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Credit Union of Atlanta has two branches in the city.
Credit Union of Atlanta; Alyssa Powell/Insider
The bottom line: Credit Union of Atlanta is a good option if you want to bank with a minority-led institution that gives back to its community. Its strongest products are its share certificates, which pay solid interest rates.
Overall bank rating
FeatureInsider rating (out of 5)Savings3.75Checking4Share certificate4.25Money market account3.25Trustworthiness5Total4
Pros and cons
ProsCons
Minority-led
Solid interest rates on share certificates
Shared branch network
Large free ATM network
Scholarships available to students ages seven to 24
Membership is limited to people who work for certain employers and attend certain churchesCredit unions branches are only in Atlanta (can’t open new accounts at shared branches)Low savings interest ratesOverdraft protection isn’t free
Credit Union of Atlanta Share Savings Account
You must open a Credit Union of Atlanta Share Savings Account to become a member of the credit union. It’s an affordable account, with no monthly service fee and a Credit Union of Atlanta Share Savings Account minimum opening deposit. But it isn’t the best option if you want to earn a high interest rate.
Credit Union of Atlanta Share Draft Checking Account
Credit Union of Atlanta Share Draft Checking Account is good if you’re looking for a checking account with no monthly fees. As long as you enroll in e-statements and direct deposits, you won’t pay a monthly fee.
It’s worth noting that this account is advertised as an interest-bearing checking account on Credit Union of Atlanta’s website, but it doesn’t pay interest at this time.
Credit Union of Atlanta Share Certificate
The Credit Union of Atlanta Share Certificate is probably the institution’s strongest product. It pays solid rates compared to other brick-and-mortar banks. Although, you may find higher CD rates at online banks.
Credit Union of Atlanta Share Plus Money Market Account
You may prefer to use the Credit Union of Atlanta Share Plus Money Market Account as your main savings account rather than the Credit Union of Atlanta Share Savings Account. It compounds interest more frequently and provides paper checks so you can access your money if you really need to.
How Credit Union of Atlanta works
Credit Union of Atlanta is a minority-led credit union with two branches in Atlanta. It’s part of the CO-OP Shared Branch network, so there are around 5,000 shared branches around the US. You can’t open an account at a shared branch, but you can receive assistance.
There are four free Credit Union of Atlanta ATMs. You can also use 30,000 free ATMs in the MoneyPass network.
The Credit Union of Atlanta mobile app has 3.2 out of 5 stars in the Apple store, and 4.3 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.
Contact customer support Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Your deposits are federally insured by the NCUA for up to $250,000, or up to $500,000 for joint accounts.
How to join Credit Union of Atlanta
Credit Union of Atlanta membership is limited to employees of certain organizations, such as the city of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta, and Atlanta public schools. You can also join if you’re an employee or member of a handful of religious congregations.
See the full list of organizations and churches here.
Credit Union of Atlanta trustworthiness and BBB rating
The Better Business Bureau gives Credit Union of Atlanta an A+ rating. A good BBB grade indicates a company responds effectively to customer complaints, advertises honestly, and is transparent about business practices.
A strong BBB score doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a smooth relationship with a credit union, though. You may still want to read online reviews or ask friends and family members about their experiences.
Credit Union of Atlanta doesn’t have any public controversies.
The credit union has a scholarship program for students ages seven to 24. Scholarships are awarded to winners of an essay contest in each age group. Younger students have money put into a savings account, older students receive a share certificate, and college students get $1,500 toward higher education expenses.
Credit Union of Atlanta vs. Citizens Trust Bank
Citizens Trust Bank is a bank, not a credit union. So if you don’t qualify for membership with Credit Union of Atlanta, Citizens Trust is the clear choice.
Citizens Trust offers more types of checking accounts than Credit Union of Atlanta, so you may find one that suits your needs. But Credit Union of Atlanta pays much better rates on certificates.
Credit Union of Atlanta vs. Unity National Bank
Unity National Bank is the better option if you aren’t eligible to join Credit Union of Atlanta. You also may like the Unity National Bank Money Market Account, which has a low minimum deposit and includes a debit card.
But if you want to open a share certificate, Credit Union of Atlanta pays better rates.
Frequently asked questions
How do you join the Credit Union of Atlanta?
To become a member of the Credit Union of Atlanta, you or a family member must work or be a member of one of the businesses or organizations on this list. All members will also need to open the Credit Union of Atlanta Share Savings Account with $25.
Is Credit Union of Atlanta federally insured?
Yes. When a credit union is federally insured, this means money will be safe even in the rare circumstance that a bank shuts down. Federally insured credit unions will have up to $250,000 secure in individual accounts and $500,000 in joint bank accounts.