The Difference Between a Community Bank and a Credit Union

When it comes to choosing the right financial institution for your needs, there are many options available. You can choose between a bank or a credit union. Both offer similar services such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and loan options, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at what makes banks and credit unions different from one another.

What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference between community banks and credit unions is ownership structure. Community banks are owned by shareholders or an individual, and credit unions are owned by their customers (though it should be noted that not all credit unions are customer-owned). This affects both how they function as well as how they can serve customers. 

How They Function

Community banks are regulated by both state and federal governments, while credit unions are regulated by only the federal government. This means that community banks must adhere to stricter regulations than credit unions in regard to lending, borrowing rates, capital requirements, etc. This often translates into higher interest rates on loans from community banks compared to those from credit unions. 

Additionally, community bankers often take a more personalized approach to banking when working with customers compared to most credit unions. While some large credit unions may offer services similar to those of community banks—such as mortgages and business loans—smaller credit unions tend to focus more on basic checking and savings accounts rather than additional services like those offered by Texas First Bank.

At Texas First Bank, our goal is to provide personalized service while also offering all of the modern features that our customers need in today’s digital age. We understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to managing their finances; that’s why we strive to provide tailored solutions for each of our customers while still adhering to strict regulations set forth by state and federal governments. Whether you’re looking for a checking account or any other type of loan or investment product, our experienced team of bankers can help you find the right solution for your specific needs!