RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING SAN ANTONIO CREDIT UNIONS & BANKS
Rating the Top 7 Best Banks or Best Credit Unions in San Antonio with Great Rates & Services (+1 to Avoid)
The City of San Antonio, Texas is the 7th largest in the United States. It’s known for its beautiful River Walk district and it is surrounded by numerous economy-boosting military bases.
There are quite a few credit unions and banks in San Antonio to choose from, and most have stellar reputations. So, when you’re choosing the best bank or credit union in San Antonio to use for checking, savings, or other financial services, details like fees, convenience, and interest rates are key.
Award Emblem: Best 7 Banks & Credit Unions in San Antonio, TX
Where can you find the lowest rates on loans in San Antonio? Which banks and credit unions in San Antonio, TX make you feel like they really care about you?
These are considerations that can elevate one San Antonio bank over another when you’re choosing a financial institution to entrust your money.
Another important choice is whether to use a community bank in San Antonio or become a member of a San Antonio credit union. Credit unions are known for lower loan interest rates and better savings rates.
We’ll get into why that is in our FAQ section. First, we’ll give you the ratings of the best banks and credit union in San Antonio, plus the 1 to avoid until they improve a few things.
Top 7 Best Banks in San Antonio (and 1 to Avoid) | Brief Comparison & Ranking
San Antonio Credit Union or Bank | Ratings |
| Credit Human | 5 |
| Generations Federal Credit Union | 5 |
| Jefferson Bank | 5 |
| Security Service Federal Credit Union | 5 |
| Chase Bank | 3 |
| River City Federal Credit Union | 3 |
| The Bank of San Antonio | 3 |
| TexStar National Bank | 1 |
Table: Top 7 Best Credit Unions & Banks in San Antonio (and 1 to Avoid) | Above list is sorted by rating
Banks & Credit Unions in San Antonio FAQ | How Can a Credit Union in San Antonio Offer Better Rates Than a Bank?
If you’ve ever considered becoming a member of a credit union in San Antonio, then you’ve probably found that they often offer higher savings account interest rates and lower rates on loans in San Antonio than traditional banks.
There are a few reasons why this is true both in San Antonio, Texas and throughout the country. Here’s the low-down on how they can do it:
- Credit unions are not-for-profit, so they have more leeway on rate offers
- Credit unions don’t have stockholders, they are member (customer) focused
- Credit unions use the lower interest rates to compete with banks for new customers
How much can you save on loans in San Antonio or super charge your savings by choosing the best credit union in San Antonio, TX over a bank?
According to Money Crashers, interest rates on savings, money market, and checking accounts can range from 4 to 10 times higher using a credit union rather than the best bank in San Antonio, or anywhere else in the U.S.
And if you’re shopping for home or car loans in San Antonio, the interest rate is typically 1 or 2 percent lower at credit unions than at San Antonio, TX banks.
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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 Credit Unions & Best Banks in San Antonio, TX
Below, please find a detailed review of each firm on our list of top San Antonio, TX banks & credit unions. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed each San Antonio credit union or bank 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.
- Chase Bank
- Credit Human
- Generations Federal Credit Union
- Jefferson Bank
- River City Federal Credit Union
- Security Service Federal Credit Union
- TexStar National Bank
- The Bank of San Antonio
See Also: Yakima Federal Savings and Loan Association Ranking & Review
Chase Bank Review
The first bank on our list is for people that like to have as many location options as possible. Chase Bank in San Antonio has more locations than any other credit union or bank in San Antonio on our list—with 44 in the city and surrounding areas.
We initially had mixed feelings about including Chase Bank because of the F rating at the Better Business Bureau, but that rating is actually for the parent corporation, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
We found that Chase Bank in San Antonio actually has good ratings from local customers. Another important thing to note is that employees working there gave them a 4 out of 5 stars at Indeed, and 71% of those on Glassdoor would recommend this San Antonio bank to a friend.
Best Chase Bank Services at a Glance:
- 44 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Savings & checking account options
- Unlimited cash back credit card offers
- Auto, home, & home equity lending
- Business banking & merchant services
- Better Business Bureau F rating (parent company)
Highlights That Make Chase Bank San Antonio Stand Out on Our List of the Best Banks San Antonio Offers
Robust Business Banking Services
Chase Bank San Antonio, TX is an excellent choice for business, regardless of its size, because of their robust banking and merchant services. A business owner can easily open a merchant account, get a chip card terminal, and start accepting credit cards.
This is also a San Antonio bank that has preferred business credit cards for earning points and cash back rewards.
Multiple Personal Checking Account Choices
One of the benefits of going with a larger bank in San Antonio is they tend to have a larger offering of accounts. With Chase Bank San Antonio you have 3 different personal checking account choices and another one tailored just for high school and college students.
Rating Summary
We rated Chase Bank San Antonio a 3 in our rankings. They could easily move up by taking care of some of those parent company reputation issues.
Don’t Miss: Woodforest National Bank Reviews and Ranking
Credit Human Review
You may know this top credit union in San Antonio by its former name, San Antonio Credit Union (SACU). In 2016, SACU was renamed Credit Human to more accurately reflect their philosophy and values.
Credit Human, formerly San Antonio Credit Union, is homegrown financial institution. It started back in 1935 when a dozen federal government workers pooled their money to create one of the very first credit unions in San Antonio, TX.
Best Credit Human (formely SACU) Services at a Glance:
- 16 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Free checking account with no minimum balance requirement
- Part of a shared branches network with over 5,000 locations nationwide
- Investment & financial planning services
- Online & mobile banking
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Highlights That Make Credit Human Stand Out on Our List as a Best Credit Union in San Antonio
They’re “Member-Centric”
On their front page Credit Human states that they are not about profit, they’re about their members. So if you’re looking for a best credit union or best bank in San Antonio that has a reputation for making their members their top prority, you’ll find it here.
Share Certificate Savings Options
This is one of the credit unions in San Antonio, TX that can help you save even if you have just $1,000 to deposit. Their share savings certificate provides up to 2.75% APY with dividends paid monthly. It also offers flexible terms—from 3 months to 10 years.
Rating Summary
Credit Human, formerly San Antonio Credit Union (SACU), received a perfect 5 in our ranking. It’s one of the best credit unions in San Antonio that exemplifies the reason people choose smaller, hometown financial institutions.
Related: UMB Bank Ranking & Review
Generations Federal Credit Union Review
Another credit union in San Antonio that made our list is Generations Federal Credit Union. It was founded in 1940 and has a history of serving the City of San Antonio, San Antonio Fire Department, and Police Department.
It’s now a popular San Antonio credit union serving over 52,000 members. To join, you only need to live, work, worship, volunteer, go to school, or own a business in one of 8 Texas counties.
Best Generations Credit Union Services at a Glance:
- 8 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Commercial real estate lending
- Auto & home loans
- Life, home, & auto insurance
- Personal & student checking and savings
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Highlights That Make Generations Federal Credit Union Stand Out on Our List as a Best Credit Union in San Antonio
Shop & Bank at the Same Place
If you enjoy the convenience of taking care of your banking when you do your grocery shopping, then Generations is among the credit unions and banks in San Antonio, you’ll want to check out. They have locations in 8 H-E-B grocery stores in San Antonio and other Texas towns.
Student Checking & Savings
Whether you’re a student or have one in your family, you want to choose one the best credit unions or banks in San Antonio that works on getting students on the right financial path. Generations offers student checking with no co-signer required and savings with as little as a $5 desposit.
Rating Summary
We gave Generations Federal Credit Union a 5 on our ranking of the best credit unions and banks in San Antonio because they go the extra mile to make banking as convenient as possible.
Popular Article: Types of Bank Accounts | What You Should Know Before Opening an Account
Jefferson Bank Review
Jefferson Bank offers family banking “with a Texas attitude.” If you like small banks that have been family-owned for generations, then this is the best bank in San Antonio to sign up with.
They’ve been serving the community for over 70 years. This is a San Antonio bank that still remains locally and independently-owned, and they’re proud of their family values and Texas roots.
Best Jefferson Bank Services at a Glance:
- 11 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Personal & business credit cards
- Home & personal loans
- Trusts & estates
- Wealth management services
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Highlights That Make Jefferson Bank Stand Out on Our List of the Best Banks San Antonio Offers
Bank with a Trusted Friend
Being independently owned means that Jefferson Bank doesn’t have to answer to stockholders and can take the time to build relationships. This is one of the best banks in San Antonio that also provides long-term personalized wealth management and retirement planning.
Small Business Card Options
If you’re running a business, you want to have a check card or credit card that makes your life easier. Jefferon is one of the San Antonio, TX banks that offers a business Visa® check card or Mastercard credit card with points rewards.
Rating Summary
We rated Jefferson Bank a 5 because they have a lot of great things going for them, and they are one of few independant, locally-owned banks that also provides personalized services.
Read More: Tri Counties Bank Review & Ranking | What You Should Know About This Bank
River City Federal Credit Union Review
This best credit union in San Antonio was certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution. River City Federal Credit Union has been serving the community for nearly 80 years and it is committed to its future.
River City FCU was initially chartered by ten telephone company employees back in 1936 and has grown to serving Bexar County at large. If you life, work, worship, or attend school there you can request to join this San Antonio credit union.
Best River City Credit Union Services at a Glance:
- 6 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Auto loans & AutoSMART research tool
- Share certificates for savings
- Checking, savings, & cache accounts
- Auto, home, health, & life insurance
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Highlights That Make River City Federal Credit Union Stand Out on Our List as a Best Credit Union in San Antonio
TruStage™ Insurance Options
It’s always convenient when you bank with a place where you can both get loans in San Antonio, and then turn around and purchase the insurance.
River City is one of the best credit unions in San Antonio that works with TruStage Insurance Agency to offer their members a wide range of insurance options:
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
Cache Accounts for Flexible Saving
Are you saving for that dream vacation or possibly just for buying back to school supplies? River City Federal Credit Union’s cache savings account makes it easy by offering high yield savings accounts that also pay dividends.
Rating Summary
We rated River City a 3 on our list of the best credit unions and banks in San Antonio. If they add a few more locations to make it more convenient for their customers, they could easily move up in the ranking.
Related: Synchrony Bank Review | What You Need to Know About Synchrony
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Security Service Federal Credit Union Review
Looking for a financial institution that prizes volunteering? Then Security Service Federal Credit Union in San Antonio, TX may be just the one you’re looking for.
They’ve been serving the community for over 50 years and they have a Volunteer Corps of hundreds of employees. That definitely exemplifies the community spirit of this San Antonio credit union.
Best Security Service Federal Credit Union Services at a Glance:
- 27 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Identity protection solutions
- Online & mobile banking
- Business loans & cash management
- Personal loans & lines of credit
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Highlights That Make Security Service Federal Credit Union Stand Out on Our List as a Best Credit Union in San Antonio
Power Protected Checking
They stand by the “security” in their name with their Power Protected Checking. It’s a unique checking account that has perks you may not have seen offered at any other credit union or bank in San Antonio. It includes identity theft protection, mobile phone coverage, cash back, and earned interest.
Multiple Investment Options
When you choose to go with a credit union instead of San Antonio, TX banks, you don’t have to give up investment services. Through their Security Service Investment Group you can invest in mutual funds, stocks, real estate investment trusts, and much more.
Rating Summary
Security Service Federal Credit Union in San Antonio, Texas earns a 5 rating due to the multiple unique services they offer to their members.
Don’t Miss: SunTrust Bank (Ranking & Review)
TexStar National Bank Review
TexStar National Bank is the one San Antonio bank on our list that you may want to avoid, at least until they improve upon a few things.
In a different city, they may even make a best banks list, but they’re competing in a town that has a large choice of stellar banks and credit unions, and unfortunately they fall a little short.
TexStar National Bank Services at a Glance:
- 6 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Specialized business checking accounts
- Mobile money app
- Small Business Association loans
- Better Business Bureau A rating
What TexStar National Bank Can Do To Improve Their Rating
We could see revisiting our 1 rating for TexStar Bank if they made a few improvements, such as adding more locations and improving their ratings on employee review websites, like Glassdoor.
Popular Article: Rosedale Federal Savings and Loan Association Ranking & Review
The Bank of San Antonio Review
The last organization on our top list of San Antonio banks and credit unions is The Bank of San Antonio. Although fairly new, having first opened in 2007, they’ve already been working on building an excellent reputation.
This is one of the best banks San Antonio offers that was built on a model of concierge-quality service, and providing world class service and resources mainly to businesses.
The Bank of San Antonio Services at a Glance:
- 5 locations in San Antonio, Texas & surrounding areas
- Business insurance plans
- Private banking services
- Growth strategies for companies
- Business lending & real estate
- Better Business Bureau A+ rating
Highlights That Make The Bank of San Antonio Stand Out on Our List of the Best Banks San Antonio Offers
They’re in the “Business” Business
If you’re a business owner looking for the best bank in San Antonio that has solutions tailored to your needs, then look no further. The Bank of San Antonio is geared for the needs of business—from banking and lending to cash management solutions.
Named as a Top Workplace
Happy employees mean happy and well-served customers. The San Antonio Express-News named The Bank of San Antonio a “Top Workplace” because of their dedication to growing strong and talented teams.
Rating Summary
The Bank of San Antonio gets a very high 3 in our best banks San Antonio ranking. If they keep up what they’re currently doing and add a few more convenient locations, they’re an easy 5 in the future.
Conclusion – Top 7 Best San Antonio Bank and Credit Options
One of the many things you can be proud of when living in San Antonio is that you have an abundance of excellent financial institutions to choose from. Finding the best credit union or best bank in San Antonio to trust is nearly as easy as walking out your door.
With so many great options, it’s the personal touches, personality, and conveniences offered by each that will most likely be your deciding factor.
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Reference:
https://www.moneycrashers.com/why-credit-unions-are-better-than-banks/
Image Sources:
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- https://pixabay.com/en/san-antonio-texas-skyline-downtown-69156/
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