CNBC.com column: Expect a rush to join credit unions
NEW YORK (12/30/08) — A columnist for CNBC.com predicts that 2009 will bring a rush to join credit unions. Consumers will "flock to credit unions where they truly are more than three digits and a credit report," according to John Ulzheimer, a contributor for CNBC's "On the Money."

Ulzheimer listed 10 items in a recent column that the new year will bring for consumer credit. He listed credit unions as No. 2.

"Little or no exposure to subprime mortgages, no shareholders to impress every three months and plenty of money to lend seems like a trifecta to me," Ulzheimer said. "Add to that the same level of insurance for your deposits and overall better treatment of their members compared to that of the large banks and this is a slam dunk," he added.

Wall Street Journal: Look into credit unions to improve credit rating
Consumers can find several opportunities to rebuild the wealth they lost this past year due to failing banks, plunging home prices and the turbulent market. One way is to protect credit ratings. If consumers can't improve their rating, they should look into credit unions.

So says The Wall Street Journal in its Sunday issue... "These lenders are more inclined to look past your credit score to see whether other circumstances, like job history and other assets, make you creditworthy," said the Journal's "SmartMoney" column of credit unions. Read the article>

Chicago Tribune commends credit unions to consumers
The Chicago Tribune has joined the national media outlets commending credit unions and their benefits to consumers. In a recent article, the Tribune noted that credit unions often offer better rates and charge lower fees than banks. Read the article >