Our lobbies will be closed at 1pm on Wed, Dec 24, and will be closed all day Thurs, Dec 25 for Christmas. For 24/7 access with digital banking click here>

Coach Lea: Turning 'oops' into 'options' with your debt. Learn more about Financial Wellness >

  • Routing#: 292977666
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Locations
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Donation Requests
  • Blog
Altana Federal Credit Union
  • Save
    • Savings Accounts
    • Money Market
    • Certificates & IRAs
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
  • Spend
    • Checking
    • Debit Cards
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
  • Borrow
    • Auto | Boat | RV
    • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Credit Cards
    • ASAP Loans
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
  • Student
    • Cubby Accounts
    • FYI Checking
    • Scholarship Program
    • Scholarship Application
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
  • Business
    • Business Checking
    • Business Loans
    • Business Real Estate
    • Ag
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
Let's Meet Login
Online Banking
  • Forgot?
  • Enroll
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Locations
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Donation Requests
  • Blog
  • Routing#: 292977666
  • Save
    • Savings Accounts
    • Money Market
    • Certificates & IRAs
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
  • Spend
    • Checking
    • Debit Cards
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
  • Borrow
    • Auto | Boat | RV
    • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Credit Cards
    • ASAP Loans
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
  • Student
    • Cubby Accounts
    • FYI Checking
    • Scholarship Program
    • Scholarship Application
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
  • Business
    • Business Checking
    • Business Loans
    • Business Real Estate
    • Ag
    • Explore
    • Join Us
    • Digital Banking
    • Rates
    • Payment Options
Let's Meet
Login
Feb 26, 2021

Why it Pays to Switch to a Credit Union

Credit unions are the way to go if you’re looking for a great financial partner for you and your community. Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that directly contribute to your hometown. 

Local banking makes a substantial economic impact (think loans and jobs).

A strong community requires a healthy economy. Hiring local employees is one way C.U.’s support local economies. Another is by helping local small businesses. Small businesses, the biggest job creators in the country, often turn to credit unions for loans. In addition to offering better rates and fewer fees, credit unions typically process loans locally. The process helps streamline applications and gives credit unions the ability to better understand a borrower’s unique situation before making a loan decision.

And, as local lenders, credit unions reinvest their deposit dollars back into the community. Open an account with a credit union, and you’re helping support businesses and families right near you.

Credit unions are involved in the community.

It’s not just the impact credit unions can have on the economy; it’s community development, too — the good they do for the people they serve in your community.

While many financial institutions give to charity, credit unions are unique. They primarily focus on causes and organizations that impact and are important to the members, industries, and communities they serve.

And, because no one is born knowing how to manage money, credit unions commit themselves to education. Showing and empowering you to save and manage your money wisely is a big part of what they do.

Customer service is still personal.

Personal service at a credit union isn’t just a cliché. It’s the difference between working with someone who understands your financial goals and a faceless, blanket conversation with no vision for the future. 

Local familiarity also factors into how credit unions make decisions. Sure, the math matters, but the person matters too.

Your local credit union has all the right securities.

Credit unions are insured like any other financial institution; the NCUA (National Credit Union Association) insures your deposits up to $250,000 if your C.U. faces trouble for any reason.

Credit unions are subject to federal security standards and safety protocols. Any financial institution has to meet rigorous compliance standards; we’re no exception. It’s our job and our privilege to guard and grow your money!

Credit unions like to say “thank you” in cash.

Your relationship means more, and your money goes further at a credit union. Trusted community service backed by free checking accounts, low-rate loans, and high-earning savings – you’ll be amazed at all your options. (Seriously, this list hardly scratches the surface).

Switching is easier than you think.

No doubt, switching financial institutions can be a hassle — but switching to a C.U. doesn’t have to be complicated! With personal service and a local representative to help you, the switch can be (dare we say it? Yes.) rewarding! 

If you’re ready to make the switch, getting help is as easy as picking up the phone. We’re prepared to help you get started! Let’s meet! 

(P.S. – If you’re more of a Social Media person, D.M. us on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll personally set you up with someone perfect for you and your goals.)

Posts by Category

  • All Posts
  • Be a Brainiac Borrower (32)
  • Be a Budget Boss (37)
  • Be a Savvy Spender (47)
  • Be a Superstar Saver (46)
  • Events (9)
  • News (11)
  • Uncategorized (1)

Posts by Date

  • January 2025 (1)
  • November 2024 (1)
  • August 2024 (3)
  • June 2024 (4)
  • May 2024 (2)
  • April 2024 (3)
  • March 2024 (1)
  • February 2024 (2)
  • January 2024 (3)
  • December 2023 (1)
  • November 2023 (2)
  • April 2023 (1)
  • March 2023 (1)
  • February 2023 (1)
  • January 2023 (3)
  • July 2022 (2)
  • May 2022 (1)
  • January 2022 (2)
  • July 2021 (1)
  • June 2021 (1)
  • May 2021 (1)
  • April 2021 (5)
  • March 2021 (2)
  • February 2021 (3)
  • January 2021 (5)
  • November 2020 (2)
  • October 2020 (2)
  • September 2020 (2)
  • August 2020 (4)
  • July 2020 (1)
  • June 2020 (2)
  • May 2020 (2)
  • April 2020 (4)
  • March 2020 (1)
  • February 2020 (4)
  • January 2020 (2)
  • August 2019 (1)
  • July 2019 (1)
  • June 2019 (3)
  • May 2019 (5)
  • December 2018 (1)
  • May 2018 (1)
  • February 2018 (1)
  • September 2017 (1)

Posts by Tag

altana altana fcu awareness banking budget buying checking account costs credit credit card credit union debt fun greenpath hacks help home how to loan Money montana payments protect purchase rewards save savings support time tips
see what we’ve been up to @altana_fcu
When the whole Altana team comes together, it’s al When the whole Altana team comes together, it’s always a lovely day. 💚
.
Development Day is our chance to connect, collaborate, and recharge so we can keep showing up stronger; for each other and for our members.
What a Saturday!⁠ .⁠ It began at Saturday Live: ou What a Saturday!⁠
.⁠
It began at Saturday Live: our crew brought bright smiles and incredible teamwork to help support local education. Together amidst all the fun at the Metra, we raised $730 for our Partners in Education, Boulder Elementary!⁠
.⁠
Just a few blocks away under Skypoint, Relay for Life debuted downtown with a vibrant, festival-like celebration of survivors and support for those currently battling cancer. Together, with the help of all our communities, we proudly donated $20,340 to Relay for Life!⁠
.⁠
We’re so grateful to everyone who spent their Saturday with us, helping our community thrive. Days like this remind us of the power we have when we come together. 💜👏
Join us Saturday, September 27, from 10 AM to 4 PM Join us Saturday, September 27, from 10 AM to 4 PM at the MetraPark Pavilion for a day filled with delicious food, engaging games, and entertaining performances!
.
Every dollar raised supports great causes, including art and music programs, classroom supplies and books, field trips, and school clubs and teams. 
.
Plus, kick off the day with our 1-mile fun run around Metra, complete with colored powder along the course: bring your energy!
.
We can’t wait to see you there as we celebrate our students, our schools, and this amazing community together! 💚
🎉 Saturday Live is almost here! 🎉⁠ .⁠ This Saturda 🎉 Saturday Live is almost here! 🎉⁠
.⁠
This Saturday, September 27, from 10 AM – 4 PM at MetraPark, join us for the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools’ biggest fundraiser of the year! ⁠
.⁠
Students across School District 2 took home special coloring sheets last week, featuring Saturday Live logo designs from talented classmates. Bring those finished pages to the Altana booth inside the Pavilion for a chance to win $50!⁠
.⁠
While you’re there, don’t miss:⁠
- Our VW Bus (FULL of popsicles)⁠
- Our 360 Video Booth⁠
- Our ticket sales table⁠
.⁠
We can’t wait to celebrate our schools, our students, and our community with you this Saturday! 💚
We had such a BLAST celebrating Festival Days on t We had such a BLAST celebrating Festival Days on the Hi Line with our team and members! 💚⁠
.⁠
From our Member BBQ in Town Square to Saturday’s parade, we loved getting to celebrate with you. Thanks for joining us!!
Let us do the scrubbing THIS SATURDAY for a great Let us do the scrubbing THIS SATURDAY for a great cause! 🧽🚗💜⁠
.⁠
Join us at Altana’s 24th Street branch (1111 24th St W) on Saturday, August 9th, from 9 AM–1 PM for a car wash fundraiser benefiting Relay for Life of Yellowstone.⁠
.⁠
All donations go straight to supporting the fight against cancer. Come by, get your car sparkling, and help us make a difference, one wash at a time! 💚
Altana Federal Credit Union

1-800-221-7555

406-651-AFCU

Find a Location

Convenience

  • Open an Account
  • Careers
  • Donation Requests
  • Ice Cream Bus Schedule

Support

  • Financial Wellness
  • Calculators
  • Fraud & Security
  • Privacy Policy

Let's Be Friends

  • facebook-f
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • tiktok

Get Our App

Equal Housing Lender

Federally Insured by the NCUA. Your savings are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

NMLS# 417013

Routing# 292977666

©2025 Altana Federal Credit Union. All rights reserved. Website by Zee Creative