How to Get the Best Credit Union Rates
4 min read
Credit unions frequently top the rate tables — higher APYs on savings and certificates, lower APRs on loans — but the range between credit unions is wide. A little comparison shopping pays off, literally.
Compare by product, not by institution
No single credit union wins on everything. One may have the best certificate APY while another has the cheapest auto loan. Compare each product on its own.
FindMyCU's rate pages rank the best savings, certificate, auto, and mortgage rates by product so you can see who leads on the one you care about right now.
You can join more than one
There's no rule that you bank at only one credit union. Many people hold a membership at a few — one for everyday banking, one for a top-rate certificate, one for a cheap loan.
Because membership usually costs only a small opening deposit, chasing the best rate across a couple of credit unions is easy and low-cost.
Small things that move your rate
For deposits, longer certificate terms and larger balances often earn more; some credit unions offer relationship or “rewards” checking with boosted APYs.
For loans, a stronger credit score, a shorter term, and a larger down payment all lower your APR. Getting pre-approved shows you the real rate you qualify for before you commit.