do you bank with a Credit Union?

[srican69]

I want to change from Bank of America to an FCU.

I tried looking up credit union attached to my university - but boy !! they have fees upon fees upon fees. ( more than 3 checks/month -slam 5 dollars .. WTF .. I get unlimited free checks from BofA) I like the online billpay, near ubiquitous ATMs etc ...

I honestly would like to switch to a FCU on principal. But I also need to be practical.

What is your Banking experience like? I would especially like to hear from you if you have made a switch from a big bank.


Update: Here are the fees for the credit union I am elegible to join ( Some of them are ridiculous - such as transfers between accounts)

http://www.nyufcu.com/asp/cufees.asp

27 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	WTF are you talking about ? I use XXXXX FCU ... and I love it from a customer side of it ( Details please)
	26 (96%)
	Its a compromise .. but I like the fact that I get better returns.
	0 (0%)
	Its a pain - but I'd much rather have it this way.
	0 (0%)
	It was a real pain - I went back to the commercial bank.
	0 (0%)
	No I ve never used Credit Unions
	1 (4%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[hlthe2b]

1. You ought to look at other credit unions. I"ve never paid fees.

[GoCubsGo]

22. Nor, have I.

I had a side account at B of A for a while, however. You want to talk about fees? That's why I no longer have the account. Wish I had all the money they charged me for going under a certain balance--something they instituted AFTER I opened the account. Those fees were not in the agreement when I opened that account.

[2naSalit]

23. I have been a member of several

CUs in five different states over three decades and never had any fees and few minimums if ever. The thing about a true CU is that it is member owned so all the fees go into operations and not bankster's bonuses and bloated salaries. Keep that in mind. Also, when shopping for a CU, check to see if they are a member of CUNA and FDIC... they pretty much guarantee that you are not getting wrapped up in a faux CU, and there are some out there. Some require that you have an affiliation with some group, like railroad employees or, like the one I am with now, a current student or alum of a school, or like when I worked for the State of WA, there was a CU for state employees and teachers. Look around, they are so much better than throwing your money into the bankster void, whatever fees you may be asked to pay go into making your money's home more efficient so that it works better for you.

BofA is probably the biggest rip off on the continent, always has been.

[SugarShack]

29. We got out of B of A and are now "members" of Achieva Credit Union and LOVE IT

Open every day til 5:30pm and on sat 9-1!!! no fees.....low interest on everything....new buildings, premium coffee flat screens....all for members and not fat cat CEO's! Their HQ is now relocating to our area and they have now reached the 1 billion in funds....like the big banks! We love it! locations all over the place and free ATM cards for Presto...which is in all of our supermarkets. more ATM locations for free..than a bank!

We even did a refi with them at just over 3%!!!!!! as a non profit the fees were lower as well.

[redqueen]

24. +1

[FSogol]

46. Same here. No fees. n/t

[srican69]

47. updated the OP with fees that my prospective CU will charge ...

[Purveyor]

2. You need to shop around for other CU's. Ours has free checking, free ATM's, low apr C cards etc.

[BainsBane]

3. I see no difference

I don't know what you mean by a compromise. That's not what I use now but I have in the past. It's all the same to me.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. I've had my FCU for more than 30 years. No fees, hardly at all.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

5. I'm with a credit union here in Seattle

named after an airplane company. Anyhow, it's way better than a bank. Low fees, more interest and no corporate agenda to deal with! And you don't have to work for said airplane company to join!

[Bjornsdotter]

6. Love my credit union

...no fees.

No fees on atm usage, I can use any atm and I am rebated monthly on the fees. All of the rates are much better than BOA, I even get interest on my checking acct.

Added plus...all of the people there are so nice, I would never switch.

[RainDog]

7. No fees from my CU. Banked there for 25 years.

it's the banks, not credit unions, that I have seen imposing ridiculous fees.

[u4ic]

8. I switched from CIBC

to a local credit union. Best move I ever made. No fees at all was the main drawing point, plus my having a share in it. They are very customer service oriented - helpful, relaxed and accomodating when I need to deal with them. They gave me free cheques as well. It's only for rent that I need them, and they were more than ready to give me 2 yrs worth of free ones for that.

The only issue I see is when I travel out of province, as it's a provincial credit union; I am very limited in what ATM's I can use.

[cascadiance]

14. Make sure that it is a member of the Co-Op network of Credit unions...

... that doesn't charge fees for usage of each other's credit unions. Look for the following logo...



I've been dependent on that, having lived out of state from my CU that I had been a member of over 20 years. As noted in another post here, had they switched to a bank, I would have lost that network access, and would have had to switch to another CU...

[srican69]

17. I am looking out for coop network ..

a couple of credit unions next to my house require me to be working with one of companies in their list - and I am a freelancer and they wont take me.

[u4ic]

31. It is

We have a network in Canada (don't know if it also applies if I travel to the US as well).

I'm sure others who are investigating CU's will find your tip very informative

[Atman]

9. You looked at a very bad credit union.

I finally left TDBank when they raised their minimum balance on standard checking to $250. Drop below that and they charge $15. Fuck that. I went to a state credit union...no fees, part of the huge NYCE and SUM ATM network, online bill pay, online account management. The only hassle was having to remember all my old passwords so I could change the automated payments from my old account. Credit Union rocks...you just visited a shitty one. I've never heard of one as bad as what you posted.

[srican69]

10. this is exactly what I am looking for ..

I wish there were online credit unions that would make my life even easier..

[erinlough]

11. 40 years at my CU

In the past 5 years started to see some very small fees. I had one car loan at a big bank and hated dealing with them, Ive taken all subsequent loans through the CU. I love the personal service, and just about everything else.

[cascadiance]

12. I've been with a CU for over 20 years that recently had management slapped down...

for trying to convert it in to a bank! Here's where the rules of a CU protect you from a band of corporatists trying to take over them.

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2012/09/technology-credit-union-bank-conversion.html?page=all

Facebook pages like the following really helped mobilize opposition to this move.

http://www.cutimes.com/2012/07/11/tech-cu-member-launches-facebook-page-opposing-con

I'm thanking them immensely for preventing me the hassle of having to switch to another CU.

[ellisonz]

13. I belong to a credit union...

...you need to look for a better credit union.

[leftyohiolib]

15. why do you want to hear from us about that do you work for a big bank or pr firm for big banks?

"but boy !! they have fees upon fees upon fees" but you dont mind the fee upon fee upon fee from bank america - how about that practice, for people with little in their checking, of covering the check that has the highest amount on it (no matter when it arrived at the bank) ahead of the smaller amount checks so that all the rest of the check bounce giving you fee upon fee upon fee - but those credit unions fees are outrageous

[srican69]

18. I dont work for them .. I have an account with BofA

[Lugnut]

16. I'll never switch to a big bank.

My CU charges me $1.00 a month for my debit card. My checks are free. I only have to maintain a $5.00 balance. You need to shop around.

[GoneOffShore]

19. I'm with NFCU (Navy Federal) used to be Community Service CU

Excellent service, no fees to speak of unless one doesn't have enough funds to cover a check.

Hated my "commercial" bank. Been with a credit union over 20 years. Love it.

Good luck.

[Make7]

20. Remember when Credit Unions almost destroyed the world economy?

Me neither...

[hobbit709]

21. No fees at mine.

[sorefeet]

25. 2 years ago I opened

a savings account minimum $25.00. Well I forgot about it and they sent me a statement, now I have $15.00 in my savings account. I got to go get whats left.

[srican69]

37. why did you lose the $10?

insufficient activity?

[abelenkpe]

26. went from BofA to Credit Union

no problems, no hassles, no regrets

[srican69]

35. Does your CU have online bill pay etc ...

I am in the same boat as you were..

[abelenkpe]

40. O yes.

Use it for everything except the rent. Although I could use it for the rent...

[Dawson Leery]

27. When it comes to commercial banking, BOA is the worst.

Look for a Credit Union which has been around for at least 50 years, if not longer.

[mcar]

28. I've used a credit union for more than 20 years

for everything - checking, savings, mortgage, car loans. No fees.

Check into other FCUs - that one doesn't sound too good.

[apnu]

30. My FCU is great.

I can bank online, little to no fees, they're honest and give a hoot about me. Their customer service people really go the distance. And I'm 4 states away from my FCU, but can still find local FCUs in the same system so I can use ATMs with out crazy fees.

[Blue_In_AK]

32. My credit union doesn't have fees.

Shop around.

[srican69]

39. The one I am eligible for has tons .. just updated the OP with list of fees

[Blue_In_AK]

42. Oh, that's ridiculous.

Surely there's another one around that you could join? My credit union is "by invitation," and at one point was strictly for government-affiliated employees, but all I needed was a member to vouch for me. I've been a member since sometime in the late '70s or early '80s.

[srican69]

45. everything else I find is employment or referral based ...

why does it have to be so hard?

[klook]

33. Been a happy credit union member for decades

and wouldn't consider switching to a traditional bank. My credit union has very low fees and excellent service. My experience with banks is that they're constantly looking for ways to nickel-and-dime the customer.

Find a CU here: Credit Union National Association

[dmallind]

34. Nope. Theory is good but WellsFargo experience flawless to date

Been with them 20 years. Never paid a single penny in fees in the last 12. On my sixth mortgage with them, with two temporarily concurrent ones on two separate occassions, the latter both under 3.5% and arranged by email alone. I get 1% cash back on credit cards, a (tiny) interest on free checking, a very user friendly e-banking interface with instant transfers between several accounts. What's the incentive to leave that?

[prairierose]

36. My credit union is great....

savings, free checking, ATM/debit card. They have many investment services . Check all the FCUs in your area and see who has the best services and costs.

I will never go back to going business with banksters.

[xxxsdesdexxx]

38. I use Mission Federal Credit Union

I have only paid when I do things like wire money. Other than that there have been no fees. I think it's a teacher's credit union, but I'm not a teacher and don't have a teacher in the family - I became a member in high school and I don't remember if I got in because I was a student, or just because anyone can get in.

[OutNow]

41. My Credit Union is 1,000 miles from my home - no problem

I've always used a Credit Union for the last 40 years. In the past you had to be an employee of the company that was served by a Credit Union but the rules have changed over the years so that now anyone can join one.

My Credit Union is located in Texas. I moved from Texas to Oregon 6 years ago but still use the same Credit Union. I've had no reason to change. I do all direct deposit, and online bill paying, and free ATMs. I have free checks for the rare occasion that I need to write a check. I can make deposits via the mail, via a smartphone app, or at the physical location of any other Credit Union. If I need to speak to a real person I give them a call.

So, consider joining a Credit Union that provides the service and cost you need and then do all your banking online.

[ananda]

43. I like my credit union fine.

It has relieved me of huge guilt regarding banking with the criminal monsters.

[Initech]

44. Yup. Dumped Wells Fargo like I was ripping a band aid off.

[bigwillq]

48. I've never used one

But I do only use a small, regional bank.

[moondust]

49. Love my CU.

Highly rated in some CU surveys. Couldn't beat it if I tried. Like anything else, they're not all the same.

[RedCappedBandit]

50. No fees. My FCU is what a bank SHOULD be.

[MarianJack]

51. When I go in, they know my name and family and treat me like a person.

It's not the only benefit, but it's a biggie!

PEACE!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

52. I use a credit union and I've been very happy with it.

It was originally limited to people who worked for airlines but has lately become authorized to accept anyone who lives in this metropolitan area. Fees are nonexistent to minimal; interest rates on CDs, etc. (while low these days, as everywhere) are better than you can get at a commercial bank; I can get all the services I'd need from a bank, like checking, savings, online banking and bill-paying, loans, ATMs, safe deposit boxes, and financial advisers, and I can always talk to an actual human if I need to. Their service has always been excellent. https://www.wingsfinancial.com/ASP/home.asp

[okaawhatever]

53. I bank with USAA. (it's a non-profit org for military) Many, many credit unions allow

people to join that you wouldn't even think about. In my area educators credit union allows people to join if they have children enrolled in school, and they don't ask for proof. Look for national ones, and don't rule out something w/a good plan until you read their rules for membership.

[Eleanors38]

54. I'm in a FCU, and no fees at all. But then I have my IRA with them, meeting min. cash holdings.

[socialindependocrat]

55. We belong to two - Quick summary

I did pay a $5 membershit fee to join

I got all my car loans there because they had lower interest rates.

The one I started with in 1974 was for work but it now has offices in the state and allows
non-employee membership.

What I do is go in and ask to have things explained.
If I got pissed because I don't like something I tell them that I don't like something.

I had a bank that said I could only make 3 withdrawals a year from my account.
I told him that on my thrid withdrawal I would take out the balance - Problem solved.

These places make up rules as they go along - all so they can make more money.
Laugh at them when they say something stupid
Tell them they obvoiusly don't want your business and walk out
Tell them that since they increased their auto withdrawal fees that you will go inside
in the future and take the time of a clerk instead of using the machins.

Make up some of your own come-backs and aee how much fun you can have
letting them know they are making stupid policies and you can go elsewhere.

It's fun to watch them stammer when they can't justify the stupidity of their policies.

[okaawhatever]

56. Here is a link from credit union access to all the credit unions in new york.

http://creditunionaccess.com/new-york_credit_unions.htm

[mike_c]

57. I <3 my credit union....

No or low fees, great service. I've been banking with my CU for nearly 15 years now. It's great. I will NEVER go back to a commercial bank. Member owned is the way to go.