Best Credit Unions In Atlanta

Atlanta Postal Credit Union

If a long history and tradition is the most important aspect of a credit union to you, then look no further than Atlanta Postal Credit Union.

Atlanta Postal Credit Union is the oldest credit union in the state of Georgia. As you might expect with this kind of history, Atlanta Postal Credit Union values the local community greatly.

That is the primary reason that their website states beliefs such as: Everyone deserves a safe, sound place to conduct their financial business.

Atlanta Postal Credit Union also offers its members a wide variety of financial products and services, so that is another reason why they appear on our list.

Best For Military: Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union

• Mobile app allows you to deposit checks and manage your accounts
• Live phone support available 24/7

However, Navy Federal Credit Union limits membership to active duty or retired service members members of the Delayed Entry Program Department of Defense civilians, contractors, and retirees and qualifying family or household members. In addition to meeting membership criteria, youll need to keep $5 in a savings account.

Best Regional Bank: Suntrust Bank

• Limited locations not favorable for travelers
• Many of the accounts have monthly fees

Best For

• Customers who appreciate thorough customer service and a variety of available accounts

SunTrust Bank offers Georgia customers the second-most physical locations and ATMs. Georgia residents have access to around 230 SunTrust branches and over 115 ATMs. However the bank has locations in only 11 states and the District of Columbia.

SunTrust offers a wide variety of bank accounts, including a basic savings account, IRAs, four checking accounts, five CD terms and money market accounts. Most of these accounts do have monthly maintenance fees, ranging from $3 to $25, depending on the account. However, you can get these fees waived entirely by meeting certain requirements, like maintaining a minimum balance.

The interest rates that come with a SunTrust bank account are pretty standard for a bank of this size. You do have the opportunity to earn at higher rates with certain accounts when you have higher balances. It is still worth noting that the bank offers higher rates than its big bank counterparts, like Wells Fargo.

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Best Free Checking Account: Ameris Bank

• Physical locations limited to Georgia and Florida, not ideal for out-of-state travelers

Best For

• Georgia and Florida residents looking for affordable accounts

When looking for the best free checking account, you wont have to look any further than Ameris Banks Totally Free Checking and Direct Free Interest Checking accounts. As their names suggest, neither of these accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee. Each account includes free Visa® Check Cards, eStatements, ATM usage and check card text alerts. Youll want to take advantage of the fee-free ATM deal, since most banks charge a small fee of around $2.50 when you use an ATM outside of its network. Luckily for Ameris Bank customers, there is no such fee.

To open an account, you will need to deposit at least $50. This is slightly higher than a typical $25 opening deposit. However, youll get to benefit from the lack of fees and minimums after opening. The Direct Free Interest Checking even earns interest at a 0.05% APY. Then once you have an account, you can easily access it through the banks website, mobile services and unlimited check-writing abilities. You can also visit 48 Ameris Bank branches in Georgia to speak with a representative in person.

Best For Students: Chase Bank & Ameris Bank

• Higher interest rates at other banks

Best For

• Customers who want the convenience of working with a big bank and don’t mind lower interest rates

Youre going to want a bank that makes managing your money as hassle-free as possible, especially when you head off to college. Chase Bank offers a solid option for students no matter where youre going to school. Chase boasts 16,000 ATMs and 5,100 branches plus the added convenience of excellent mobile and online banking interfaces. This makes accessing your money both at home and at school a piece of cake. Chase allows students to waive the Chase College Checking monthly account fee for five years while in school. If youre not in school, you can still avoid the fee with a direct deposit made to the account each statement cycle or an average ending day balance of at least $5,000.

Not quite ready for college? Chase also has a checking account for high school students, Chase High School Checking. This is for students from 13 to 17 years old. Each student will need a parent or guardian co-owner with their own Chase checking account. As long as these accounts are linked, the student can avoid the monthly service fee. You can also waive the fee with a direct deposit or an average ending balance of at least $5,000 in each statement cycle. Once the student turns 19, the account will convert to a Chase Total Checking®.

Also Check: Neighbors Credit Union Online Banking

Does The Small Amount Of Interest Gained On A Time Deposit Make Sense Given The Fact That I Am Losing Access To My Capital

This is a decision that depends on your own specific circumstances, your needs for cash, and other investments that you may wish to pursue over the next 12 months . The premium in a one-year CD is very small, however, a small difference in compounding interest can make a large difference over long period of time. You may wish to familiarize yourself with our Savings Booster Calculator in order to understand the importance of compounding interest at higher rates on your money over time.

Why Join Five Star Credit Union

Five Star Credit Union has been serving members in Alabama and Georgia since 1964. We make it easy for our members. Checking is always free, while Five Star has low rates on new and used vehicles, mortgages, manufactured homes, and a variety of other loans that fit your lifestyle. Check out Five Star for business checking and business loans. Click through the website or stop in at one of the 17 local branches in lower Alabama and southern Georgia. Find out why its Your Five Star Credit Union. All deposits are guaranteed by the NCUA up to $250,000.

Very great place to bank with and very helpful. Alanna especially she helped me purchase my dream truck with no problems, I recommend Five Star to anyone!LAKeithia, Dothan member

I went in to open my account and had my two young children with me. The lady was extremely sweet to my little ones. Even gave them both a piggy bank and my little boy a truck. I definitely will be suggesting yall due to the total respect I was shown the entire time. Abigail, Dothan member

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Best Credit Unions In Georgia For 2020

7. Georgia’s 50 Largest Credit Unions – Atlanta Business Chronicle

8. Top 10 Best Credit Union in Atlanta, GA – July 2022 – Yelp

My bank DCU which is another credit union bank has no locations in Georgia, so this bank acts as the co-operative shared branch location. I never had any …

9. 10 Best Credit Unions of 2022 – NerdWallet

10. Best Credit Unions In Georgia – Credit Card Connection

Youre Our First Priorityevery Time

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about , but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.Here is a list of our partners.

Also Check: Peoples Federal Credit Union Amarillo

Nerdwallet’s Excellent Credit Cards Of 2022

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Excellent for Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred®
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Excellent for Flat-Rate Travel Rewards
• Discover it® Cash Back: Excellent for Bonus Categories and First Year Cashback Match
• Citi® Double Cash Card: Excellent for Flat Rate Cash Back

Best Savings Account Rate: Cit Bank Savings Builder Account

• Low $100 minimum

Cons

• Must make $100 in monthly deposits or maintain a balance of at least $25,000 to earn top APY

Best For

• Those who already have a large savings balance or can contribute frequently

The CIT Bank Savings Builder account offers ample savings capabilities, headlined by a high-end 1.00% APY. To receive this rate, you must keep your account balance at or above $25,000 or complete at least $100 in deposits per month. A 0.40% APY awaits any customers that miss these conditions. To open an account, you need to make a minimum deposit of $100.

The ability to take care of your account management needs through your phone or computer is more important than ever, and CIT has taken notice. When you download CITs Apple or Android mobile app, youll get to deposit checks remotely, initiate in-house account transfers and read through your account statements in digital form. The banks customer base is apparently happy with this app, as it holds a combined rating of 3.85 stars out of 5.

CIT Bank is undoubtedly savings-centric. In addition to the Savings Builder account, you can opt for the Premier High-Yield Savings account, the Money Market account and a selection of term CDs, jumbo CDs, no-penalty CDs and CITs proprietary RampUp CDs.

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Best For Military Members: Navy Federal Credit Union

• DoD reservists, civilian employees, civilian retirees and annuitants
• U.S. Government employees and DoD contractors assigned to DoD installations
• Family and household members of the groups above

Locations: NFCU has 341 branches in 31 states and is based in Vienna, Virginia.

Mobile and online features: Members can access common mobile and online features, including mobile check deposits, bill pay and transfers. Plus you can send and receive money with Zelle.

Noteworthy financial products: NFCU credit cards received the highest overall satisfaction score in J.D. Power’s 2019 Credit Card Satisfaction Study, excelling in terms, benefits, services and rewards.

The Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card is a standout offering. Cardholders enjoy a complimentary year of Amazon Prime, a reasonable 9.99% to 18.00% variable APR and up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications every four years.

NFCU also offers a range of other credit cards, checking and savings accounts, personal, auto and student loans, mortgages and more.

How Do You Become A Credit Union Member

To qualify for membership, you need to meet certain criteria, such as living in a particular area, working for specific employers, or joining an organization that opens the door to membership. In many cases, the easiest way to qualify for a credit union that youre not eligible for is to join a nonprofit organization with a modest donation.

Read Also: Front Royal Federal Credit Union

About Delta Community Credit Union

Delta Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with a mission of providing better service and value on the products consumers use to manage household expenses and save for the future. Founded in 1940, Delta Community is Georgia’s largest credit union with more than 450,000 members, 28 metro Atlanta branches and three out-of-state branch locations. It welcomes anyone living or working in metro Atlanta as well as employees of more than 130 businesses including Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, RaceTrac and UPS. Visit www.DeltaCommunityCU.com to open an account or follow the Credit Union on Facebook at and Twitter at @DeltaCommunity.

Best Credit Unions In Atlanta City Georgia

There are 17 credit unions that have a branch in Atlanta city, Georgia. 16 of these credit unions offer Auto Loans, 16 offer Checking Accounts, 4 offer Credit Cards, 16 offer Debit Cards, 13 offer a Mobile App, 4 offer Mobile Check Deposit, 12 offer Mortgage Loans, 16 offer Online Banking.

Below is a directory of the best credit unions with at least one branch location in Atlanta city, Georgia. Click on a credit union’s name for details including a membership application, eligibility, services offered, contact info, map of branches and ATMs..

17

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Best For Apy: Consumers Credit Union

Consumers Credit Union

• Several requirements to earn highest APY on checking account

If your goal is to earn as much as possible on your checking and savings balances, you might try the Smart Saver savings account, which pays up to 1.50% APY, or Consumers Credit Unions Rewards Checking Account. Its rewards checking account pays up to 4.09% APY on a maximum of $10,000 if you meet certain criteria. To qualify for that rate, you need to:

• Enroll in electronic documents
• Make at least 12 debit card purchases monthly
• Make direct deposits, mobile check deposits, or incoming ACH transfers of at least $500 each month
• Spend at least $1,000 per month on a CCU credit card
• Open your account with at least $5

CCU is part of the CO-OP shared branching network with free access to nearly 30,000 ATMs. You can become eligible for CCU membership by joining the Consumers Cooperative Association with a $5 membership fee. Savings accounts also have a required minimum balance of $5.

Robins Financial Credit Union

The first credit union on our list is Robins Financial Credit Union. This credit union was first founded way back in 1954.

It is the second-largest credit union in the state of Georgia behind only Delta Community Credit Union.

One reason why you might be interested in Robins Financial Credit Union is that its membership is based on the local community.

People that are living, working, or worshipping in the geographical area of Robins Financial Credit Union can become members of the credit union and utilize its banking services.

Robins Financial Credit Union also offers financial services to people that live or work in 40 counties, including Baldwin County, Crawford County, and Morgan County.

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Best Bank For Opening A Savings Account: Capital One 360

Best bank for opening a savings account

Best bank for opening a savings account

Best bank for opening a savings account

Details

Pros & Cons

Highlights

• Over 470 branches in NY, LA, TX, MD, VA, NJ, and Washington, DC
• Interest compounded daily, paid monthly

Why it stands out: The biggest brick-and-mortar banks in Georgia pay low interest rates on savings accounts, so we explored online high-yield savings accounts to determine our top pick in this category.

Capital One 360 is featured in our best online banks guide because its bank accounts do not require a minimum opening deposit or charge monthly service. Capital One 360 Performance Savings stands out because it pays a competitive interest rate higher than what many traditional savings account and high-yield savings accounts offer right now.

What to look out for: Capital One has branches throughout the US, but it doesn’t have any in Georgia. There’s a Capital One Cafe in Atlanta, where you can use self-service ATMs or speak with a Cafe Ambassador, but it doesn’t offer the same services as branches. Ultimately, you’ll have to be comfortable with online banking if you plan to use this account.

Best Local Financial Institution: Credit Union Of Atlanta

Best local financial institution

• Minority-led credit union in Atlanta
• 5,000 shared branches around the US
• Membership eligibility: Work for one of many partner employers, including local government and religious organizations
• Must open Share Savings Account to become a member
• Dividends compounded quarterly, paid quarterly
• Federally insured by the NCUA

Why it stands out: If you like banking with local financial institutions instead of national banks, the Credit Union of Atlanta is an excellent choice.

Credit Union of Atlanta is certified as a minority depository institution by the National Credit Union Administration and a community development financial institution by the US Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.

What to look out for: To open an account at Credit Union of Atlanta, you must be eligible for membership. Credit Union of Atlanta membership is limited to employees of certain organizations, such as the city of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, and Atlanta public schools. You may find the full list of organizations here.

All members will also need to open the with $25.

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Bank Trustworthiness And Bbb Ratings

We use ratings from the Better Business Bureau to help show how financial institutions address customer issues and handle transparency.

Keep in mind a good BBB rating doesn’t necessarily guarantee a smooth relationship with a financial institution. You may want to talk to current customers or read online customer reviews to see if a particular bank is right for you.

All the financial institutions on our list have an A+ rating from the BBB except Capital One and Regions Bank.

The BBB gave Capital One an A- rating because it has received a high volume of customer complaints on the BBB website.

Regions bank received a B+ rating from the BBB because of government action taken against the bank.

Capital One and Regions Bank have both been involved in recent public controversies.

In 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of Currency required Capital One to pay $80 million in a settlement that said the bank was partially responsible for a 2019 data breach when a hacker accessed over 100 million credit card applications.

In 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau required Regions Bank to pay a total of $191 million in a settlement that accused the bank of charging customers surprise overdraft fees after some ATM withdrawals or debit card purchases.