The Big List of Credit Unions Anyone Can Join

The Big List of Credit Unions Open to Anyone

I thought it would be useful to have a list of all credit unions in which anyone can join. For most of these all-access credit unions, you can join an association and that will qualify you for membership into the credit union. All credit unions are required to have a field of membership which defines a common bond for members. When credit unions started, common bonds typically involved employers. This expanded to include community bonds in which anyone who lives or works in an area can qualify. Now many credit unions have fields of membership that include members of associations, and those associations can often be joined by anyone.

As you might expect, banks consider this as unfair competition since credit unions receive tax breaks. This 2010 New York Times article reported on this issue and the history of how large credit unions like PenFed evolved into an open membership. I'm more concerned with the massive size of the mega banks than I am with credit unions being unfair to the banks. The more competition we have, the more it helps savers, and as we all know, savers need all the help they can get in this awful interest rate environment.

The main reason to join a credit union that's not in your city is to take advantage of competitive banking products. Most of the all-access credit unions that I've reported on have offered competitive CD rates or reward checking accounts. Often the rates are better than what internet banks offer.

Like internet banks, many of these credit unions have online applications that make it easy to join. Also, the credit unions' online banking can make managing accounts easy without having to visit a branch. If you do need to visit a branch, many belong to the shared branch network. This allows you to conduct many banking transactions at any credit union in the network as if it were your own credit union.

Overview of the All-Access Credit Union List

The list is now updated daily. By default, the list is ordered based on asset size. Click the column title "Credit Unions" to order alphabetically or "Branches" to order based on the number of branches.

Click on the name of the credit union to visit our hub page for that credit union. The hub page lists all of my blog posts for that credit union. It also includes the credit union rate tables, financial health, branch locations and readers' reviews.

Under the credit union name is the city of its headquarters. Many of the credit unions have branches in multiple states. Click on the number of branches to see a map and listing of the branches.

Updated Daily:

Credit Union Assets Branches
PenFed Credit Union
HQ: McLean, VA
$34.82B
How you qualify
48
BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union)
HQ: Tukwila, WA
$29.87B
How you qualify
61
Alliant Credit Union
HQ: Chicago, IL
$18.47B
How you qualify
1
Mountain America Credit Union
HQ: Sandy, UT
$18.4B
How you qualify
106
First Technology Federal Credit Union
HQ: San Jose, CA
$16.85B
How you qualify
39
Lake Michigan Credit Union
HQ: Grand Rapids, MI
$13.37B
How you qualify
75
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
HQ: Bethpage, NY
$12.86B
How you qualify
33
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU)
HQ: Marlborough, MA
$12.08B
How you qualify
23
Teachers Federal Credit Union
HQ: Hauppauge, NY
$9.87B
How you qualify
32
Patelco Credit Union
HQ: Dublin, CA
$9.71B
How you qualify
37
Wings Financial Credit Union
HQ: Apple Valley, MN
$9.6B
How you qualify
36
United Nations Federal Credit Union
HQ: Long Island City, NY
$8.91B
How you qualify
3
Bellco Credit Union
HQ: Greenwood Village, CO
$8.26B
How you qualify
29
Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union
HQ: Harrisburg, PA
$8.23B
How you qualify
2
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union
HQ: East Lansing, MI
$7.69B
How you qualify
25
Veridian Credit Union
HQ: Waterloo, IA
$7.45B
How you qualify
32
Summit Credit Union (WI)
HQ: Cottage Grove, WI
$6.95B
How you qualify
60
Kinecta Federal Credit Union
HQ: Manhattan Beach, CA
$6.84B
How you qualify
32
Langley Federal Credit Union
HQ: Newport News, VA
$5.45B
How you qualify
23
Connexus Credit Union
HQ: Wausau, WI
$5.3B
How you qualify
16
NASA Federal Credit Union
HQ: Upper Marlboro, MD
$5.24B
How you qualify
14
Genisys Credit Union
HQ: Auburn Hills, MI
$4.85B
How you qualify
33
Technology Credit Union
HQ: San Jose, CA
$4.83B
How you qualify
11
American Heritage Federal Credit Union
HQ: Philadelphia, PA
$4.75B
How you qualify
31
Chevron Federal Credit Union
HQ: Oakland, CA
$4.67B
How you qualify
19
Spectrum Credit Union
HQ: Concord, CA
$4.67B
How you qualify
19
Northwest Federal Credit Union
HQ: Herndon, VA
$4.56B
How you qualify
12
Jovia Financial Credit Union
HQ: Westbury, NY
$4.44B
How you qualify
21
GECU
HQ: El Paso, TX
$4.42B
How you qualify
31
Affinity Federal Credit Union
HQ: Basking Ridge, NJ
$4.27B
How you qualify
22
Credit Human
HQ: San Antonio, TX
$4.18B
How you qualify
25
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
HQ: Saint Paul, MN
$4.18B
How you qualify
30
University Federal Credit Union
HQ: Austin, TX
$4.04B
How you qualify
25
United Federal Credit Union
HQ: Saint Joseph, MI
$3.85B
How you qualify
46
Liberty Federal Credit Union
HQ: Evansville, IN
$3.82B
How you qualify
32
UNIFY Financial Credit Union
HQ: Allen, TX
$3.81B
How you qualify
51
CoVantage Credit Union
HQ: Antigo, WI
$3.54B
How you qualify
20
Consumers Credit Union (IL)
HQ: Gurnee, IL
$3.53B
How you qualify
17
Grow Financial Federal Credit Union
HQ: Tampa, FL
$3.52B
How you qualify
27
Premier America Credit Union
HQ: Chatsworth, CA
$3.47B
How you qualify
21
NuVision Federal Credit Union
HQ: Huntington Beach, CA
$3.34B
How you qualify
16
California Coast Credit Union
HQ: San Diego, CA
$3.29B
How you qualify
26
USALLIANCE Financial
HQ: Rye, NY
$3.09B
How you qualify
11
All In Credit Union (AL)
HQ: Daleville, AL
$3.08B
How you qualify
35
Pen Air Credit Union
HQ: Pensacola, FL
$3.08B
How you qualify
11
New England Federal Credit Union
HQ: Williston, VT
$3B
How you qualify
18
GTE Financial
HQ: Tampa, FL
$2.97B
How you qualify
24
Chartway Federal Credit Union
HQ: Virginia Beach, VA
$2.89B
How you qualify
39
Achieva Credit Union
HQ: Dunedin, FL
$2.82B
How you qualify
26
State Department Federal Credit Union
HQ: Alexandria, VA
$2.8B
How you qualify
6
AmeriCU
HQ: Rome, NY
$2.69B
How you qualify
19
Workers Credit Union
HQ: Littleton, MA
$2.64B
How you qualify
18
Advancial
HQ: Dallas, TX
$2.44B
How you qualify
15
Magnifi Financial
HQ: Melrose, MN
$2.34B
How you qualify
26
Elements Financial
HQ: Indianapolis, IN
$2.32B
How you qualify
2
Andrews Federal Credit Union
HQ: Suitland, MD
$2.31B
How you qualify
17
Financial Partners Credit Union
HQ: Downey, CA
$2.27B
How you qualify
14
Abound Credit Union
HQ: Radcliff, KY
$2.26B
How you qualify
17
Allegacy Federal Credit Union
HQ: Winston Salem, NC
$2.24B
How you qualify
28
Dow Credit Union
HQ: Midland, MI
$2.2B
How you qualify
2
Self-Help Federal Credit Union
HQ: Durham, NC
$2.09B
How you qualify
38
Hughes Federal Credit Union
HQ: Tucson, AZ
$1.99B
How you qualify
7
Lafayette Federal Credit Union
HQ: Rockville, MD
$1.96B
How you qualify
8
Alabama Credit Union
HQ: Tuscaloosa, AL
$1.92B
How you qualify
37
Blue Federal Credit Union
HQ: Cheyenne, WY
$1.88B
How you qualify
22
Hanscom Federal Credit Union
HQ: Hanscom Afb, MA
$1.83B
How you qualify
19
Self-Help Credit Union
HQ: Durham, NC
$1.76B
How you qualify
37
Premier Members Credit Union
HQ: Boulder, CO
$1.74B
How you qualify
18
SRP Federal Credit Union
HQ: North Augusta, SC
$1.69B
How you qualify
19
Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union
HQ: Gardena, CA
$1.64B
How you qualify
27
Capital Educators Federal Credit Union
HQ: Meridian, ID
$1.59B
How you qualify
12
Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union
HQ: Burbank, CA
$1.54B
How you qualify
12
Skyla Credit Union
HQ: Charlotte, NC
$1.52B
How you qualify
20
St. Mary's Bank
HQ: Manchester, NH
$1.5B
How you qualify
11
BluPeak Credit Union
HQ: San Diego, CA
$1.47B
How you qualify
6
United States Senate Federal Credit Union
HQ: Alexandria, VA
$1.46B
How you qualify
4
Great Lakes Credit Union
HQ: Bannockburn, IL
$1.32B
How you qualify
14
Orion Federal Credit Union
HQ: Memphis, TN
$1.24B
How you qualify
11
Salal Credit Union
HQ: Seattle, WA
$1.22B
How you qualify
5
Pima Federal Credit Union
HQ: Tucson, AZ
$1.18B
How you qualify
9
Sandia Area Federal Credit Union
HQ: Albuquerque, NM
$1.18B
How you qualify
8
Notre Dame Federal Credit Union
HQ: Notre Dame, IN
$1.13B
How you qualify
11
REV Federal Credit Union
HQ: Summerville, SC
$1.1B
How you qualify
21
Quorum Federal Credit Union
HQ: Purchase, NY
$1.09B
How you qualify
1
Vibrant Credit Union
HQ: Moline, IL
$1.05B
How you qualify
7
Velocity Credit Union
HQ: Austin, TX
$1.04B
How you qualify
7
Latino Credit Union
HQ: Durham, NC
$1.03B
How you qualify
17
Ideal Credit Union
HQ: Woodbury, MN
$1.02B
How you qualify
6
Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union
HQ: San Jose, CA
$977.2MM
How you qualify
6
Utah First Federal Credit Union
HQ: Salt Lake City, UT
$974.2MM
How you qualify
9
Justice Federal Credit Union
HQ: Chantilly, VA
$969.4MM
How you qualify
19
Marine Federal Credit Union
HQ: Jacksonville, NC
$953.9MM
How you qualify
14
True Sky Credit Union
HQ: Oklahoma City, OK
$931.7MM
How you qualify
16
Fortera Credit Union
HQ: Clarksville, TN
$875.5MM
How you qualify
8
Greenwood Credit Union
HQ: Warwick, RI
$868.6MM
How you qualify
2
Corporate America Family Credit Union
HQ: Elgin, IL
$859.9MM
How you qualify
21
Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union
HQ: Proctor, WV
$857.1MM
How you qualify
12
Christian Community Credit Union
HQ: San Dimas, CA
$850.3MM
How you qualify
1
Sun East Federal Credit Union
HQ: Aston, PA
$848.7MM
How you qualify
6
Department Of Commerce Federal Credit Union
HQ: Washington, DC
$845.6MM
How you qualify
3
CBC Federal Credit Union
HQ: Oxnard, CA
$839.3MM
How you qualify
4
Thrivent Federal Credit Union
HQ: Appleton, WI
$831.8MM
How you qualify
1
Zeal Credit Union
HQ: Livonia, MI
$811.9MM
How you qualify
12
Superior Choice Credit Union
HQ: Superior, WI
$804.1MM
How you qualify
12
NIH Federal Credit Union
HQ: Rockville, MD
$798.8MM
How you qualify
5
Communitywide Federal Credit Union
HQ: South Bend, IN
$794.5MM
How you qualify
11
La Capitol Federal Credit Union
HQ: Baton Rouge, LA
$765.8MM
How you qualify
15
People's Credit Union
HQ: Middletown, RI
$717.6MM
How you qualify
6
INOVA Federal Credit Union
HQ: Elkhart, IN
$716.1MM
How you qualify
7
Dover Federal Credit Union
HQ: Dover, DE
$697.7MM
How you qualify
9
America's Credit Union
HQ: DuPont, WA
$696.4MM
How you qualify
11
American 1 Credit Union
HQ: Jackson, MI
$683.6MM
How you qualify
17
Oklahoma Central Credit Union
HQ: Tulsa, OK
$672.8MM
How you qualify
9
Pelican State Credit Union
HQ: Baton Rouge, LA
$668.2MM
How you qualify
18
AFFCU
HQ: San Antonio, TX
$663.5MM
How you qualify
7
Financial Resources Federal Credit Union
HQ: Bridgewater, NJ
$642.3MM
How you qualify
8
Fort Liberty Federal Credit Union
HQ: Fort Bragg, NC
$579.9MM
How you qualify
5
Securityplus Federal Credit Union
HQ: Baltimore, MD
$579.3MM
How you qualify
5
Hope Federal Credit Union
HQ: Jackson, MS
$579.2MM
How you qualify
25
Partners 1St Federal Credit Union
HQ: Fort Wayne, IN
$570.6MM
How you qualify
22
Spectra Credit Union
HQ: Alexandria, VA
$557.1MM
How you qualify
4
OUCU Financial Credit Union
HQ: Athens, OH
$513.7MM
How you qualify
4
Southeast Financial Credit Union
HQ: Franklin, TN
$474MM
How you qualify
13
Signature Federal Credit Union
HQ: Alexandria, VA
$451.4MM
How you qualify
1
Credit Union Of New Jersey
HQ: Ewing, NJ
$437.9MM
How you qualify
5
Wheelhouse Credit Union
HQ: San Diego, CA
$435.6MM
How you qualify
4
Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union
HQ: Tampa, FL
$434.3MM
How you qualify
5
AgFed Credit Union
HQ: Washington, DC
$359.3MM
How you qualify
4
Matadors Community Credit Union
HQ: Chatsworth, CA
$341.5MM
How you qualify
1
First Community Credit Union (WI)
HQ: Beloit, WI
$317.3MM
How you qualify
6
Library Of Congress Federal Credit Union
HQ: Washington, DC
$307MM
How you qualify
1
Interior Federal Credit Union
HQ: Washington, DC
$305.9MM
How you qualify
2
MTC Federal Credit Union
HQ: Greenville, SC
$276.9MM
How you qualify
8
Pasadena Federal Credit Union
HQ: Pasadena, CA
$270.9MM
How you qualify
3
Transportation Federal Credit Union
HQ: Alexandria, VA
$270.4MM
How you qualify
3
U S Postal Service Federal Credit Union
HQ: Clinton, MD
$269.2MM
How you qualify
5
Western Vista Federal Credit Union
HQ: Cheyenne, WY
$264.8MM
How you qualify
5
First Flight Federal Credit Union
HQ: Cary, NC
$228.5MM
How you qualify
7
Expedition Credit Union
HQ: Mendota Heights, MN
$226.9MM
How you qualify
3
Puerto Rico Federal Credit Union
HQ: Caparra, PR
$218.5MM
How you qualify
4
Parda Federal Credit Union
HQ: Auburn Hills, MI
$213.7MM
How you qualify
8
SunWest
HQ: Pueblo, CO
$208.5MM
How you qualify
3
Oklahoma Community Credit Union
HQ: Stillwater, OK
$207.1MM
How you qualify
2
Xcel Federal Credit Union
HQ: Bloomfield, NJ
$183.3MM
How you qualify
3
Princeton Federal Credit Union
HQ: Princeton, NJ
$168.9MM
How you qualify
2
Market USA Federal Credit Union
HQ: Laurel, MD
$136.8MM
How you qualify
2
Credit Union Of The Rockies
HQ: Golden, CO
$114.5MM
How you qualify
4
Pinnacle Federal Credit Union
HQ: Edison, NJ
$99.3MM
How you qualify
3
Taleris Credit Union
HQ: Seven Hills, OH
$69MM
How you qualify
2
Vision Financial Federal Credit Union
HQ: Durham, NC
$57.5MM
How you qualify
3

Don't See a Credit Union on the List?

Credit unions are constantly changing their fields of membership (FOMs). If you don't see a credit union on the list that makes it easy for anyone to qualify for membership, please let us know. The best way is by posting this news about the credit union in our bank promotions forum.

It is also possible that credit unions will make changes to their FOMs that will eliminate ways for everyone to qualify. I've seen several cases in which credit unions added state-residency requirements to association membership requirements. Also, I've seen cases in which credit unions have removed associations from their FOMs. If you see that a credit union on this list has added restrictions on new members, please let us know.

It should also be noted that some all-access credit unions may not allow all members to open certain accounts. Some accounts like IRAs and business accounts may require a branch visit. Also, there may be some popular account that is limited to certain members.

Previous Comments
viking
  |     |   Comment #1
Do most credit unions try to verify that you are indeed eligble...?
planxy
  |     |   Comment #344
Up the ying-yang. Nasty ones start peppering you with requests for more information after initially okaying applicant. Beware being asked for odd stuff, invasive and sometimes hard to find things, usually going to an underwriter who gets his salary from turning applicants down.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #3
ONLY A HANDFULL ON THE LIST ARE WORTH JOINING.  MOST PAY VERY LOW INTEREST RATES ON C.D. ACCOUNTS.
ussr
  |     |   Comment #4
Thank you for choosing A Federal Credit Union as your financial partner. For your convenience, opening a savings, checking or certificate is available to you 24/7 from the comfort of your home or office

  • You must be a Texas resident with Texas address
redd
  |     |   Comment #272
which federal credit union is best to choose also easy
pdxmale
  |     |   Comment #5
Thanks for all of the hard work Ken.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #6
Kinecta FCU in Manhattan Beach, CA is another credit union anyone can join.  One would join the Santa Monica Co-op and become eligible ($10.00).  Kinecta is also a member of the shared branch network.

 

http://www.kinecta.org
RJM
  |     |   Comment #9
I joined Penfed years ago for good CD rates. I also wanted the gas card. Well, I had 2 credit cards maxed out on 0% balance transfers so my credit was only "good" as opposed to very good and i gor REJECTED for the card. I later tried again, pointing out how much I had on deposit and was approved. A low limit but thats fine.

Wish there would have been a way around the $10-15 it cost me to join that military orginization though.

Recently, I found a little tiny credit union NEAR me that had 1.25% money market but their field of memberships is only for people who live or work in that tiny little city. No "worship clause". So I havent bothered.

 

Plus, about as soon as I showed up with $200k, they'd lower their rates probably !
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #10
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union based in Minnesota is open to all and requires only a $10 minimum balance in savings (basically the membership fee).

They have excellent online banking and free checking.  I live a state away and wouldn't dream of changing banks.
4 real
  |     |   Comment #16
adonde? do i recommend cap one i think we are eating to many of fluffys biscuits  
Paoli
  |     |   Comment #17
#16:  I was referring to your post as #14 "ps bank at capital one".  What else does that mean?? Sometimes I think I am in the Twilight Zone when I post on this forum.  Maybe "you" need a few of Fluffy's dog biscuits.
KenBDG
  |     |   Comment #20
I've removed the mystery text in Paoli's #17 comment. Sorry about that. I think you have to be careful when you copy into the comment text box. If the source has special formatting, the copy can cause the format code to be shown as text.
Paoli
  |     |   Comment #21
Thank you so much Ken for your quick help!  I will try to be more careful when I post my posts or replies in the future.  Did not realize you work weekends too!  No wonder this is such a great forum!
gracias papi
  |     |   Comment #22
did not want to make the mistake of serving the wrong pie on truduckin day  btw will ask my brother in law for those cds you are looking for he is a real whiz  and has mucho dinero 
Paoli
  |     |   Comment #23
#22 How do you know about "Turducken Day"?  I bet you even know how it's done.  I don't think it matters what pie you serve as long as you do the Turducken the right way.  Yummy!  Thanks so much for thinking about me and my needed CDs when you see your brother-in-law "with mucho dinero".  But I will need the info for 2012.  You have a great "Turducken Day"! 
TURDUCKEN PREP
  |     |   Comment #24
YEP  as fresh and as yummy as it gits my son in law goes huntin lives in north carolina and does the whole deal 
Paoli
  |     |   Comment #25
#24  What did you ever do to deserve a son-in-law who has "mucho dinero", hunts,  AND knows how to fix a Turducken!!  Do you know how expensive those are if one has to buy it already made?  What a feast you are going to have.  THAT would even be able to get my mine off of CDs for at least "one" day!  I'll be thinking about you and yours feasting while Fluffy and I will have to make do with a creepy fried chicken!  If 2012 goes well for me financially, maybe "I" can be eating Turducken next year!  Enjoy it while you can!
RJM
  |     |   Comment #27
Paoli

I am not at all worried about the information I posted.

I would suggest you might have paranoia issues !

LOL
cd rates
  |     |   Comment #29
hay papi going on holiday will check out the rates for you  dont eat to much of that crappe chikcen
Paoli
  |     |   Comment #30
Hay Papo #26.  Have a great holiday!  BTW, "my" fried chicken is delicious!  It's made the "old fashion way"!  Thanks for offering to check out rates for me so maybe one day I can go on "holiday" too!
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #32
AILOI is a french garlic mayo sauce that goes really well with fried chicken
super committee
  |     |   Comment #33
is a jokre fluffy and a blind baboon could do  a better job  of saving the economy
Paoli
  |     |   Comment #34
I'm told Ailoi is a delicious sauce like you've indicated but I have never tasted it.  I don't like anything on "my" fried chicken.

#33  How I wished I didn't agree with you about Fluffy and the Blind Baboon and the economy.  I was just reading today how the Dems and Repubs both have "no" idea what to do.  I guess I will be voting "Independent" this go round.  What a mess they have gotten us in!
plain  fried
  |     |   Comment #35
what no grits or as we yanks call it polenta with some collards  and red eye gravy and a hunk of pecan pie  now that be some gooood eats yall 
Paoli
  |     |   Comment #36
We Southerners call it "grits" and we eat it for breakfast except if you are poor and you use it as a main dish with potatoes and ham in it.  I've had it both ways.  I never said I was only having fried chicken by itself.  Even people who can't get 6% CDs have side dishes with the chicken.  Mine is fried rice with fried mushrooms and water chestnuts and some yucky vegetable (for health's sake!).  Oh! And a pie is definitely a necessity!  I haven't decided what kind yet.  If Southerners know how to do one thing, it's how to enjoy good food!  If all else fails, there is always "Meals on Wheels"! (Just joking!)
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #37
I was checking some of the "open" credit unions on the above list and on a couple of other sites I found through Google.  Unfortunately, most do not have good rates, imo.  What I am wondering, does Ken have a page in this forum which weeds out the worse and gives us the ones with the best rates?  It would make it easier on us rather than having to check every CU on the list.  Is this what is done when we go to the CD page?  Are the CUs listed the only ones with the best rates? Thanks for any advice or info.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #64
Ken used to report all the very best credit union rates rates , but must have got caught up with legal issues.  It does pay to go through the entire list as there are credit unions paying 3% interest.  I wish there was a site that narrowed down the best .
lou
  |     |   Comment #65
Which ones are paying 3%?
pdxmale
  |     |   Comment #38
Ken's list is as good as you get in one place. There are some that are not on it ---- but very few.

 

Hard to find "good" rates anywhere.

I assume you are looking at the correct list/s.
Eagle
  |     |   Comment #39
Nice list. I will check it out. Thanks!
DBulgher
  |     |   Comment #41
You forgot to include my credit union, Signal Financial Federal Credit Union in Kensington, MD.  I was able to join after I became a member of WABA (Washington Area Bicycling Association) and they even picked up the tab! Best of all I opened my account online and jointed WABA and Signal Financial at the same time.  Couldn't be happier with their great rates and service.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #42
I compared the most recent list of credit unions paying over 1.9% to this list and found only 3. Connexus, Riverland and Melrose. How do I ask a general question about credit Unions?
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #43
Becu?
KenBDG
  |     |   Comment #44
About BECU, it doesn't appear that there's an easy way for people outside of WA state to join. The only possible way I see from their membership page is through the Museum of Flight. However, BECU's membership page only says employees of Museum of Flight and not members of Museum of Flight.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #45
20th Century Fox is NOT open to ANYONE. I live in LA and I do not qualify.

http://www.foxcredit.com/join.php 
KenBDG
  |     |   Comment #46
@Anonymous #45, you should be able to qualify for 20th Century Fox FCU by joining the Best Friends Animal Society-Los Angeles Chapter in Woodland Hills. However, it does appear that the credit union has made it more difficult to join compared to my last review in 2010. It's not clear if anyone in the nation can qualify for this Best Friends Animal Society and the other association which I mention in my review. These now appear limited to locals. Also, the credit union removed links to applications for these associations. Because of these changes, I've decided to remove 20th Centuty Fox FCU from the list.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #47
If you are looking for a rate on a 12 month certificate, do not bother going through this entire list.  Digital, FirstMark and Pentagon are about the only three of the 74that will have something of 'value' in this area.  Yes, I went through them all!

Some of the banks on this blog have similar rates and you do not have to jump through the hoops of becoming a member of some innocuous organization.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #49
I joined Northwest Federal Credit Union in Herndon. They have several Northern Virginia branches, one close to where I live and another close to where I work.  I became a member by joining the Financial Awareness Network, INC. for $10 - a great group that promotes financial education, so joining was a win-win. I called FAN to see how to join and they were very nice and told me I could do a one-step process at time of applying for membership with the crdit union. Northwest Federal Credit Union people are great. Very patient and courteous. CD rates are about what everyone is offering, but they do have promotions, just be sure to read all the fine print.
rwilmeth
  |     |   Comment #51
Do not use Astera Credit Union! Astera Credit Union has kept from me my account number and bc of that: fined me, reported me to collections, and raped me for profits. I have tried for over 6 months to get my account number so that I could give them the insurance documents they already had on file, but Astera refused to give it to me no matter how many times I ask for it (up to 36 and now threatening legal action to get it). Without it, I cannot access any of my financial information at their bank, I don't know how much they fined me for or if I really am getting it all back. Their VP had to fix the collections issues and I still have no way of accessing my account statements or information, which is legally and morally wrong. It's been a nightmare, the only communication I get from Astera has been form letters and ignorance and all I want to view my account statement that wasn't even mailed to me, they lied and said that it's my fault for losing my address change when I changed it back in August.
ShondaJohnson
  |     |   Comment #52
Xceed and Western Federal are employee based credit unions. Not open to everyone.

 
me1004
  |     |   Comment #144
Not so, I have joined both. I know I joined Xceed via a cheap membership in an outside organization, which I had to join separately and then show Xceed the enrollment. I think I joined Western (now Unify) the same way, although that was some years ago, can't really remember, but I know it was not an employer-based way.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #53
I went to the website for Justice Federal credit union and I don't think it's open to everyone.  Did I miss an easy way to join it?
Brandon
  |     |   Comment #147
Join the National SHeriff's Association for $41, that will give you membership
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #55
Lockheed federal credit union stole my house I believe that they double dipped from the Feds. There was no reason not to work with we had pay timely for 10 years and now I was in the middle of a divorce. Debra made me and my broker jump through hoops for 6 months turned around and lied foreclosing on my home that I had been fighting for for 3 years alone as a single mom with family backing...They changed their name due to that fact that they are PURE FRAUDS.,,.....they are a complete disgrace I even went to NACA was approved for everything they told me if it wasn't a credit union I would D be walking away with my loan..MY LOGIX DROWN! Nicole....
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #56
Kinecta FCU is a nightmare, beyond horrible. On my previous car loan, they could not get the auto pay transfer right and kept claiming my account was overdrawn, and charged me late fees (after I raised hell, they refunded them). This was NOT a one-time occurrence, it happened repeatedly. When it happened yet again, I called them to discuss and actually kept a detailed record of how long I waited on the phone to speak to someone. That detailed record has since been thrown out but I remember that I called multiple times after waited I think well over an hour (combined times) and NEVER reached anyone. The phones just rang and rang with NO reply. I actually drove to their Westminster office in POURING RAIN, soaked, to try to solve the problem (and took my notes with me), and was furious when I arrived. They said their phones were just fine, no problems at all. Needless to say, I canceled my accounts with them and I believe paid off the remaining loan balance just to get away from them. I later wrote a detailed letter about this hellish experience to MANY upper-level administrative staff in Kinecta, detailing the number of calls I had made and the time I waited on hold on each call, and NEVER heard a word back. As a businessman myself, if I ever did that I would expect my clients to NEVER return. For your own sanity PLEASE avoid these people like the plague.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #57
Why was MSU added?  You need some sort of university affiliation to join.  The requirement is right at the top of the paper application.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #58
Delete Pacific Resource CU.  They merged with Nuvision FCU (also on the list) effective July 1, 2013.
KenBDG
  |     |   Comment #59
@anonymous #57, About MSU, please refer to the credit union's Who Can Join page.

@anonymous #58, Thanks for alerting us on the merger. Pacific Resource CU has been removed from the list.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #60
add:

SECU
Baltimore, MD
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #61
There really shouldn't be any federal credit unions on this list, according to a September letter to federal credit unions from NCUA.  http://www.ncua.gov/Resources/Pages/LFCU2013-03.aspx   State-chartered credit unions may have more expansive laws on field of membership than federal law, but they still have certain requirements (every state varies).  Not all states will allow you to join an association or donate to a specifc group just to be able to join the credit union.  Field of membership still is one of the things that distinguishes credit unions from banks.  Look for "community" credit unions in your geographic area, that generally are open to anyone who resides within a specified geographic area.
Thomas Hinton
  |     |   Comment #95
This is true. Federal credit unions (As well as state and community chartered credit unions) all have specific membership criteria and requirements. So, to suggest "anyone can join" is not accurate.
Thomas Hinton, American Consumer Council  
www.americanconsumercouncil.org 
shipwrecked&alone
  |     |   Comment #62
Ken, am I missing something or why would you not include the list that can be joined on the CD search screen so I can see the highest paying credit unions that I can join? Otherwise what use is it? Takes awhile to sort thru and pick the highest payer that I can join. thanks,
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #68
You can filter the tables to show these all-access credit unions. Please refer to this blog post for details.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #63
Llogix Credit Union is not open to anybody. They have a note that says: To become a member of Logix, you must reside in California, Arizona, Washington D.C., Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, Texas, or Virginia, or must be verified as related to an existing Logix member.
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #67
Thanks. It looks like Logix just recently added these state restrictions. I've updated the post.
DJB
  |     |   Comment #69
You list McGraw Hill as open to all.  The online application asks which company you are associated with.  Is there one in that list that is an organization anyone can join, or is this a new requirement and the credit union is no longer open to everyone? 
EinsteinGuy
  |     |   Comment #70
theres over 2,000 credit unions in the US.... you listed 70
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #82
Of those 2000 how many are open to anyone that wants to join?
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #71
Not everyone can join #13 Belvoir FCU.  Only military, their families and those working on Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #75
Its a good list but it would be better if it told which ones were free membership AND what is the easy way to join.  Some require $30 to join an association first before joining the CU.
Arc King
  |     |   Comment #76
are there any credit unions in the miami-dade FL area that anyone can join?
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #77
I leave in detroit mi can you find me one
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #78
Nikkei Credit Union (https://www.nikkeicu.org/membership/join-nikkei-cu) is based in LA/OC and is open to anyone who joins the Japanese American Cultural Community Center ($45 for individual membership). Currently have 1.49% rate for a 36 month auto loan which is pretty good.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #79
Without looking...I'll bet the savings rate for a 36 month CD is...well...way south!
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #80
Hi, Ken
This list is a marvelous resource for your readers, and the way you have kept up with so many changes is also impressive.  Thanks!

I do notice, though, that the name change from Tobyhanna to Valor is not yet reflected.  The link works, though, and comes up as Valor, so maybe it's not a big deal.  I like the Tobyhanna name more, too;  it just sounds better!
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #87
I thought these were open to 'anyone" :(
Josh Lampman
  |     |   Comment #90
Also,

It may be helpful to list next to the CU name if they require a clean Chex/EWS & which CR's they pull
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #106
I echo this!
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #91
Anyone can join Langley FCU that serves Newport News, VA and the surrounding area by joining one of four different associations for as little as $5. The associations are in a drop down window in the online application. https://www.langleyfcu.org
Thomas Hinton
  |     |   Comment #94
Thanks for your article. I wanted to offer a few points of clarification. While the American Consumer Council (ACC) is certainly a big fan of credit unions because they are member-focused and non-profit financial organizations, it should be noted that ACC has its own membership criteria that consumers must meet before joining ACChttp://www.americanconsumercouncil.org/ . Also, each credit union has its own unique membership criteria and field of membership that individuals must meet in order to qualify for membership. So, to suggest that "anyone can join" is inaccurate. At ACC, we always encourage consumers to contact their local credit union to see if you meet that credit union's membership criteria, 
Thomas Hinton, President, American Consumer Council
Karl Falken
  |     |   Comment #96
I recommend that you add the Evangelical Christian Credit Union. www.eccu.org
RJM
  |     |   Comment #97
They dont have anything special, do they ?

19 Month Promotional Certificate19 Month Certificate: 1.25% APY with $10,000 opening balance
Thats all I see and its not really noteworthy.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #103
U left off the best navy federal
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #109
I see two possibilities:

1.  Ken might not be aware anyone can join NFCU , , or

2.  Ken might prefer not to make the path into NFCU public.  A few service members are, perhaps understandably, resentful of the wrinkle that allows anyone into NFCU, which is a great CU.  There is one instance, here on the net, of someone having purposely disseminated FUD regarding the method of entry.  The FUD was eventually exposed and nullified, but not right away, and many people were led astray by it.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #110
Sounds like "you" are also engaging in FUD.  What are your facts?
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #111
Well, in another forum here on the net, posters there outlined a way into NFCU.  This happened several months ago.  At one point a poster there, I believe only one person (not sure), posted what was frankly a bald-faced lie which led many others astray.  The lie was regarding an element essential to the way into NFCU, then under discussion, and about which others had earlier posted.  The lie was eventually, within a week or two, exposed as such.  But it caused disruption and concern for a number of people before being exposed.  This is the internet and nobody will ever know why somebody lied so boldly.  My own guess is that it was an annoyed service member, or retiree, doing the nasty deed.  But I really do not know.  It could have been anyone, doing that for reason(s) unknowable.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #112
The bottomline is if a membership status/application is arguably wrong, in spite of that CU granting membership status, the NCUA will look at it at the time it/if it takes over a CU before paying anything out....thus, the "truth" is always best!
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #113
Agreed.  Very well stated.  At this point it appears the order might have emanated from the NCUA itself.  Though whether it was an order or merely a permission remains unclear, at least to me.  But the end result is the same in either case.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #114
You may be right, but I would prefer to see confirmation of your theory in writing published from the NCUA.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #115
Good luck on that happening
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #117
FWIW I can now confirm it is possible for anyone to join NFCU.  The cost to join is $25.  I'm not going to post details because this is Ken's website, not mine.  I believe Ken might prefer the details of how anyone can join NFCU not be posted.  Those details are available elsewhere on the internet if you search.  If Ken posts a permission I will go into detail.

It took nearly two weeks to get in.  I joined now in hopeful anticipation of possible CD specials upcoming.  I've always envied NFCU members and wanted to be an NFCU member, but I do not qualify for membership through any of the traditional, well known, pathways.  Frankly, when I learned (by accident) about the route to membership I ended up following, I had my doubts.  Joining NFCU is notoriously difficult.  But it was worth losing $25, in my view, to try.  As the matter turned out everything went well and I was granted entry, so I'm quite happy.
 
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #118
New way to charge fees...$25 for x thousand =
RJM
  |     |   Comment #119
If you arent going to post the details in the comment section because its Kens website, why post at all ?
paoli2
  |     |   Comment #120
I think the other poster is very confused about what kind of group DA is.  It is Ken's group but it's the information we "all" share with one another about what we know and/or find out which can be helpful to the group that makes DA as popular as it is.  I never knew we had to get permission from Ken to share "details" as long as we read and follow the rules for DA.  I read DA daily to get information as much from other posters as I do from what Ken takes the time to post for us.  If Ken doesn't want certain info posted, I think it should be listed in his posting rules.  Or one can PM Ken, before he/she posts the details and find out beforehand if it is ok to post.  Just my thoughts.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #121
Better to ask for forgiveness than permission 
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #123
IT's all over Credit Boards site. Why hide it"?

San Diego Navy League welcome letter,

Now you dig for more info.
RJM
  |     |   Comment #124
If you want to contribute, then do so.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #125
#117

You could be right, and it would be interesting to know why.  Ken obviously is monitoring these conversations because anyone can see just above your post he has removed several earlier posts.  I am a long time reader here and I know Ken is a member of Navy Federal because he has told us that.  He had a way to get into NFCU because of some kind of connection to the military he has.

As somebody else already posted, I agree opening of Navy Federal to the general public might not be sitting all that well with military people because previously it was sort of a special perq reserved solely for them and a darn good one too.  Just sayin'.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #126
With the discussion here regarding NFCU being ongoing, I want to post something I was told by an NFCU representative recently.  As you know, membership is currently open to retired military but not to former service members (i.e., veterans) who did not make a career of the military.  The representative told me NFCU is currently working to expand its field of membership to military veterans.  Nothing was said about when this might come to fruition.

So if you're a veteran the day might be coming, sooner or later I do not know, when you can join NFCU without having to pay the $25.  I certainly applaud efforts by NFCU to expand (free) membership eligibility in this manner.  It's the right thing to do for our vets.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #127
The highest rate you can earn with Navy FCU on a cd and no maximum  limit is 2.15%.  So I am trying to understand why it is such an outstanding achievement to have figured out a way to join Navy FCU without having any military connections.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #128
Sure.  NFCU has a history of offering, from time to time, really attractive CD specials.  It also has a reputation of being difficult to join, of being off limits for many of us.


For savers, a strategy which has emerged in recent years is to join (whatever) CU in anticipation of, in hope of, good CD deals in future.  Basis for this approach is difficulty of joining hastily, following actual announcement of a special CD deal, when everyone is trying to squeeze into the door at once.  Good CD deals can be lost while one is awaiting membership to finalize.


There are well over 6,000 credit union in the USA and it is clearly impossible to join even a tiny fraction of so many institutions.  We try to identify those most likely, based on their history, to offer good CD deals in future.  There is also one other factor:  location.  Credit unions in certain market locations tend, in general, to offer better CD deals.  I think the top location is Washington, D.C., and vicinity.  Another good location right now appears to be, believe it or not, Iowa.

NFCU is located in the vicinity of D.C. and it has a history of offering good CD deals.  When you can find a way into a CU like that which checks two boxes on the list of desirable attributes, joining makes sense.  Speaking personally, I also was able to get in on the (albeit small money) $20K/20 month 2% CD deal which ended yesterday.  That alone was not reason enough to join, but I will be happy to take the income from that deal regardless, along with my new membership, and wait for better opportunities down the line. 

There is one final aspect to anticipatory joining of credit unions:  maintenance.  It comes down to the fact that if there is no activity in (whatever) CU account they will kick you out.  Maintenance is a PITA, but not nearly as large a PITA as once was the case.  I've been actively using ACH for less than fifteen years.  If I still were using snail mail and paper checks I'm not certain I could deal with the maintenance issue.  But today everyone has an Alliant account and just rifles out a small ACH deposit to each of their CUs whenever required.  The time expended on such maintenance as this is minimal.  Alternatively, you can open two accounts at the CU (e.g., savings and checking) and simply move money between the two accounts periodically.  Candidly, maintenance is still a PITA.  But it is doable, not very time consuming, and necessary to the strategy. 
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #129
Wishful thinking on your part about the benefits of joining NFCU for future expectations.  Do you recall how great rates once were at Penfed?
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #130
Was told yesterday by rep there that more NFCU special CD deals are already in the works.  You obviously have reached your own contrary conclusion.  But I'm not really sure why you would post so negatively about NFCU, a CU many Americans find beneficial.  NFCU is America's largest CU for good reason.

PenFed?  I'm a member who has no complaints, still benefiting on daily basis from those great rates and appreciative of the income.  Were I not already a member of PenFed I would join.  Just stay away from their "reward" credit cards, which suck.
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #132
I belong to SunState Federal Credit Union in North Central Florida.  I will probably be moving to Michigan but didn't see it listed.  Might it have been overlooked or is it not a participating institution?
Anonymous
  |     |   Comment #134
Anyone can join Wings Financial by making a $5 to the Wings Financial Foundation.
union
  |     |   Comment #136
Golden 1 Credit Union in California now has an open membership who joins through the Financial Fitness Association ($8 membership fee)
semistatic
  |     |   Comment #175
Just be aware with Golden1 that outside of CA you'll be limited to deposit products only, no loans/CCs.
Gadget
  |     |   Comment #138
Coastal Federal Credit Union website says "Join the NCSEA (NC residents only)" - not nationwide. Also, Mountain America Credit Union is available to anyone nationwide that is a PTA member (and have a $100 bonus promo). National PTA is on their SEL. You local PTA membership is usually between 5-10 bucks.
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #139
Thanks for the comment. We have removed Coastal FCU from the "big list". And for Mountain America CU, we currently list American Consumer Council as an association that can be joined to qualify for MACU membership.
???
  |     |   Comment #140
ACC is worth the 15$ Lifetime Membership
Lrdx
  |     |   Comment #141
Self-Help Credit Union is listed twice, with a slightly different name (Self-Help Credit Union vs Self-Help Federal Credit Union)
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #142
Thanks for the comment. These are actually two different credit unions with separate NCUA charter numbers. They're both under the same Self-Help family of organizations, and they are very similar. Most of the Self-Help CU branches are located in North Carolina. Self-Help Federal CU has branches in California, Illinois and Florida.
me1004
  |     |   Comment #143
I note, you have not listed Financial Partners FCU on the list of easy access CUs. They have a back door, secret way anyone can join, by joining the Downey Rose Float Assn. for, as I recall, $5, which you can join via Financial Partners. You have to ask them about that, they do not publicize it. (Yes, that is referring to the Rose Parade, and Financial Partners is HQ'd in Downey.)

Secondly, it would be very helpful if you provided options for the sort. You have it presented here by CU size. So, I had to troll through everything on the list to see if Financial Partners was on the list. It would be helpful if we had the option to sort alphabetically.
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #145
Thanks for the info on Financial Partners FCU. I see they now publicly list AARP membership as one way to qualify.

About sorting, you can sort alphabetically. Just click on the "credit union" heading at the top of the table. To switch back to sorting based on size, click on either the "Assets" heading or the "Branches" heading.
Albert Frank
  |     |   Comment #146
Ken, I appreciate all the information you provide to better our selfs financially. I took advantage of this special membership. I have alot of close friends who are in the military in the armed forces. I'm process of joining as well into the military. The field of membership is very interesting. I have noticed the level of service with NFCU is very good they go above and beyond to make sure their members are taken care of and sad to report as of April 17, 2017 they will be removing their coin machines.
wealth
  |     |   Comment #150
United Nations Credit Union is a very large Credit Union not ono here
Ann
  |     |   Comment #152
Navy Federal Credit Union might be coming off the list... :-( As of a few days ago,
"NFCU is no longer accepting Navy League - San Diego"
https://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=593109
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #153
Thanks for the comment. I confirmed with a Navy Fed CSR that Navy League San Diego can no longer be used to join Navy Fed. We will be making updates to the relevant blog posts and to this big list soon.
Bogey
  |     |   Comment #154
I can understand NFCU eliminating eligibility through membership in the Navy League, San Diego Council, being they recently expanded their membership eligibility base by opening it up to all military veterans who were honorably discharged and to immediate family of current members or those eligible for membership.
kurdapya
  |     |   Comment #162
apple finance credit union in Virginia USA is not one of the list . And couldnt find its website
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #163
Thanks for the comment. You're right. Apple FCU should have been on the list. It has been added.
???
  |     |   Comment #164
2.60% @ 10 yr ?
uh uh
Sync
  |     |   Comment #166
What about American airlines credit Union?
Luvcd
  |     |   Comment #167
Sync...do you think it is open to everyone? If so, why?
Tomt
  |     |   Comment #168
Did not see a credit union or US NAVY CREDIT UNION
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #169
Please refer to this blog post on Navy Federal Credit Union. The backdoor that had allowed anyone to join has disappeared. If another backdoor is found, please let us know.
semistatic
  |     |   Comment #172
I've dealt with a few of these, and here are my experiences and info I've gotten from various CUs I've researched. I try to keep it updated, but always double check with them first:
1) PenFed: HP on EQ to join, will reuse that for at least 30 days for other products. Also, if you open a checking account after you're already a member, they'll HP you for that.
2) Golden1: Have read on other boards that you can get deposit accounts outside of CA, but not credit products. HP on (probably) EX to join, but I've heard mixed results on that.
3) Alliant: SP on EQ to join + Chex. Very friendly, decent rates, good online banking. ACH transfer speed & limits are awesome.
4) DCU: Now a SP on EQ to join. I think they've raised them, but a couple years ago 680 would get you the best rates at least on auto loans. Refi'd a loan from 15% to 2.49% with them! 5% APY up to $1000 on your primary savings.
5) Bethpage: SP to join
6) MACU: HP on EX to join, will reuse HP (not sure on time window)
7) LMCU: HP on EX (used to be TU, but CSR told me EX last week) + Chex. Reports are they're pretty Chex INQ, new account, and exposure sensitive.
8) DFCU: Told no credit check to join, don't know about Chex
9) A+: HP on EX, will reuse for 60 days
10) Affinity Plus: HP on TU, told will NOT reuse for other credit products
11) AgFed: No HP, possible SP on EQ + Chex
12) Air Force FCU: SP on EQ + Chex
13) America's CU: HP on EX, will reuse for 30 days
14) Apple FCU: SP on TU + Chex
15) Bellco: HP on *probably* EX
16) Blue FCU: Reports are they're very Chex INQ sensitive
17) CapEd: SP on EX or TU
18) Chartway: SP to join, use all 3 bureaus and is geographical. East=EQ, Central=TU, West=EX
19) Connexus: HP on TU, don't reuse
20) Consumers CU (IL): HP on TU to join, will reuse if you call them. If you apply online, it'll auto-pull again. Great rates, nice customer service, cash rebate card is good. Online banking is pretty terrible though.
21) EECU: HP on EQ to join, was told they don't reuse
22) ETFCU: SP on TU to join, Chex INQ sensitive. This was reported on other sites, and I missed it. Denied w/ ~5 INQs in the past year.
23) First Financial: HP on TU
24) GTE: HP on EQ
25) Hiway: HP on EQ, reuse for 90 days
26) Langley FCU: HP EQ, reuse 30 days
27) Marine FCU: SP EQ - **note, this is the one in NC, NOT the one in Wisconsin**
28) McGraw-Hill: SP EX
29) MSU FCU: HP EX
30) NASA FCU: HP EX
31) Northrup-Grumman FCU: No HP to join, they use EX for loans
32) NWFCU: SP on EX
33) NRL FCU: SP EQ
34) NuVision: SP EX
35) Ohio University CU: HP TU, reuse 90 days
36) PARDA FCU: HP EX, reuse 30 days
37) Partner CO: I was told SP on EX, but I've also heard HP other places
38) Premier America: Was told no credit pull, but they use EX. Have heard others report they got a HP.
39) Premier Members: HP on EQ or EX, couldn't answer if they reuse
40) SCE FCU: SP on EX
41) Self-Help: No HP to join
42) Signal Financial: SP EQ
43) Signature FCU: SP on EQ + Chex. Applied last week, still 'Pending', but another site did an article on their high-yield checking right around the same time, so I think they got inundated. The membership director actually posted on the article comment section, so I'm thinking there will be extra scrutinizing for a while.
44) Silver State Schools: SP on EX
45) SDFCU: HP on EX, very conservative
46) Superior Choice: Savings: No HP or SP, Checking: SP on TU, Credit: HP on EQ
47) Tampa Bay FCU: HP on EX
48) Trustone: HP EX, reuse 30 days
49) Unify FCU: SP on EX + Chex
50) University FCU: There have been discussions on other boards that if you're outside TX, they'll ask you to come into a branch to validate your identity, so YMMV
51) US Alliance: HP EX, reuse 30 days
52) Velocity CU: No SP/HP, probably Chex
53) Veridian CU: HP EQ, reuse 30 days
54) Wings Financial: HP EX, said MAYBE they'll reuse

Some not on this list:
Altra FCU - formerly Trane FCU (join the Altra Foundation) - HP on TU, will reuse
American Heritage Credit Union - Donate to Kids-N-Hope Foundation - HP EX, reuse 30 days
Interior FCU - join New Mexico Wildlife Foundation - HP EQ, reuse 30 days
Justice FCU - join Nat'l Sheriff's Assoc - HP EQ
Virginia CU: join Virginia Assoc for Career and Tech Education - no SP/HP (probably Chex)
United Nations FCU (UNFCU) - join UNA-USA - SP EX + Chex. My experience was pretty negative with them.

Financial Fitness Association CUs: ($8 to join I think)
CommonWealth Central CU
Financial Partners CU
Tech CU - SP on EX + Chex
San Diego County CU - HP on EX

Hope this all helps!
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #173
Thanks for sharing your research notes. It's very much appreciated!
rjs
  |     |   Comment #203
"39) Premier Members: HP on EQ or EX, couldn't answer if they reuse"

For me, they used Experian. That was the only major bureau I've had absolutely no credit file or history reported with, so in their notice of adverse action they mailed me, they said I have a credit score of 0 according to Experian.

Was not aware they might use Equifax sometimes; if they'd have checked through that I might have gotten in since Digital Federal CU used them and approved me. Though DCU's credit inquiry was electronic and automatic, whereas PMCU had me wait for a live loan officer to manually assess my credit situation before declining me.
Dlsmooth8
  |     |   Comment #176
Is there anyway to annotate on the list which ones were added new within the last 6-12 months? Maybe with an asterick?
Chris74
  |     |   Comment #178
Hi, I live in California. Does anyone know of any credit unions located NOT in California that offer prize linked savings accounts, where you can be a member easily and that to have a prize linked savings account you don't have to live in that state?
desperately seeking
  |     |   Comment #198
what about NIH FCu
northmankato
  |     |   Comment #199
Hello:
Credit Unions are great.  Member owned coops.  People first, not profits.  However, I thought credit unions had a "field of membership" based upon common bonds? Like all work at the same employer or live in the same community. Donating $5 to a charity is nice but doesn't really create a traditional common bond.
rjs
  |     |   Comment #202
Wasn't sure where to post this, but:
https://www.depositaccounts.com/banks/credit-union-of-the-rockies.html

Everywhere except one place on the page it says 52.80% interest rate. Scared the crap out of me until I expanded the rate history details and saw that this site's graph correctly shows it as 5.28%.

That would've been pretty great tho...

The highest savings rates I've seen after painfully exploring every credit union's site off this list range between 5% to 7.5%. As far as savings accounts with balance tier limits, I would not consider anything less than 3% APY.

Similarly, I would not consider anything less than 3% for CD savings accounts since that seems to be near the cap for CDs, and several (even if rationally few) CUs have savings or MMA interest rates better than that if you don't mind distributing your savings across multiple CUs (since each have their upper bounds for the maximum balance such high rates apply to).

Alliant CU seems to have (and have had, the past few years) the highest savings interest rate with no balance tiering (also excluding things like rewards checking accounts and debiting 12 or 15 times a month), but then again a few commercial banks like Ally have better still. Huge thanks to semistatic for that list of credit inquiry methods CUs do since I've already been declined by two CUs for having no credit history and rarely enough a credit score.
sioboop
  |     |   Comment #215
Thank you for helping me find a CU in my new State/Town. I would have thought that being a life-long member in a CU would help me get into a new one when I moved. At least with your help I have found a new financial institution in my new home town.
Michelle
  |     |   Comment #217
Can you open any of these accounts without an in state address? Or if your mailin address and physical address are different?
WKG
  |     |   Comment #222
I don't see Tennessee Credit Union in the list.
an5
  |     |   Comment #224
Michigan State Univ FCU: refuses memberships (even with excellent credit scores) -- even with memberships to Mich Conservation Assoc, if you've joined too many other CUs (unless you're local to a branch or have a concrete other method of qualifying). When I inquired about it (because their webpage states you could join through either Alumni Assoc or the conservation assoc, for $30) said that those memberships are used for people who don't have any other method, if the people would be a good fit for the CU. They thought I wouldn't be (even though I stated what accounts I would open there) because I live out of state, and told me I had opened memberships at other CUs lately, and suggested I try one of those. Thought it was pretty rude, since it went against their own statements on the website and what qualifies, but even with an excellent credit score (HP from Experian) they said I wasn't a good fit for them because I had opened accounts at other CUs lately.
dollarsncents
  |     |   Comment #225
With so many people chasing rates these days, opening and closing accounts faster than traffic lights change colors, I can see their point. It appears Michigan State Univ FCU is being a bit more selective with their customer base. Rude, no, someone took the time to explain why they rejected your membership.
Cracker
  |     |   Comment #235
It looks like you can add American 1 Credit Union to this list. Their website states that "A cooperative is an organization of people united by a common bond. The common bond shared by all American 1 members is their association with our founding organization, Community 1 Cooperative. Our founders chartered American 1 as an associational credit union, meaning anyone who belongs to Community 1 Cooperative is eligible to join American 1."

https://www.american1cu.org/american-1-info

It also states "Membership in Community 1 Cooperative is only $3 and is open to anyone."

https://www.american1cu.org/community-1-info
Ken Tumin
  |     |   Comment #243
American 1 Credit Union has now been added to the list. Thanks for posting, and sorry for the delay.
bma737
  |     |   Comment #248
Can we get an updated listed.
mrloyal1410
  |     |   Comment #255
Vantage West Credit Union
Greater Arizona Bicycle Association
Ref: https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/6g3xgz/vantagewest_credit_union_az_giving_5_on_one/
leopold g
  |     |   Comment #256
Does anyone know a credit union that will give you a credit card based the volume you have in your account instead of your score?
- thank you
willy12
  |     |   Comment #257
Volume? You mean balance? Many have secured cards as does Discover. Discover appears to be the best secured card among nationwide banks. Id wager some credit unions may have similar or even better deals but I have not looked because my soore is fine.
EarthVisitor007
  |     |   Comment #258
Although the Elements Financial field of membership located at:
https://www.elements.org/about-elements/partner-with-elements/
is large. I am skeptical that anyone can join Elements Financial. What partner group is easiest to join for individuals who do not live in central Indiana?
EarthVisitor007
  |     |   Comment #259
okay. I am going to answer my own question.
It appears that you can join Tru Direction non profit association for financial literacy.
https://www.trudirection.org/index.php?submenu=membership&src=gendocs&ref=MembershipBenefits&category=Join_True_Direction
Elijah
  |     |   Comment #262
Some of the ones not listed that I've found

-Tower Federal Credit Union Maryland

-Black Hills Federal Credit Union South Dakota
EarthVisitor007
  |     |   Comment #265
Perhaps Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union should be added to the list:
https://www.psecu.com/about-psecu/become-a-member
semistatic
  |     |   Comment #266
I believe the PRPS "loophole" closed a few years ago, even though the PSECU website isn't explicit about it. There are a number of discussions on other sites that indicate that this method was abused so now it is limited to PA residents.
semistatic
  |     |   Comment #337
Update - they're allowing out-of-state PRPS members again! I was able to join and they offer deposit and credit accounts even if not in PA.
Darlene B
  |     |   Comment #295
Thank you SO much, Ken, for doing all this research! I had no IDEA there were so many credit unions even in New Jersey, my home state. I have used this list to find quite a few credit unions when the rates were much higher, and it has been a gold mine for us! I will also use it now that the rates are dropping. The very best feature is the "How you qualify" box. WOW! It saves so much work! The info is right there! Your list has all anyone needs to make the best financial decisions. You, my friend, are a DIAMOND! Much much much gratitude to you for this!
Anonymous555
  |     |   Comment #297
Service Credit Union out of New Hampshire is open to anyone via American Consumer Council
Tia
  |     |   Comment #298
Unify Financial Credit Union (CA) is the best! I would make a commercial for them. First South Financial Credit Union (TN) is great too.
HAMMER77777
  |     |   Comment #301
Bethpage does not allow everyone.  I'm out of state and got rejected.
Anonymous555
  |     |   Comment #306
Bethpage is one of the few credit unions with an open charter, but with that being said they don't allow out of state applicants to join on their website. A complete waste of having an open charter in the first place.
Anonymous555
  |     |   Comment #305
America First Credit Union based out of Utah is open to everyone. I am waaaaay outside of their geographic footprint and the lady on the phone who helped me set up my membership signed me up for the Nevada PTA and they paid the PTA fees/dues on my behalf for me!
PeterSays
  |     |   Comment #310
BECU no longer accepts online applications! Wasted $20 on membership in Northwest Credit Union Foundation's "Friends of the Foundation"!!
semistatic
  |     |   Comment #336
There's a button in the upper right corner of the website that says "Join BECU" and takes you to an online application.
moneysave01
  |     |   Comment #330
United Heritage Credit Union in headquartered in Austin TX now accepts anyone who join the Texas Consumer Council with a $15 lifetime fee. So it should be added to this list as a result of this.
semistatic
  |     |   Comment #338
I don't believe SRP is open anymore. When I looked at their website, it only had residency options. They did not list affiliation memberships at all.
planxy
  |     |   Comment #343
Great list. Always verify if the credit union is unkind to savers/checking account users not looking for immediate credit card, loan, mortgage etc. when joining.
(A) Ask if a hard pull credit report is going to be run against applicants. It's a bad thing reducing credit score and actually denying opening some other accounts if done in less than 6 months spacing. (AMEX and Chase cards with good bonuses will be denied because of a few past other "applications".) If you are told something general about looking at applicants' credit that MEANS hard pull.
(B) Beware requests for more information after passing first identity screen and soft pull credit and 4-6 questions. Especially if an "underwriter" has to approve, that's the person paid to deny anything and everything as in mortgages. Refusal of admittance likely when requested are pay slips, 2 government-issued-photo IDs, direct photo of license, anything sensitive having to be sent over unsecured open e-mail, rent/utility payments and like, especially to be received within 5 business days. SOURCE: Am retired banking and consumer financial regulatory economist, decades of personal experience.
telcoguy1
  |     |   Comment #346
A lot of these Credit Unions are now using ChexSystems again and refusing to open accounts for anyone on ChexSystems, PERIOD.



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