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Daily Banking

Top 5 reasons to choose a credit union

November 8, 2024
3
min read

Thinking about switching financial institutions? We’re covering the benefits of banking locally with a credit union, and why you should switch to Cambrian!

Happy couple reviews finances

As life goes on, your financial situation changes. That means what you need from your financial institution changes, too.

You may have signed up for your first bank account years ago, but, as time passes, it’s worth asking if that financial institution is still the best fit.

Who you choose to bank with affects your finances in more ways than you might think. So, let’s dive into the top 5 reasons why you should switch to a credit union!

1. Lower service fees

Fed up with paying bank fees? By becoming a Cambrian member, you can bank for free!

Switching to Cambrian can save you up to $234 a year or more in service fees.

Putting money back into your pocket is undoubtedly one of the best reasons to switch to a credit union. The money you used to spend on service fees can now be put towards your financial goals instead!

2. Better rates on loans, mortgages, and savings accounts

Did you know that credit unions consistently offer more competitive rates than banks? You’re typically offered lower rates on mortgages and loans, and higher rates on GICs and savings accounts.

But why is that?

Banks are partly owned by shareholders – investors who hold shares in the bank.

As a credit union member, you’re part owner of that credit union. You have a say in how the organization operates.

Credit unions are owned by their members, which means they aren’t incentivized to make profits for shareholders the way that banks are.  

While banks pass on profits to shareholders, credit unions share it with their members, which gets reinvested back into the community.

That’s why Cambrian offers members competitive interest rates (and no service fees!). Learn more about the differences between banks and credit unions.

3. Community involvement

When you choose a credit union, you can feel good knowing that the institution you bank with gives back to your community.

Credit unions are local, a part of the communities where their members live and work. They support those communities through volunteering efforts and donations.

Cambrian partners with local organizations to create positive change in our communities, supporting programs that make Winnipeg and Selkirk great places to live for everyone.  

The organizations we support are close to home for our members, because they better the communities we’re all part of - like Sistema Winnipeg, which helps eliminate financial barriers and gives all children the opportunity to learn, play, and perform music.

4. Robust digital services

Credit unions are local, but that doesn’t mean they offer fewer services than a national bank!

When you're a Cambrian member, you’ll have access to all the same banking features and services that you’ve come to expect, including:

  • A feature-rich online banking and mobile app.
  • The ability to book a meeting with our advisors via video, phone, or in-branch, with extended hours for many services.
  • Digital wallet and the option to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.

5. Extended service hours

Need to meet with a Cambrian Advisor outside of business hours? No problem. We offer evening video appointments!

With our extended hours, you can meet with an advisor on your time to talk about loans, mortgages, investments, and more.

You also have access to an ATM network that spans coast to coast. With the ding free network, you can use any credit union ATM in Canada free of charge.

That’s over 4,000 ATMs you can use for free!

Switching financial institutions might feel daunting, but when you’re ready to make the change to Cambrian, we’ll be here to help. Uncover your reason to switch to Cambrian Credit Union today!

Today’s Rates

*All rates and yields subject to change without notice.
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Want to Discuss with an Advisor?

We would be happy to discuss your unique situation with you.
Our goal is to make complex topics like this one, simple.

“I had a wonderful experience at Cambrian. I've been with the same institution for the last 21 years and all the fees and restrictions have finally pushed me into wanting to make some changes.

My advisor was prepared for my arrival with all the documents ready and waiting. He took the time to go over each one...”

Read full client story
Stephan

on his experience with Cambrian

five stars
4.9

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