Top 11 Best Credit Unions in Charlotte, NC | 2017 Ranking

Table: Top 11 Best Credit Unions in Charlotte, NC | above list is sorted alphabetically

Detailed Review – Top Ranking Credit Unions in Charlotte

Below, please find a detailed review of each firm on our list of top credit unions in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these credit unions in Charlotte to score so high in our selection ranking.

Carolina Cooperative Federal Credit Union Review

Carolina Cooperative Federal Credit Union (CCFCU) is a state-chartered credit union that was founded in 1962. The not-for-profit top Charlotte credit union is overseen by a volunteer board of directors and has a primary focus of providing members with a variety of low-cost, simple-interest loans.

The credit union has a strong foundation backed by more than $43 million in assets. CCFCU currently serves more than 7,000 members across partnerships with various employer groups. It is among the credit unions in Charlotte that offer deposit accounts insured by the NCUA up to $250,000, so members can rest assured that their funds are safe.

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled Carolina Cooperative Federal Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s top credit unions in Charlotte.

Checking Account Options

This Charlotte, NC credit union offers two checking account options for members to choose from. For those looking for a basic checking account, it offers its share draft account, and for those who wish to earn interest on their checking account funds, there is the E-Checking account.

All it takes to begin earning a competitive interest rate of 0.25% APR on the E-Checking account is signing up for e-statements and setting up a monthly direct deposit.

Both of the checking accounts offered by this top Charlotte credit union automatically enroll members in Identity Theft Protection.

Other great benefits of a CCFCU checking account include:

• Courtesy overdraft privilege
• Payroll deduction and direct deposit
• Wire transfers
• Visa debit card
• Free online banking
• Free e-statements
• Free bill pay

There is a $2.00 monthly maintenance fee for checking, which can be easily waived by enrolling in e-statements and completing 10 debit card transactions a month.

Each checking account also comes with Identity Theft Protection, which provides the following:

• Credit file monitoring
• Total identity monitoring
• 3-in-1 credit report
• Credit score
• Up to $10,000 reimbursement for expenses incurred due to identity fraud
• Identity theft resolution services
• Access to fraud specialists
• Debit and credit card registration
• Online identity theft resources

Lending Options

CCFCU offers a variety of loan products to help members make a big purchase, consolidate debt or get through a financial rough patch.

Loan products available from this best credit union in Charlotte, NC are as follows:

• Vehicle loans: can be used to purchase new and used automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles
• Credit rebuilding auto loans: allows those with less-than-perfect credit to borrow up to $12,000 for the purchase of a vehicle while helping to rebuild their credit
• No credit check loan: designed as an alternative to payday loans; allows members in good standing to borrow a short-term loan up to $300 with no credit check
• Real estate loans: CCFCU partners with Member Advantage Mortgage, LLC to offer real estate loans to credit union members at competitive rates

Credit Cards

CCFCU is among the credit unions in Charlotte, NC that offer credit cards to its members.

Credit cards at this top credit union in Charlotte are issued through Visa and offer Score Card Rewards.

Other benefits of a CCFCU credit card include:

• Fixed-rate APR ranging from 8.90% to 12.90%
• Same fixed rate APR on balance transfers and cash advances
• No annual fee
• 25-day grace period on purchases
• Earns points on all purchases towards Score Card Rewards

The credit union in Charlotte, NC also offers a Secured Visa credit card option for those members who need help rebuilding their credit. 

Carolina Postal Credit Union Review

Founded in 1934, the Carolina Postal Credit Union has been serving members for more than 80 years. Headquartered in Charlotte, the credit union currently serves more than 9,000 members from 7 locations across North Carolina and holds $86 million in assets.

This credit union in Charlotte, NC was founded to serve USPS employees; however, today, it operates under a community charter that allows anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within a 50-mile radius of Kannapolis, NC to join.

Image Source: Best Credit Unions in Charlotte, NC

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled Carolina Postal Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s top credit unions in Charlotte.

Secure Checking

Carolina Postal Credit Union is a Charlotte credit union with a strong focus on keeping its members’ funds and identities safe and secure. That is why its checking account is named Secure Checking, and it offers all members the same great benefits for a low fee of $4.95 a month.

A Secure Checking account at this best credit union in Charlotte, NC features the following benefits:

• No minimum balance requirement
• Unlimited check writing
• Free online banking
• Remote capture mobile deposit
• Visa Debit card
• Travel and leisure discounts from thousands of local and national businesses
• Up to $10,000 in accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• Cell phone protection insurance
• ID theft protection with IDProtect
• Health discount savings
• Shopping rewards

Savings Club Accounts

This top credit union in Charlotte offers five different savings clubs for helping members meet specific short-term savings goals.

Savings club accounts available from this best credit union in Charlotte, NC include the following:

• Holiday/Christmas Club
• Tax Time Club
• Vacation Club
• Back to School Club
• Escrow Club

All savings clubs share these same features:

• $25 minimum balance requirement
• No monthly service fee
• No withdrawals allowed before the payout date
• Dividends are lost on account if closed early
• Closed accounts cannot be re-opened until the next club year begins

ATM and Shared Branches Access

Carolina Postal Credit Union is among the credit unions in Charlotte, North Carolina that belong to the CO-OP ATM/Shared Branch Network. This means that members of this top Charlotte credit union have access to 30,000 surcharge-free ATMS and more than 5,000 shared branches.

Members of this credit union in Charlotte also have surcharge-free access to more than 1,000 CashPoints ATMs across North Carolina.

With surcharge-free access to ATMs, including those located in 7-Eleven and Kangaroo Express stores, it is easy for members of this best credit union in Charlotte, NC to access their money while on the go. 

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Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union Review

Founded in 1934, Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union serves the employees in the telecommunications industry in North and South Carolina and their families. As the only credit union in the region focused on serving those in the telecommunications industry, this Charlotte credit union is uniquely qualified to meet the financial needs of those currently working or retired from the industry.

Based in Charlotte, this best credit union in Charlotte currently serves more than 33,000 members and holds assets of $409 million. Financial products offered by the unique credit union include credit cards, home equity accounts, mortgages, and car loans.

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s best credit unions in Charlotte, NC.

Rewards Checking

Rewards Checking is a free benefit offered by this top credit union in Charlotte to members who are already taking advantage of its free checking account.

Rewards Checking allows members to earn reward dividends of 1.51% APY on their checking account. All it takes to qualify for the rewards dividend rate is enrolling in the Rewards Checking program and meeting the following requirements during the reward cycle:

• Make at least 12 Visa check card purchases
• Have at least 1 direct deposit or ACH auto debit set up monthly
• Enrollment in e-statements

With requirements that many people are already doing each month, this top Charlotte credit union makes it easy for all members to take advantage of their extremely competitive reward dividend rate.

Lend A Hand Loan

Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union offers its Lend A Hand Loan as an alternative to the predatory lending practices of payday loan services. This unique loan program offered by this top Charlotte credit union is designed to help those members who may have less-than-perfect credit but find themselves in a financial bind and in need of some quick cash.

This loan is intended to help with funds for an emergency, such as required home or auto repairs or medical bills. The Lend A Hand Loan from this top credit union in Charlotte, NC offers more flexible repayment terms and a lower interest rate than those traditionally offered by payday loan services.

Features of the Lend A Hand Loan include:

• Members may borrow from $500 to $1,500
• Maximum term of 12 months for repayment
• Only one Lend A Hand Loan per member at a time
• 18% APR for all loans under this program
• Good repayment history on loan can help members rebuild or establish credit

Auto Buying Service

Members of this exclusive credit union in Charlotte, NC have the advantage of being able to utilize Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union’s exclusive auto buying service. This top credit union in Charlotte has an in-house Auto Advisor to help members research which vehicle may be the right pick for them.

Once a member has settled on the type of vehicle, the Auto Advisor preapproves him or her for a car loan and searches for the car that the individual has picked out. Once the advisor finds the member’s dream car, it is delivered right to the customer’s local Carolinas Telco branch.

The Charlotte credit union also offers online pricing guides and resources to help members be sure that they are getting the best deal possible when buying their next vehicle. 

Charlotte Metro Credit Union Review

Charlotte Metro Credit Union was founded in 1962 by Charlotte’s first traffic engineer, Herman J. Hoose. Originally named Charlotte City Employees Credit Union, membership was expanded to include the Charlotte transit and local housing authority in 1983, prompting the name change.

Today, this popular credit union in Charlotte is a community chartered credit union serving ten counties in North Carolina. This Charlotte credit union boasts more than $370 million in assets and serves more than 47,000 members.

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled Charlotte Metro Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s best credit unions in Charlotte, NC.

Checking Account Options

Many Charlotte credit unions only offer a single checking account to their members, but not Charlotte Metro Credit Union.

This top credit union in Charlotte, NC offers members three checking account options to choose from so they can choose the account that best suits their own personal checking needs.

Checking account options from this best credit union in Charlotte, NC include the following:

• Basic Checking: free checking with no minimum balance or monthly charges and a free Visa Debit card.
• Premier Checking: offers all the features of basic checking with the added benefit of earning interest on balances over $300.
• Fresh Start Checking: designed for those who need to rebuild or reestablish their banking history and features a low monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and a free Visa Debit card.

Business Accounts

Charlotte Metro Credit Union is among the Charlotte, NC credit unions that provide financial products and services to local businesses.

This top credit union in Charlotte, NC offers an array of business products to help businesses grow and prosper.

Business accounts and services offered by this best credit union in Charlotte, NC include the following:

• Business Basic Checking
• Business Premier Checking
• Business Fresh Start Checking
• Business savings
• Business money market
• Merchant and payroll services
• Commercial insurance
• Investment services

The top Charlotte credit union also offers several lending options to businesses, including:

• Business credit card
• Business lines of credit
• Commercial real estate loans
• Commercial term loans

Investment Services

Charlotte Metro Credit Union offers an in-house investment services team of certified financial advisors to help members achieve their financial goals.

This popular Charlotte credit union’s investment program is designed to help members focus on their long-term financial goals while ensuring that they are prepared for unexpected financial bumps down the road.

Its investment services include:

• Reviewing members’ current financial plan
• Retirement planning
• IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, and TSP rollovers
• Tax-efficient investments
• Retirement income strategies
• Education funding
• Life and long-term care insurance 

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First Legacy Community Credit Union Review

First Legacy Community Credit Union is a true Charlotte credit union right down to its roots. The credit union was founded in 1941, in Charlotte, by a group of educators in the Charlotte School System. They started by offering a simple savings and loan program which has grown into the broad range of financial services that are offered today.

This top credit union in Charlotte serves more than 10,000 members and holds $38 million in assets. It is a state-chartered natural person credit union serving any individual who lives, works, worships or goes to school in Charlotte and the surrounding areas.

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled First Legacy Community Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s best credit unions in Charlotte, NC.

Free Checking

One of the perks of banking with First Legacy Community Credit Union is its free share draft (checking) account.

Details of the free checking account offered by this top credit union in Charlotte, NC are as follows:

• $100 minimum average balance requirement
• Visa check card
• Unlimited check writing
• Free online banking
• Free automated telephone banking

Christmas Club

This top credit union in Charlotte offers a Christmas Club account for members to save up throughout the year for their holiday spending. The account is offered with a very competitive interest rate of 0.40% APY, which is much higher than the national savings rates average of 0.06% APY.

The Christmas Club savings options makes a great way for members of this Charlotte credit union to earn more and have peace of mind knowing they are prepared for the holiday season.

Loans

While this credit union in Charlotte, NC does not offer mortgage loan products, it does offer members an assortment of other loan products to help with their financial needs.

Loan products available from this best credit union in Charlotte, NC are:

• New and used auto loans
• Share secured loans
• Unsecured loans
• Line-of-credit loans

Additional Services

In addition to traditional banking services, such as deposit accounts and loans, this popular credit union in Charlotte, NC also offers an array of additional services to meet its members’ financial needs.

Additional services offered by this top credit union in Charlotte include:

• Direct deposit
• Visa credit card
• Secured credit card
• Payroll deduction
• Free notary service
• NADA auto valuation
• Money orders
• Traveler’s checks
• Credit disability insurance
• Credit life insurance 

Latino Community Credit Union Review

Latino Community Credit Union was founded in 2000 to provide low-cost financial services to the underserved Latino immigrant community in Durham, North Carolina. The credit union was created as a grassroots effort following a wave of robberies and muggings on Latino immigrants in the area.

Today, the top Charlotte credit union serves more than 56,000 members across 11 branch locations. The credit union holds assets of $145 million and offers an array of financial products and services to the Latino community including deposit accounts, share certificates, loans, financial counseling, and financial education.

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled Latino Community Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s best credit unions in Charlotte, NC.

Checking Account

Latino Community Credit Union offers a flexible checking account designed to meet its members’ everyday checking needs.

Features of the low-cost, convenient, interest-earning checking account offered by this impressive credit union in Charlotte, North Carolina include the following:

• Low monthly fee of $2 waived with average daily balance of $250
• Visa Debit card
• Interest-earning
• $5 overdraft protection available
• Online bill pay service
• 50 free checks per month
• Free mobile, text, and phone banking

Cash Points Global Account

Latino Community Credit Union is among the Charlotte, NC credit unions that offer a Cash Points Global Account. This unique account is a controlled spending account with electronic access only via a debit card.

There are no checks or paper statements available with this account, and transactions are limited to the amount of funds available in the account so that no overdraft fees can be incurred.

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Cash Points Global accounts are a great way for immigrant families living in the U.S. to send money home to their families. They also offer a safe and secure way for parents to provide spending money to their children attending college.

Features of this top Charlotte credit union’s Cash Points Global account are:

• No minimum balance
• $2 monthly maintenance fee
• FDIC insured
• Free online bill pay
• ATM access
• Free online, mobile, and text banking
• Visa Debit card

Micro Business Accounts and Products

Latino Community Credit Union has a focus on helping the local communities it serves flourish and prosper. One way it has a positive impact on its communities is by providing local businesses with business accounts and products.

This top credit union in Charlotte offers an array of business deposit accounts to help businesses with their everyday banking needs. Deposit accounts offered to businesses include:

• Micro business checking accounts
• Micro business cash points global account
• Micro business savings account
• Micro business money market account
• Micro business certificates of deposit

This credit union in Charlotte, NC also offers business loans to help existing businesses expand and grow and new businesses get up and running. Business borrowing options include:

• Startup loans
• Expansion loans
• Business credit cards 

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Piedmont Advantage Credit Union Review

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union was established in 1949 to serve the employees of Piedmont Airlines. Since that time, the Charlotte credit union has expanded its field of membership to include many other companies and communities. Today, this exclusive credit union in Charlotte, NC serves close to 44,000 members across North Carolina.

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union currently serves its members from 10 locations across North Carolina. The credit union in Charlotte holds assets of $279 million and provides an array of financial products and services to its members, including deposit accounts, share certificates, automobile loans, and other types of credit.

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled Piedmont Advantage Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s best credit unions in Charlotte, NC.

Flexible Checking Account Options

Many of the credit unions in Charlotte offer just one basic checking account to all members, but Piedmont Advantage Credit Union provides its members with several checking account options to choose from.

Checking account options available from this top credit union in Charlotte, NC are as follows:

• Basic Checking: free checking with no minimum balance requirements, no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum opening deposit requirement, and free checks with direct deposit
• Silver Advantage Checking: offered to members aged 55 and older, free interest-bearing checking with free checks
• Interest Checking: traditional checking account with no monthly service charges, no minimum balance requirement, and earns dividends when daily balance is kept at $100 or more

Save to Win Savings Certificate

Save to Win is a special savings certificate offered by this popular Charlotte, NC credit union that gives members the chance to win monthly and quarterly cash prizes while building their savings.

Members participate in the Save to Win program by:

• Opening a 12-month Save to Win share certificate with at least $25
• Make deposits into the share certificate each month
• Earn up to 10 prize entries per month with each $24 deposit made

Cash prizes range from $25 to three grand prizes of $5,000 each. This program is a great way to get members excited about saving, and members earn interest on the money they save, making this program a win-win situation.

Loan Options

For those who are in the market for a loan, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union offers many flexible borrowing options.

Members who choose to take advantage of a loan product from this top credit union in Charlotte, North Carolina enjoy the benefits of an easy application process with no application fees or prepayment penalties as well as competitive rates.

This best credit union in Charlotte, NC offers a wide variety of loan products to fit members’ needs, including:

• General loans
• Signature loans
• Auto loans
• Recreational vehicle loans
• Mortgage loans
• Share secured loans
• Home equity loans
• Lines of credit 

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Sharonview Federal Credit Union Review

Sharonview Federal Credit Union was established in 1955 with a mission to deliver financial services that positively affect its members’ lives and improve their financial well-being. Today, as one of the best credit unions in Charlotte, NC, it still abides by that simple mission.

This top Charlotte credit union serves more than 66,000 members across 17 branch locations. The credit union holds more than $1 billion in assets and offers an array of financial products and services through its membership, including checking and savings accounts, share certificates, real estate loans, and other types of lending.

Key Factors That Enabled This Credit Union to Rank as a Best Credit Union in Charlotte, NC

Below are key factors that enabled Sharonview Federal Credit Union to be rated as one of this year’s best credit unions in Charlotte, NC.

Checking Account

At Sharonview Credit Union, members can take advantage of the Free Anywhere Checking account, which allows members to use any ATM, anywhere, for free when requirements are met.

The flexible, free checking account offered by this top credit union in Charlotte offers the following features:

• No monthly fee
• No minimum balance requirement
• Free Visa Debit card with rewards
• Free online banking, bill pay, and e-statements
• Mobile banking
• Unlimited check writing
• Overdraft protection options available

In addition, members can get any ATM surcharge fees reimbursed daily, up to $10 a month, as long as their account has an active debit card, online banking, and direct deposit.

FinanceWorks

FinanceWorks is an online money management tool offered to members of this credit union in Charlotte, NC free of charge.

FinanceWorks automatically categorizes expenses so that members can get a complete picture of their spending. The program provides an easy-to-follow snapshot of members’ finances, which includes other accounts held outside of Sharonview.

Members can access FinanceWorks from the online banking platform, and it only takes a few minutes to get started. The program is a great way for members to take control of their finances by tracking spending, making a budget, and more.

Financial Counseling

Sharonview FCU is among the credit unions in Charlotte that partner with Accel to provide personal and comprehensive financial counseling to members at no charge. This service is provided to help members manage their cash flow and take control of their finances.

The free financial counseling services provided by this top credit union in Charlotte can help members with:

• Debt management plans
• Personal budgeting and money management
• Understanding their credit report and improving their score
• Home buyer counseling
• Student loan debt counseling

Conclusion: Top 11 Best Credit Unions in Charlotte

Many Charlotte residents prefer to do business with a local credit union – one with deep roots among the credit unions in Charlotte. There are many such homegrown credit unions in Charlotte, North Carolina on this list.

There are also several Charlotte, NC credit unions on our list that have locations in multiple states, primarily in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. These credit unions may be a better fit for those who travel to these areas often.

Regardless of where they are headquartered, all of the Charlotte credit unions on our list represent the truly best credit unions in Charlotte, NC. Each has strong ties to the Charlotte community and is recognized as a leader in consumer financial products and services.

Many of the credit unions in Charlotte, NC on this list have programs to help members find a stronger financial footing, whether it be through free financial counseling or a second-chance checking account. Each credit union in Charlotte, NC on our list also offers competitive rates and little to no fees for its services.

No matter where you are on your financial journey or what you value in a credit union, this list is sure to offer a good starting point in your search for the best credit union in Charlotte, NC for you.

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