Federally chartered credit unions in Nebraska number 74 different institutions. The original goal of credit unions? Provide financial services to a small group of associated individuals who may be underserved by banks. When credit unions first came on the scene, members had a common link, usually an employer. Now the group linkage can come in many different forms from professional to social, civic or religious.

Although it may be slightly more inconvenient, using credit unions can offer more in the way of services and competitive interest rates. And just by depositing a small amount of money, you become a stakeholder in the institution because Nebraska federal credit unions serve as member organizations.

Before you decide among government credit unions in Nebraska, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What are the qualifications for joining a federally chartered credit union in Nebraska?

2. What is the advantage of choosing a federal credit union in Nebraska over a bank?

3. What's the cost of doing business at a Nebraska federal credit union?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search federal credit unions in Nebraska

Seek out information about federally chartered credit unions in Nebraska so you can compare institutions and make the choice right for you.

I recommend: Search for government credit unions in Nebraska using the National Credit Union Administration online index. Find out more information by clicking on an individual credit union's charter number. Have a particular county in mind? Search by county at LocalLender.info. Don't forget to see if you qualify.

Make sure the Nebraska federally chartered credit unions you're looking at hold security features

Federally chartered credit unions in Nebraska carry the reputation of being backed by the U.S. government and have the same insurance limits on accounts that are FDIC-insured. The National Credit Union Administration guarantees deposits up to $100,000, just like a bank.

I recommend: Get a free memo and financial statement on a particular federal credit union in Nebraska from Bankrate.com and check out its Safe & Sound rating. If the rating checks out, read more about the individual credit union's history. You can check the profile of Metro Credit Union as an example.

Shop around for services from government credit unions in Nebraska

If you've completed all of your research on Nebraska federally chartered credit unions, you most likely have tallied a list of several. To weigh your options, make a list of services or features that are important; then compare.

I recommend: Look for and compare convenience, rates, products and services. Make sure to check the credit unions' ATM locations of a bank like Omaha Federal Credit Union, which can be important if you live in a metropolis such as Omaha. If a good rate is important, be sure to obtain current interest rates from the Nebraska federal credit unions that interest you most. Fremont First Central Credit Union posts their current rates right on their website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before choosing among federal credit unions in Nebraska, think about the future of your business. Even though you may not be planning to buy property now, ask about mortgage rates anyway.