650,000 Americans Joined Credit Unions Last Month — More Than In All Of 2010 Combined

The #Occupy movement played a huge role in convincing so many people to shift their money from commercial banks to credit unions…

Think Progress

One of the tactics the 99 Percenters are using to take back the country from the 1 percent is to move their money from big banks to credit unions, community banks, and other smaller financial unions that aren’t gambling with our nation’s future.

Now, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) reports that a whopping 650,000 Americans have joined credit unions since Sept. 29 — the date that Bank of America announced it would start charging a $5 monthly debit fee, a move  it backed down on this week.

To put that in perspective, there were only 600,000 new members for credit unions in all of 2010. “These results indicate that consumers are clearly making a smarter choice by moving to credit unions where, on average, they will save about $70 a year in fewer or no fees, lower rates on loans and higher return on savings,” said CUNA President Bill Cheney.

This Saturday, 99 Percenters are calling on Americans to move their money from big banks to credit unions and community banks on what is being called “Bank Transfer Day.” If you want to stand with the 99 Percent and take part in this action, use the Move Your Money project’scommunity bank and credit union finder tool to find out how.

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2 Responses to 650,000 Americans Joined Credit Unions Last Month — More Than In All Of 2010 Combined

  1. This makes me happy.

    I worked at a credit union for almost six years, and really enjoyed bringing over accounts from banks. I remember one member in particular who asked about the monthly fees for her checking account (hers would likely be nothing). Her account at Citizens Bank had been charging her $15/month, and there was something like 25 cents per transaction — check, ATM, POS, teller window, anything.

    I only made it 3 months at TD Banknorth when I worked there. A great many issues, there. At my 90-day review, my manager and I agreed that I didn’t belong there.

    Everyone should check out their local credit union. Even though I no longer work for NECU, I’m still a member. I’d never go back to bank.

  2. I’d never go back to bank.

    WK, I said in a previous comment that Credit Unions are the way to go for everyone who is fed up with the cold, calculating greedy commercial banks.

    I’ve been a credit union member for 13 years after leaving BofA. It’s the greatest thing!