Omaha, an urban area, situated in the western part of the Missouri River, is not only the largest city in the state of Nebraska but one of the largest cities in the United States as well. Earning the nickname, “Gateway to the West, because of its founding in the river banks, Omaha boasts of world-renowned historical and cultural landmarks, diverse culture, and exciting recreational activities.
The city’s more than 400,000 residents enjoy numerous employment and business opportunities, low cost of living, efficient transportation systems, and plenty of financing options. Apart from traditional banks, Omaha has more than twenty credit unions that residents can rely on.
If you live in the city and is looking to open a credit union account, you should consider the following factors to find the best credit union in Omaha:
Reputation in the Industry
To work with a strong credit union, you should take the time to know its reputation in the industry by conducting a bit of background check. First, you may want to find out how long the credit union has been in existence since longevity is a clear proof of excellent service.
Look for credit unions that have been operating for numerous decades. After all, it is practically impossible to survive the ups and downs of the industry if the credit union is unstable and does not focus on the financial wellbeing of its members.
Another way to ascertain reputation is by checking the rating of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for a credit union with an A+ BBB rating because it means that the institution is transparent with its corporate practices and is responsive to the concerns of clients, among others.
Technology
When looking for a credit union partner, make sure to check what technology and online features are provided by the CU to ensure hassle-free and convenient dealings. Does it allow mobile banking? Can you pay bills and move funds online?
Finding the best credit union in Omaha that offers online solutions similar to traditional banks will allow you to manage and control your money better. Moreover, you not only save a lot of trips to the credit union office, but you can also access your account anywhere, 24/7, for as long as you can connect to the internet.
Interest Rates
Perhaps the primary reason you are considering credit union over banks is because of the former’s low-interest rates on loans and other fees. As such, it is best to get in touch with several credit unions to ask for a no-obligation quote based on your credit rating.
While the interest rates of credit unions are much lower than banks, rates still vary among CUs. Ultimately, it would be best if you carry out comparison shopping to determine which institution suits your requirements.
Commitment to the Community
Unlike traditional banks that are centered on generating profits, credit unions are nonprofit institutions that abide by the philosophy of helping each other. If you want to find a reputable credit union, you should look at how the CU exercises the said philosophy in action. Find out if the credit union you are eyeing offers donations, sponsorships, and other similar assistance to organizations and marginalized sectors of the community.
Figuring out the best credit union in Omaha that will serve as your reliable financial partner requires planning and research. Consider the factors mentioned above as you assess different credit unions, as they will help you evaluate and discover the institution that will meet your financial requirements.
