10 Most Respected Credit Unions in Illinois for 2024

Illinois is a surprisingly diverse state. On one hand, you’ve got Chicago in all its world-city splendor. On the other, you’ve got seemingly endless cornfields. Illinois is America’s second-highest corn-producing state, and it shows.

And yet, there’s a credit union to fill every niche Illinois serves up. The credit union movement took hold firmly in the state during the Great Depression. Today, hundreds of credit unions serve Illinois residents diverse in scale and in expectations of what the financial industry can do for them.

That made compiling this list of the most respected credit unions in Illinois challenging. Respect abounds when dedicated professionals skillfully apply the credit union ethos of people helping people in their communities.

Please check each credit union website for membership qualifications. One of these exemplary Illinois credit unions will surely fit the bill if you’re looking for a financial partner with your best interests at heart.

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Checking Accounts

Based in Bellwood outside Chicago, Central Credit Union of Illinois is a relatively small credit union serving members who value its personalized approach.

The credit union supplements two full-time branches with robust free online and mobile banking and access to 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

It’s also not afraid to partner with third-party providers with aligning interests. That’s what allows Central Credit Union of Illinois to offer free Kasasa Cash checking and Kasasa Cash Back checking to make checking and debit card purchases more rewarding.

Why We Love Central Credit Union of Illinois

We’re not kidding when we say Kasasa checking products from Central Credit Union of Illinois are rewarding. Kasasa Cash checking pays 5.50% APY on balances up to and including $25,000, while Kasasa Cash Back checking pays 5.50% cash back on debit card purchases up to $200 monthly.

Those numbers essentially turn the most routine aspects of the financial services industry into significant passive cash generators, allowing you to keep more cash in checking, ready for good use.

We love how Central Credit Union of Illinois emphasizes the fundamentals to bring members significant financial returns from its most used products.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1936
• Current members: 10,941
• Full-time employees: 27
• Assets: $121 million

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Savings Accounts

Moline, on the Mississippi River across from Iowa, is home to Vibrant Credit Union, which offers members among the highest-yield savings accounts as compared with the national average offered by banks and other credit unions.

Vibrant’s Preferred Savings account pays 4.50% APY as a monthly dividend on balances up to $14,999.99. Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements are nonexistent.

Unlimited monthly transfers, withdrawals, and debit transactions make using Preferred Savings a breeze — while earning a significant return.

Why We Love Vibrant Credit Union

Preferred Savings pays 1.00% APY on the portion of the member’s balance above $15,000, while Vibrant’s Everyday Savings pays 2.00% APY on balances of $25,000 and up.

That means something unusual in financial services: Those with lower deposits earn the most rewards. That’s good news, considering the many recent articles declaring many Americans unable to handle even a minor unexpected expense.

We love that Vibrant incentivizes members to put cash in savings, where it remains accessible to meet emergency needs.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1935
• Current members: 44,659
• Full-time employees: 158
• Assets: $1.06 billion

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Youth Accounts

We love that many credit unions prioritize financial education, stepping in to supplement caregivers and educators and produce the next generation of financially confident consumers and innovators.

We’re also firm believers that there’s no better way to impart a lesson than learning by doing.

That’s why we applaud Illinois State Credit Union, based in Normal, south of Chicago, for creating a practical approach to financial education through products geared toward users as young as elementary school age.

Why We Love Illinois State Credit Union

Starting with just a $20 minimum balance, the Kid’s Club Savings Account pays 1.90% APY on the first $5,000 with no monthly service charge.

Student checking and savings come with a free debit card and mobile check deposit. The Smart Start Checking Account leads to the credit-building benefits of a starter loan or It’sMyCU Visa Credit Card.

We love that Illinois State Credit Union understands the synergy between learning and doing and encourages households to incorporate financial fundamentals in daily life through its youth accounts.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1960
• Current members: 17,379
• Full-time employees: 56
• Assets: $212 million

#1 Illinois Credit Union for CDs

Bannockburn, north of Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan, is home to Great Lakes Credit Union, where the certificate of deposit (CD) remains a valuable tool in members’ savings arsenal.

Flexible six-month Share Certificates offer high rates, including a 5.00% promotional APY available on Share Certificates in August 2024, when we published this.

Meanwhile, one-year Save to Win Share Certificates offer chances to win monthly and quarterly prizes with each $25 deposit.

Why We Love Great Lakes Credit Union

CDs don’t get a lot of love in the financial world. But many financial consumers consider them an ideal savings bridge between day-to-day spending and funds allocated for investment.

Great Lakes Credit Union’s emphasis on CDs helps it live up to its commitment to empower members and communities.

We love that Great Lakes Credit Union devotes resources that could go to other products toward CDs its members readily use and benefit from.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1938
• Current members: 81,140
• Full-time employees: 222
• Assets: $1.44 billion

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Credit Cards

Ironically, credit cards provide the surest path to lasting wealth for most Americans because they offer credit-building opportunities that lead to lower-cost loans and many other financial benefits.

Consumers Credit Union, based in Gurnee, north of Chicago on Lake Michigan, provides an entryway to credit use for most members through a card lineup that is impressive for its diversity.

Rewards buffs earn points for merchandise and travel, while the Visa Signature Cash Back card pays 3% cash back on groceries, and the Visa Platinum appeals to rate-conscious members.

Why We Love Consumers Credit Union

It’s common for banks and credit unions to maximize the appeal of their credit card lineups, but not many do it as comprehensively as Consumers Credit Union.

It’s a case where the credit union ethos of people helping people results in the greatest benefit for the maximum number of people.

We love that Consumers Credit Union provides a credit card lineup that allows more members to realize their potential through a spending pattern in line with their style.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1930
• Current members: 222,889
• Full-time employees: 480
• Assets: $3.58 billion

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Auto Loans

In Central Illinois, Peoria is home to Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU), which understands that access to reliable personal transportation can make the difference between having potential and living up to it.

Through the Vehicle Loans Center, CEFCU offers a holistic approach to helping members secure low-cost auto loans by combining great rates, personalized service, fast approvals, and other lending fundamentals in a package designed for maximum appeal.

CEFCU auto loans help members turn transportation goals into real-life achievements.

Why We Love Citizens Equity First Credit Union

CEFCU understands that members bring many perspectives into their dealings with prospective lenders.

Therefore, it goes to great lengths to help members from all walks of life feel comfortable and familiar with the auto loan process.

We love that CEFCU builds trust by removing the guesswork and simplifying the often daunting process of purchasing a car.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1937
• Current members: 395,943
• Full-time employees: 1,012
• Assets: $8.06 billion

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Mortgages

Homebuying is out of control in today’s economy. Owning a home is still a cornerstone of the American Dream, but many people struggle to find that “just right” property in today’s low-inventory environment.

That’s why BCU leads with comprehensive mortgage and home equity products and resources to suit all needs and budgets.

BCU prepares prospective homebuyers for the marketplace and shepherds through the lending process to achieve the home of their dreams.

Why We Love BCU

BCU appeals to all homeowners from those seeking 30-year fixed loans for higher-priced homes to first-time buyers interested in adjustable-rate mortgages with easy qualifications and no mortgage insurance required.

The credit union can help you save on agent fees and connect you with a local agent to help you find a home that fits your short- and long-term needs.

We love that BCU prioritizes homeownership in a market where achieving that goal is more challenging than it should be.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1980
• Current members: 353,928
• Full-time employees: 794
• Assets: $6.06 billion

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Financial Education

Using financial services to your advantage requires knowledge and skill. You wouldn’t think of getting on the highway without learning how to drive. Yet many consider banking and investing a piece of cake.

Until they get in trouble and have to start over. Joliet-based NuMark Credit Union aims to prevent that through comprehensive financial education resources that target all students and community members.

From in-school programs to free seminars, NuMark Credit Union does everything it can to ensure consumers understand how to use financial products to their advantage.

Why We Love NuMark Credit Union

NuMark Credit Union’s Moon Jar program introduces the concept of savings accounts to children as young as kindergarten age. Its Bank at School program allows older students to open savings accounts and make deposits.

Meanwhile, consumers can learn homebuying fundamentals, build investment strategies, and much more through NuMark Credit Union’s free in-person seminars.

We love that NuMark Credit Union leaves no stone unturned in reaching credit union and community members with helpful financial education.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1954
• Current members: 61,558
• Full-time employees: 155
• Assets: $780 million

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Digital Banking

As one of the largest member-owned financial institutions in the nation, Chicago-based Alliant Credit Union leads with a digital banking program that reaches a nationwide audience.

Alliant digital banking includes everything from mobile check deposits to integrations with popular budgeting platforms.

Alliant saves members money by virtue of being a credit union. Its all-digital, branchless operation helps the credit union achieve even higher efficiencies.

Why We Love Alliant Credit Union

Current and retired employees from one of many Alliant business partners are eligible for credit union membership. You can even be a member if you live outside the U.S.

All Alliant members receive the same streamlined service and lower-cost banking services. Alliant helps more American financial consumers access digital banking services.

We love that Alliant Credit Union strives to increase access to financial services at a time when that means more than ever.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1935
• Current members: 859,264
• Full-time employees: 865
• Assets: $20.07 billion

#1 Illinois Credit Union for Community Development

You might not be able to pick out Rantoul on a map of Illinois, but the small city of almost 13,000 residents boasts a credit union that goes the extra mile to lift community members higher.

In its online collection of financial freedom resources, Community Plus Credit Union gathers services for financial education and credit and budget counseling with information on signing up for accounts that can help members reach their goals.

From no-fee savings to free checking, Community Plus Federal Credit Union helps members in the Rantoul community put financial education to good use.

Why We Love Community Plus Federal Credit Union

Community Plus Federal Credit Union’s New X 2 Checking Account Program even gives members who have been in financial trouble a chance to start fresh.

New X 2 Checking allows members to establish checking with a $50 minimum deposit and an agreement to enroll in a free checking account management class.

We love that Community Plus Federal Credit Union reaches out to consumers who may have accepted unbanked status with an opportunity to build from the ground up.

Key Stats

• Year opened: 1943
• Current members: 3,788
• Full-time employees: 6
• Assets: $26 million

There’s something about the credit union member-ownership model that almost compels financial services providers to go the extra mile.

In Illinois and beyond, credit unions like the ones we list here continually find new ways to reach credit union and community members with tools and resources to meet their needs.

We hope a credit union on this list inspires you to expect more from financial services. Please verify membership eligibility on each credit union website before getting started!