Is it better to borrow from a bank or credit union?
The Bottom Line. Credit unions can be ideal for a low-interest loan, lower mortgage closing costs or reduced fees, but you'll need to qualify for membership. Larger banks may offer you more choices regarding products, apps, and international or commercial products and services, and anyone can join.
Interest rates for loans from banks tend to be higher than interest rates charged by credit unions. For example, as of March 31, 2023, the national average rate for a 60-month new car loan was 5.38% at credit unions and 6.06% at banks.
Member-based mentality results in better customer service. Credit unions are owned by their members, so members are usually the focus of the institution. This means that credit unions are generally known for providing better customer service than banks. Nonprofit structure means better rates and lower fees.
Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Minimum Credit Score |
---|---|---|
LendingPoint | 4.0 | 600 |
Upgrade | 3.5 | 580 |
Universal Credit | 3.5 | 580 |
Discover | 3.5 | 660 |
To qualify for a personal loan, borrowers generally need a minimum credit score of 610 to 640. However, your chances of getting a loan with a low interest rate are much higher if you have a “good” or “excellent” credit score of 690 and above.
For decades, bankers have objected to the tax breaks and sponsor subsidies enjoyed by credit unions and not available to banks. Because such challenges haven't slowed down the growth of credit unions, banks continue to look for other reasons to allege unfair competition.
- Better interest rates on loans.
- High-level customer service.
- Lower fees.
- A variety of services.
- Cross-collateralization.
- Fewer branches, ATMs and services.
- The biggest negative.
The downside of credit unions include: the eligibility requirements for membership and the payment of a member fee, fewer products and services and limited branches and ATM's. If the benefits outweigh the downsides, then joining a credit union might be the right thing for you.
Experts told us that credit unions do fail, like banks (which are also generally safe), but rarely. And deposits up to $250,000 at federally insured credit unions are guaranteed, just as they are at banks.
Why Choose a Credit Union? Lower interest rates on loans and credit cards; higher rates of return on CDs and savings accounts. Since credit unions are non-profits and have lower overhead costs than banks, we are able to pass on cost savings to consumers through competitively priced loan and deposit products.
What is the best federal credit union to join?
- Alliant Credit Union. Alliant offers an above-average interest rate for savings. ...
- Consumers Credit Union. ...
- Navy Federal Credit Union. ...
- Connexus Credit Union. ...
- First Tech Federal Credit Union.
Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans. Personal loans with essentially no approval requirements typically charge the highest interest rates and loan fees.
Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Minimum credit score |
---|---|---|
LendingPoint | 4.0 | 600 |
Universal Credit | 3.5 | 580 |
Upstart | 3.5 | 300 |
Avant | 3.5 | 580 |
Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Current APR range |
---|---|---|
Discover | 3.5 | 7.99% to 24.99% |
Wells Fargo | 3.5 | 7.49% to 23.24% |
PNC Bank | 3.0 | Rates vary by zip code |
Citibank | 3.0 | 10.49% to 19.49% |
What Is the Typical Credit Score Required for a $3,000 Personal Loan? Since $3,000 is not a large loan amount, a credit score between 610 and 640 should suffice for an “unsecured” personal loan (a loan with no collateral). The higher your credit score, the less interest you will pay.
To increase your chance of qualifying for a $10,000 unsecured loan, you should have a credit score of 600 or higher. Some lenders start their minimum credit score requirements at 600, however, there are some lenders that require a credit score in the high 600s or low 700s.
This depends on your financial situation. For those with a good credit score — around 670 and up — a $30,000 personal loan may be pretty easy to get.
Banks have better products
Not only it's free with no minimum balance, you are actually paid reward points worth $5/month to use it. My credit cards are also issued by banks, not credit unions. These cards offer better rewards.
The not for profit status of credit unions offer several advantages to consumers that a traditional bank simply cannot compete with. These include providing low-interest rates on loans and higher interest rates on financial deposits.
Yes. Its fraud protections, lack of fees, and easy mobile access make it a smart choice for new banking customers. Capital One also offers a savings account for kids that parents can control. It earns a 0.30% APY* and is accessible via mobile app.
Is it hard to borrow money from a credit union?
Getting approved for a personal loan at a credit union can be challenging since you'll need to meet criteria to both become a member of the financial institution and get a loan. If you don't qualify with a credit union, consider applying for a personal loan with a bank or online lender.
The primary benefit of using a credit union is that, since a credit union is not run for profit, it can often offer lower interest rates than traditional and online lenders.
Although other financial institutions do serve a purpose, credit unions offer significant advantages such as: Higher savings. Lower fees. Individualized and hands-on member service.
The recent banking crisis may leave you wondering if credit unions are a safe place to park your cash. The truth is credit unions can still fail. But, even if yours does, you'll probably come out of the situation financially stable.
A bank or credit union may make a soft inquiry on your credit when you open a new checking account to check for a history of fraud. These soft checks do not affect your credit score. However, in some cases, a bank may perform a hard credit check, which does affect your credit score.
References
- https://www.imcu.com/blog/is-it-better-to-get-a-loan-through-a-credit-union
- https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/regional-economist/october-2003/credit-unions-make-friendsbut-not-with-bankers
- https://www.moneygeek.com/personal-loans/how-to-get-a-30000-personal-loan/
- https://www.investopedia.com/easiest-personal-loans-approved-7644059
- https://www.investopedia.com/how-does-a-credit-union-personal-loan-work-7562084
- https://www.marketplace.org/2023/06/02/just-how-safe-are-credit-unions/
- https://www.cusocal.org/Learn/Financial-Guidance/Blog/What-Are-Credit-Unions-And-How-Do-They-Work
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/credit-unions-vs-banks/
- https://www.investopedia.com/credit-unions-vs-banks-4590218
- https://lendingusa.com/blog/financing/all-about-10000-personal-loans/
- https://www.gtfcu.org/articles/how-checking-accounts-affect-your-credit-score
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/average-credit-score-for-personal-loans/
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/capital-one-bank-review/
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/3000-personal-loan/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/best-banks-that-offer-personal-loans/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/easiest-personal-loans-to-get/
- https://thefinancebuff.com/if-credit-unions-are-better-why-don.html
- https://www.usnews.com/banking/credit-unions
- https://www.edvisors.com/student-loans/credit-unions/credit-union-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.bellcocu.org/7-ways-credit-unions-are-better-than-banks
- https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/blog/financial-wellness/financial-education/revealed-the-downside-of-credit-unions/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/personal/best-personal-loans-from-a-credit-union/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-loans/best-personal-loans/
- https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/credit-union-vs-a-bank
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/credit-unions-safe-alternative-banks-113021788.html