Find credit unions near you with America's most comprehensive NCUA credit union locator. Search 9,748 federally insured credit union locations across 51 states and territories.
Discover 1,356 credit unions offering Payday Alternative Loans (PALs): a safer, low-cost alternative to payday loans with APRs capped at 28%. Our directory features credit builder programs, personal loan options, and member-owned financial services not found on CU Times, Credit Union National Association, or other sites.
Not ready to join a credit union, or need funds sooner? You can also compare online personal loans, installment loans, debt consolidation loans, and options for bad credit or fair credit borrowers that can fund as soon as the next business day.
9,748
Credit Union Locations
3,147
Cities Served
1,356
Offer PALs
485
Minority Depository
These credit unions offer Payday Alternative Loans (PALs), credit builder programs, and other services to help members achieve financial stability.
Athol
Athol, MA
Arkansas Health Center
BENTON, AR
Caro
Columbia, SC
America First
Riverdale, UT
Afl Cio Employees
Washington, DC
Belco Community Credit Union
Harrisburg, PA
Clarity
Nampa, ID
American Eagle Financial
EAST HARTFORD, CT
Bothwell Hospital Employees
Sedalia, MO
American Partners
Reidsville, NC
Community Powered
Bear, DE
Class Act
Louisville, KY
Use our state-by-state credit union finder to search for NCUA-insured credit unions in your area. Compare membership requirements, discover Payday Alternative Loan (PALs) programs, and find low-cost lending options.
Credit unions typically offer APRs between 8-18% on personal loans, compared to 300-400% for payday loans.
As a member-owner, you have a say in how the credit union operates and profits are returned to members.
Federally insured credit unions protect your deposits up to $250,000, just like FDIC insurance at banks.
PALs offer small-dollar loans ($200-$2,000) with APRs capped at 28% and longer repayment terms.
| Feature | Credit Unions | Payday Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Typical APR | 8% - 18% | 300% - 400% |
| Loan Amount | $200 - $50,000 | $100 - $1,000 |
| Repayment Term | 1 - 5 years | 2 - 4 weeks |
| Application Fee | Low or None | $15 - $30 per $100 |
| Insurance | NCUA Insured | Not Insured |
| Credit Building | Reports to bureaus | Rarely reports |
Payday Alternative Loans are small-dollar loans offered by federal credit unions as a safer, more affordable alternative to traditional payday loans. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) created PALs to help credit union members avoid predatory payday lending.
A credit union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. Unlike banks, credit unions return profits to members through lower loan rates, higher savings rates, and fewer fees. They are regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Membership requirements vary by credit union but typically include living, working, or worshiping in a specific area, belonging to a certain employer group, or having family members who are already members. Many credit unions have broadened their membership to include anyone who joins an affiliated organization.
Yes. Federal credit unions and most state-chartered credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which protects deposits up to $250,000 per member, the same coverage as FDIC-insured banks.
PALs are small-dollar loans offered by federal credit unions as safer alternatives to payday loans. PALs I offers $200-$1,000 with 1-6 month terms, while PALs II offers up to $2,000 with up to 12 month terms. Both have APRs capped at 28%.
Yes. Unlike banks, credit unions are often more willing to work with members who have less-than-perfect credit. Many offer credit-builder loans and financial counseling to help members improve their credit scores.
Generally, yes. Credit unions offer significantly lower interest rates (8-18% APR vs. 300-400%), longer repayment terms, no hidden fees, and can help build your credit. Payday loans often trap borrowers in cycles of debt due to high costs and short repayment periods.
Understand your state's regulations on payday lending, interest rate caps, and consumer protections.
Learn More →Compare personal loan options, understand rates, and find trusted lenders for your needs. Building credit? See loan options for bad credit.
Explore Options →Need funds quickly? Explore emergency loan options and alternatives for urgent financial needs.
Get Help →Our comprehensive credit union finder is maintained by Fast Fair Loans to help consumers find safer, more affordable lending alternatives. We combine official data from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) with information gathered directly from individual credit union websites. This dual-source approach ensures you get the most accurate, up-to-date details on locations, hours, services, PALs programs, and membership requirements.
While credit unions offer excellent long-term solutions, if you need immediate funds, explore our network of personal loan lenders offering competitive rates and faster approval.