Credit Union Comparison
Compare rates, fees, services, and eligibility requirements for top credit unions to find the perfect fit for your family.
Compare Top Credit Unions
We've analyzed the offerings of five leading credit unions to help you make an informed decision.
| Product | STCU | KFCU | Family Trust FCU | Connexuscu | Edfed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savings Account APY | 0.25% | 0.20% | 0.30% | 0.35% | 0.25% |
| Money Market APY (min. $10,000) | 0.75% | 0.70% | 0.80% | 0.95% | 0.85% |
| 12-Month CD APY | 2.25% | 2.20% | 2.30% | 2.45% | 2.35% |
| 30-Year Fixed Mortgage | 4.25% | 4.35% | 4.40% | 4.30% | 4.50% |
| 15-Year Fixed Mortgage | 3.50% | 3.65% | 3.70% | 3.55% | 3.75% |
| New Auto Loan (60 months) | 3.49% | 3.25% | 3.50% | 3.45% | 3.65% |
| Used Auto Loan (48 months) | 3.99% | 3.75% | 4.00% | 3.95% | 4.15% |
| Personal Loan | 8.99% | 9.49% | 8.45% | 8.89% | 9.25% |
| Credit Card (Variable APR) | 9.99% - 18.99% | 10.99% - 19.99% | 9.90% - 18.90% | 10.49% - 19.49% | 9.75% - 17.75% |
| Home Equity Line of Credit | 5.50% | 5.75% | 5.25% | 5.45% | 5.65% |
Membership Eligibility Details
Each credit union has different paths to membership. Here are the ways you can qualify for each:
STCU
- Live, work, worship, or attend school in Washington or North Idaho
- Work in education (teacher, staff, administrator)
- Immediate family member of an existing member
- Make a $5 donation to the education foundation
KFCU
- Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel
- Department of Defense civilian employees
- Family members of the above
- Make a $10 donation to the military family foundation
Family Trust FCU
- Live, work, worship, or attend school in York County, SC
- Employees of select companies in the region
- Family member of an existing member
- Make a $5 donation to a local charity
Connexuscu
- Anyone can join, nationwide membership
- Join the Connexus Association with a one-time $5 donation
- Family members of existing members
- Employees of select partner companies
Edfed
- Employees, students, and alumni of educational institutions
- Family members of eligible individuals
- Members of select educational organizations
- Make a $10 donation to the education foundation
Our Recommendations by Family Need
Based on our analysis, here are our top credit union recommendations for different family situations:
Best for Mortgages
If you're looking for the best mortgage rates for a new home or refinancing:
STCUSTCU offers the lowest mortgage rates and has excellent first-time homebuyer programs with down payment assistance options.
Best for Auto Loans
For families looking to finance a new or used vehicle:
KFCUKFCU consistently offers the lowest rates on auto loans, with flexible terms and minimal fees. Their application process is streamlined and fast.
Best for Education Savings
For families saving for college and education expenses:
EdfedEdfed specializes in education-focused savings products with competitive rates and special programs for college savings.
Best for Everyday Banking
For checking accounts and day-to-day banking needs:
ConnexuscuConnexuscu offers free checking with no minimum balance, unlimited ATM fee reimbursements, and excellent digital banking tools.
Best for Financial Education
For families looking for financial literacy and education:
Family Trust FCUFamily Trust FCU offers extensive financial education programs for all ages, including special youth programs and free financial counseling.
Best Overall for Families
For families seeking a well-rounded credit union experience:
STCUSTCU offers the best combination of competitive rates, low fees, family-friendly services, and financial education programs.
Ready to Choose Your Ideal Credit Union?
Start your membership application process today and experience the benefits of credit union membership for your family's financial future.
Contact Us for Personalized Advice
STCU
Originally founded for educators, now serving members across Washington and Idaho
Notable Financial Products
- Excellent mortgage rates with first-time homebuyer assistance
- Competitive auto loan rates with flexible terms
- Education-focused savings accounts for college planning
- Low-cost checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements
- Credit builder loans for establishing or improving credit
Special Services
- Financial education workshops for all ages
- Extensive branch network in Washington and Idaho
- Community involvement and local scholarships
- Free financial counseling for members
- Youth accounts with special incentives for saving
Pros
- Best mortgage rates among the compared credit unions
- Strong focus on family financial education
- Extensive branch network in its service area
- Robust mobile and online banking platform
Cons
- Geographically limited to Washington and Idaho
- Higher paper statement fees than some competitors
- Limited ATM fee reimbursement compared to Connexuscu
KFCU
Serving military members, veterans, and their families nationwide
Notable Financial Products
- Best auto loan rates for both new and used vehicles
- Special military deployment benefits for accounts
- VA mortgage loans with competitive rates
- Military youth savings programs
- Special checking accounts for military families
Special Services
- PCS (Permanent Change of Station) financial planning
- Military-specific financial education resources
- Deployment preparedness consultation
- Advanced budgeting tools in online banking
- Generous ATM fee reimbursements (up to $15/month)
Pros
- Best auto loan rates among compared credit unions
- Strong mobile banking app with advanced features
- Excellent ATM fee reimbursement policy
- Specialized services for military families
Cons
- Higher overdraft fees than some competitors
- Limited first-time homebuyer programs
- Fewer physical branch locations
Family Trust FCU
Community-focused credit union serving York County, South Carolina
Notable Financial Products
- Best personal loan rates among compared credit unions
- Competitive home equity lines of credit
- Free checking accounts with no minimum balance
- Family-oriented savings programs
- Credit-building loan options
Special Services
- Free financial education for all ages
- Family-focused financial counseling
- Community involvement and local scholarships
- Free overdraft protection transfers
- First-time homebuyer workshops and assistance
Pros
- Best personal loan rates for debt consolidation
- Lowest overdraft fees among compared credit unions
- Free paper statements (unlike competitors)
- Strong focus on family financial education
Cons
- Limited geographic reach (York County, SC)
- Fewer physical branches than some competitors
- No ATM fee reimbursements
Connexuscu
Nationwide credit union with excellent digital banking services
Notable Financial Products
- Best savings and CD rates among compared credit unions
- Competitive checking accounts with no monthly fees
- Nationwide ATM fee reimbursements
- Competitive mortgage rates
- Broad range of credit card options
Special Services
- Top-rated mobile banking app
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- Advanced digital financial tools
- Nationwide membership eligibility
- Support for all major mobile wallet platforms
Pros
- Best savings and CD rates
- No ATM fees nationwide with unlimited reimbursements
- Top-rated mobile app experience
- Easy nationwide membership eligibility
Cons
- Higher wire transfer fees than some competitors
- Limited physical branch locations
- Basic financial education resources compared to others
Edfed
Specializing in services for educators and their families nationwide
Notable Financial Products
- Best credit card rates among compared credit unions
- Education-specific savings products
- Special teacher loan programs
- Summer skip-a-pay options for educators
- College savings programs with competitive rates
Special Services
- Financial education resources tailored to educators
- Classroom grants for teacher-members
- Educational scholarships
- Specialized financial planning for educators' unique needs
- Retirement planning for those in public service
Pros
- Best credit card rates
- Strong savings rates
- Tailored financial products for educators
- Excellent education-focused resources
Cons
- Higher minimum balance requirements for savings
- Higher ATM fees than competitors
- No ATM fee reimbursements