Choosing a financial institution for keeping the hard-earned
money is very crucial especially for those who just received their first salary.
Although a bank is known as a reliable and strong financial institution, it has
different limits which a local banks and insurance can offer. It may sound that credit union
is much better but it depends on how a person wants his finances to be managed
by the financial institution.
Here are some noticeabledifferences between the local
banks and credit unions.
For-Profit vs Non-profit
Organization
Banks are for-profit organizations while the credit
union is the non-profit organization. For-profit organizations exist to make
money especially for the stockholders. On the other hand, the credit union
exists to make profits for its members because the members own this financial
institution. This financial institution aims to provide the needs of its members
which results in low interest rates in loans and credit cards and high interest
rates in savings accounts. Most of the time banks offer the opposite.
ATMs
Banks win when it comes to ATM service. Since banks
have bigger networks they are able to produce more ATMs around the country which
means that its clients do not need to pay for extra charges for every
withdrawal made. However, some credit unions require its members to use a third
party ATM which may add extra charges for their transaction.
Eligibility Requirement
Banks score again in this category. This financial
constitution welcomes all potential depositors with age at least 18 years old.
They also allow students to open an account without paying a membership fee. Credit
union based its approval through the family member’s eligibility, place of
residence and the applicant’s employer.There are some credit union which
requires its applicants to pay a membership fee.
Reference
taken from here http://www.financialscope.net/