Picked a local credit union over a big bank for my checking account

I went with a credit union near me in Austin instead of one of the national banks because they had no monthly fees and better interest on savings. Has anyone else made the switch and found it worth it?

2 comments

2 Comments

adam_nguyen710d ago

That no monthly fees part is exactly why I left Chase a few years ago (and good riddance). I actually started with a credit union back in like 2015 when I had a bad habit of overdrafting my account like once a month. The big bank would hit me with $35 each time, but my credit union just waved a little flag and said 'hey, you're low on cash.' Now I'm at UFCU here in Austin and they even gave me a better rate on my car loan than any dealer offered.

adam_nguyen710d ago

and honestly the car loan thing is the hidden gem nobody talks about. I refinanced my truck through a credit union two years ago and dropped my rate by almost 3 points. The dealer finance guy looked at me like I was crazy when I told him I was going elsewhere. But the real move is keep a small account at a big bank just for like ATM access when you travel. I've got like $200 in a free checking at Wells Fargo for emergencies only. That way you get the best of both worlds without paying fees to anyone.