NBC affiliate discusses using CUs vs. banks

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (4/15/09)--A local NBC affiliate, 14 WFIE, asks the question, "Should you use a bank or a credit union?" and credit unions received several positive comments.

The article quotes Todd Mark with the Consumer Credit Counseling Service, who notes that it's a fundamental financial decision. He points out that banks are for profit and credit unions are owned by their members. "They're not looking to turn that profit for shareholders. It's going back to you as a member," he said.

The station also interviewed credit union members Chasity Crawley, who used her credit union to buy a car because it had a cheaper interest rates, and Birdie Reyes, who said she earns more on her savings accounts.

The recent average rate on a bank savings account was 0.36%, while it was 0.54% at credit unions, the station said. The differences add up, especially with big purchases, Mark said.

The only positive thing mentioned about banks was convenience in number of branches and ATMs, but the article also pointed out that credit unions are joining ATM networks.

courtesy of cuna.org