Jun 11

Jun 11 How It Feels to Switch to a Credit Union (Told By GIFs)

When I first made the switch from my big bank to American Eagle Credit Union, I thought it couldn’t possibly be that different from my bank. Granted, I work here, but I’m still a member and can have the same experience as anyone. I knew there would be a change in customer (ahem, member…) service, but I was also worried that the products and services wouldn’t compare to the slick design of my previous bank. I was wrong to worry, and I’ll never switch back after experiencing the credit union difference. Here’s why.

“There’s no account minimum?!”

That’s right. My first bank account was at a local bank when I was 15. I had to scrounge up $25 of random money to open this account up and deposit at least two checks a month. Then, when I switched to a big bank, I had to open a checking account with at least $100 and $300 for savings. I also had to keep at least $25 in my account. Uh, what?! I only needed $5 for my credit union share account and there’s no minimum required in my free checking account.

“There’s no charge for e-deposit?!”

In college, my big bank was walking distance from campus. Okay, it was a long walk, like two miles. (Hey, I didn’t have a car!) If I didn’t carpool with other students, I was walkin’. A teller told me on a cold, rainy day that I could deposit checks on my smartphone for a $3 charge. That’s not bad if you’re getting a substantial check, but as I was only making $75 every two weeks, that $6/month would have cut into my pizza money. I was shocked when I learned there’s no charge for e-deposits at the credit union!

“I don’t have to pay $9 a month to save money?!”

‘Nuff said.

“My teller knows my name? And acknowledges me?!”

I used to dread going to my former bank’s branch because the customer service was so poor. I went in the branch often and knew the employees, but they didn’t know me. One core culture focus at AECU (and many credit unions) is that gold star member service.

“Business is based on more than a 90-day period?!”

So much of business today is focused on appeasing shareholders. Growth only happens quarterly instead of ongoing, and profits go back to the shareholders. At a credit union, growth is based on what’s best for members. Profits are funneled back to members in the form of low rates, high yields and lower fees.

Are you stuck at a big bank and unsure if you should make the switch? How do you “C.U.” making the big decision? Tweet us your thoughts @ameaglecu!