Credit unions require membership to open a bank account or utilize services. Usually, you’ll have to work for a select employer or live in a specific city or county.
However, some credit unions have pretty easy membership requirements that you let join from anywhere in the U.S.
Suppose you’re open to banking with a credit union over a bank. In that case, we’ve put together a list of available credit unions for every consumer so you can join a credit union with open membership.
Credit Unions With Easy Membership Requirements
1. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Why it stands out: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union pays high interest rates on its money market account and CDs. It also has a rewards program that lets you earn points if you keep a certain amount of money in your account or use a bank credit card.
Membership requirements: The easiest way to join Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is to donate $25 to the Affinity Plus Foundation and open a savings account. Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union has 26 branches in Minnesota and has additional ways to become a member if you live or work in the state.
2. Alliant Credit Union
Why it stands out: Alliant Credit Union has high-interest savings and checking accounts with low minimum opening deposits.
Membership requirements: You’ll be able to become a member of Alliant Credit Union if you join Foster Care to Success, a non-profit organization focused on foster youth (Alliant covers the $5 joining fee). You’ll also be able to join the credit union if you live in certain parts of Illinois or work at an eligible employer.
3. FourLeaf Federal Credit Union
Why it stands out: FourLeaf Federal Credit Union pays high interest rates on checking, certificate, and money market accounts. The certificates are especially appealing if you’re looking for an institution with a low minimum opening deposit — you’ll only need $50 to open one.
Membership requirements: FourLeaf Federal Credit Union lets you join online from anywhere in the U.S., as long as you open a savings account with at least $5.
4. Blue Federal Credit Union
Why it stands out: Blue Federal Credit Union pays solid rates on certificates. The credit union also offers 24/7 live customer service, which is ideal if traditional banking hours don’t work for you.
Membership requirements: The easiest way to join is by donating $5 to the Blue Foundation and opening the Blue Federal Credit Union Membership Share Savings Account with another $5. However, if you live in Colorado or Wyoming, you also may qualify if you meet another membership requirement.
5. Connexus Credit Union
Why it stands out: Connexus Credit Union pays competitive interest rates on all of its accounts. The Connexus Xtraordinary Checking Account is a solid choice if your priority is finding a high-yield checking account.
Membership requirements: Connexus Credit Union lets you join online from anywhere in the U.S. if you make a $5 donation to the Connexus Association. If you or a family member live in Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, see if you meet one of the credit union’s other membership requirements.
