In this article we will be discussing the best Credit Unions in Texas, this is so as to help folks better decide if it’s better for them to use a bank or a Credit Union.
Credit Unions in Texas have some distinct differences from banks that can benefit their members, such as the ability to often offer significantly better rates.
Additionally, not all top credit unions in Texas are created equal and one may fit your needs better than another.
If you haven’t used a credit union before, you may not know what you’re missing out on when it comes to the differences in how they operate.
For many people, discovering the top credit unions in Texas can open up a whole new world of financial opportunities.
The establishment of credit unions in Texas isn’t new, and many have been around since the early to mid-1900s when they were first created by consumers and company employees who wanted a reprieve from high loan interest rates being charged by banks.
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Best Credit Unions in Texas
In recent years Dallas, Houston, Austin credit unions, and credit unions around the country have been gaining in popularity as people look for alternate ways to make the most of their savings and find the best loan rates.
We’ve researched the top credit unions in Texas to highlight some of the best financial institutions in the state, each of which is a viable alternative to the standard concept of a bank and that may offer you better checking, savings, and investment options.
So, if you’ve been thinking of checking out a Houston credit union, Dallas credit union, one of the Austin credit unions or a credit union anywhere else in Texas.
You’ll want to start here first with these 10 best Texas credit unions:
- Credit Union of Texas
- FirstLight Federal Credit Union
- JSC Federal Credit Union
- A+ Federal Credit Union
- American Airlines Credit Union
- Credit Human
- EECU
- First Community Credit Union
- GECU
- Texans Credit Union
Credit Union of Texas
Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) was started by Dallas teachers back in 1931 looking for better financial options for their members.
From an initial asset total of $65, CUTX is a Dallas credit union that’s grown to over $1.4 billion in assets and 141,00 members.
CUTX is a big supporter of their local community and gives both in volunteer hours and donations.
They’ve donated $859,831 through cash and merchandised donations as well as sponsorships and community programs.
This best credit union in Texas truly believes in having its members fully involved in all aspects of CUTX’s operations.
They have a volunteer Board of Directors that are elected from membership every year.
A unique aspect of this best Texas credit union is that they have members in all 50 states. Their member eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Anyone who lives, works, or attends an institution of higher learning in Dallas, Denton, Collin and Rockwall counties
- Anyone who lives or works in select areas of Grayson, Fannin, Ellis, Tarrant, and Hunt counties
- Any member of a school-related association or organization created to service or assist schools
- Any employee of select partner companies/organizations
- Anyone related (by blood, marriage, or adoption) to someone that meets the eligibility or is already a member
Key Factors That Enabled Credit Union of Texas to Rank as a Top Credit Union in Texas
- CUTX Perks: CUTX Perks is a rewards program for debit card users that allows them to accumulate points simply by making purchases with their cards.
Account-holders are automatically enrolled, so there is no formal process to participate in this valuable member option.
Members of this Texas credit union can earn one point for each $100 spent with a signature transaction, and ½ a point on PIN-based debit card transactions.
This Dallas credit union also offers the ability to earn extra points by using their CUTX Perks online eMerchant link when shopping online.
Users can redeem their points for gifts by shopping on the CUTX Perks website, or they can save them up and cash them in for larger rewards, such as travel.
Users can also pool points with friends and family to earn them even faster.
- Secure Checking: Secure Checking is a signature account offering from this best credit union in Texas.
It is designed to give you safety and peace of mind along with benefits and perks not often available with standard checking accounts.
Regarding security, this account includes identity theft protection, credit report monitoring, and benefits like cell phone insurance and extended warranty coverage.
If members of this Dallas credit union upgrade to Secure Checking Plus, they can also get travel, entertainment, and health discounts.
Both accounts are also interest-bearing and feature-free electronic statements.
FirstLight Federal Credit Union
FirstLight Federal Credit Union began in 1955 as a way to help military and civilian families on Biggs AFB with more access to financial services and credit.
Today this Texas credit union includes over $1 billion in member assets.
The advantages of becoming a member, which you’ll see advertised on the site’s main page, are their attractive interest rates both on credit and savings.
For example, they compare their savings of 0.25% APY with the Texas average rate of 0.12% APY.
The eligibility requirements for joining this top credit union in TX include:
If you live, work, worship, attend school, volunteer, or your business is located in El Paso County or Dona Ana County
If you are a member of one of the selected military branches/units or civilian personnel at Fort Bliss
If you’re a family member of an existing member
Key Factors That Enabled FirstLight Federal Credit Union to Rank as a Top Credit Union in Texas
Relationship Rewards: As one of the best Texas credit unions, FirstLight offers members the chance to earn rewards on their Simply Checking or Simply More checking account.
If they meet certain criteria, based on combined loan balances and deposits, which includes a total account balance of $10,000 at the credit union (combined deposit and loan balance).
If the criteria are met, the Relationship Rewards program includes the following benefits:
- Two free non-FirstLight ATM transactions per month
- Free personal money orders, cashier’s checks
- Free telephone balance inquiry
- Free incoming wire transfers
- 25% discount on auto or personal loans
- 25% discount on annual fee rental for safe deposit boxes
Other rewards programs available from this credit union in Texas include the Go Green Rewards Program for people that do their banking online and receive e-Statements and the 50 Rewards program for members that are 50 years and older.
E-Services: As a time-saving convenience for members of FirstLight, the credit union offers all the modern e-services that you’d expect from any financial institution and a few others such as their PAL service.
The Personal Access Line (PAL), is a convenience to those who prefer to have phone access to banking.
It allows members to access their money via a 24-hour phone service to check account balances, transfer funds, report a lost or stolen card or stop payments on checks, and more.
JSC Federal Credit Union Review
JSC Federal Credit Union is a Houston credit union that’s been serving its community for over 55 years.
They are committed to helping their members become financially self-sufficient and successful.
JSC was initially begun to serve employees of Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Today, one of the best credit unions in Texas offers a full array of financial products and services and has over 124,000 members and over 2,000 Community Business Partners.
This Houston credit union makes it easy to open an account online if you meet their eligibility requirements, which include:
- If you live, work, worship, attend a school, or regularly conduct business in the City of Houston, Galveston County, or Texas City
- If you’re employed by one of the thousands of member organizations or associations
- If you’re a member of a local church
- If you’re a member of a local homeowner’s association
- If you’re the immediate family member or live in the same household as a current JSC FCU member
Key Factors That Enabled JSC Federal Credit Union to Rank as a Top Credit Union in Texas
Online Account Opening: In today’s world, many people have become accustomed to doing all their banking online.
Well, and the ability to open an account with a credit union in Texas without needing to visit a branch is a real convenience.
JSC FCU strives to make it as simple and easy as possible for new members to join.
All residents of Texas who are eligible for membership can apply online, and the application process usually takes about 5-10 minutes if you’re not already a member.
Members that wish to open secondary accounts can also do that online without needing to visit a branch.
The online account opening services offered by this top Houston credit union also include the ability to upload any necessary documents and check the status of your application online.
MoneyFIT: MoneyFIT is a program that aims to enable members to become financially fit. This program includes a variety of relevant financial education workshops and online education modules.
The MoneyFIT program is designed to help members learn more about important financial topics so they’ll have more control over charting a successful future.
Through the program, members can access MoneyFIT Financial Independence Tools that are provided at no cost and include financial seminars and workshops.
Some of the topics covered by the education seminars and workshops include auto buying, estate planning, home buying, holiday spending, ID theft, and social media.
This type of financial education program can make a real difference in many people’s lives and help them gain a better understanding of activities that will put them on the right track to being financially fit.
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CONCLUSION
Each of the best credit unions in Texas included on this list have excelled not just in maintaining their dedication to their members’ financial success, but they’ve also shown a dedication to supporting their local communities in multiple ways.