10 Best Nationwide Credit Unions

If you are looking for a checking or savings account and traditional banking doesn’t meet your needs, a nationwide credit union is worth considering. 

When you work with the best credit unions, you sign up to become a member. This makes you part of the community and lets you enjoy a better customer service experience with solid rates and minimal fees. 

While most credit unions are location-specific, there are options that serve customers across the country. Here are the best credit unions that work with customers nationwide.

Top Credit Unions Nationwide

The right credit union for you will vary based on your needs. It’s important to select an option with membership requirements that you can satisfy and products that cover your financial needs. 

Whether you need checking accounts, loans, credit cards, or something else, there’s an option for you. In order of Trustpilot ranking, here are the best credit unions nationwide.

1. Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union offers products with better rates and fewer fees than normal banks. It is one of the best credit unions in the country.

The company’s nationwide footprint centers on Department of Defense (DoD) facilities. This means you or a family member must have ties to the armed forces, DoD, or National Guard. If you qualify, you must set up a membership savings account and maintain a $5 minimum balance. 

According to the Navy Federal Credit Union, there are huge savings opportunities for members. On average, members save $352 per year. You can find a wide range of financial products through Navy Federal.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Savings accounts
• Free checking accounts
• Business checking accounts
• Mortgages
• Auto loans
• Credit cards
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Student loan refinancing
• Home equity loans

Most members of Navy Federal Credit Union report having a pleasant experience with the company. However, the limited branch locations can be a bit inconvenient at times. 

Members who cannot visit a branch in person can access their accounts online or by downloading the mobile app via Google Play or the Apple App Store.

2. PenFed

Pentagon Federal Credit Union, otherwise known as PenFed Credit Union, was founded to provide adequate financial resources to military members and their families.

However, since its founding, the credit union has expanded to offer membership to everyone. This expansion makes it one of the best credit unions in the United States.

Like Navy Federal Credit Union, you’ll find a full suite of financial products. 

A few of these options include:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Credit cards
• Auto loans 
• Mortgages
• Home equity loans

As a PenFed member, you can satisfy the vast majority of your financial needs if you use this credit union. Plus, it just takes a $5 initial deposit to get started.

The Access America Checking account is one of the company’s best offerings and is interest-bearing. You’ll earn up to 11x the national average on your deposits. 

In addition, you can avoid the $10 monthly fee attached to this account by making monthly direct deposits of at least $500 or maintaining a daily balance of at least $500. 

It’s easy to manage your PenFed checking or savings account online. Furthermore, the credit union offers a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. Better yet, you can access surcharge-free ATMs.

3. First Tech Federal Credit Union

Among the best credit unions, First Tech Federal Credit Union serves tech companies and their employees nationwide. There are many opportunities to become a member of this credit union, but not everyone will be eligible.

One of its best products is its First Tech Rewards Checking® and Savings, which gives you more earning potential with less to worry about.

Here is what that includes:

• Unlimited earning potential with no balance caps ​
• No more counting card transactions each month ​
• Enjoy an unlimited number of First Tech Rewards Checking® and Savings accounts
• Insured by NCUA
• Integrate the Rewards savings rate

In addition to checking and savings accounts and its other financial products, this credit union offers various educational resources on its website that allow members and non-members alike to improve their financial literacy.

Plus, First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to community involvement. They offer scholarships, grants, employee giving, and more.

4. Connexus Credit Union

If you are looking for the best credit unions, Connexus Credit Union is worth considering. It serves 421,000+ members in all 50 states. Although there are plenty of membership opportunities, not everyone is eligible. 

To qualify as a member of Connexus, you need to be an employee, member, retiree, or family member of one of the credit union’s partner companies or groups.

A few of these partners include: 

• ALPA FCU
• BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Group
• Honeywell
• Kraft
• Liberty Mutual Insurance
• TSI Incorporated

The full list of membership eligibility criteria is on the Connexus website. However, if you really want to join, you can become a member of the Connexus Association for a one-time $5 donation to satisfy the membership requirements. 

Once you are accepted, you’ll have access to many financial products.

A few of these include:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Mortgages
• Auto loans
• Individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
• Student loans

The credit union’s stand-out checking account is called the Xtraordinary account. It offers up to a competitive APY on your deposits. 

With Connexus, you can easily manage your accounts using a straightforward app available on both Android and iOS devices.

5. Bethpage Credit Union

Not only is Bethpage Federal Credit Union the largest credit union in New York State, but it’s also available to everyone in the country. It’s one of the best credit unions worth considering.

Membership requires a $5 deposit into a savings account. Over 30 branches are located between Long Island and New York City. 

However, if you live beyond that geographic area, you’ll be restricted to online money management or using the credit union’s app. This company has competitive interest rates and a wide range of banking services. 

You’ll find: 

• A free checking account
• Savings accounts
• A teen checking account
• Money market accounts
• Credit cards
• Mortgages
• Auto loans
• And more

Interestingly, the company offers several teen-only options. If you are a teen or have a teen, Bethpage Credit Union is a good option for money management.

A secure digital wallet allows Bethpage members to manage their funds seamlessly with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Mastercard Click to Pay, and CarNav by CO-OP. 

You can also access free ATMs through this credit union.

6 . Consumers Credit Union

Consumers Credit Union is open to anyone willing to make a one-time $5 membership payment. This company offers a range of financial products to help you achieve your financial goals.

Whether you want to boost your savings with the help of a certificate of deposit (CD) or take out a jumbo home loan, Consumers Credit Union has you covered. 

If you choose Consumers Credit Union, you can get: 

• Free checking accounts
• Rewards checking accounts
• Health savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit
• Home equity loans
• Auto loans
• Credit cards
• And more

It’s easy to manage your account online or via an app available for Android and iOS devices. Plus, you can access surcharge-free ATMs.

The downside of Consumers Credit Union is its relatively low consumer ratings. Most of the negative reviews focused on bad customer service experiences.

That said, the limited number of reviews makes it difficult to pinpoint what’s not working for most customers. 

Learn more: Consumer Credit Union Review

7. Alliant Credit Union

Alliant Credit Union offers a digital experience with no physical branch options.

To become a member, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be a current or retired employee of an Alliant partner
• Live or work near Alliant’s corporate headquarters in Chicago
• Be a domestic partner or immediate family member of an Alliant member
• Sign up to be a member of Foster Care to Success

Keep in mind that if you choose the Foster Care to Success option, Alliant will pay the one-time $5 membership fee for you.

The rates on Alliant deposit accounts are impressive. You’ll find opportunities to build your savings with a high-rate savings account, a high-rate checking account, and certificates of deposit. 

As you work towards your savings goals, you can open a supplemental savings account and add a nickname to encourage more diligent savings. 

In addition to checking and savings accounts, Alliant offers: 

• Teen checking accounts
• Credit cards
• Auto loans
• Mortgages
• Personal loans
• A car-buying service
• Individual retirement accounts (IRA)

As an Alliant Credit Union member, you can confidently manage your finances on the go via an app that’s available for Android and iOS devices. You can also oversee your account online. 

Alternatively, if you live in Chicago, you can visit one of the company’s two physical branches. 

8. Latino Community Credit Union

The Latino Community Credit Union (LCCU) is open to all members of the Latino Community Development Center (LCDC). However, anyone can join, making it one of the best credit unions in the country.

Across the 11 LCCU branches in North Carolina, the LCDC runs workshops to provide members with the right financial resources. This means that you’ll be part of an exciting movement, whether or not you are Latino. 

The initial deposit required to become an LCCU member is $10. That’s $5 higher than the other options on this list. Nevertheless, the focus on providing financial literacy resources sets the credit union apart. 

As a member, you can access:

• Savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit
• Retirement accounts
• Checking accounts
• Credit cards
• Mortgages
• Personal loans
• Auto loans
• And more

The checking account is free to open, and you can avoid monthly fees by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $250. 

Members of this credit union can manage their accounts online or via the app that is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

9. America First Credit Union

America First Credit Union is a financial institution that offers a range of services to its members, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards.

Membership is open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in certain areas of Utah and Nevada, as well as immediate family members of current members.

To become a member, individuals must open a savings account with a minimum deposit of $5. They must also provide identification and proof of eligibility for membership. Once a member, individuals can take advantage of the various services offered by the credit union.

Checking and savings accounts are available for members to store their money and earn interest. Members can also apply for loans, including auto loans, mortgages, and personal loans, as well as credit cards.

America First Credit Union offers competitive rates on these financial products and provides resources to help members make informed borrowing decisions.

10. Boeing Employees’ Credit Union (BECU)

Boeing Employees’ Credit Union (BECU) is a financial institution that serves Boeing’s employees and families, as well as select employee groups and organizations. Founded in 1935, BECU is one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with over 1.6 million members and $28 billion in assets.

To become a member of BECU, individuals must be Boeing employees or members of an eligible employee group or organization. Family members of current members are also eligible to join.

Once members, individuals can take advantage of the credit union’s various financial services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. BECU offers competitive rates on its financial products and provides resources to help members make informed borrowing decisions.

The credit union also strongly emphasizes financial education and offers various resources to help its members improve their financial well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions about whether a credit union is the right option for you, these frequently asked questions might help.

Why should I use a credit union vs. a regular bank?

Compared to traditional banking, the best credit unions typically offer lower monthly fees, better interest rates, and improved customer service. Plus, they are overseen by the National Credit Union Administration.

Whether you want to tap into the lowest possible interest rate for a loan or avoid the litany of fees that come with a regular bank, choosing credit unions might be right for you.

What types of accounts do credit unions offer?

The types of accounts offered by credit unions vary by credit union.

At the very least, you’ll generally find a checking account, savings account, and some loan products at credit unions.

Are credit unions safe to use?

Yes, credit unions are safe to use. The National Credit Union Administration is responsible for monitoring federal credit unions. 

Part of that monitoring includes insurance coverage of up to $250,000 for NCUA-insured deposit accounts. This insurance amount matches the FDIC insurance you’ll find at traditional banks.

What are the downsides of using a credit union?

Generally, credit unions have fewer branches than traditional banks. Plus, not all credit unions offer a wide range of products or nationwide availability. 

Before committing to a membership with a particular credit union, make sure it offers what you need. 

How can I choose the right credit union for my needs?

You can start your search by reviewing the membership requirements of different credit unions. If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to keep looking. 

Additionally, review the financial products offered and the resources available through each credit union. In some cases, a lack of products or perks may lead you to seek a different option. 

Summary

Aside from the membership requirements, your money management experience at a credit union will be somewhat similar to that of a traditional or online bank. You’ll have many of the same account options and ways to manage your money.

The biggest difference is that you might find better rates for checking and savings accounts and friendlier customer service representatives. That said, these perks can come at a higher initial price.

Before joining a credit union, consider all of the fees. Verify that any added upfront costs will be worth it in the long run.

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