposit, and logging in to online or mobile banking. Otherwise, choose from a free basic checking account, a free student account or Platinum Checking, which requires a $15,000 balance in deposits and loans to waive a $12 monthly fee. It comes with free overdraft-protection transfers, standard checks, wire transfers, money orders and cashier's checks, plus one waived non-sufficient-funds fee per year and a yield of up to 0.15%, depending on the balance.
• Savings accounts: Earn up to 1.25% with the Premier Money Market Account (minimum $10,000 balance) or up to 0.15% with the Member Money Market Account. Bellco's savings account yields a ho-hum 0.1%. But if you have a checking account with the credit union, you can have Bellco round up each purchase and deposit the change into your savings account. The Youth Savings account offers an impressive 2% on up to $500 and 0.5% on higher balances.
• Credit cards and loans: Choose between two no-fee credit cards, including Visa Platinum Colorado Rewards. It offers three points per dollar spent on groceries, gas, and certain retail, entertainment and recreation purchases (such as those made at wholesale clubs, shoe stores, movie theaters and golf courses), two points per dollar on cable and streaming services (including Hulu and Netflix) as well as phone and internet services, and one point on all other spending. Rates for a new-car loan recently started at 3.75% for a term of up to four years, and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage started as low as 4.875%.

Chevron Federal Credit Union opened its doors in 1935. Membership is open to employees and retirees of energy company Chevron Corp. and associated firms, as well as those who live, work, worship or attend school in some San Francisco neighborhoods and areas in or near Frederick County, Maryland. Family members are eligible as well. You can find 19 branches spread across six states—California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Utah and Virginia -- and under two brands (Chevron Federal Credit Union and Spectrum Credit Union).

• How you can join: Join one of their nonprofit partner associations, including the Contra Costa County Historical Society ($40 for an individual) or the Navy League of the United States, through one of four regional councils ($50). Plus, you'll have to deposit $25 into a Primary Savings account.
• Checking accounts: You need $25 to open the checking account and a balance of at least $500 to earn the 0.15% rate, but you won't incur any monthly fees. The New Solutions Checking account is designed for members with poor credit and charges $5 per month.
• Savings accounts: You'll need to maintain a $25 minimum balance with the Primary Savings account (0.45% yield). The MarketEdge money market account is more attractive, since it doesn't have any balance requirements and offers rates that are as good or better than savings (0.45% on balances up to $2,500, and 1.6% on sums above that). Those 21 and younger will do well with the no-fee MySavings account, earning 7% on balances up to $1,000 and the regular 0.45% on higher balances. CD earnings depend on deposit size but start at $500; recently, opening a 12-month CD could earn 2.3% with a $500 minimum deposit.
• Credit cards and loans: Chevron offers several rewards cards, including the no-fee Cash Rewards American Express, which returns 3% on gas and 2% on groceries and offers a 0% APR on the first six billing cycles. A new-car loan starts at rates of 3.24% (for either 36–60 months or 61–72 months), and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage goes for 4.750%.

Navy Federal's membership is limited to servicemembers and Department of Defense personnel. But with more than 8 million members and $91 billion in assets, Navy Federal is a giant among credit unions and a strong option for anyone who qualifies. Based in Vienna, Va., Navy Federal has 289 branches in the U.S. plus 28 abroad. (Note that Navy Federal members can use CO-OP ATMs free, but the credit union doesn’t participate in the CO-OP shared branch network.) Along with its banking services, the credit union offers articles and resources for military members on its website and hosts financial seminars around the country. (Navy Federal is the winner in our rankings of the best financial institutions for military personnel.)

• How you can join: Veterans and servicemembers of any military branch may join, including Army and Air National Guard members and Department of Defense reservists. Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors can become members, too. Plus, family members -- including grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings, children and stepchildren, and grandchildren—of anyone from those two groups qualify for membership. Deposit $5 into a savings account to complete your membership.
• Checking accounts: Active-duty military personnel who have a qualifying military direct deposit can use a free checking account that pays 0.05% interest and rebates up to $20 monthly in out-of-network ATM surcharges (including overseas transactions). Among the options for other customers are a free basic checking account; the free Campus Checking for students ages 14 to 24; and Flagship Checking, which requires a $1,500 balance to waive the $10 monthly fee, yields up to 0.45% and refunds $10 monthly in ATM fees if you have direct deposit. All the checking accounts come with free overdraft transfers from a savings account and free checks. Navy Federal also offers the Go prepaid debit card, which has no monthly, activation or purchase fee.
• Savings accounts: Certificates of deposit pay out solid rates, including 2% for a one-year maturity or 2.5% on a two-year CD with a $1,000 minimum balance. Plus, the special one-year EasyStart certificate recently yielded 3% ($50 minimum and $3,000 maximum deposit) if you have a direct deposit into a Navy Federal checking account.
• Credit cards and loans: Choose among several credit cards, including Go Rewards, which has no annual fee and pays out three points per dollar spent on restaurant purchases, two points on gas and one point on everything else. Points are redeemable for airline tickets, hotel stays and other travel bookings, cash back, gift cards and merchandise. The no-fee Platinum card has a minimum rate of just 7.74%. None of Navy Federal's cards have foreign-transaction or balance-transfer fees.

Among the other, no-fee savings options, the free share savings account yields 0.25%, the standard money market deposit account offers 0.75% on a balance of $50,000 or more (lower rates apply to smaller balances), and the jumbo money market account yields 1% on balances of $100,000 to $249,999.

For a new-car loan, rates recently started at 2.89% for a term of up to three years and 3.29% for terms between three and five years. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage comes in as low as 4.375%.

Founded in 1936 for civil service employees of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pen Air Federal Credit Union is now the largest credit union in Pensacola, Fla. It has 16 locations in northwest Florida and southeast Alabama, and membership is open to active-duty or retired military, civil service employees, and workers for certain employers.

• How you can join: Anyone can join Pen Air by becoming a member of the Friends of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (Pen Air makes a $3 donation on your behalf, so you pay no fee) and depositing at least $25 into a savings account.
• Checking accounts: We've recognized Pen Air as the runner-up in our rankings of the best financial institutions for small-business owners because it offers a great business checking account. It has no minimum balance requirement or monthly fee and is free of several other fees that business accounts commonly charge, such as for paper statements, checks paid or deposited, and cash deposits. Individual consumers can use a free checking account that requires no minimum balance.
• Savings accounts: The Share Savings account yields up to 0.5%, depending on the balance, youth savings accounts earn 0.6%, and the money market deposit account offers rates of up to 0.75% ($2,500 minimum to earn interest and avoid a $10 monthly fee). With the Round It program, you can have the credit union round up each debit card transaction through your checking account and transfer the change to a savings account.
• Credit cards and loans: Pen Air's selection of credit cards includes the Pen Air Platinum Mastercard, which carries a minimum rate of 10.65%. Its other cards are associated with local universities and sports teams (they pay out rewards of one point per dollar spent, and for most of the cards, the credit union donates to a charitable organization for each transaction you make). Interest rates for a new-car loan with a term of up to 84 months start at 3.24%, and the minimum 30-year fixed rate on a mortgage was recently 4.875%.

Credit unions are nonprofit institutions owned by their members—meaning they tend to offer accounts and services that are more customer-friendly than those of large national banks. And like banks, they deliver a full range of options, from checking and savings accounts to credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.

Many credit unions limit membership to people who live in the region or work for eligible employers, but some open their doors to any U.S. customer who joins a qualifying organization. With data from economic research firm Moebs Services, we evaluated 22 such all-access credit unions. Among other factors, we examined the fees, minimum-balance requirements and interest rates on checking, savings and CD accounts from the credit unions.

Take a look at the seven outstanding credit unions that rose to the top. Most of them participate in the CO-OP shared branch network, allowing members to use the services of 3,500 credit unions with more than 5,000 branches and providing access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

• Website: www.langleyfcu.org
• How to join: Anyone can take advantage of Langley's attractive suite of accounts by paying a fee of as little as $5 to one of several Virginia causes. You’ll have to open a savings account with at least $5 to establish your share in the credit union.
• Checking accounts: Members can choose among four checking accounts, three of which charge no monthly fee. The free LangleyPays checking account, for one, yields 1.61% on the first $1,000 in deposits and pays 10 cents every time you swipe your debit card. Or keep it simple with the basic Smart Checking account, with no monthly fee or minimum balance required.
• Savings accounts: Langley offers a free money market deposit account that yields up to 0.5%, certificates of deposit that yield from 1% on a one-year term to 2.02% on a five-year term ($1,000 minimum deposit), and a variety of no-fee savings accounts, including one that pays interest of 1.61% on balances of up to $1,000. (Langley is also our runner-up financial institution for millennials.)
• Credit cards and loans: Members have their pick of four Visa credit cards. The Select Visa Platinum card features an annual percentage rate as low as 7.75%. An auto loan for a vehicle between model years 2012 and 2018 recently carried an APR as low as 1.54% (term: one to four years). The fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage recently started at 4.125%.

Virginia-based Langley Federal Credit Union got its start in 1936, when members of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (the predecessor to NASA) chartered it. Later, Langley expanded its reach, opening membership to Air Force civilian and military personnel in the Hampton Roads area. Today, Langley serves those affiliated with qualifying employers, schools and organizations in the Hampton Roads community.

• Website: www.connexuscu.org
• How to join: Connexus also extends membership to anyone who makes a $5 donation to charitable organization Connexus Association. New members are also required to open a savings account with a deposit of $5 or more.
• Checking accounts: For high yields on checking, Connexus is a top contender. With its free Xtraordinary Checking account, you get reimbursed up to $25 a month in out-of-network ATM fees and earn 1.75% interest on balances of up to $25,000 if you meet certain monthly requirements, including making 15 debit card transactions and having a direct deposit. (Or get a 1.35% yield with the MyRewards account by meeting fewer requirements.)
• Savings accounts: Connexus's savings options include a free money market deposit account, with rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.15% if you meet checking account activity requirements ($1,000 minimum to earn interest), and CDs with recent rates of 1.5% for one year and 2% for three years ($5,000 minimum).
• Credit cards and loans: Several Visa and American Express credit cards are available to members, including the Cash Rewards American Express. It pays 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent yearly on gas, 2% on spending at supermarkets, and 1% on everything else. Auto-loan rates recently started at 2.99% on a three-year term, and 30-year fixed rates on mortgages were as low as 3.875%.

Connexus Credit Union was founded in 1935 in Wausau, Wis. Membership is open to those who work for eligible employers or live in certain communities in Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wisconsin, where the credit union has branch locations.

• Website: www.hfcu.org
• How to join: Another avenue to becoming a Hanscom member is to join one of three partner organizations, including the volunteer theater group Burlington Players ($12 donation). Open a share account with as little as $25.
• Checking accounts: Hanscom has a free basic checking account as well as Premier Checking, which yields 0.25% (you must have a $2,000 daily checking balance or $6,000 in combined deposit and loan balances to avoid a $9.95 monthly fee). When you make debit card purchases with either account, you collect points that are redeemable for gift cards, travel and merchandise.
• Savings accounts: Choose among several savings options, including the free Thrive savings account, which yields 3% the first year if you make a monthly deposit of $5 to $500 into the account. CD rates were recently as high as 2.5% on a four-year CD for Premier Checking customers ($1,000 minimum deposit).
• Credit cards and loans: The Platinum Credit Card offers an APR as low as 8.49%, and the card charges no balance transfer fee. Auto loan rates recently started at 1.99% for a term of up to two years, and the lowest fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage was 3.75%.

Hanscom FCU is headquartered at Hanscom Air Force Base, in Massachusetts, and has several branches in the greater Boston area (plus one in McLean, Va.). It is open to anyone who works for an eligible employer.

• Website: www.pmcu.org
• How to join: You can join Impact on Education, a charity serving the Boulder Valley School District (no donation is required), to become a credit union member. You must also open a savings account with a deposit of at least $5.
• Checking accounts: Choose between Basic Checking, with no minimum-balance requirement or monthly fee, and Executive Checking, which yields from 0.15% to 0.25% if you keep $10,000 or more in the account (you must maintain a $10,000 balance to avoid a $20 monthly fee).
• Savings accounts: The money market deposit account yields an impressive 3% on balances up to $2,000, with lower rates applying to higher balance tiers. CD rates vary depending on the balance. With a $500 deposit, CDs recently yielded 0.45% for a one-year maturity and 1.61% for a five-year maturity.
• Credit cards and loans: A handful of Visa credit cards are available, including the Platinum Rate Visa, which recently carried an annual percentage rate as low as 9.9% and no balance-transfer fee. Auto-loan rates recently started at a 2.99% APR (for car model years 2007 and newer and a loan term of up to 66 months), and the fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage was as low as 3.875%.

This credit union opened in 1966 as IBM Boulder Federal Credit Union, created by employees of IBM Corp. Now, anyone who lives or works in several Colorado counties qualifies for Premier Members CU.

• Website: www.chevronfcu.org
• How to join: Become a member of a partner nonprofit organization, such as the Contra Costa County Historical Society ($20 fee). New members also must deposit $25 into a savings account.
• Checking accounts: The primary checking account requires no minimum balance or monthly fee and yields 0.1% on balances of at least $500. The New Solutions Checking Account, for those with poor credit or other obstacles to opening a standard account, has a $5 monthly fee.
• Savings accounts: The free MarketEdge money market deposit account offers a rate of 0.9% on balances between $2,500 and $250,000 (0.25% on smaller balances and 1% on larger balances). Young members should take advantage of the no-fee MySavings account, which yields a sky-high 7% on balances of up to $1,000 for those who are age 21 or younger. CD rates vary by deposit size. Recently, with a $500 deposit, a one-year CD yielded 1.25% and a five-year CD yielded 2%.
• Credit cards and loans: Choose from a selection of Visa and American Express credit cards. The Cash Rewards American Express card offers 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent annually on gas purchases, 2% on supermarket spending and 1% on everything else. Auto-loan rates recently started at a 2.09% APR (for a new vehicle and a loan term of three to five years), and the 30-year fixed rate on a mortgage was as low as 3.875%.

Founded in 1935, Chevron FCU is open to employees of energy company Chevron Corp. and associated firms as well as to those who live, work, worship or attend school in certain San Francisco neighborhoods and some counties in Maryland. It’s based in Oakland, Calif., and has branches in four other states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Utah.

• Website: www.hiway.org
• How to join: You qualify for credit union membership if you join the Minnesota Recreation and Park Foundation ($10 fee). Make a deposit of $5 or more into a savings account to establish your share in the credit union.
• Checking accounts: Hiway's Free Checking account has no monthly fee or minimum-balance requirements. Or, with Minnesota Wild checking, enjoy the benefits of Free Checking and show your pride for the city's professional hockey team with a Minnesota Wild–branded debit card. Each purchase you make earns you a free entry into monthly drawings for prizes such as game tickets and signed jerseys.
• Savings accounts: Open the free money market deposit account with a minimum $500 deposit; the account yields from 0.1% to 0.45%, depending on balance. CD rates depend on the amount deposited. Recently, with a $500 deposit, a one-year maturity yielded 0.55% and a five-year maturity yielded 1.4%.
• Credit cards and loans: Among the credit card options is the Visa Platinum card, which carries an APR starting at just 8.9%. Auto-loan APRs were recently as low as 2.24% for a three-year term, and interest on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage started at 4%.

Based in St. Paul, Minn., Hiway opened in 1931 for Minnesota Department of Transportation employees. Today, those who work for other eligible employers or live in the area can become members, too.

• Website: www.ngfcu.us
• How to join: Those who belong to the Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation (minimum $50 contribution) qualify for membership. Open a savings account with a deposit of at least $5 to complete your membership.
• Checking account: The credit union's checking account is free, requires no minimum balance after you make a $25 initial deposit, and pays an interest rate of 0.1% on balances of $500 or more.
• Savings accounts: The no-fee money market deposit account yields 0.45% on balances of at least $2,500. With a $2,500 deposit, CD rates are 0.91% for a one-year term and 2.01% on a five-year term.
• Credit cards and loans: Northrop Grumman FCU offers three versions of its MasterCard credit card, including one that pays 1.5% back on purchases with the Cashback Rebate program. Auto-loan APRs recently dipped as low as 1.49% for a three-year term, and the fixed rate on a 30-year mortgage started at 3.875%.

Chartered in 1946 for employees of Northrop Aircraft Co., this credit union is based in Gardena, Calif. It also has branches in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia. Membership extends to those who work for defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. and associated companies.

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