Credit Unions only hold 6.2% of consumer deposits compared to banks. However, with the passing of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 credit unions offer the same services that big banks provide.

Credit Unions did not get involved in risky mortgage and are one of the few players to emerge from the lending crisis successfully.

Each 'customer' to a bank is actually a 'shareholder' at a credit union and are able to offer lower rates, dividends, or other incentives with success.

Click here for a list of the Top 100 by Assets as of March 31 2009.

GECU, Texans, San Antonio, Dow, AA and a few other TX unions ranked.

Do's and dont's

• Do look for a credit union that insures deposits.
• Do look for credit unions that offer a good number of online services.
• Do shop for credit unions with the best rates, especially if you're eligible for more than one.
• Don't join a credit union, especially smaller ones, if you expect an army of customer service agents to be available 24/7.
• Don't apply to a credit union if you don't fit the field of membership.
  
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