Most federal credit unions in the US have membership requirements that limit who can join these financial institutions.
They usually cater to specific groups – like those serving in the military, working in the education sector, or living in a particular state.
The good news is that there are also credit unions anyone can join, regardless of the industry you work in or where you live.
Below is a list of credit unions anyone can join regardless of geographical area.
Keep in mind that there will still be some eligibility requirements, like making a donation or joining a specific club or association—more details on that below.
14 Best Credit Unions Anyone Can Join
Here are the top credit unions that anyone can join today:
- Connexus Credit Union
- First Tech Federal Credit Union
- Consumers Credit Union
- Alliant Credit Union
- NASA Federal Credit Union
- Lake Michigan Credit Union
- Affinity Plus Credit Union
- Bethpage Federal Credit Union
- Hope Credit Union
- AgFed Credit Union
- Signature Federal Credit Union
- Premier Members Credit Union
- Wings Financial Credit Union
- Blue Federal Credit Union
1. Connexus Credit Union 
Best For: Checking Accounts
Connexus has many offices, especially in Wisconsin, where it was founded in 1935. It also has thousands of shared branches and more than 67,000 ATMs nationwide. Connexus has three checking account options, several savings accounts, and certificates, which are like CDs and money market accounts paying up to 4.51% with a balance of at least $1,000.
Its checking accounts pay interest if you meet certain requirements, such as making 15 debit card purchases or $400 in total debit card purchases monthly and signing up for e-statements. Some members may also get up to $25 in non-network ATM fees reimbursed monthly.
How To Join Connexus Credit Union
To join this credit union is as easy as paying a low one-time fee of $5, which is the membership cost of Connexus Association.
Anyone can become a credit union member. The membership is free if you are from some regions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Ohio or work for specific organizations.
Pros:
- Highest APY on checking accounts
- No maintenance fee
- Many varied account options
Cons:
- Overdraft fees
- The savings account has an ATM fee
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2. First Tech Federal Credit Union 
Best For: Customer Experience
First Tech Federal Credit Union is headquartered in California, but anyone in the US can join. There are 40+ First Tech branches and 5,600 co-op branches nationwide. There are also 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs.
How To Join First Tech Credit Union
The easiest way to join First Tech Federal Credit Union is to donate $8 to the non-profit Financial Fitness Association. First Tech
By becoming a member of the Financial Fitness Association, you will automatically meet the eligibility requirements to be a member of First Tech.
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Large free nationwide ATM network
- Participates in shared branching with other credit unions
Cons:
- Expensive overdraft fee
- Low rates on some accounts
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3. Consumers Credit Union 
Best For: Checking Account APY
Consumers Credit Union is the local credit union in Illinois. It is currently one of the largest credit unions in the state, with more than 178,000 members and more than $2.8 billion in assets.
How to Join Consumers Credit Union:
Join the Consumers Cooperative Association, which allows you to qualify for Consumers Credit Union (CCU) membership through a one-time $5.00 membership fee, which CCU will reimburse.
Pros:
- Best APY earned on checking account
- No monthly fee
- Many account options to choose from
Cons:
- Brick-and-mortar branches are available only in the Chicago IL area
- Mandatory requirements to earn APY
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4. Alliant Credit Union 
Best For: Savings Account Rates
Alliant Credit Union, just like the other credit unions included in this article, doesn’t require you to live in a specific region or work in a predefined industry to join.
This credit union has many perks, including high yield savings accounts, low service fees, and excellent customer service.
With Alliant Credit Union, you can access more than 80,000 free ATMs across the country. It also reimburses up to $20 out-of-network ATM charges per month.
How To Join Alliant Credit Union
Its membership is available to any US citizen or resident.
To join Alliant Credit Union, you’ll need to live or work near Chicago or donate $5 to Foster Care to Success.
Pros:
- The first deposit of $5 gets donated
- Highest APY on savings account
- Free ATMs and refunds
Cons:
- Limit on ATM withdrawals
- No brick-and-mortar branch locations available
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5. NASA Federal Credit Union
Best For: Account Holders Interested in National Space
NASA Federal Credit Union started in 1949 with only 7 NASA employees who wanted to help their colleagues have a better financial institution. It now has more than 200,000 members.
Its headquarters are in Upper Marlboro, Massachusetts. This credit union has 14 branch locations in different states, including Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
How to Join NASA Federal Credit Union:
NASA Federal Credit Union will provide a complimentary one-year affiliated membership to the National Space Society (NSS) which automatically entitles you to full NASA Federal membership.
Pros:
- Member of CO-OP shared branches
- National Space Society complimentary membership
- Full-service mobile app
- CD accounts available
Cons:
- Out-of-network ATM fees
- Low APY on savings account
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6. Lake Michigan Credit Union
Best For: Those Who Live In Michigan or Florida
Lake Michigan Credit Union was founded in 1933 by a group of teachers, and it now has more than 60 branches and 100 ATMs in Michigan alone. It is also part of the Allpoint network – so you can access over 55,000 free ATMs worldwide.
Allpoint Network is well known for providing an excellent service, especially for online banks, and it is one of the most secure in the world.
The fee for out-of-network ATM usage is as low as $1, so there is nothing to worry about anyway. Lake Michigan Credit Union even offers refunds on ATM fees of up to $15 monthly.
Lake Michigan Credit Union’s accounts can be opened online, except its youth savings account and IRA.
How To Join Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lake Michigan Credit Union lets you join for free if you are a Michigan or Florida resident.
While you can still become a member if you live outside these two states, you must donate $5 to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Foundation.
Pros:
- High APY on checking account
- No fees
- Free to join if you live or work in either MI or FL
Cons:
- Checking account APY loses its appeal with a balance of $15,000+
- Brick-and-mortar branch locations only in MI and FL
Learn More:
7. Affinity Plus Credit Union
Best For: Those Who Live in Minnesota
Affinity Plus Credit Union was established in 1930 during the Great Depression as a way for members to have a greater stake in the future of their finances.
Affinity has 30 branches across the state of Minnesota and has more than 250,000 members.
As a member-owned credit union, Affinity Plus focuses on its members, creating a community built on integrity, compassion, and transparency.
How to Join Affinity Plus Credit Union:
To join Affinity Plus Credit Union, you can qualify by where you work, where you currently go or went to school, where you live, or if you have a relative who is a member.
For those who want to join and don’t qualify based on location, you can make a one-time $25 payment to the Affinity Plus Foundation.
Pros:
- Early access to direct deposits
- Low- no minimum deposit when opening
- Great rewards program
Cons:
- Out-of-network ATM fees
- Low interest rates on savings
Learn More:
8. Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Best For: Nationwide Service
Bethpage Federal Credit Union, founded in 1941, now services over 440,000 members with access to more than 5,000 CO-OP Shared Branches and 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through their CO-OP ATM Network.
Bethpage Federal Credit Union is one of the country’s largest credit unions, making it incredibly simple for members to join with a simple enrollment process.
With competitive rates, this credit union has over 30 ATM locations across New York City and Long Island but offers complete virtual services to anyone in the United States.
How to Join Bethpage Federal Credit Union:
Joining Bethpage Federal Credit Union is an easy process requiring a $5 deposit into a savings account, a social security number, and a government-issued ID.
Once that process is completed online, you will have full access to all the products and services this credit union offers.
Pros:
- Competitive APYs on most accounts
- Virtual meetings available to those outside NY
- No monthly service fees
Cons:
- Brick-and-mortar branches only located in NYC
- Low APY on savings accounts
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9. HOPE Credit Union
Best For: Lower-Income Individuals
Founded in 1994, HOPE Credit Union is a black-owned financial institute with a Green America Certification in addition to being a Community Development Financial Institution offering services to underserved communities.
Servicing individuals across Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, Hope provides financial services to anyone in the country.
HOPE has 23 locations ready to serve you across the South and 5,000 locations across the country as a member of the Shared Branching Network.
How to Join Hope Credit Union:
To join Hope Credit Union, complete their application online or visit a branch to complete the process in person.
There are no limitations to who can join this credit union and a $10 membership fee is required.
Members within Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee benefit from their rewards programs.
Pros:
- High-yield checking account
- ATM fee rebates
- Large shared branch network
Cons:
- Expensive overdraft fee
- Dividends compounded quarterly
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10. AgFed Credit Union
Best For: Home Loans and Mortgages
AgFed Credit Union was founded in 1934 in Washington, D.C,. and now serves 25,000 members nationwide.
They offer auto loans, credit cards, home equity loans, and checking accounts while being federally insured by NCUA and is an equal housing lender.
AgFed has four branches across Washington D.C., but offers surcharge-free ATMs at a network of branches in addition to online banking.
How to Join AgFed Credit Union:
To become a member of AgFed, eligibility requirements include your location, work or member association.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, a $5 deposit must be made into a Primary Share Savings Account.
Pros:
- Low minimum to open
- No minimum balance requirement
- No monthly service fees
Cons:
- Must meet eligibility requirements
- Low APY on savings accounts
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11. Signature Federal Credit Union
Best For: Daily Dividend Accrual
Signature Federal Credit Union has been servicing its members since 1970, with a determination to make their members the voice and core of their business.
SFCU has over 5,000 physical branch locations, and members benefit from no surcharge fee or convenience fee at their ATMs.
How to Join Signature Federal Credit Union:
To join SFCU, complete an application online. The only requirement is that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident through the American Consumer Council.
Pros:
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Competitive interest rates on most accounts
- High-yield checking rate
Cons:
- Low interest rates on savings accounts
- Dividends compound monthly or quarterly, not daily
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12. Premier Members Credit Union 
Best For: Money Market Account Rates
Since 1959, with seven members, Premier Members Credit Union has a history of servicing members in the Boulder, Colorado, and Denver Metropolitan areas.
In 2015, Boulder Valley Credit Union and Premier Members Federal Credit Union joined forces to merge and form a new credit union called Premier Members Credit Union.
Premier Members Credit Union has 18 Colorado branch locations, over 5,600 locations nationwide, and a vast Co-Op ATM network with over 30,000 ATMs nationwide.
How to Join Premier Members Credit Union:
To join PMCU, Colorado residents must meet requirements based on location, work, or having a family member who is a member of the credit union.
Those outside of Colorado can join by donating to Impact on Education.
Pros:
- High interest rates on MMA and share certificates
- No monthly service fees
- Free overdraft protection
Cons:
- Pays low interest rate on savings
- Compounds interest monthly, not daily
Learn More:
13. Wings Financial Credit Union
Best For: Account Holders in the Aviation Industry
Wings Financial Credit Union was founded in 1938 in Minnesota by seven Northwest Airlines employees, with over 349,000 members across the United States.
They have 80,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide and 29 branches in Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, and Washington.
Wings is Minnesota’s largest credit union and ranks among the nation’s top 40 credit unions.
How to Join Wings Financial Credit Union
There are quite a few ways to join Wings Financial Credit Union, with the easiest way being donating $5 to the Wings Financial Foundation, allowing anyone to join this credit union.
The application process is completed online, and once you are a member, you can benefit from their mobile app.
Pros:
- Easy application process
- Pays high interest rates on accounts
- No monthly service fees
Cons:
- Brick-and-mortars are available only in FL, GA, MI, MN, or WA
- Interest compounded monthly or quarterly, not daily
Learn More:
14. Blue Federal Credit Union
Best For: Additional Benefits and Perks
Blue Federal Credit Union was established in 1951 as Warren Federal Credit Union by a group of civilian personnel at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. After merging with Community Financial Credit Union in 2016, Blue came to be.
While fostering deep connections to the community and its members, Blue’s credit savings rate is 10x the national average.
Blue has over 120,000 members worldwide, 21 physical locations, and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
How to Join Blue Federal Credit Union
You can join Blue Federal Credit Union through a family member, through your workplace, or simply by depositing $10 into your account, and half of that deposit will be donated to the Blue Foundation.
Pros:
- Available in all 50 states
- High variable APY
- Insured by NCUA
Cons:
- Higher than average wire transfer fees
- Limited brick-and-mortar locations
Learn More:
Pros and Cons of Joining a Credit Union
Pros
- Member-Focused Approach: One of the biggest pros of joining a credit union is the member-focused approach, where individuals are not just customers but also owners. This ownership model often results in more personalized service, lower fees, and competitive interest rates on loans and savings accounts.
- Not-For Profit: Credit unions are not-for-profit institutions, allowing them to prioritize member needs over profit margins. This often leads to better deals on loans, credit cards, and other financial products.
- Financial Education Resources: Furthermore, credit unions frequently provide financial education resources, empowering members to make informed decisions about their money.
Cons
- Smaller Branch & ATM Networks: One limitation is the relatively smaller branch and ATM networks compared to large banks, which could pose challenges for members who prefer widespread accessibility.
- Limited Product Offerings: Limited product offerings and fewer financial services compared to larger institutions could be a drawback for those seeking a comprehensive range of options, in addition to credit unions having more membership requirements restricting access for some individuals.
- Fewer International Services: Lastly, credit unions may have fewer international services, making them less suitable for individuals who frequently engage in global transactions.
How We Chose The Best Credit Unions That Anyone Can Join
We chose the best credit unions that anyone can join on this list based on the following criteria:
- Eligibility requirements
- Branch locations
- Monthly maintenance fees
- Other fees for using services (ATM, for example)
- Overdraft protection
- Minimum deposit requirement
- Customer service
- Interest rates earned on the accounts (APY)
- Variety of accounts and services offered
- Mobile and internet banking
Disclaimer: This article aims to provide helpful information if you’re interested in joining a credit union. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to a financial advisor before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Credit Union?
A credit union is a financial institution that operates similarly to a bank. Credit unions are one of the most popular alternatives to bank accounts. The main difference between a bank and a credit union is that the latter doesn’t answer to external shareholders but its own members.
Members have voting rights because they become shareholders of the financial institution when they join. In other words, you would be both a customer and a shareholder if you opt for a credit union.
A good reason to prefer credit unions over banks is that they have a reputation for better customer service, outstanding APY, and lower fees overall.
What about insurance on my deposits?
Since credit unions are not covered by the FDIC, which only insures banks, a National Credit Union Administration protects deposit accounts at federally insured credit unions.
The NCUA is an independent federal agency that protects credit union members.
Can civilians join the Navy Federal Credit Union?
Navy Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in the United States, with $166 billion in assets. As of today, to be a member of the Navy Federal Credit Union, you have to be either a member of the military or at least a family member of one.
Family members that qualify are parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and spouses. If you are not sure you qualify, Navy Credit Union has an eligibility tool on its website that you can use.
Can anyone join American Airlines Credit Union?
The short answer is NO. To join American Airlines Credit Union, you have to be employed in the air transportation industry or be a family member of someone in the air transportation industry.
It offers exclusive benefits in addition to the usual financial products such as personal loans, auto loans, interest-bearing accounts, etc.
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