2018 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING DENVER BANKS AND CREDIT UNIONS
Save Money Today with These 9 Best Denver Banks & Credit Unions (+1 Bank to Avoid)
Residents of Denver, Colorado really like their credit unions. They search for credit unions in Denver over 11 times more than they search for Denver banks. Regardless, this mile-high city has plenty of the best of both to go around.
People consider switching banks for a number of reasons, but one reason that’s high on the list is most definitely saving money. Things like high account fees, no cash back rewards on debit cards, or low savings interest rates, all cause people to look for a better Denver credit union or bank.
Award Emblem: Top 9 Best Banks & Credit Unions in Denver, CO
As we go through each of the top Denver, CO banks and credit unions, we’re going to highlight what makes each stand out and some of the money-saving perks they offer. We’ll also let you know which one of the Denver, CO credit unions you should stay away from.
Top 9 Banks & Credit Unions in Denver, CO (& 1 to Avoid) | Brief Comparison & Ranking
Denver Credit Union or Bank | 2018 Ratings |
| Bank of Colorado | 5 |
| Citywide Banks | 5 |
| Denver Community Credit Union | 5 |
| Ent Credit Union | 5 |
| The Bank of Denver | 5 |
| Westerra Credit Union | 5 |
| Credit Union of Colorado | 3 |
| Credit Union of Denver | 3 |
| FirstBank | 3 |
| Bellco Credit Union | 1 |
Table: Top 9 Best Banks & Credit Unions in Denver, Colorado (& 1 to Avoid) | Above list is sorted by rating
Best Denver Banks & Credit Unions FAQ | Are Credit Union Accounts Insured Like Banks?
Most people know that almost any bank in Denver, Colorado or elsewhere in the U.S. is insured through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) for $250,000 per depositor. But, are credit unions covered in the same way?
Yes, they are, but through a different insurer.
Denver, CO credit unions are also insured for up to $250,000 per individual depositor through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
So, whether you choose to keep your money in Denver, CO banks or credit unions, you’re protected. Just make sure that the financial institution notes the FDIC or NCUA insurance on their website or brochures, as it’s not mandatory.
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top-rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top-rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Denver Banks & Credit Unions (& 1 to Avoid)
Below, please find a detailed review of each firm on our list of top banks and credit unions in Denver. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed each credit union and bank in Denver, Colorado to score so highly in our selection ranking
Click on any of the names below to go directly to the review section for that firm.
- Bank of Colorado
- Citywide Banks
- Denver Community Credit Union
- Ent Credit Union
- The Bank of Denver
- Westerra Credit Union
- Credit Union of Colorado
- Credit Union of Denver
- FirstBank
- Bellco Credit Union
Bank of Colorado Review
Bank of Colorado is a family owned bank that was started all the way back in 1900. They serve the communities of Eastern Plains, the Front Range, Western Slope, and Four Corners area of the state. They pride themselves on a being a homegrown community bank in Denver, Colorado.
Below are the highlights that make Bank of Colorado stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Denver, CO.
Bank of Colorado’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- Save 0.25% interest on auto loans when payments come out of your checking account
- Free business checking for companies that make less than 500 transactions per month
- No cost student & senior checking account add-ons
- Free small business resource center with tools & tips on money management, marketing, and more
Senior and Student Benefits
This is a great choice among Denver, CO banks if you’re a student or senior over 60 years old. Their free account add-ons for those groups include a refund of up to $10 for foreign ATM fees, refund on service charges and money order fees, and a refund up to $32 on NSF paid or returned item fees.
Rating Summary
Bank of Colorado has 6 branch locations in the Denver, CO area and a top A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We rated them a 5 on our list of the best Denver banks and credit unions for providing excellent hometown community banking.
Refunds offered to seniors and students and perks like interest discounts on loans can really add up to big savings if you’re a customer at this bank in Denver, Colorado.
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Citywide Banks Review
Citywide Banks has been serving the state of Colorado since 1963. They are another one of the best Denver banks that’s committed to their local communities. They have over 25 locations throughout Denver, Boulder, and the surrounding areas.
Below are the highlights that make Citywide Banks stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 best Denver credit unions and banks ranking.
Citywide Banks’ Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- They offer VISA® cards with 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
- Interest earning checking account with ATM refunds and 2.01% APY on balances
- GenGold® partnership that offers discounts on travel, health services, and more, free for 90 days
- Investment calculator tool to help you see how your savings add up over time
90-day GenGold® Discounts Offer
If you’re someone that clips coupons and knows that each dollar saved is a dollar earned, then you’ll want to check out this Denver, CO bank’s discount program. You can try GenGold® free for 90-days and get discounts on things like airline tickets, hotels, vision and hearing services, movie tickets, restaurants, and more.
Rating Summary
We rated Citywide Banks a 5 on our list of the best Denver banks & credit unions to consider banking with. They have 17 branches in Denver and the surrounding areas, and an A+ BBB rating.
If you’re looking for banks in Aurora, CO, Denver or any other surrounding suburbs, you’ll find Citywide Banks committed to your local community. If you’re a business customer, you’ll also want to check out their ATWORK for Small Businesses program that is a valuable cost-saving benefit you can offer to your employees.
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Denver Community Credit Union Review
Denver Community Credit Union was started in 1934 and earned 4 stars in Bankrate.com’s Safe & Sound® Ratings. Their membership includes anyone that lives or works in Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, or Denver counties.
Below are the highlights that make Denver Community Credit Union stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 best Denver credit unions and banks ranking.
Denver Community Credit Union’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- 5 Buck Club add-on to checking that pays you $5 back each month
- Personal loans with 9.95%-18.00% APR
- Special discounts through Love My Credit Union Rewards program
- Financial coaching through their Clear Money program
Free Financial Education Resources
Smart people listen to money-smart experts. And this is one of the credit unions in Denver that offers free podcasts, financial education events, and online resources all to help you get ahead.
Rating Summary
While their website could use a little modernization, their excellent follow up with online customer issues earned Denver Community Credit Union a 5 rating on our best Denver credit unions & banks list.
They have a full range of services that would meet just about anyone’s needs, such as insurance, business resources, and investments. On top of that, their educational resources are some of the best we’ve seen anywhere.
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Ent Credit Union Review
No, this next Denver credit union is not named for the magical trees from the Lord of the Rings. Ent Credit Union was founded in 1957 to serve Ent Air Force Base. These days, you can qualify for membership if you live, work, worship, or attend school in any one of 10 Colorado counties.
Below are the highlights that make Ent Credit Union stand out on AHQ’s 2018 best Denver banks and credit unions ranking.
Ent Credit Union’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- Free personal and student checking accounts
- Ent Extras program that earns you extra cash, between $10-$75, on accounts, loans, & more
- Discounted payroll services for businesses by up to 20%
- Money market account with no monthly fee
Convenient Interactive Teller Machines
How would you like access to a video teller at an ATM machine? Ent Credit Union offers this modern convenience at 6 different locations and it extends member service hours from 7AM to 7PM during the week and from 8AM to 5PMon Saturdays.
Rating Summary
This is one of the top credit unions in Denver and they scored a 5 on our best Denver banks ranking. Their members give them high praise for their modern tools like online and mobile banking as well as their excellent customer service.
They’re also one of the first banks or credit unions in Denver, Colorado, or anywhere else we’ve seen, that has the interactive video tellers. They go out of their way to make modern banking easy, fast, and convenient.
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The Bank of Denver Review
The Bank of Denver began with the merger of Credit Finance Company and Denver Safe Deposit Company in 1953. They pride themselves on personalized banking with excellent customer service.
Below are the highlights that make The Bank of Denver stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 best Denver credit unions and banks ranking.
The Bank of Denver’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- Free checking that pays up to 2.00% APY on balances
- Free identity theft services when you open an account
- Business savings with no minimum balance requirement to earn interest
- Over 25,000 surcharge free ATMs via the MoneyPass® network
Free Kasasa Cash Checking
If you want to get all the perks you can from your checking account, then The Bank of Denver won’t disappoint. Their Free Kasasa Cash Checking has no fees, free debit card and online banking, and offers up to 2.00% APY on balances up to $25,000.
Rating Summary
Customers mention the personal and expert service they get at The Bank of Denver. We think you’ll feel happier just looking at their bright and well-crafted website. We rated them a 5 as one of the best banks in Denver, Colorado.
Other pluses include their consumerU online financial education resource as well as excellent online banking and cash management tools for businesses.
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Westerra Credit Union Review
In 1934, eight school teachers formed Westerra Credit Union as a way to make loans to other teachers. Today, membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the seven-county Denver metro area.
Below are the highlights that make Westerra Credit Union stand out on AHQ’s 2018 best Denver credit union or bank ranking.
Westerra Credit Union’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- Home loans as low as 4.215% APR
- 25-month CD earning 1.50% APY
- No fee checking accounts
- Money management tips and financial education
Choose Your Own Visa® Debit Card Design
Let’s be honest, getting to choose a debit card with a puppy, horse, team, or sports theme is cool. While it might not put more money in your pocket, the card is free and you get to choose your favorite design from about 50 different choices, including the one with pizza.
Rating Summary
Westerra Credit Union earned a 5 rating in our review of the top banks and credit unions in Denver. They get high praise from customers for their fast and friendly service given with a personal touch.
They also have several branches in the Denver area, with a total of 10 of their own. Plus, they’re one of the credit unions in Denver that’s part of the CO-OP shared branches network, increasing the number to 200 shared branches and 1,000 free ATMs.
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Credit Union of Colorado Review
The Credit Union of Colorado was started in 1934 to serve state employees. Today, they have over 100,000 members and a number of ways to qualify for this Denver credit union. If you’re not employed or retired from one of their many employee groups, then you can simply make a $10 donation to join their charitable foundation and you’re in.
Below are the highlights that make Credit Union of Colorado stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 best Denver credit unions and banks ranking.
Credit Union of Colorado’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- Their Skip-a-Payment program allows you to skip one loan payment a year without penalty
- New and used auto loans for as low as 3.24% APR
- Free personal checking with no monthly fees
- Financial hardship assistance to help you when times are tough
Attractive Loan and Credit Card Rates
One reason people bank with credit unions in Denver is that they’re non-profit, which gives them a little more leeway on the interest rates they offer. Credit Union of Colorado has attractive home equity loans as low as 4.00% APR and credit cards with interest rates as low as 7.50% APR.
Rating Summary
We rated Credit Union of Colorado a 3 on our list of the best Denver credit unions and banks. They have 5 dedicated branches in the Denver area, but are also part of the CO-OP network of shared credit union branches.
They get high marks from reviewers for low fees and perks like free ATMs, but mixed reviews for customer service. If they upped their game in that area, we could definitely see scoring them higher on a future ranking of credit unions in Denver.
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Credit Union of Denver Review
This next Denver, CO credit union was started by eight people back in 1931 with a goal of delivering smart banking. The Credit Union of Denver is easy to join, anyone that lives or works in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, or Jefferson counties qualifies.
Below are the highlights that make Credit Union of Denver stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 best Denver credit union or bank ranking.
Credit Union of Denver’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- Short-Term CDs that earn 1.75% APY
- Interest Rewards Checking that earns up to 3.0% APY
- Transfer an auto loan there & get 2% off your rate plus $200 cash
- Love My Credit Union Rewards discount program
Group Insurance Discounts
If you’re looking for even more savings from banks and credit unions in Denver than just on your usual accounts, you can get insurance discounts here too. Credit Union of Denver offers group discounts on multiple TruStage insurance products.
Rating Summary
Credit Union of Denver scored a 3 on our list of best Denver banks and credit unions. Their limited number of branch locations, just three, and not being part of the CO-OP shared branch network is the only thing keeping them from a higher score.
They offer very attractive loan and savings rates and a bonus just for moving your auto loan there. Anyone with a loan or looking to get one should definitely check them out.
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FirstBank Review
FirstBank was founded in 1963 and is ranked the #2 bank in Colorado by deposits. They are one of the regional banks in Aurora, CO, Denver, and the surrounding areas and have 115+ locations in Colorado, Arizona, and California.
Below are the highlights that make FirstBank stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 best Denver banks and credit unions ranking.
FirstBank’s Money Saving Features at a Glance:
- Checking accounts with zero minimum balance requirements
- Small Business Association (SBA) loans
- eSave accounts that have no service charge & offer interest
- Send and receive money fast with Zelle®
$25 Account Bonus with eSave
When you sign up for FirstBank’s eSave checking and savings you can earn a $25 bonus after you save $500 in your first 12 months. The accounts offer interest on your balance, no minimum balance, and no service fee.
Rating Summary
We rated First Bank a 3 on our top banks and credit unions in Denver ranking. They have some excellent account and loan services but do have some mixed reviews related to unexpected fees.
It you’re looking for bank in Denver, Colorado with the most locations, this is the one. They have 36 locations in and around the Denver area. Their 24/7 live call center also makes it convenient to bank there.
Bellco Credit Union Review
There are lot of excellent banks and credit unions in Denver, Colorado, but we’ve also run across one that we have to put out the red alert for. Bellco Credit Union is unfortunately one that we recommend avoiding, due to the heavily weighted negative reviews.
Below are some of the improvements we feel would help Bellco Credit Union repair their reputation and get a shot at being named among the best Denver banks and credit unions in the future.
Address Loan Customer Support Issues
Many unhappy members mention issues with Bellco’s loan services. Some have made payments on time, but were mistakenly charged a late fee. Another attempted to pay their loan off, but received an overdue notice anyhow. The loan department looks like one that could use some major improvements.
Rating Summary
Bellco Credit Union is rated a 1 as one of the credit unions in Denver we recommend staying away from for now. A big warning sign is their 61 consumer complaints at the Better Business Bureau, with only 14 of those being resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
If they improve their record keeping on loans and customer service overall, it could go a long way toward fixing their reputation. They have 11 branch locations in the Denver area and are part of the CO-OP network of shared branches, which shows they want to serve the people of Denver with convenient banking services.
Conclusion – AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Top 9 Best Denver Banks & Credit Unions That Save You Money
It’s always a good idea to review your financial picture to see how many extras you may be missing from your current Denver bank or credit union. Loan interest savings of just a couple of percent or free interest-bearing checking are perks that can add up big time.
Whether you’re looking for credit unions or banks in Aurora, CO, Denver, or somewhere else in the Denver metro area, you’ve got your pick of sweet money saving deals. It never hurts to compare.
We suggest you take a little time and see what you’re getting from your current bank in Denver, and then compare that to the benefits offered at these top 9 Denver financial institutions.
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