2018 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING PORTLAND, OREGON BANKS & CREDIT UNIONS
Find a Better Bank Today! Check Out the 7 Best Portland Credit Unions & Banks (+ 1 to Avoid)
Portland, Oregon, also known as the “City of Roses,” is the largest city in the state and second largest in the Pacific Northwest. It’s just across the border from Vancouver, which means you may score by finding Vancouver, WA credit unions that also serve Portland.
Oregonians look at life a little differently than some other parts of the country. Creature comforts and healthy-living are among their top priorities. But that doesn’t mean they don’t also want to find the best bank or best credit union Portand offers to get ahead financially.
Award Emblem: Top 7 Best Banks & Credit Unions in Portland, OR
We’ve made the search a little easier by researching several Portland, OR credit unions and banks to find those that get high marks for customer service, deals on loans & accounts, and have a unique style of their own.
Read on to find why these banks in Portland, Oregon caught our eye, how they can help you bank better, and discover which one we recommend avoiding. We’ll also answer a popular question about the CO-OP network and what it means when you see the logo at one of the best Portland credit unions.
Top 7 Best Bank or Best Credit Union in Portland (Plus 1 to Avoid) | Brief Comparison & Ranking
| Credit Unions & Banks in Portland, OR | Ratings |
| Banner Bank | 5 |
| Oregonians Credit Union | 5 |
| Pacific NW Federal Credit Union | 5 |
| Trailhead Credit Union | 5 |
| Albina Community Bank | 3 |
| OnPoint Community Credit Union | 3 |
| Washington Federal | 3 |
| Advantis Credit Union | 1 |
Table: Top 7 Portland, OR Banks & Credit Unions (& 1 to Avoid) | Above list is sorted by rating
Portland, Oregon Banks & Credit Unions FAQ | What is a CO-OP Shared Branches Network?
When you’re looking up locations for Portland, Lake Oswego, or Vancouver, WA credit unions you’re going to run across a CO-OP logo on certain sites. This symbolizes that this particular credit union in Portland, or another city, is part of a nationwide shared branches network.
It’s just like it sounds, non-profit credit unions share branch resources to expand their footprint for members. So, whether you’re at a best credit union Portland has in town or at one in a different city, if they’re a member of the CO-OP, you can bank there or use an ATM for free, even if it’s not your particular Portland credit union.
This is a big plus if you plan to bank there, and expands your location options to around 6,500 nationally and over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.
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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 Portland Credit Unions & Banks (and 1 to Avoid)
Below, please find a detailed review of each firm on our list of top credit unions and banks in Portland, OR. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed each best bank or best credit union Portland offers 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.
- Banner Bank
- Oregonians Credit Union
- Pacific NW Federal Credit Union
- Trailhead Credit Union
- Albina Community Bank
- OnPoint Community Credit Union
- Washington Federal
- Advantis Credit Union
Banner Bank Review
One of the older Portland, Oregon banks that’s been serving western U.S. communities since 1890, is Banner Bank. They’re based in Washington state and have 175 full-service branches throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California.
Below are the highlights that make Banner Bank stand out on our 2018 Ranking of the Best Portland Credit Unions & Banks.
Banner Bank in Oregon at a Glance:
- 9 branch locations in Portland, OR & surrounding areas
- Named Best Regional Bank in America by Money Magazine
- Listed among the 100 Best Banks in America by Forbes Magazine
- Their debit and credit cards compatible for use with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Android Pay
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Checking Accounts to Fit Every Lifestyle
At Banner Bank you can choose a checking account that fits your lifestyle. They’re one of the banks in Portland, OR that offer four options, from a simple checking account for those just getting started to one for higher balances that offers tiered interest rates. They’ve also got rewards points accounts and one with ATM surcharge rebates for travelers.
Rating Summary
Banner Bank scored a 5 on our Ranking of the Best Portland Credit Unions and Banks. Besides earning awards from national publications, their customers also give them high praise for staff that are helpful and friendly.
Their regional footprint makes them one of the most convenient banks in Portland, OR to do business with anywhere on the West Coast. They also offer a number of financial tools and resources in their website Advice Center to help you manage your money.
See Also: Best Credit Unions & Banks in Los Angeles | Ranking
Oregonians Credit Union Review
This next best credit union Portland offers has been serving residents since 1936. Oregonians Credit Union covers a large part of the state, and anyone who lives or works in one of 13 western and central Oregon counties qualifies for membership.
Below are the highlights that make Oregonians Credit Union stand out on this 2018 Ranking of the Best Portland Credit Unions & Banks.
Oregonians Credit Union in Portland at a Glance:
- 7 branch locations in Portland, OR & surrounding areas
- A member of the CO-OP shared branches network
- Supports their local communities through Credit Unions for Kids and other programs
- Small business resources
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Easily Send and Receive Money with Popmoney®
Just because you bank at one of the local Portland, OR credit unions, doesn’t mean they don’t have all the high tech conveniences of larger banks. Oregonians Credit Union offers Popmoney® to their members as an easy way to send and receive money instantly with anyone.
Rating Summary
Oregonians Credit Union earned a top 5 rating as one of the best credit unions in Portland to bank with. They get high praise from their members for great service, and greeting people by their name. One also noted they “never had a bad experience with them.”
They’re known for great loan and credit card rates (as low as 9.90% for a credit card) and their award-winning website is filled with tons of helpful videos and financial planning tools.
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Pacific NW Federal Credit Union Review
In 1942, employees of Bonneville Power Administration founded Pacific NW Federal Credit Union. They’ve grown to serving over 300 federal agencies and employee groups. They also serve anyone that lives, works, worships or attends school in Hood River or Wasco counties in Oregon or Klickitat or Skamania counties in Washington.
Below are the highlights that make Pacific NW Federal Credit Union stand out on AdvisoryHQ’s 2018 Ranking of the Best Portland Credit Unions & Banks.
Pacific NW Federal Credit Union at a Glance:
- 3 branch locations in Portland, OR & surrounding areas
- A member of the CO-OP shared branches network
- Scholarship program
- Refer a member program to win $250
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Skip-A-Pay for 30 Days
Wouldn’t it be nice to skip a loan payment for a month with no repercussions? Pacific NW hears you! They’re one of the Portland and Vancouver, WA credit unions that has a special Skip-A-Pay program that lets you free up extra cash by not paying a qualifying loan payment one month.
Rating Summary
We scored Pacific NW Federal Credit Union a 5 on our list of the top Portland, Oregon banks and credit unions. While, they may serve a few less counties than other Portland, OR credit unions, their members have nothing but great things to say about them.
They offer four different checking accounts with free options and savings accounts with no monthly service fees. This is also one of the top credit unions or banks in Portland, OR with a full suite of business banking and card processing services.
Related: Best Credit Unions & Banks in Jacksonville, FL | Ranking
Trailhead Credit Union Review
If you like the sound of a Portland credit union that’s as unique as the city it was born in, then you’ll definitely want to take a look at Trailhead Credit Union. It was started in 1935 by a group of Portland Gas and Coke employees, and today serves anyone in Multnomah County, OR.
Below are the highlights that make Trailhead Credit Union stand out on this 2018 Ranking of Top Banks & Credit Unions in Portland, Oregon.
Trailhead Credit Union in Portland at a Glance:
- 3 branch locations in Portland, OR & surrounding areas
- A member of the CO-OP shared branches network
- Community support & scholarships
- ScoreCard credit card rewards program
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Banking for the Non-Conformist
As soon as you land on Trailhead Credit Union’s website, you know you’re not in Kansas anymore. This is a place that’s definitely different from any of the other credit unions or banks in Portland, OR. Besides the funky attitude, you’ll find cool things like their Trailhead Chatbot that takes questions from Google Home and Amazon Alexa/Echo.
Rating Summary
Although they have a smaller membership eligibility range than other credit unions or banks in Portland, OR, their personality is completely unique. So, we scored Trailhead Credit Union a perfect 5 as one of the best credit unions in Portland.
Besides feeling cool just banking here, they do have an excellent range of personal and business banking services and are proud supporters of the Portland community. This is also one of the Portland, Oregon banks or credit unions that gets stellar reviews.
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Albina Community Bank Review
Albina Community Bank has been serving the Portland area for over 20 years. It’s one of the few banks in Portland, Oregon that is a community development financial institution (CDFI), a bank dedicated to promoting community development.
Below are the highlights that make Albina Community Bank stand out on this 2018 Ranking of the Best Credit Unions & Banks in Portland.
Albina Community Bank at a Glance:
- 6 branch locations in Portland, OR & surrounding areas
- Is a certified “B” Corporation
- Named one of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies by Portland Business Journal
- Personal, small business & commercial banking services
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
A Credit Card that Supports Charity
Supporting the community is a key part of Albina Community Bank’s mission and they make it easy for you to join in as well. This is one of the banks in Portland, OR that offers the LOOP VISA™ credit card that generates financial donations for non-profits that bank at Albina. You can support areas like education, health and social services, the environment, the arts, and economic development just by shopping like usual.
Rating Summary
Albina Community Bank scored a high 3 on our Ranking of the Best Banks and Credit Unions in Portland. They’re a stand out choice if you want to bank with a financial institution that strongly supports local community development and charitable organizations.
They generally get great reviews for their customer service, with just a few exceptions, and not all customers find their locations convenient. But overall, those that have their money at this bank in Portland, Oregon feel like family and are glad to be with a bank that gives back.
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OnPoint Community Credit Union Review
OnPoint Community Credit Union was founded as Portland Teachers Credit Union in 1932 by sixteen teachers saving toward their dreams. Today, you don’t have to be a teacher to join this credit union in Portland. Anyone that lives or works in one of 10 Oregon counties can become a member.
Below are the highlights that make OnPoint Community Credit Union stand out on this 2018 Ranking of the Best Portland Credit Unions & Banks.
On Point Community Credit Union at a Glance:
- 9 branch locations in Portland, OR & surrounding areas
- A member of the CO-OP shared branches network
- Named one of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies by Portland Business Journal
- Auto loans starting at 2.39% APR
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Bundle Rewards
Would you like to earn an extra 0.25% on a CD rate? How about $175 off closing costs for a home equity line of credit? Those are just two of the perks offered through OnPoint’s Bundle Rewards. The more you do business with them, the more you can save at this Portland, OR credit union.
Rating Summary
We rated OnPoint Community Credit Union a 3 on our 2018 Ranking for the Best Credit Unions and Banks in Portland, OR. Loyal customers that have been with them for several years enjoy their quality of customer service, newer customers or those applying for loans have mixed feelings about their support.
They offer attractive benefits through their rewards program and have very competitive loan rates. If you’re looking for online financial tools and tips in an easy to use website, this is one of the top credit unions or banks in Portland, OR to check out.
Related: Talmer Bank and Trust Ranking & Review
Washington Federal Review
For those that like banking with a larger regional bank, Washington Federal may be a great fit. They’re headquartered in Seattle, Washington and date their orgins back to 1917. They operate 243 offices in eight western states.
Below are the highlights that make Washington Federal stand out on this 2018 Ranking of Top Banks & Credit Unions Portland, OR.
Washington Federal Bank at a Glance:
- 7 branch locations in Portland, OR & surrounding areas
- Voted Best Bank in 4 states by Money Magazine
- Supported $192 million in a year worth of community development loans
- Commercial real estate lending
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Great Short-Term CD Rates
Have you wanted to invest in a CD at one of the other Portland, Oregon banks but couldn’t tie up your money for 3-5 years? Then you’ll want to check out Washington Federal’s special 19 month CD rate with a generous 1.75% APY.
Rating Summary
Washington Federal scored a 3 on our list of the top Portland, Oregon banks and credit unions. Reading their reviews, it can seem like people are banking at two completely different banks. Some customers say they’re thrilled that there are no fees, while others complain about too many.
Overall, they get positive marks from those that have banked there a while. They’re also a great choice for those that travel throughout the western states since they have a larger footprint than many other banks in Portland, OR.
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Advantis Credit Union Review
Now, we’ll let you in on the one Portland, Oregon credit union that we recommend staying away from until they make some improvements. It seems that Advantis Credit Union has seen better days, but many customers complain that their customer service has dropped drastically in recent years.
Below are some of the improvements we feel would help Advantis Credit Union recapture their glory and get another shot at being considered one of the best credit unions in Portland.
Employee Customer Service Training
Whether it’s someone trying to get a home equity loan or open a checking account, something reviewers complain about most is that employees can’t help them. And not just the first one they talk to, they mention going through 3 or 4 staff members and still not getting help. Some employee training on how to service customers could help greatly.
Rating Summary
We rated Advantis Credit Union a 1 since they’re one of the credit unions in Portland, Oregon we think you’ll want to avoid for now. Their customer support seems non-existent to many frustrated customers, even those that used to love them in the past.
On a positive note, reviewers do mention this being one of the Portland, OR credit unions with great loan rates, even if that’s the only reason they stay with them. Advantis has definitely seen better days when it comes to their reputation, so they should look back to those to see what’s changed.
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Conclusion – Top 7 Best Portland Credit Unions & Banks (Plus 1 to Avoid)
The credit unions and banks in Portland, OR are as varied and unique as the people that live there. Whether you’re looking for a totally unconventional bank in Portland or something a little more mainstream, you can find it here.
Portland residents love their city and the credit unions and banks in Portland, Oregon reflect that as well. Most of them are heavily involved in the community through local events and by charatible giving and community redevelopment.
So, no matter where you choose to bank in Portland, you can rest assured you’re going to find one that loves the city as much as you do.
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