16 Inclusive Credit Unions Open to All
Credit unions often cater to specific groups, like people who live, work, study, or worship in certain areas. They can also be open to those in specific industries or employed by certain companies. However, many local credit unions offer great in-person banking benefits and extensive member perks.
### 16 Easiest Credit Unions To Join
While some credit unions have strict membership rules, others are much easier to join. Typically, you can become a member by donating or paying a membership fee to an affiliated organization. Here are some of the best and easiest credit unions to join:
1. **Alliant Credit Union**
– **Benefits:** High-yield checking and savings accounts with no overdraft fees. Savings accounts earn 3.10% APY, and checking accounts earn 0.25% APY. Share certificates can earn up to 5.10% APY.
– **How To Join:** Make a one-time $5 donation to the Alliant Credit Union Foundation, which Alliant covers for you. You can also join if you live near Chicago or work for a partner business.
2. **Bethpage Federal Credit Union**
– **Benefits:** High yields on savings, money markets, and certificates. Low rates for home equity and auto loans. Free checking accounts with no minimum balance.
– **How To Join:** No specific membership requirements. Just make a one-time $5 deposit into a BFCU savings account.
3. **PenFed Credit Union**
– **Benefits:** Established in 1935, PenFed is the second-largest federal credit union in the U.S. Offers 3.00% APY on online savings and up to 4.00% APY on money market certificates. Free checking and access to 85,000 fee-free ATMs.
– **How To Join:** Simply make a $5 minimum deposit in a PenFed savings account.
4. **Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union**
– **Benefits:** Free checking with no minimum balance. Interest Rewards Checking requires a $200 minimum to earn dividends and avoid a $6 monthly fee. Members get access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, a Stash Your Cash program, and one free credit report per year.
– **How To Join:** Live, work, worship, or study in certain Minnesota communities, work for the state of Minnesota or a partner organization, graduated from a Minnesota university, or have a relative who meets these criteria. Alternatively, pay a one-time $25 fee to the Affinity Plus Foundation.
5. **Connexus Credit Union**
– **Benefits:** Three free checking accounts, one offering 1.75% APY to qualifying customers. Teen accounts can earn up to 2.00% APY. Also offers CDs and money market accounts.
– **How To Join:** Serve residents in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as employees, retirees, students, and alumni of partner organizations. Anyone can join with a one-time $5 donation to the Connexus Association and a $5 minimum deposit in a Connexus savings account.