If you haven’t already become a member of a credit union, 2018 is the perfect time to experience an alternative financial institution! Credit unions exist to give consumers a financial choice. Banks are not your only option! Discover the top five advantages of joining TVA Community Credit Union this upcoming year.

1. It’s incredibly easy to join.

As a credit union, TVACCU is community-based rather than employee-based. That means you simply have to live, work, worship, or attend school in a geographic area rather than work for a specific company. At TVACCU, that area consists of the following counties: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Marshall or Morgan. Once you’re ready to join, you have the option to apply in-person at any of our nine branches, or online at www.tvaccu.com.

2. A Credit Union can be your 1-stop shop for financial services.

Since credit unions are typically smaller than large banks, there is the misconception that they don’t offer the same number of products and services. However, many credit unions offer all of the same products as area banks. Credit Unions can sometimes even offer more than a bank chooses to! Take ATMs for example. Bankrate created this list of banks with the most ATMs in the U.S.
10. 10. Fifth Third Bank – 2,650
11. 9. Citigroup – 3,200
12. 8. Citizens Bank – 3,200
13. 7. BB&T – 3,361
14. 6. BMO Harris Bank – 4,775
15. 5. U.S. Bancorp – 5,001
16. 4. PNC Bank – 8,996
17. 3. Wells Fargo – 12,800
18. 2. Bank of America – 16,062
19. 1. JPMorgan Chase – 18,623
Compare that to TVA Community Credit Union’s surcharge-FREE ATM network which has over 23,000 ATMs! Members can use our Nation-wide ATMs fee-free at any ATM with a MoneyPass logo.

3. Four words – lower fees, higher returns!

TVACCU does not charge any monthly fees on any of our accounts. Very few financial institutions can say that! Also, we pay dividends on all of our accounts!
That’s not to mention credit unions generally offer better interest rates on loans! Even the smallest rate difference can have a major impact over time. Take a look at your current loan rate or checking account to see what you could save by switching to TVACCU. View our rates here.

4. You’re supporting your local community.

Because a credit union’s services are focused in one geographic location, we can truly benefit the local economy. Plus, credit unions are not-for-profit institutions. That means our profits go back to the members in the form of lower fees, higher returns, and expanded services. Our members are our owners!

When you take out a loan at a credit union, chances are you’re helping to put someone’s child through college – not lining a shareholder’s pocket. If you support the ‘Shop local’ mentality, keep it going by placing your money at a local credit union as well.

5. At a Credit Union, you’re more than an account number.

One of the major differences between a bank and a credit union is how the institution views you. At a bank, you’re likely just a number. Your sole purpose for them is to generate profits for their shareholders.
At a credit union, you’re a member and an owner. Credit unions are member-owned, and your savings account is called a share account for a reason. It represents your ownership of the credit union. As an owner of your credit union, you have the ability to shape the direction of the institution by running for the board of directors in a volunteer capacity. Surplus earnings are invested back into the credit union to benefit members.
The fact that credit unions continually rank higher in customer satisfaction is proof you’re more than an account number.
Visit www.tvaccu.com today and let us show you the TVACCU Difference! Our members enjoy every one of the 5 benefits listed in this article! Join TVACCU today!