WASHINGTON--As national policy discussions focus on affordability and access to financial institutions, new data reinforces that credit unions are a beacon of affordability, significantly outperforming large national banks across key financial metrics due to the not-for-profit, cooperative financial model, America's Credit Unions reported.
The consumer survey (from Harper Polling, Frederick Polls)shows credit unions have a 73% favorable rating compared to 56% for large national banks. Notably, 94% of Americans support expanding credit unions into more communities and small-business lending, especially as bank fees rise and consolidation accelerates.
Scott Simpson
“Credit unions aren’t just another financial option. They’re the partner Americans trust to move forward with confidence,” said Scott Simpson, president/CEO of America’s Credit Unions. “When banks raise fees, close branches, or consolidate, or when prices force consumers to stretch their budgets, credit unions remain present, community-rooted, and committed to delivering practical, affordable financial support. This ‘partner’ model is exactly why Americans continue to rely on their credit unions for guidance, from managing inflation and securing low-cost credit to maintaining financial stability and supporting local economies.”
Credit unions outperform large national banks across every meaningful measure of trust, value, and community impact, includes scoring +24 on low-cost loans, +17 on trust, and +16 on community connection compared to big banks.
Consumer appetite for more access is overwhelming, with 94% support allowing credit unions to expand into more communities and provide more loans to small businesses, ACU noted.
The report also shows 64% of Americans want to KEEP the current tax exemption in place for CUs.