The Benefits of Credit Unions

Many people believe credit unions aren't convenient. This is a myth! Credit unions have more locations and more ATMs than many of the largest banks. They belong to CO-OP Network, a network of 28,000 ATMs nationwide, which is available to 26 million credit union members across the country. And guess what -- CO-OP Network ATMs are all surcharge-free. Which means you won't pay a fee to access your money. Many are found in 7-Eleven stores, COSTCO, Walgreens, Publix grocery stores and many other retail locations and more than 9,000 ATMs take deposits.

Additionally, many credit unions share branches. There are 3,500 shared branch credit unions across the country....meaning you can go to a participating credit union and treat it as if it were your home branch.

Join a credit union -- they are all about their members and they are as convenient if not more so than big banks!

Samantha Smyth of CA 2:49PM March 06, 2009

The Credit Union Associations of Colorado and Wyoming have just announced the availability of a free online financial literacy program for all residents of those two states.

The program - called FoolProof - is designed to teach people about financial responsibility. It's a Web-based program providing free financial literacy programs for everyone. It's a real tool for parents and teachers to help kids learn good money management skills for life.

One can only wonder - if more people had this type of knowledge would we still be in the current economic crisis? There are also programs geared for adults, this is important unbiased consumer info for everyone!

Check it out at: http://www.foolproofme.com

Kevin of CO 6:28PM November 19, 2008

In years past, credit unions were much more prominent than they are today, what with shipping of jobs overseas.

But credit unions have traditionally been a safer place than banks without the needless speculation and with membership owners of assets which contributes to their stability.

As an effort to restore banking credibility, healthy credit unions are essential to keep national labor thriving in a world where there is otherwise pressure to out-source overseas for lower costs.

Credit unions have always been insured by the FDIC and offer the alternative to speculation in commerical banks that much of the nation doesn't find favorable for their situations.

If credit unions had been more prominent as the alternative to banking speculation, it's possible that there would never have been the one size fits all default of banking bail outs to solve the nation's credit crunch.

And banks, in keeping with their predatory history, could have been allowed to fail just as they have forced onto unwitting consumers who get caught up in their usurious schemes that States and the Federal government have allowed to exist.

With the alternatives of natural competition, usury monopolists need not be served by pandering to their predatory appetites. Banks could have suffered what they have long dished out to the public.

pat of MA 2:45PM November 15, 2008

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette (www.arkansasonline.com) ran an article this morning (October 24th, 2008) suggesting that Banks intend to hoard the bailout money rather than use it to unlock the credit crunch by extending loans.

Who didn't see that coming? Of course, a damaged bank would replenish their capital and calm the fears of their shareholders before loosening their purse strings to borrowers again!

I just hope that other news media outlets will spread the credit union message, as you have done, so people are aware of their ability to take advantage of credit union membership. I will definitley defend the credit union movement the next time the American Bankers Association decides to launch another attack on credit unions. We should all write our congress and let them know how much credit unions are appreciated and needed!

Dave of AR 2:54PM October 24, 2008