Let’s face it: when it comes to managing your money, the choice between a bank and a credit union isn’t always clear. After all, both offer the essentials: a place to safeguard your money, ATMs, mobile apps and friendly faces behind the counter.
But there are differences — and they could have an impact on your money and your peace of mind.
So, what sets banks and credit unions apart? Let’s break it down:
- Ownership: Banks are owned by shareholders who are driven by the bottom line. Credit unions, on the other hand, are owned by their members and exist to serve their financial needs. At a credit union, you’re not just a customer. You’re part of a cooperative where your voice matters and your deposits are turned into loans to help other members.
- Mission: Banks prioritize profits, often at the expense of their customers, with higher fees and lower interest rates. Credit unions are not-for-profit and channel their excess earnings back to members in the form of better interest rates on savings accounts and loans and fewer fees. And because they require membership criteria to join – based on where someone lives or works, for instance – they’re often better aligned with local needs.
- Service: At a bank, you’re just a number in the system. By contrast, credit unions are known for their personalized and member-centric approach to service. Since members are owners, credit unions typically go the extra mile to ensure their members’ financial success.
When you choose a credit union, you’re not just selecting a financial institution – you’re investing in your future. Your membership directly contributes to better rates, member-focused service and a not-for-profit mission.
Your financial decisions have an impact on your community, and Apple Federal Credit Union wants to help you discover a better way to bank.
To learn more, visit AppleFCU.org.
(This is a sponsored story on behalf of Apple Federal Credit Union.)