Intro – Credit Union 1 Reviews & Ranking


AdvisoryHQ recently published its list and review of the top credit unions in Illinois, a list that included Credit Union 1. 

Below we have highlighted some of the many reasons Credit Union 1 was selected as one of the best credit unions in Illinois.

Click here for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodology: AdvisoryHQ’s Methodology for Selecting Top Banks and Credit Unions.



Credit Union 1 Review


What was first based at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois has grown and expanded over the years. The initial date Chanute Military Credit Union was chartered was in 1958, but since then and the closing of that air force base, the credit union grew and changed its name to Credit Union 1 in 1982. In 1999, it combined with Lombard, Illinois-based Paysaver Credit Union.

Now, Credit Union 1 has almost 100,000 members served through not just the state of Illinois, but also in Indiana, Nevada and even throughout the world. Services include savings and checking, loans and credit, investments, and electronic services.

Key Factors Leading Us to Rank This Firm as One of This Year’s Top Credit Union Firms

Upon completing our detailed review, Credit Union 1 was included in AdvisoryHQ’s ranking of this year’s best credit unions based on the following factors. 

Credit Union 1 Review: Student Loans

Credit Union 1 offers the Smart Option Student Loan by Sallie Mae. This is for borrowers who are attending a degree-granting institution, and some of the perks of this student loan include flexible repayment options, competitive rates, and no origination fees.

Other features of the Smart Option Student Loan include:

  • Competitive variable interest rates and fixed-rate options
  • Lower interest rates for graduate students
  • No prepayment penalty and no origination fee
  • Smart Reward Cash Back options
  • Lowered interest rates when you make scheduled payments by automatic debit
  • The option to borrow up to 100% of the school-certified cost of attendance
  • An available cosigner release
  • Graduated repayment period
  • A quick credit result


Credit Union 1 Review: Visa Platinum Credit Card

The Visa Platinum Credit Card provides convenience and a number of perks for cardholders. For example, along with excellent, competitive rates, the Visa Platinum Credit Card from Credit Union 1 also includes no balance transfer fee, rates as low as 9.85, and a 25-day grace period on purchases.

Constant online account access is available through Online Express Home Banking, and also included with this valuable credit card is Visa Auto Rental Collision Damage Waivers and Visa Travel Accident Insurance.

Verified by Visa is also included with this card, so cardholders can make sure they’re thoroughly protected against the threat of fraud.

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Credit Union 1 Review: Express Plus Checking

There are two primary checking account options available from Credit Union 1. The first is Express Checking, and the second is Express Plus Checking. Express Plus Checking earns interest and requires only a $500 minimum balance.

This account has no per-check fee, and you receive a conveniently organized and itemized monthly statement. It also features a Visa Debit card and options for the Direct Deposit or Payroll Deduction features.

The Visa Debit Card is free and includes a high daily cash withdrawal limit, four free withdrawals per month at non-Credit Union 1 machines, and it’s accepted anywhere Visa is.

Credit Union 1 Review: Online Express Bill Pay

Online Express Bill Pay is a service from this Illinois credit union that makes it fast, easy, and convenient to pay bills online without mailing payments. You can use this service if you have an Express checking account and access to Express Home Banking. The service is free, and features and benefits include the following:

  • Options to select the day you want a payee to receive a payment
  • Payments can be reviewed online
  • You can see e-versions of some of your bills
  • You can keep money in your account until the due date of bills
  • You can make some same-day payments
  • Users can also take advantage of access to Popmoney, which is an easy way to transfer money to friends or family

In addition to reviewing the above Credit Union 1 review, you can click on any of the links below to browse exclusive reviews of AdvisoryHQ’s top rated banking firms & credit unions:

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AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:

Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.

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