Compare These Top Vendors for Federally Chartered Credit Unions in Pennsylvania

Federally chartered credit unions in Pennsylvania may meet a firm’s needs better than a traditional bank. A credit union is owned by its depositors, meaning you (the account holder) have a say in how to run the business. Each member of a credit union gets one vote at the annual election of the Board of Directors.

A Pennsylvania federal credit union is a non-profit entity. This lets it operate at a lower cost than a traditional bank. A Pennsylvania credit union passes through savings to you in the form of higher savings account rates and lower loan interest rates. When choosing a Pennsylvania federal credit union, consider:

1. The advantages of federally chartered credit unions in Pennsylvania over traditional credit unions.

2. Eligibility requirements to join Pennsylvania federal credit unions.

3. Major players among federal credit unions in Pennsylvania.

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of Pennsylvania federally chartered credit unions

According to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a federal credit union in Pennsylvania is a "financial cooperative chartered by the federal government and owned by its members...Surplus income is returned to members in the form of dividends." A federal credit union has more protections than "average" credit unions. Examples include more frequent audits of financial records, mandatory financial reserves to offset uncollectible loans, control of investments of surpluses and annual exams by the NCUA. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) bonds accounts in federal credit unions up to $100,000. The main drawback to a credit union is that membership is limited to groups of people with a common bond such as the same employer, association or area of residence. Choose the best Pennsylvania employees credit union for your business.
NCUA website (part of the government entity Pueblo). Learn how the NCUSIF protects your company’s Pennsylvania state credit union deposits.

Meet eligibility requirements to join a Pennsylvania state credit union

Visit a prospective credit union's website or call to find out the requirements for joining. Requirements vary greatly based on the credit union's federal charter. For example, the APCI Federal Credit Union is restricted to employees, interns, retirees and immediate family members of those who work for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. or the Air Products Healthcare Company. Some credit unions allow business memberships; others only offer individual memberships. You might want to consider forming a credit union for your employees or collaborating with a local credit union so your employees can benefit from membership.
National Credit Union Administration to search for federally chartered credit unions in Pennsylvania. See if your business meets eligibility requirements for the APCI Federal Credit Union.

Compare and contrast a few players among federally chartered credit unions in Pennsylvania

Here is a small listing of some other Pennsylvania federally chartered credit unions. The Erie Times Federal Credit Union draws from a diverse network of members including 29 local employers (such as the Camboro Veterinary Hospital, Sue's Notary Service and Whipple-Allen Real Estate), and those who live, worship, work or go to school in and around the city of Erie. This organization offers a variety of loans, checking and savings accounts and insurance products. The Wilkes-Barre Postal Federal Credit Union offers membership to those postal employees who work in Bradford, Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe, Sullivan, Potter, Tioga and Wyoming Counties and their immediate family members, as well as some local businesses. This credit union offers secured and unsecured loans, checking and savings accounts and "Christmas Club" savings incentives.

• Shop around. As a company in the state of Pennsylvania, you may qualify to join more than one federally chartered credit union in Pennsylvania. Make sure to compare interest rates for loans, savings and checking accounts to get the best deal.