Credit unions in Texas offer a customer-friendly alternative to traditional banks, providing competitive rates, lower fees and personalized financial services. As member owned institutions, they prioritize the financial well being of their members rather than maximizing profits. Texas is home to numerous credit unions, each catering to different communities, professions and financial needs.
Whether you’re looking for better loan rates, higher savings yields, or exceptional customer service, Texas credit unions have something to offer. From large statewide institutions to smaller, locally focused ones, these credit unions provide a range of products, including checking accounts, mortgages, auto loans and business banking solutions.
Are Credit Unions Better Than Banks in Texas?
A trending question among Texans is whether credit unions are better than traditional banks. The answer depends on individual needs with credit unions often offering lower interest rates on loans, higher dividends on savings and fewer fees. However, banks may have more branches and advanced digital banking features. For those seeking a community focused, member driven financial experience, credit unions are an excellent choice.
List of Top 5 Credit Unions in Texas
- RBFCU (Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union)
- Texas Trust Credit Union
- Firstmark Credit Union
- United Heritage Credit Union
- Amplify Credit Union
In-Depth Look at the Top 5 Credit Unions
1) RBFCU (Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union)
Founded in 1952, RBFCU is one of the largest and most trusted credit unions in Texas, serving military personnel, federal employees and their families. With over $14 billion in assets, RBFCU offers a full range of financial services, including checking and savings accounts, auto loans, mortgages, credit cards and investment services. Known for its strong community involvement, RBFCU provides financial education programs and supports local charities. Members benefit from low fees, competitive rates and a vast network of ATMs and branches across Texas.
Key Features:
- High-yield checking accounts with dividends
- Low-interest auto loans (starting at 2.49% APR)
- No-fee mortgages with competitive rates
- 24/7 online and mobile banking with mobile check deposit
- Free financial counseling and education resources
Awards & Achievements:
- Forbes’ “Best In State Credit Union” (2023)
- 5-star Bauer Financial rating for financial strength
- Recognized for best customer service in Texas
Reviews & Feedback:
- ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) on Trustpilot
- ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) on ConsumerAffairs
- Members praise low loan rates but mention slower loan approvals
Contact Information:
- Website: www.rbfcu.org
- Phone: (800) 580-3300
- Branches: 50+ locations across Texas
2) Texas Trust Credit Union
Established in 1936, Texas Trust Credit Union is a leading financial institution in North Texas, serving over 120,000 members. It offers personal and business banking solutions, including checking/savings accounts, loans, credit cards and investment services. Known for its community focus, Texas Trust provides financial literacy programs and scholarships. Members enjoy low fees, high savings yields and a user-friendly digital banking platform.
Key Features:
- No-fee checking accounts with cashback rewards
- Low rate credit cards (as low as 8.99% APR)
- First-time homebuyer programs with down payment assistance
- Free ATM access at 30,000+ CO-OP Network locations
- Business banking with SBA loans
Awards & Achievements:
- “Best Credit Union in DFW” (D Magazine)
- Top Workplace in Dallas (2023)
Reviews & Feedback:
- ★★★★★ (4.7/5) on Google Reviews
- ★★★★☆ (4.2/5) on Bankrate
- Customers love the personalized service but want more branches
Contact Information:
- Website: www.texastrustcu.org
- Phone: (817) 255-5200
- Branches: 20+ locations in Dallas Fort Worth
3) Firstmark Credit Union
Firstmark Credit Union, based in San Antonio, has been serving members since 1932. It provides a wide range of financial products, including high yield savings, auto loans, mortgages and credit cards. With a strong emphasis on member satisfaction, Firstmark offers free financial workshops and credit counseling. Its digital banking tools make managing finances easy and members benefit from competitive loan rates and low fees.
Key Features:
- High APY savings accounts (up to 0.60%)
- Auto loan rates from 2.89% APR
- Student loan refinancing options
- Free credit score monitoring
- Mobile banking with Zelle integration
Awards & Achievements:
- “Best Credit Union in San Antonio” (SA Current)
- 5-star Bauer Financial rating
Reviews & Feedback:
- ★★★★☆ (4.3/5) on ConsumerAffairs
- ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) on DepositAccounts
- Great rates but slower customer service during peak times
Contact Information:
- Website: www.firstmarkcu.org
- Phone: (210) 832-5000
- Branches: 15+ locations in South Texas
4) United Heritage Credit Union
Founded in 1954, United Heritage Credit Union serves Central and East Texas with a focus on community driven banking. It offers checking/savings accounts, mortgages, business loans and investment services. Known for its member rewards program, UHCU provides cashback on debit purchases and discounts on loans. The credit union also supports local schools and nonprofits.
Key Features:
- Rewards checking with cashback on purchases
- Low mortgage rates (starting at 3.25% APR)
- Free financial coaching
- Youth savings programs with incentives
- Business and commercial lending
Awards & Achievements:
- “Best Credit Union in Austin” (Austin Business Journal)
- CUNA Member Benefits Award
Reviews & Feedback:
- ★★★★☆ (4.1/5) on MyBankTracker
- ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) on Facebook Reviews
- Great rewards but limited ATM coverage in rural areas
Contact Information:
- Website: www.uhcu.org
- Phone: (800) 531-8456
- Branches: 10+ locations in Austin & East Texas
5) Amplify Credit Union
Amplify Credit Union, based in Austin, is known for its tech forward approach to banking. Serving individuals and businesses, Amplify offers high yield savings, eco-friendly auto loans and innovative digital tools. It focuses on sustainability, offering “green” loans for hybrid/electric vehicles and solar panels. Members enjoy no-fee accounts, competitive CDs and a seamless mobile banking experience.
Key Features:
- High APY savings (up to 0.75%)
- Green auto loans (discounted rates for EVs)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free budgeting tools
- Apple Pay & Google Pay integration
Awards & Achievements:
- “Best Online Banking in Texas” (Money Magazine)
- Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
Reviews & Feedback:
- ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) on Trustpilot
- ★★★★☆ (4.0/5) on NerdWallet
- Excellent digital banking but needs more branches
Contact Information:
- Website: www.goamplify.com
- Phone: (512) 836-5901
- Branches: 5 locations in Austin
Comparison of the Top 5 Credit Unions in Texas
Feature | RBFCU | Texas Trust | Firstmark | United Heritage | Amplify |
Best For | Military & families | Local community | Personal loans | Community focus | Tech-savvy users |
APY on Savings | 0.25% – 0.50% | 0.20% – 0.45% | 0.30% – 0.60% | 0.25% – 0.55% | 0.40% – 0.75% |
Auto Loan Rates | 2.49% – 5.99% | 2.99% – 6.49% | 2.89% – 6.29% | 2.79% – 6.19% | 2.59% – 6.09% |
Mobile Banking | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
Branch Availability | Statewide | North Texas | San Antonio | Central/East Texas | Austin area |
Choosing the right credit union in Texas depends on your financial needs, location and preferences. RBFCU is ideal for military families, Texas Trust excels in local community banking, Firstmark offers great personal loans, United Heritage focuses on member rewards and Amplify leads in digital banking. Each of these credit unions provides unique benefits, making them stand out in Texas’s competitive financial landscape.
Before joining, compare rates, fees and services to find the best fit for your financial goals. Credit unions offer a member centric approach that can save you money and provide better service than many traditional banks.
Would you prefer a credit union over a bank? Share your thoughts in the comments!