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Credit unions often offer lower fees and better rates than banks, but membership rules can be a hurdle. Some limit eligibility based on where you live or work, while others are tied to certain professions or organizations. The good news is that many credit unions have relaxed their requirements, making it easier to join—sometimes with a simple donation or small deposit.
While most credit unions serve local communities, some have a nationwide reach. If you travel often or want a credit union with broader access, you’ll need one with shared branches, extensive ATM networks, or digital banking.
12 Best Nationwide Credit Unions
This list highlights the best nationwide credit unions that offer strong perks, competitive rates, and easy membership options.
Digital banking: Mobile app with bill pay, mobile check deposit, and account management
Standout Benefits
High-interest checking with no monthly fees
Large ATM network for convenient access
Open membership with no geographic restrictions
Consumers Credit Union is a strong choice for those looking for high-yield checking, easy membership, and full-service banking with digital convenience.
Alliant Credit Union was founded in 1935 as the United Airlines Employees’ Credit Union and has since grown into one of the largest digital credit unions in the U.S.
With more than 900,000 members, Alliant offers competitive rates, full-service digital banking, and access to thousands of ATMs nationwide.
Eligibility
Membership is open to anyone who:
Is a current or retired employee of a partner business or organization
Has an immediate family member or domestic partner who is an Alliant member
Lives or works in qualifying communities near Alliant’s headquarters in Chicago
Supports digital inclusion by joining the Alliant Credit Union Foundation (Alliant covers the $5 donation)
Key Features
High-rate checking: Earns 0.25% APY with no monthly fees when enrolled in eStatements and receiving at least one electronic deposit per month
High-rate savings: Competitive interest rates with no monthly fees and just $5 to open
Credit cards: Visa® Signature Credit Card offers up to 2.5% cash back with no annual or foreign transaction fees
Loans: Personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages with flexible terms and competitive rates
Digital banking: 24/7 online and mobile banking with mobile check deposit, bill pay, and account management
Standout Benefits
80,000+ fee-free ATMs with up to $20 in monthly rebates for out-of-network ATM fees
Not-for-profit model that reinvests earnings into better rates and lower fees
Digital-first experience designed for members who prefer online and mobile banking
Alliant Credit Union is a top choice for those looking for competitive rates, modern digital banking, and a large ATM network without the need for physical branches.
PenFed Credit Union began in 1935 and has grown into the second-largest federal credit union in the U.S., serving more than 2.9 million members.
It offers high-yield checking and savings accounts, low-rate loans, and extensive digital banking services with nationwide accessibility.
Eligibility
Membership is open to anyone.
Key Features
Checking accounts: Access America Checking earns dividends on balances with at least $500 in monthly direct deposits and includes fee-free ATMs and early paycheck access
Savings accounts: High-yield savings with competitive rates and no monthly maintenance fees
Credit cards: Multiple options with cash back, travel rewards, and low-interest balance transfer offers
Loans: Personal loans with no origination fees and flexible repayment terms
Digital banking: 24/7 mobile and online banking with industry-leading security
Standout Benefits
Open membership with no restrictions
Large ATM network with 85,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
Exclusive member discounts on select products and services
PenFed Credit Union is a great option for those looking for strong banking products, nationwide access, and inclusive membership.
Connexus Credit Union was founded in 1935 and has grown into a nationwide institution serving more than 474,000 members.
It offers high-yield checking and savings accounts, competitive loan options, and full-service digital banking.
Eligibility
Membership is open to anyone who:
Makes a one-time $5 donation to the Connexus Association
Key Features
Checking accounts: Xtraordinary Checking offers up to 1.75% APY on balances up to $25,000 when meeting monthly requirements, including 15 debit card purchases and eStatement enrollment
Savings accounts: Competitive rates with no monthly maintenance fees
Certificates: Fixed-rate share certificates with terms from 12 to 60 months
Loans: Personal loans for debt consolidation, home improvement, and major expenses
Digital banking: Mobile check deposit, bill pay, and full online account management
Standout Benefits
High-yield checking with strong interest rates
Nationwide membership with full digital access
Diverse financial products including deposit accounts, loans, and investment services
Connexus Credit Union offers easy membership, strong checking rewards, and a full range of banking services for anyone looking to earn more on their deposits.
Today, it serves over 650,000 members, with branches in technology hubs like California, Oregon, and Washington.
It offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans, along with digital banking and a large ATM network.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
Employees of 900+ partner companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel
Family or household members of current First Tech members
Employees of the State of Oregon
Residents of Lane County, Oregon
Members of the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association (you can join during the application process)
Key Features
Checking accounts: Rewards Checking offers up to 5.00% APY on balances up to $15,000, with no monthly fees
Savings accounts: The Membership Savings account has no monthly fees and requires just $5 to open
Credit cards: Includes secured and rewards-based options, with competitive rates
Loans: Personal loans start at $500 with flexible repayment terms
ATM access: Over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 5,600 Co-Op shared branches nationwide
Standout Benefits
High-interest checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees
Strong digital banking options, including a mobile app with bill pay and mobile deposit
Member-focused lending options, often with lower rates than traditional banks
First Tech Federal Credit Union is a solid choice for those looking for competitive banking products, easy membership options, and strong tech-focused benefits.
Wings Credit Union started in 1938 when airline employees came together to create a financial institution. It has since grown into one of the largest credit unions in the country.
With a strong focus on competitive rates, digital banking, and nationwide accessibility, Wings serves more than 349,000 members.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
Individuals who live or work in eligible counties in Minnesota or Wisconsin, or in metro areas including Seattle-Tacoma, Detroit, Orlando, and Atlanta
Aviation industry employees, including those working for airlines, government agencies, and airport-related businesses
Anyone who joins the Wings Financial Foundation, which provides financial education and scholarships
Key Features
High-yield savings: Competitive APY with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
High-yield checking: No monthly fees and access to over 80,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide
Share certificates: Terms from 3 months to 5 years with higher dividends for larger balances
Money market accounts: Tiered interest rates based on balance, rewarding higher balances with better yields
Loans and credit cards: Auto loans, mortgages, personal loans, and credit cards with competitive rates and rewards
Standout Benefits
Extensive ATM network with fee-free access to 80,000+ ATMs
Strong digital banking tools with mobile check deposit, bill pay, and account management
Financial education programs through the Wings Financial Foundation
Wings Financial Credit Union is a great choice for those seeking high-yield banking, broad ATM access, and digital-first convenience.
It offers high-yield checking, savings, and loan products with a strong focus on military and community banking.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
Employees of partnered organizations (Select Employee Groups)
Active-duty or retired military personnel, their dependents, and those assigned to or receiving services from Joint Base Andrews or Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
Individuals who live, work, attend school, or worship in Washington, D.C.
Immediate family or household members of current Andrews Federal members
Anyone who joins the American Consumer Council (membership fee covered by Andrews Federal)
Key Features
Kasasa Cash® Checking: Earns up to 6.00% APY on balances up to $25,000, with no minimum balance requirement and ATM fee refunds up to $25 per month
Savings accounts: Competitive interest rates with a minimum $5 deposit to open
Share certificates: Fixed-term options for steady growth
Loans: Auto loans, personal loans, and mortgages with flexible terms
Credit cards: Multiple options with competitive rates and rewards
Digital banking: Mobile check deposit, bill pay, and full-service online banking
Standout Benefits
High-yield checking with one of the best APYs available
Comprehensive financial services including insurance, investment options, and financial education
Nationwide access with shared branches and a large ATM network
Andrews Federal Credit Union is an excellent choice for those looking for strong checking rewards, military-friendly banking, and full-service financial products.
It offers competitive checking and savings accounts, low-rate loans, and digital banking with a large ATM and branch network.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
Employees or retirees of NASA, the National Academy of Sciences, or affiliated organizations
Employees or members of 900+ partner companies and associations
Relatives or household members of current NASA Federal members
Anyone who joins the National Space Society (NASA Federal provides a complimentary one-year membership)
Key Features
Checking accounts: Elite Checking includes ATM access at 36,000+ fee-free ATMs and 5,300 shared branches
Savings accounts: High-yield savings and certificates with terms from 9 to 49 months
Credit cards: Visa credit cards with 1.5% cash back and no annual, balance transfer, or foreign transaction fees
Loans: Auto loans, personal loans, and zero-down payment mortgage options for qualified borrowers
Digital banking: 24/7 online and mobile banking with mobile check deposit, bill pay, and free credit score monitoring
Standout Benefits
Early direct deposit up to two days before payday
Cash back debit card with up to $250 in annual rewards
Large ATM and branch network with fee-free access to thousands of locations
Identity theft protection discounts for members
NASA Federal Credit Union offers strong banking benefits, broad membership eligibility, and tailored financial products for those seeking a well-rounded credit union.
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) launched in 1979 and has grown to serve over one million members across the country.
As a member-owned financial cooperative, DCU offers a full range of banking services, including high-yield savings, competitive loans, and digital banking.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
Members of participating organizations
Employees or retirees of partner employers
Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in a participating community
Immediate family members of current DCU members
Key Features
Checking accounts: Free checking with no minimum balance or monthly fees
Savings accounts: Competitive interest rates with just $5 required to open
Loans: Auto loans, personal loans, and mortgages with low rates
Credit cards: Visa® options with no annual fees, identity theft protection, and extended warranties
Digital banking: Mobile check deposit, bill pay, and person-to-person transfers
Standout Benefits
Member-owned structure focused on better rates and lower fees
Financial education resources including planning tools and counseling services
Community involvement with support for local initiatives and financial literacy programs
Digital Federal Credit Union is a great option for those looking for competitive rates, no-fee checking, and strong digital banking tools in a member-focused credit union.
Blue Federal Credit Union was founded in 1951 and has grown from its roots at F.E. Warren Air Force Base to serve more than 140,000 members.
With a strong focus on community involvement, competitive rates, and financial education, Blue offers a wide range of banking services across Colorado, Wyoming, and beyond.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
Anyone who supports select local charities
Active or retired military personnel and their families
Residents of eligible counties in Colorado and Wyoming
Key Features
Savings accounts: Competitive interest rates, including specialty bump-up CDs for higher returns
Checking accounts: NOVA Perks™ Checking offers benefits like roadside assistance, cell phone protection, and local discounts
Loans: Personal loans, auto loans, and mortgages with flexible terms
Credit cards: Options with rewards and benefits for different spending preferences
Insurance products: Coverage for auto, home, and health
Financial planning services: Assistance with investments and long-term financial goals
Standout Benefits
NOVA Perks™ Checking with two tiers:
Premium Tier: 0.50% APY on balances up to $15,000, plus added perks
Elite Tier: 2.00% APY on balances up to $15,000, a 5.00% loan interest rebate, and a 0.50% APY bonus on term shares
Strong community focus with scholarships, charitable support, and financial education programs
Comprehensive banking solutions with digital access and in-person branches
Blue Federal Credit Union is a solid option for those looking for competitive banking products, community involvement, and added perks with checking and savings accounts.
Over the years, it has expanded its membership and now offers competitive financial products, digital banking, and nationwide accessibility.
Eligibility
Membership is open to:
Employees in the air transportation, aeronautics, or space industries
Immediate family or household members of current SkyOne members
Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school near SkyOne’s main branch in Hawthorne, California
Anyone who joins a partner organization like Friends of Madrona Marsh or the Surfrider Foundation
Key Features
Savings accounts: Competitive interest rates with a minimum $5 deposit to open
Checking accounts: SkyOne QuickPay offers up to 4.00% APY on balances up to $25,000
Share certificates: Fixed-term options for secure growth
Loans: Auto loans, personal loans, and mortgages with flexible terms
Credit cards: Multiple card options with competitive rates and rewards
Digital banking: Mobile check deposits, bill pay, and full online account management
Standout Benefits
High-yield checking with up to 4.00% APY on eligible balances
Comprehensive financial services including insurance, investment options, and financial education
Nationwide access with shared branches and a large ATM network
SkyOne Federal Credit Union is a great choice for those in the aviation industry or anyone looking for high-yield checking, strong digital banking, and nationwide accessibility.
What Is a nationwide credit union?
A nationwide credit union serves members across multiple states, unlike local credit unions that limit membership to a specific region. These credit unions provide financial services to a broader audience, often through shared branches, extensive ATM networks, and digital banking.
Some nationwide credit unions have open membership, meaning anyone can join by making a small donation to a partner organization. Others have eligibility requirements based on employment, military service, or where you live. While local credit unions may offer a stronger community presence, nationwide credit unions provide wider accessibility and more digital banking options.
How to Choose the Right Nationwide Credit Union
Not all nationwide credit unions offer the same benefits, so it’s important to compare key factors before joining.
Eligibility requirements: Some credit unions allow anyone to join, while others limit membership based on employment, military affiliation, or location. Check the requirements to see if you qualify.
Fees and rates: Review monthly fees, overdraft charges, and APYs on checking and savings accounts. Some credit unions offer high-yield checking, while others focus on lower loan rates.
ATM and branch access: Look for a credit union that participates in a shared branch network or offers fee-free ATMs across the country. Many nationwide credit unions have thousands of ATMs, but branch locations may be limited.
Loan and credit offerings: Compare rates on auto loans, personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards. Some credit unions specialize in certain loan types, while others offer competitive rates across the board.
Customer service and reputation: Check online reviews and member feedback to see how a credit union handles customer service. Look for features like 24/7 support, live chat, and user-friendly digital tools.
Choosing the right credit union depends on your financial priorities. Whether you want better loan rates, low fees, or extensive ATM access, comparing options can help you find the best fit.
Credit Unions vs. Banks: What’s the difference?
Credit unions and banks offer many of the same financial products, but they operate differently. Understanding these differences can help you decide which is the better fit.
Not-for-profit vs. for-profit: Banks are for-profit institutions that maximize earnings for shareholders, while credit unions are member-owned and return profits to members through better rates and lower fees.
Deposit insurance: Credit unions are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), just as banks are covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This means that deposits at credit unions are protected up to $250,000 per account, ensuring the same level of security as traditional banks.
Interest rates and fees: Credit unions generally offer higher savings rates and lower loan rates than banks. They also tend to have fewer fees, making them a cost-effective option for checking accounts and loans.
Customer service approach: Credit unions focus on a more personalized experience, often providing better customer service than large banks. Since they serve members rather than shareholders, they prioritize financial education and tailored support.
Technology and convenience: Large banks often have more advanced digital tools, but many nationwide credit unions now offer competitive mobile apps, online bill pay, and remote deposit. If you rely on digital banking, compare features before joining.
Pros & Cons of Nationwide Credit Unions
Nationwide credit unions come with several benefits, but they also have a few limitations.
Pros
Higher interest rates on savings and lower loan rates compared to traditional banks.
Fewer fees on checking accounts, overdrafts, and loans.
Access to large ATM and shared branch networks for nationwide banking.
More member-focused service and benefits, including financial education and better customer support.
Cons
Membership requirements may limit options, depending on employer, location, or affiliations.
Fewer physical branch locations compared to big banks, making in-person banking less convenient.
Some credit unions lag behind in digital banking features, especially compared to online banks.
Final Thoughts
Nationwide credit unions provide better rates, lower fees, and a more member-focused approach than traditional banks. They also offer access to extensive ATM networks and shared branches, making them a strong option for those who want the benefits of a credit union with nationwide accessibility.
The best credit union for you depends on factors like membership eligibility, fees, account options, and digital banking features. Comparing these details can help you find the right fit for your financial needs.
