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Credit union loans are among the most competitive loans available. How can you get one? You’ll need to become a member before you qualify for a credit union loan. Find out what it takes to get a credit union loan.

How Credit Unions Work

If you’ve never used a credit union, you may think they’re the same as banks. There are plenty of similarities, but credit unions are nonprofits owned by their customers. These characteristics often help credit union loan rates stay low.

• Unsecured (Signature) loans
• Home equity loans
• Auto loans
• Business loans
• Student loans

Becoming a Member

Before applying for a credit union loan, you have to become a ‘member’. As long as you meet their criteria you’re in. You’ll often qualify by sharing characteristics with other members such as where you work or where you live.

Applying

Contact the credit union and let them know you’re interested in borrowing money. Applying for membership is usually very quick and easy. Once you’re a member, you can apply for the loan.

Like bank loans, credit union loans usually require you to prove your creditworthiness. You’ll need to prove you can repay the loan or use a co-signer.

Opening an account at a credit union is fairly easy. This page covers the three basic steps required to open a credit union account. For a basic overview of how credit unions work, read our Credit Unions introduction.

Step 1: Playing the Field

In order to join a credit union, you have to be a part of that credit union’s field of membership. That means you have to have some kind of common bond with other members of the credit union. Find one that you’re eligible to join and that you’re comfortable with.

If you need to find a credit union that you’re eligible to join, you can try the National Credit Union Association’s credit union search.

Step 2: $25 Please

Walk on in and ask for an application. You’ll want to bring your driver’s license or other ID with you.

Most credit unions require that you make a modest deposit in order to become a member. Typically, the required deposit is about $25. Simply deposit cash or a check, and you’re in business. You may have to keep a minimum balance on hand going forward, so find out at this time.

Be aware that your credit union may run a credit check if you’re going to want a checking account or debit card. Make sure your credit files are accurate – I recommend using the US Government’s free credit report program.

They might also check for a history of bad checking habits through a service like ChexSystems, so make sure you don’t have errors there either.

Step 3: Start Using It!

Once you’re a member, you can use all of the services. Credit unions are usually most competitive on:

• Accounts for kids
• Auto loans
• Home equity loans
• Online bill pay

Most people never notice the differences between credit unions and banks. However, as an educated consumer looking to get the best deals (that is you, right?) you should know how the institutions differ. By reading these fast facts about credit unions, you’ll know what to expect.

Who Owns a Credit Union?

A credit union is an institution owned by the “members” or customers. Contrast this with banks where the customers are just customers. Banks answer to profitability – usually shareholders own a bank and expect financial performance from bank management.

Credit unions are nonprofit organizations that strive for service over profitability. Note that I said that credit unions are nonprofits, however they are not charities. Credit unions must make sound financial decisions.

Who Runs a Credit Union?

If all the customers own the credit union, then who has time to run the place? Credit unions actually have the same types of personnel as banks. Upper management consists of a board of directors who makes decisions on credit union operations. This board is composed of elected volunteers. They don’t do it for pay – rather, they’re credit union members who want a say in how the place is run.

Who Can be a Credit Union Member?

So, what does it take to be a member of a credit union? It depends on the credit union. Credit unions simply have to limit their offerings to people who have a common bond. This bond may be the geographic community, a workplace, a religion, or other type of bond.

Credit unions cannot simply offer their services to anybody who has a pulse. Instead, they are limited to working with those who share the common bond. If a credit union fails to limit membership in this way, they risk losing their status as a credit union.

What Products do Credit Unions Offer?

In its simplest form, a credit union gets money from its customers and loans that money out to other customers.

Credit unions will typically offer the same products and services as larger banks. However, some credit unions will choose not to offer every product and service out there. The reason is that these credit unions do not do the same amount of volume that larger banks do. Banks can afford to have “loss-leaders” or products that get customers in the door. Credit unions will more likely only offer the products and services that a large portion of the membership is likely to use.

Remember how we talked about the members owning the credit union? Some credit union products have different names than their banking counterparts. Your deposits are called shares because they represent ownership (like shares of stock) in the institution.

How Competitive are Credit Unions?

Small credit unions give the big banks a run for their money. Because credit unions tend to focus on service over profitability, the rates can be better at a credit union. If you are a rate shopper, you may not find the attractive CD sales as often. However, a long-term relationship with a good credit union can be profitable.

Remember that some credit unions do not offer the whole universe of products and services that larger banks will. This can give the banks an advantage if you happen to want those particular services.

Is Your Money Safe at a Credit Union?

Credit union deposits are insured very much like your bank deposits. The organization that insures the two types of institutions is different. However, the quality of insurance is the same in my mind - backed by the full faith and credit of the US government.

Should you get Visa or MasterCard? Is one of them better than the other? Will one of them help your credit rating more than the other? Many people ask themselves these types of questions when they think about getting their first credit card or additional ones. The fact is, few differences exist between the two credit card brands today, but you can benefit by having a better understanding of the two companies and using their competition to your advantage.

Just Who Are Visa and MasterCard

First, you should know that neither Visa nor MasterCard actually issue credit cards themselves. Neither company deals with consumers or merchants directly. Instead, they create and run the worldwide computer networks that process the billions of transactions that occur each day from people who use their credit cards at millions of merchants and ATMs. Both companies make their money from financial institutions to whom they license the ability to market the MasterCard or Visa system to consumers and merchants.

MasterCard and Visa have been fierce competitors for years, each vying to be faster and more global than the other, just like Hertz and Avis, and McDonalds and Burger King. Each time one brand creates a new twist on their credit cards, the other soon follows to match it. Both companies now offer nearly identical benefits, such as travel insurance, car rental insurance, product warranty extensions, and so on.

Furthermore, both cards are accepted worldwide by nearly the same number of merchants. MasterCard says its cards can be used at more than 23 million locations around the globe, including 1 million ATMs and other locations where cash can be obtained. Visa says its cards are accepted at more than twenty million locations in more than 150 countries.

In general, most merchants throughout the world accept both cards, or if a merchant takes only one of the brands, another merchant down the block takes the other. The point is, your chances of being locked out of eating or buying a gift or getting a hotel room because you have only one brand of credit card are usually minimal -- other than at a few noted events where one card or the other may have negotiated to be the sole credit card to be accepted. But such instances are far and few between.

Which Card is Right for You?

Given the above, is one card better or more right for you? The best answer depends on whether it’s your first, second, or additional card, as follows:

If You’re Applying for Your FIRST Credit Card

In this situation, you can make a choice based simply on selecting which issuing bank you prefer to work with, or which promotional offer you like the most, without regard to the brand on the card. Perhaps you like Chase or Citibank or HSBC, or perhaps you like the 0% APR with no-annual-fee offer you found online. It's six of one, a half-dozen of the other.

If You’re Applying for Your SECOND Card

In this situation, it is strategically smart to select the opposite brand card from your first card AND to choose a different issuing bank. The rationale for this is that when you have two different cards, you will find that the two banks will compete for your business (assuming you maintain good credit). You will get offers for 0% balance transfers, higher credit limits, and other perks as the two banks vie for your increased use of their card. And just in case you find a merchant who only takes one brand of card, you can now be assured of having all your bases covered.

If You’re Applying for ADDITIONAL Credit Cards

Many people apply for more than two credit cards because something specific motivates them to get a third or a fourth card. You may want a separate card to use for your business charges, or to compliment your airline frequent flyer program. In these cases, your selection is largely predetermined by whichever card has attracted your attention to fulfill your specific needs. You might even shop around among issuing banks to be sure you find the best offer, no matter which credit card brand stands behind it.

In short, choosing between Visa and MasterCard is no longer a frustrating question for anyone applying for a first credit card. You can’t go wrong with either brand. And if you already have a first credit card, it can be a very smart move to apply to get a second card from the other brand. If you treat your credit well, you’ll soon be having two (or more) banks begging for your business -- and that's a good thing!

Customers shopping for a new credit card can avoid waiting long weeks to learn whether or not they have been approved. Instant approval credit cards provide applicants with a fast online response. Online credit card websites offer a variety of instant approval credit cards, allowing customers to choose the card that best fits their financial needs.

How “Instant” are Instant Approval Credit Cards

The “Instant” in instant approval credit cards refers to the minimal waiting period involved. After customers fill out an application online, a reply is sent to their e-mail account within minutes. In some cases, the process may only take seconds.

While the application response time is quick, other steps in the process are not instantaneous. Customers will first want to carefully search for the right credit card. Like most credit cards, instant approval credit cards come in a variety of forms. Some offer a 0% interest rate for the first six to twelve months. Others include cash back bonuses, travel benefits, or rewards programs. Cards with no annual fees are also available. A list of instant approval credit card offers can be found on most credit card websites.

Before applying, it is important to understand the fine print involved. Customers should read through the credit card’s term and conditions. Many companies include charges for late fees. Others have interest rates that are subject to change. By reading through the card’s detailed information, customers will be aware of any included charges.

The Application Process

When filling out an application, customers will be asked for basic personal information. This may include levels of income, housing status and employment details. Certain credit cards require additional information. When the application is sent in, the applicant’s credit report is quickly reviewed. Customers with good to excellent credit have the highest chance of being approved.

Once the application has been approved, the card itself is sent through the mail system. On average, this takes from five to seven business days. When the card arrives, the customer may be asked to call a toll-free number to authorize use of the card. Once this is done, customers are free to use the credit card for purchases.

How Secure are Instant Approval Credit Cards

In some ways, filling out an application online is more secure than sending it in through the mail system. Personal information is sent directly to the appropriate source. Credit card companies and websites take extra measures to ensure security. Most issuers implement the latest data encryption for security purposes.

Before filling out an online application, customers should check the site for safety features. A small padlock and explanation of security terms may be listed. If anything looks questionable, customers are encouraged to investigate further before proceeding with the application process.

When to Apply

With the ease of the Internet, applications can be sent in any time. After careful research, customers can choose the best instant approval credit card for their needs. Once the application is sent in, the response will quickly follow.

Is a balance transfer credit card your ticket out of credit card debt? It can be. If you're having trouble paying off a steep balance and the high interest that goes with it, these cards could be the right solution for you. But before filling out an application, take a few factors into consideration. Educate yourself on the transfer process, and you'll get the most out of your credit card experience.

What Balance Transfer Credit Cards Are

These credit cards have a certain appeal that separates them from other forms of plastic. They offer applicants the chance to shift a balance from a high-interest card to a low-interest one. In fact, most of these cards come with an initial 0% interest period. This means you can make payments that are directly applied toward the balance. As you pay down the debt, you can save hundreds of dollars on interest expense.

How to Compare Balance Transfer Credit Cards

Many appear to be the same, but in reality they vary quite a bit. Check the following details as you sift through the options:

Length of introductory period - The initial period of no interest may be as short as three months, or as long as fifteen months. If you aim for at least 12 months of 0% interest, you'll have ample time to pay off the balance.

What the 0% APR applies to - Some credit cards offer you 0% APR only on the transfer amount. This means that you will be charged a higher interest rate when you make a purchase. Moreover, all the payments you send in will first be applied to the balance, and then to the purchases. While you pay down the balance, the new purchases and their attached high interest rates will sit and accrue on your statements. Eventually, you could pay more in high interest than you planned on. To avoid this, look for a card that offers 0% APR on both balances and purchases. Or limit the use of your card until you pay off the transferred balance.

Check the fees - Most balance transfer credit cards charge an initial fee for bringing over the new balance. This is sometimes a certain percentage of amount transfered. Banks often include a cap, such as $50 or $75, on the transfer fee. The savings you receive on interest usually outweighs this expense.

Additional benefits - While they offer you a chance to pay off nagging debt, many come with other features as well. Some balance transfer credit cards include a rewards program. Others have a low interest rate that kicks in after the introductory period. Think long-term before you apply. Consider what benefits you'll want after you are debt-free.

Using your Balance Transfer Card

These can be a solid solution if they are used properly. Think about creating a payment plan to get rid of the debt. Set aside money each month for card payments. If at all possible, pay off the balance before the introductory period runs out. As the balance dwindles, you'll gain control of your finances. You'll also begin to build a stronger credit history. When the balance is gone, you'll be able to enjoy the card's additional benefits.