--- title: Best Credit Unions for 2027 description: Credit unions offer higher interest rates and lower fees than most national brand-name banks on checking and savings accounts. authors: - name: Kat Tretina role: Contributor url: https://money.com/author/kat-tretina/ education: B.A in English and Communications from Elizabethtown College, M.A. in Communications from West Chester University at_money_since: 2025 articles: 31 covers: - Banking - Insurance - Loans former_staff: true editors: - name: Jordan Chussler role: Editor, Investing and Banking url: https://money.com/author/jordan-chussler/ bio: Jordan is an investment editor who specializes in topics ranging from traditional equities, retirement savings and income investing to alternative assets and commodities, specifically focusing on gold and other precious metals. He combines his personal interests and professional experience in finance and education to help readers increase their financial literacy and make better investment choices. Jordan is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. education: Lynn University certifications: Certified Personal Finance Counselor at_money_since: 2023 articles: 133 covers: - Banking - Credit - Credit Cards - Economy and Politics - Housing - Identity Theft - Insurance - Investing - Loans - Mortgages - Personal Finance - Professional Services - Retirement also_seen_in: - Weiss Ratings - 24/7 Wall Street - Better Investing - Yahoo Finance - Nasdaq - Investing.com - Marketbeat - MSN Money social: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-chussler-b3597811/ published: '2026-10-14T14:22:15.000Z' modified: '2026-10-14T18:07:25.000Z' section: Banking tags: - Best - Best Banks 2025–2026 word_count: 1246 canonical: https://money.com/best-credit-unions/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![Best Credit Unions for 2027](https://img.money.com/2024/10/Best-Banks-2024-Credit-Union-mbci_9st04__8ot54y.png?w=1012&h=569&crop=1) ## Our Partners ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/19227/medium_5c3a0d96-3da5-45d8-8e99-d58f043e9433.png) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/74c98462c821?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&bidid=4222395144&pmeta=p129-c561-u26994&ptid=683223420&ptoken=616da962c0f9b0445a8d62d88354498b&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) **Up to 3.30% APY² with eligible direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period.** - Limited Time Offer - +0.90% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.20% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.8  - $0 min. balance to earn APY - Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up - Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3 - Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3M on deposits4 - No Account Fees5 & No-fee Overdraft Coverage6 \*Terms Apply **\[AFFILIATE LINK: Open SoFi Account Today\]** * * * ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40232/medium_cfa5e5b0-4ccd-4dc6-814f-910bb4151eb3.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/ba8b1cb7337b?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&bidid=4222395145&pmeta=p129-c561-u26994&ptid=683223420&ptoken=2acae86cfaf19b1cd4489669b2c69beb&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) **Earn 4.25% APY\* for 6 months with $5k min. balance when you open a Platinum Savings Account** - $5,000 min. balance to earn top APY - $100 minimum deposit to open an account - No account opening or monthly service fees - Member FDIC \*Boosted rate for 6 months; 3.75% APY after. \*Enter promo code BOOST50 for APY bonus. Rate as of 9/29/2026. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View CIT Bank Offer\]** * * * ![View Rates](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40546/medium_c4df0da9-32d5-4f39-9172-e02e18571a8d.webp) Our Partner [View Rates](https://money.com/go/2debdb49f6f0?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&bidid=4222395146&pmeta=p129-c561-u26994&ptid=683223420&ptoken=00a9776bf7a0d54fef2f87c6e6e0b94d&ua=Mozilla%2F5.0+AppleWebKit%2F537.36+%28KHTML%2C+like+Gecko%3B+compatible%3B+ClaudeBot%2F1.0%3B+%2Bclaudebot%40anthropic.com%29&zip=43215&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) **Earn Up to 4.35% APY (inclusive of 0.35% APY Boost)\*\*** - $500 minimum opening deposit - Keep more of your money with no fees - Trusted device security with quick face or fingerprint login - Member FDIC, Santander Bank, N.A. Rates as of 10/14/2026 \*\*New Customers only. Terms Apply. Santander Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The APY Boost will apply for (6) months from the date the account is opened. **\[AFFILIATE LINK: View Openbank Offer\]** ## Key Takeaways - For the second year in a row, Alliant Credit Union ranks as Money's pick for the top credit union. Alliant is recognized as the best overall credit union due to its nationwide open membership, network of 80,000 fee-free ATMs, lack of monthly or overdraft fees and a $100 savings bonus offer. - Credit unions recognized for specific targeted value include Digital Credit Union for its high APYs (up to 5% on savings under $1,000), Patelco for its accessible money market options and PenFed for free checking and cash-deposit accessibility. - Money's methodology includes a selection benchmark focused on low fees and NCUA outperformance. To determine the best credit unions for 2027, Money evaluated institutions based on asset size, open eligibility and interest rates that beat national NCUA averages. As member-owned, not-for-profit organizations, credit unions often pay out higher-than-average interest rates on deposit accounts and charge lower fees than traditional banks. In many instances, that makes them the financial backbone of many communities. Their localized nature means they understand the needs of customers, and because members are partial owners of credit unions, the institutions can offer benefits that large national banks cannot. While some credit unions are limited to certain regions or employers, others serve members nationwide. To help you find the right fit for your banking needs, Money researched dozens of the financial institutions based on their account options, fees and customer service ratings. Here are the best credit unions for 2027: - [**Alliant Credit Union**](#alliant)**:** Best Overall - **[PenFed Credit Union](#penfed):** Best Checking Accounts - **[Digital Credit Union](#digital):** Best for Savings Accounts - **[Patelco Credit Union](#patelco):** Best for Money Market Accounts - **[Golden 1 Credit Union](#golden1):** Best for Seniors - **[Consumers Credit Union](#consumers):** Best for Customer Satisfaction - **[Navy Federal Credit Union](#navy):** Best for Service Members and Veterans *\*Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided was accurate as of Oct. 9, 2026.* ## Start saving today with a SoFi® High-Yield Savings Account ### SoFi helps keeps your money organized and separated so there's no confusion when it comes time to spend. [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/u78e5d83666e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) ## Best Overall: Alliant ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/7489/large_7f34fd2d-701e-41a1-acf2-eecbf86f2b7d.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/o4e5486888f5?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&url=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) For the second year in a row, [Alliant Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/acfeb389bba5?data-trk-company=alliant-credit-union-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=acfeb389bba5&encoded_id=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) is Money's choice as the best overall credit union based on its open membership, low bank account fees, higher-than-usual APYs and special offers. When you open an Alliant high-yield savings account and deposit at least $100 per month for 12 consecutive months, you'll earn a $100 bonus. Plus, the account pays a higher-than-average APY of 3.01%, and it doesn't charge monthly fees or overdraft fees. You can visit any of Alliant's 80,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, and you can join the credit union online. **Pros** - Special bonus offer for new savings account customers - No monthly fees or overdraft fees - High APYs on checking accounts, savings accounts and share certificates **Cons** - No money market accounts - No physical branches - Paper statement fees apply ## Best for Checking Accounts: PenFed ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40425/large_ae7ca624-29e5-46b5-85ae-421d466dafef.webp) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/d0518c241e3c?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&url=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) With [PenFed Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/uf63085fcd2f?data-trk-company=penfed-savings-accounts-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=uf63085fcd2f&encoded_id=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts), you can choose between two checking accounts: its free checking option and its Access America Checking account. As its name implies, the free checking account doesn't charge monthly service fees. Customers receive free checks when they open an account, and they have access to online bill pay and online transfers. The Access America Checking account is an interest-bearing account. It pays 0.05% APY on balances up to $50,000. Although this account does have a $15 monthly fee, it's easy to qualify for a fee waiver. Just set up a monthly direct deposit of $500 or more or maintain a daily balance of $500 or more. With both accounts, you can withdraw cash at over 80,000 fee-free ATMs, and you can make cash deposits by visiting PenFed branch locations, in-network ATMs or participating retailers. **Pros** - Multiple checking account options - Cash deposits accepted - Free checks **Cons** - No interest on higher account balances - Membership requires additional $5 deposit into a saving account - High insufficient funds fee ## Best for Savings Accounts: Digital Federal Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/22072/large_fe072917-f690-4b90-be8c-18086390c46b.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/ic04d14bb7d4?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&url=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) [Digital Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/x2f7016dd990?data-trk-company=digital-federal-credit-union&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=x2f7016dd990&encoded_id=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) (DCU), which merged with First Tech Federal Credit Union in 2026, continues to offer some of the best savings account options available. With the DCU Advantage Savings Account, you can earn an APY as high as 3% with no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fees. For those with lower balances, the Primary Savings account allows you to earn 5% APY on balances up to $1,000 with no monthly fees, and you only need $5 to open the account. DCU has 23 branches in the New England area, but it also operates 5,900 co-op or shared branches, and it has a network of over 80,000 fee-free ATMs. **Pros** - Much higher-than-usual APY - No monthly fees - Extensive ATM network **Cons** - $500,000 minimum to earn interest for money market accounts - Limited share certificate terms - May need to pay a fee to join an organization to qualify for membership ## Best for Money Market Accounts: Patelco Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40423/large_ddbb0a2b-9089-440a-b124-82b40ca7a80a.webp) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/n17b972fbc5b?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&url=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) With a money market account, your money can earn a higher APY than it would in a checking or basic savings account. [Patelco Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/ic853e8e1df8?data-trk-company=patelco-credit-union-review&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=ic853e8e1df8&encoded_id=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) has two money market accounts: Money Market Select and Money Market Plus. The Money Market Select account has a $1 minimum balance to get started, which is a lower-than-usual minimum deposit requirement for a money market account. You can earn 2% APY on balances up to $2,000, with declining rates on balances above that threshold. The Money Market Plus account has no minimum deposit requirement, but you must have a Patelco checking account and make at least $500 in recurring monthly deposits to the checking account to earn higher interest rates. Rates range between 2.5% and 3.25% APY, depending on your money market balance and ability to meet requirements. While some credit unions have strict eligibility rules, you can easily become a member of Patelco Credit Union. If you don't live in one of its communities or work for a participating employer, you can pay a fee to join the Financial Fitness Association to qualify for membership. **Pros** - No monthly fees on money market accounts - Higher-than-average APYs - Low minimum deposit requirements **Cons** - Balance requirements for highest APYs - May need to pay a fee to join an organization to qualify for membership - Limited share certificate terms ## Best for Seniors: Golden 1 Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/25619/large_5c65f876-e6fe-403c-a91e-6bef8efeca47.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/aff5baba92bb?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&url=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) For the third year in a row, [Golden 1 Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/oc3a365d5954?data-trk-company=golden1-credit-union&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=oc3a365d5954&encoded_id=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) is Money's choice for the best credit union for seniors. It is recognized for its robust offering of deposit accounts, including specialty holiday savings accounts, teen and child accounts and share certificates. But where Golden 1 really stands out is with its Golden Prestige Checking Account, an account designed for credit union members who are 62 or older. The account has no monthly maintenance fees, and it includes added perks like free custom image checks, free cashier's checks, free domestic wire transfers and free notary services. Golden 1 is only available in California, but its members can also take advantage of special discounts like discounts on theme park tickets and insurance policies. **Pros** - Multiple benefits for seniors - Special discounts for members - Higher-than-average APYs on money market accounts and share certificates **Cons** - Limited service area - Low APY on savings accounts - Limited share certificate terms ## Best for Customer Satisfaction: Consumers Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/40649/large_ebca3388-a2bd-4d80-b7d7-b8eac9eefd0b.webp) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/u1b1161fd19e?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&url=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) When looking for a bank or credit union, you want to be confident that the financial institution handles any issues and answers questions quickly and effectively. That's why [Consumers Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/x36855d171e2?data-trk-company=consumers-credit-union-savings-accounts&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=x36855d171e2&encoded_id=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) is Money's pick for the best credit union for customer satisfaction. The Consumers Credit Union has outstanding customer reviews. On Trustpilot, it has a score of 4.6 out of 5 based on over 400 reviews. Customers praised ~the~ its friendly and knowledgeable staff and smooth digital banking experience. The credit union operates 23 branches in Illinois, but it also has co-op or shared branches in other states, and it has a huge network of fee-free ATMs. If you prefer mobile banking or digital banking, Consumers Credit Union also has highly rated mobile apps for Android and iOS devices. It offers higher-than-usual APYs on checking accounts, savings accounts and share certificates, helping your money work harder for you. Anyone can join the credit union if you pay a $5 membership fee. **Pros** - Stellar Trustpilot reviews - Highly rated mobile app - Open membership **Cons** - Small fee to become a member - Debit card transaction requirements to earn higher APY - High overdraft fees ## Best for Service Members and Veterans: Navy Federal Credit Union ![](https://s3.consumersadvocate.org/prd/image/image/15435/large_213b3cfc-6851-482c-a0bd-8900ef430810.png) [View Rates](https://money.com/pr/lc04acd15d75?ap_referrer=%2Fbest-credit-unions%2F&url=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) For the third year in a row, [Navy Federal Credit Union](https://money.com/pr/g6040d7e4831?data-trk-company=navy-federal-savings-account&data-trk-imp=true&data-trk-pcu-type=direct_link&data-trk-pcu-uuid=g6040d7e4831&encoded_id=&apxa1=best-high-yield-savings-accounts) (NFCU) is Money's selection for the best credit union for service members and veterans. As an NFCU member, you can choose from the credit union's many checking account options, including free checking and interest-bearing accounts. Although the credit union's APYs on savings accounts are relatively low, it does have higher-than-usual APYs on money market accounts and share certificates. You can open a Special EasyStart certificate with as little as $50 and earn up to 4.35% APY for 12 months. As a member, you can also qualify for other benefits like free financial counseling and loan discounts. **Pros** - Multiple checking account options - Low minimum deposit for share certificates - Higher-than-usual APYs on share certificates **Cons** - Limited membership - Low APY on savings accounts - Minimum balance of $2,500 to earn interest on money market accounts ## FAQs ### What is the difference between a credit union and a traditional bank? The main distinctions are ownership and operating models. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned and controlled by their members. Banks are for-profit institutions that answer to shareholders. Because credit unions return profits to members, they typically offer higher APYs on savings products, lower APRs on loans and lower or fewer account maintenance fees. ### Am I eligible to join a credit union? More than likely, yes. Joining a credit union often requires meeting specific eligibility requirements, such as location (e..g., living, working or worshipping in a specific geographic region), employment or military service and even membership in an organization. ### Are my deposits safe in a credit union? Yes. Deposits at federally insured credit unions are protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). It is similar to FDIC insurance for traditional banks and covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category (e.g., single, joint, Roth). ## How we chose the best credit unions for 2027 To identify the best credit unions for 2027, we researched the largest credit unions based on their consolidated assets and evaluated their account options, fees, APYs and availability. We prioritized credit unions with open membership requirements and higher-than-usual APYs. As a baseline, we compared credit union APYs to the averages reported by the National Credit Union Administration: - **Interest checking account:** 0.15% - **Savings account:** 0.19% - **Money market account:** 0.74% - **12-month CD:** 2.95% We also considered branch and ATM access, mobile or online banking options and customer service ratings, with emphasis given to credit unions with "excellent" Trustpilot ratings. AI was not used in the sourcing of Best Banks data, the analysis of that data or the content subsequently produced by Money's editorial team. You can [read our full methodology here](https://money.com/best-banks/methodology/). ## Give your savings more room to grow ### Start making more of the money you save with a High-Yield Savings Account. With a higher-than-average yield, you can put your savings to work while staying focused on the goals ahead. Click below to get started today. 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