10 Myths About Credit Unions

Forbes recently rated Noble Credit Union as one of the best credit unions in the state of California. (Clovis Roundup Photo)

How much do you know about credit unions? Test yourself on these 10 myths:

Myth #1: You must meet strict eligibility requirements.

Fact: While credit unions do require that members meet certain requirements to satisfy a common bond, many of these are broad, and few of them truly limit membership.

Myth #2: Getting to the ATM is difficult because my branch isn’t nearby.

Fact: With over 30,000 free ATMs available, availability is not an issue.  In fact, credit unions offer more ATM access than most of the biggest national banks.

Myth #3: Changing my banking from a traditional bank to a credit union will be a hassle.

Fact: Credit unions offer the same services as banks, including automatic bill payments and direct deposit. Most services will transition easily and go uninterrupted.

Myth #4: With all the fancy advertising, banks must have more money than credit unions.

Fact: While this may be true, it’s because credit unions are not-for-profit organizations. Rather than spend money on advertising and marketing, credit unions rely on the community for marketing. The money saved is rolled back into services for members or distributed back to members as dividends.

Myth #5: Credit unions don’t offer reward programs.

Fact: Many credit unions do offer reward programs on credit and debit cards. Do the research and be sure to take a look at the fees that are associated with the various accounts, even those offering rewards. At a credit union, you’ll save on fees. Do your bank rewards outweigh the fees you’re paying on each account?

Myth #6: Credit unions aren’t very tech-savvy.

Fact: Credit unions don’t promote mobile options as aggressively as banks, but that doesn’t mean they don’t offer them. According to a study by CFI Group, bank customers rated their satisfaction at 86 out of 100 in online and mobile banking versus 90 out of 100 among credit union members.

Myth #7: Credit unions are just like banks.

Fact: Credit unions are not just like banks. Members own a piece of the organization and own a vote in determining how the credit union is managed. Credit unions also return all earnings back to members with their low fees and great dividend rates.

Myth #8: Credit unions have an unfair advantage over banks because they don’t pay taxes.

Fact: Actually, credit unions do pay taxes. As a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative, there are some taxes that credit unions don’t pay. Those “unfair advantages,” of course, are passed on to members.

Myth #9: Credit unions are not regulated.

Fact: Credit unions are held to the same laws and regulations as banks. In fact, credit unions face more restrictions on the investments and loans they make.

Myth #10: Credit unions are good places to save money, but that’s about it.

Fact: Credit unions offer consumer loans, debit and credit card services, online banking and bill pay, checking accounts, retirement investments, mortgages, car loans and more. They are a great place to take care of all your banking needs.

Noble Credit Union, a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, has been treating each member with kindness, dignity, and honor while helping members make sound financial decisions for 80 years.  The Credit Union offers members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including low rate auto loans, MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, online and mobile banking, and more. For more information about membership at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit NobleCU.com.