Advantages/disadvantages of joining a credit union vs. a big bank?

quote:

---

I have to use campus federal again and I already hate it after making my first trip to the bank.

---

Why? I've received far better service at CFCU than any of the national banks? Online Banking at CFCU is simple too.

From one of my old posts:

quote:

---

The ATM's charged my account twice for one transaction twice in the 2 years I used CFCU and both times I was told "tough luck".

They also had at least 3 statements with accounting errors on them (small enough to not be caught unless a nerdy accounting student, me, was doing bank recs on his own account to practice for class.)

On top of that, I got a credit card through them and canceled it when I closed my accounts. They stopped sending me my statements. I had paid the account in full when I did so, but there was a charge that went through after I did so. Although they did not bother mailing me my statements, they did take the time to report me to the credit agencies.

That took me a lot of time and effort to clean up.

Needless to say, I hate CFCU.

---

Every bank is good when you aren't having a problem. CFCU is fricking terrible at fixing their own mistakes.

quote:

---

I guess I'm looking at how good everything is on paper and I'm left wondering why everyone isnt using a credit union instead of a bank?

---

Because when I go out of town, I know I will be able to find a Chase ATM. I will also be able to tap into their 24/7 support network if something goes wrong.

You obviously were just looking for positive feedback, so I'll stop now.

I have banked at the big banks, the community ones and credit unions.

Credit unions can be a pain to deal with, a real big pain. They often have crappier hours. And their rules are sometimes just plain bizarre. But at the same time, they are usually pretty nice and their products are very competitive.

The big banks certainly win on convenience, but they lay a ton of fees on you all the time. Wells fargo is charging me to check my balance online ($5), not bill pay but just get estatements. Its ridiculous if you ask me....I get charged to do something that saves you money? WTF? I have been in process of moving to a community bank and that clinched it.

Community banks are also nice, and they are usually pretty friendly but their ATM networks usually suck. They don't have as many products. and often their websites also suck.

I went with moving to a community bank b.c i didn't like the bailouts the big banks got....so I moved my money. I will admit it has taken me a year to switch everything.

not sure where you live but in today's world - there are lots of options- I have used multiple credit unions over the years with no issues-- some are higher tech than others-

Big banks have big fees and you are a number not a person

Local banks are a nice compromise- I still bank with an out of town local bank - get 4.01% on checking up to 35K, use any atm and they refund atm fees, and love the personal service. So even though I live a couple of hours from the bank I still bank there - all electronic