Oct 11, 2018 / Local Utah

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Credit Union

There’s a lot to think about when deciding where to put your money. But if local ownership, personalized service and attention, and commitment to community are important to you, there’s a good chance you’ll want to consider a credit union. But which one? With so many Utah credit unions, it can be hard to pick the one that’s right for you. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a credit union.

1. Customer Service

Because credit unions tend to be smaller, member-focused financial institutions, they usually provide much better customer service than banks. But not all credit unions are the same in this department. Visit a few branches close to you, ask some questions, and get a feel for how tellers, loan officers, and management treat their members.

2. Convenience

One of the first things you should consider when choosing a credit union is convenience. Besides branch locations, what convenience services does your credit union have to offer? Convenience includes mobile and online banking features like remote check deposit, card controls, person-to-person payments, and bill pay. Utah First Credit Union offers over 5,600 service center locations, and nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs throughout the country. Banking should make life easier, not harder. So, look for a credit union that gives you the things that will make your life more convenient.

3. Rewards

Credit unions are all about serving their members. It’s the reason they exist. When choosing which credit union is right for you, think about what you can get out of the relationship. Does the credit union offer a particularly appealing credit card or rewards program? Do a little research to find a credit union that offers benefits that are important to you.

4. Programs

If you’re going to commit to a credit union, you want it to be a long-term relationship that will be mutually beneficial for many years to come. So, ask about the credit union’s lending services, credit and debit cards, and savings and investment options. Even seemingly little things like having low overdraft protection fees can be a big deal when added up over time.

5. Trust

You want to protect your hard-earned cash. And when you make a deposit, you deserve to know that it’s secure. That means going with a credit union that’s federally insured. But it also means trusting your credit union to do the right thing every day. And because trust is earned, look for a credit union that has a history of keeping personal information safe and investing in the places you work and live.

There are a lot of Utah credit unions. And there’s a lot to think about before you can pick one that’s right for you, your money, and your individual needs. If you’d like to know more about a credit union with a history of putting Utah first and its members first and foremost, come see what makes Utah First stand out from the rest.