Global Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings and CDs
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- Certificates of deposit
Overall institution rating
3.5
Global Credit Union, formerly Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, is widely accessible: It has more than 70 branches across Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho and Washington plus thousands more across the country through the Co-op shared branching network. It also offers 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. The credit union’s checking account has a low fee that is easily avoided, but both its checking and savings accounts have no or low interest rates. Its certificates, the credit union equivalent of certificates of deposit, offer some decent rates. Live customer service is available 24/7 via phone. You can become a member of Global Credit Union if you live, work or go to school in Alaska, Washington, California’s San Bernardino County, Arizona’s Maricopa County or Idaho’s Kootenai County. You can also become a member if you work for the Department of Defense anywhere worldwide or if you have a relative who qualifies for membership.
Best for: Residents mostly in Alaska or Washington who value in-person customer service and low-cost checking and savings accounts.
» Looking for a credit union to join? See NerdWallet’s list of best credit unions
Pros
- No minimum opening deposits on checking and savings accounts.
- Large, free, nationwide ATM network.
- 24/7 customer service by phone.
- Participates in shared branching with other credit unions.
Cons
- Low rates on savings accounts.
- Monthly fees (though they are avoidable).
- Limited membership.
Full review
Certificates of deposit
CD
Federally insured by NCUA
3.0
/5 NerdWallet ratingGlobal Credit Union’s certificates are available in a wide variety of term lengths and minimum deposit amounts, the lowest being $500. Its rates are competitive, including on its jumbo certificates, which require minimums of either $100,000 or $250,000.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for banks and credit unions are weighted averages of several categories: checking, savings, certificates of deposit or credit union share certificates, banking experience and overdraft fees. Factors we consider, depending on the category, include rates and fees, ATM and branch access, account features and limits, user-facing technology, customer service and innovation. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.