| If you're looking for financial services, you may want | | | | student loans and signature loans. |
| to consider checking out what your credit union has | | | | In addition to loans, many credit unions offer |
| to offer. Many credit unions today offer more than | | | | additional financial services. These include dividend |
| just a checking and savings account, they've | | | | bearing checking accounts, which usually carry no |
| expanded into upgraded financial services tailored to | | | | fees and pay better interest than most bank's |
| meet many needs. | | | | savings accounts, and higher rate certificates of |
| Credit unions are cooperative banking and financial | | | | deposit. Most now offer low or no-fee access to |
| companies. They are usually non-profit and cater to a | | | | automated teller machines and debit cards that can |
| particular group of people that work or live in the | | | | be used almost anywhere. Credit cards are also |
| same place, for example. Credit unions are owned by | | | | available at most credit unions, with discounted fees |
| the accountholders, who also participate in the | | | | and more reasonable interest rates making them |
| management and direction of the company. | | | | more attractive than national offerings. |
| Today, credit unions offer more than just checking | | | | Other financial services that you can expect to find |
| and savings accounts, although these low-cost basic | | | | at your credit union include stock brokerage services, |
| accounts are the reason most people join. Most | | | | mutual funds and personal financial planning. Some are |
| credit union savings accounts pay slightly more than | | | | even offering individual retirement accounts and |
| their counterparts at for-profit banking institutions. | | | | insurance coverage. Of course, choosing someone to |
| Credit union checking accounts usually carry less | | | | help with your financial planning is an important |
| restrictive requirements and lower fees than those at | | | | decision, but consider the helpful folks at the credit |
| banks. | | | | union when you are investigating your options. You |
| Credit unions have expanded into the realm of | | | | may find that not only are their fees lower, but they |
| financial services as well. Most offer loans for a | | | | offer many of the same types of products as other |
| variety of needs, including personal loans, automobile | | | | financial planners. |
| loans and mortgage loans. Interest rates are usually a | | | | Credit unions offer many financial services today, and |
| bit lower than those at other commercial lenders, and | | | | there is one out there for almost anyone. Check |
| sometimes their qualification requirements are easier | | | | your local phone directory or online and you'll most |
| to meet. Before shopping for a automobile, boat, | | | | likely find one that you'll qualify for. Since today's |
| motorcycle or home improvements, you may want | | | | credit unions are federally insured up to $100,000 by |
| to consider talking to your credit union. Shopping with | | | | the National Credit Union Administration, your deposits |
| a pre-approved, lower rate loan from your credit | | | | are safe. When you start looking for financial |
| union increases your bargaining power and your | | | | services, consider your credit union as well. You'll be |
| buying power. Many credit unions can also write | | | | surprised at what they have to offer today. |