Credit Unions

Instead of using big banks such as Wells Fargo, Citibank, Chase, Bank of America and other similar banks where your money works for them AND NOT YOU, join a credit union. “Big banks” have also been bailed out after abetting fraud, and also work more for politicians who vote against American workers, unions and health benefits.

Below are some of the VALUABLE reasons why you should join a credit union. Also linked to this page will be a list of credit unions that you should join, even if you’re NOT located in the same city/state, as you can access your money from ANY NCUA member worldwide without ever incurring a fee, or having to open a new account if you relocate to a new area. You can join any credit union online and the process of switching your direct deposit(s) and direct payments is very simple and guaranteed.

1. NO ATM FEES worldwide, which is something Wells Fargo and other “big banks” charge to access your money, especially as you’re traveling. NCUA credit union ATMs exist worldwide, and places such as 7-Eleven are part of the NCUA network — NO ATM FEES!! Check with the credit union you’re joining about their policy*. But a few of the credit unions which do not charge any ATM fees are KeyPoint CU, Teachers Federal Union, and Actors Federal Credit Union. Some credit unions, such as KeyPoint CU, also reverse fees charged at “big banks”, should you ever need to use any nearest ATM.
2. NO RETURNED CHECKS! This is policy that helps your credit as well as avoids costly fees on both ends. Mistakes happen! Your credit union will allow the check’s funds to be debited from your account and allow you time to reimburse the bank for the funds. This is a policy that you don’t ever want to abuse by not reimbursing your credit union. This policy is a courtesy afforded to members, which helps you, the member, therefore, abusing it by not reimbursing your credit union would be an all-around bad and regretful decision by the member as your credit will be ruined while the bank did its part to help your credit by paying your payees as a courtesy.
3. EARLIER PAYDAY THAN OTHERS. “Big banks” often hold your payroll deposit not only until the day of your scheduled pay, but also until a certain time of day, including end of day! While credit unions release your payroll funds days earlier as they’re your funds, not funds held hostage by “big banks” for THEIR asset purposes, i.e., your money is working for “big banks” instead of for you.
4. BETTER and more personal lending options, including credit builder options such as a line of credit, as well as other loan options.
5. AMERICAN, LOCAL WORKERS to assist you 24-hours a day!! No overseas customer service, which is also a security risk!! Your funds help employ persons within the United States, which contributes more to YOUR local community.
6. ACCESS YOUR FUNDS AND BANKING SERVICES AT ANY NCUA SHARED-BRANCH WORLDWIDE, including while traveling to other country, without incurring a fee. This is known as NCUA’s “shared branching service”. Military bases all have credit unions, which allow you access to conduct the same banking transactions as your local credit union: cashier checks, large withdrawals, etc. You’d never have to change banks if you relocate, or carry large amounts of cash when traveling to other countries. You have the same protections from your local bank while being able to access your funds and banking service with convenience and ease.
7. Co-op ATM networks which allows you to access your funds from any ATM without incurring a fee.
8. Security, security, security!! Loss prevention, fraud prevention and even consumer protection — especially if someone steals your info via fraud-swiping equipment. Credit unions can detect spending patterns and immediately prevent purchases while notifying you of fraud and immediately replace any associated cards, resulting in zero losses for both, while the fraud gets nothing except CAUGHT! Credit union’s fraud prevention services are personal, immediate and direct, and unlike “big banks”, which have delayed responses, someone will work directly with you in seconds to resolve any security issues. “Big banks” will also require you to pay for some of the fraud. Visit NCUA – https://www.ncua.gov/ for more information on services and security options credit unions provide.

   Here’s an example of how great their fraud prevention is. Buy used debit card at a restaurant where someone installed a swiping/card phisher device. Within seconds of the fraud awaiting the card information, purchases were attempted, over $1800.00++ in purchases at locations worldwide. However, as soon as the first transaction was attempted, the credit card immediately “held the transaction” for payment, while notifying cardholder. Cardholder is asked to verify transactions. If transactions not recognized, fraud is immediately stopped while member’s account is 100% protected with zero loss or fees. The thief is unaware they’re about to be caught, so keeps attempting purchases, leading to their capture/arrest (unless it’s a massive fraud ring which takes more time). Credit union member immediately receives new card information with even more enhanced security options and monitoring, and their life isn’t disrupted by some criminal’s harmful acts.

* Just remember… not all credit unions are full credit unions, while using “credit union” as part of their name. For example, Municipal Credit Union based out of New York, NY, charges ATM fees to use OTHER NCUA member ATMS as well as any other ATM, doesn’t offer shared branching services, AND returns checks (resulting in double fees) even if your direct deposit posts a minute AFTER the check is returned.

Navy Federal Credit Union – https://www.navyfederal.org/

Teachers Federal Credit Union –  https://www.teachersfcu.org/pages/index.php

Actors Federal Credit Union – https://www.actorsfcu.com/

KeyPoint Credit Union – https://kpcu.com

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