Credit Union question

[teddingt]

 I live in a smaller area and don't have any options when it comes to credit unions due to them all being employer based.     I have looked at a couple online and wondering if anyone has some good recommendations.

Thanks

[Danique]

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@teddingt wrote:

 I live in a smaller area and don't have any options when it comes to credit unions due to them all being employer based.     I have looked at a couple online and wondering if anyone has some good recommendations.

Thanks

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I remember reading here somewhere that you can become a member of State Department Federal Credit Union but you have to be a member of American Consumer Council. That's one of the easiest ones to get into. I was taking that route but was able to be sponsored by a member of NFCU...

[Anonymous]

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@teddingt wrote:

 I live in a smaller area and don't have any options when it comes to credit unions due to them all being employer based.     I have looked at a couple online and wondering if anyone has some good recommendations.

Thanks

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Some popular Credit Unions, depending upon your needs, are Pentagon Federal (Pen Fed), State Department, NASA, Alliant (Illinois) all which can "donate" a nominal amount of small dollars and gain access to.

Additionally, there are many Regional ones which have unique member ship requirements such as Boeing, Randolph-Brooks, Secret Service.

Consider using the Search function on MyFico, for either Credit Unions or CU 's.

Myself, I am a member of Navy, Pen Fed, State Department, Alliant, NASA, based upon my unique needs and choices of membership.

Best Wishes.

[Anonymous]

Navy Fed is hands down your best option, no one else even close if you have a BK or in rebuild. Any family member or friend thats already a member can get you in. All you need is their member ID, then go to the navy fed site online. Sign up for new account, list their member ID as a sponsor and you are good to go. Its that easy, No need to go in the branch. Just make a deposit online when you open the account, and in less than 3 days, you are approved and the account info is emailed to you, and check cards mailed.

Pen Fed next best option IMO

[teddingt]

Thank you.   I think I have my employer talked into to joining the local.  If not Pen Fed it is. 

[Guyatthebeach]

I joined and NFCU recently andposted how I did it. I also joined SDFCU years ago. They have a method to transfer funds electronically, so I use them

Guyatthebeach.

[Anonymous]

I worked at PenFed for 3 years in collections, and assisted the mortgage and equity department. If you never have to talk to anyone and just do all your stuff online they're good to go with. You can find an occasional MSR who has a full brain, generally they don't and you wish you never called. They do have good loans for credit cards and autos, mortgages are good as well but every department is very understaffed and very behind. When I left the mortgage processors were working 8-10 hours in the office then another couple hours at home, it was insane. I usually worked at least 50 hours a week if not more for them. They started risk based lending, they used to only lend to people with over a 700 score so you might be able to get some good loans. If you don't qualify for NavyFed, I would see if possibly anyone might sponsor you (i'm going to ask around on the boards after my banko) since they are MUUUUUCH better.

[Scupra]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I worked at PenFed for 3 years in collections, and assisted the mortgage and equity department. If you never have to talk to anyone and just do all your stuff online they're good to go with. You can find an occasional MSR who has a full brain, generally they don't and you wish you never called. They do have good loans for credit cards and autos, mortgages are good as well but every department is very understaffed and very behind. When I left the mortgage processors were working 8-10 hours in the office then another couple hours at home, it was insane. I usually worked at least 50 hours a week if not more for them. They started risk based lending, they used to only lend to people with over a 700 score so you might be able to get some good loans. If you don't qualify for NavyFed, I would see if possibly anyone might sponsor you (i'm going to ask around on the boards after my banko) since they are MUUUUUCH better.

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NFCU can't "sponsor" you so easily.. You need to be a roommate or immediate family.

Check this thread out:

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Bankruptcy/How-to-join-NCFU-and-rebuild-as-a-civilian-the-right-way/m-p/4642280#U4642280