Any easy to join credit unions?
 

I have thought about joining a credit union for a while. Problem is that I am not a federal employee nor do I think I am related to anyone who is. My grandfather (passed away) worked with the government but I don't know if that helps me in any way.

I noticed that some credit unions allow you to join if you join a particular club for like $5 a year.

Any input?

I am a member of the Illinois Agricultural Association (a.k.a. Illinois Farm Bureau). I paid a one-time, $75 fee 12 years ago to join. This also allowed me to join the IAA Credit Union. The only IAACU branch is here in Bloomington.

CEFCU (used to stand for Caterpillar Employee Federal Credit Union) will let any resident of Central Illinois join.

You're in Maryland? Found this on a Google search - call Kirk and he will assist you in determining what credit union membership you may qualify for:

Maryland & DC Credit Union Association
Kirk Fox
800/492-4206, x109

http://www.creditunion.coop/statej_o.html

There are plenty of CU's you can join without a special job. I still bank at Congressional FCU in the US Capitol and live 2500 miles away. Their nearest branch is in VA. I think Apple FCU lets anyone in.

I joined First Community CU by opening a savings account with $1.

I'm sure there are lots around you with no special restrictions.

Thank you all. Now I don't mean to make this too technical of a post but what are my pros/cons of the federal credit union over lets say Bank of America?

I am not just thinking fees and perks but also safety.

Well, you couldn't pay me to give BofA any business. I hate them with a passion. So credit unions are better in my book. I've never paid any kind of fees to my CU and my CU doesn't market to illegal aliens either.

I closed out my last bank account over 40 years ago, credit unions are the only way to go as far as I'm concerned. Currently a member of Navy Army Credit union: the criteria to join is to be able to fog a mirror and have $5 to open the account as best as I can tell.

Years ago credit unions had relatively strict membership requirements but now most anyone is eligible to join one.

As far as safety goes, all accounts are insured up to $250,000 the the NCUA, the credit union counterpart to the FDIC.