How to Switch to a Credit Union (Without the Hassle)
5 min read
Most people stay with a bank they don't love because switching sounds like a chore. It isn't — with a short checklist you can move to a credit union in about a week while keeping the lights on the whole time.
1. Open your new membership first
Join the credit union and open your share savings and a checking account before you touch your old accounts. You'll need this new account number and routing number for the steps below.
Not sure which credit unions you can join? Our free matcher shows the ones you're most likely eligible for based on where you live and work.
2. Move your direct deposit
Give your employer's payroll (or your benefits provider) the new account and routing numbers. This is the single most important step — once your paycheck lands in the new account, everything else gets easier.
Keep a small buffer in the old account until you've confirmed at least one paycheck has arrived in the new one.
3. Rebuild your automatic payments
List every recurring charge — utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments — and each automatic transfer. Re-point them to the new account one by one. Your last bank statement is the easiest place to find them all.
For bills you pay from the bank's bill-pay tool, set the same payees up in your credit union's app.
4. Drain and close the old account
Once direct deposit and every automatic payment have cycled through the new account for a full month, move the remaining balance over and formally close the old account so no dormant-account fees sneak up on you.
Get the closure confirmation in writing, and keep the old statements for your records.