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The Ultimate Guide To Credit Unions in Canada 2024

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Credit Unions have been a part of the financial services landscape in Canada for decades.

Starting from when the very first credit union was founded in 1900 in Quebec, credit unions have always highlighted their focus on making life easier for their members and the communities they reside in.

While Canada’s big banks continue to dominate, credit unions, Caisse Populaires and online banks offer everyday bank customers a viable alternative to meet their banking needs and keep more money in their pockets.

This guide to Canada’s credit unions covers their pros and cons, how they compare to and differ from big banks, credit union regulation, how to join a credit union, and whether they are safe.

Credit Unions in Canada

Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned by their members. All members have a stake in the Co-operative, share in the profits, and vote for the Board of Directors.

Credit unions can trace their roots back to 1852 in Germany.

The first credit union in North America (also referred to as Caisse Populaires or People’s Bank) emerged in Quebec in 1900, where it was founded by a journalist, Alphonse Desjardins.

As per the Canadian Credit Union Association, there are 231 credit unions in Canada that serve over 5.9 million members.

And the Desjardins Group includes 219 Caisse Populaires, mostly located in Quebec and Ontario, who serve almost 5 million members.

About one in five Canadians belong to a credit union.

Credit Unions vs. Banks

My first interaction with a credit union occurred after a friend referred me to a local credit union in my area during my search for a competitive mortgage rate. At the time, they were offering a rate that was 50 basis points (0.50%) better than what my bank was willing to offer me… and with very similar terms and conditions.

This was my introduction to the world of credit unions.

We can find the major difference between a credit union and a bank in how they are modelled. Credit unions use a not-for-profit model and are owned by their customers (members), while banks are profit-driven organizations tasked with maximizing returns for their shareholders.

Credit unions focus on providing their members with financial services at an affordable fee and often give away a part of their annual profit to fund local community projects and development.

That being said, a credit union must also turn over some profit for it to stay solvent and meet basic regulatory capital adequacy requirements.

credit unions in canada

Pros and Cons of a Credit Union

There are advantages and disadvantages to becoming a member of a credit union.

Benefits of a Credit Union

1. Higher Interest Rates: The interest rates paid on savings and other deposits are generally higher than big banks, although they may not be as competitive as the rates offered by online-only banks (e.g. EQ Bank).

Also, credit unions may pay interest on your chequing account balance.

2. Lower Fees: Their account maintenance and service fees are lower and fewer compared to the big banks. Members usually have access to no-fee chequing accounts and no-minimum balance banking.

Having said that, during my in-depth research into 15 or so Canadian credit unions, I observed that some of them actually had fees that rivalled traditional banks.

Pro Hint: Always do your research before signing up with a credit union and don’t just assume that credit unions always have lower fees.

3. Better Rates: As I mentioned earlier, I initially became a credit union member because they offered me a lower mortgage rate. Credit unions offer personal loans, mortgages and credit at competitive rates.

4. Customer Service: Credit unions excel at providing personalized, face-to-face customer service that beats their competition. It’s no wonder that as of 2022, Canada’s credit unions have received the top honours in the Ipsos Financial Service Excellence Awards for Customer service for 18 years in a row.

5. Community Development: Credit unions support projects within their local community, which indirectly support their members. You will find many of them championing efforts that promote sustainability, fight poverty and help under-represented minorities.

Disadvantages of using a Credit Union

1. Fewer Financial Products: Many credit unions have expanded their financial service offerings in recent times by partnering with other service providers. For example, many of them now offer wealth management services using robo-advisors and online trading for self-directed investors.

That said, not all credit unions offer all the basic services you may be looking for.

2. Limited Locations: The Big Five Banks (i.e. TD, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank and BMO) have branches all over the country. Credit unions generally have fewer branches, and they may be limited to an area.

On the ATM side of things, credit unions with access to thousands of ding-free (surcharge-free) ATMs across Canada compete favourably with their big bank counterparts.

3. Technology Deficiencies: Big banks have more money to spend on their websites, and their apps are more user-friendly and may be compatible with other personal finance software.

How a Credit Union Works

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives. As per the International Co-operative Alliance, a Co-operative is an:

Autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.”

The following seven Cooperative principles provide insight into how a credit union is run.

  • Voluntary and open membership
  • Democratic member control
  • Member economic participation
  • Autonomy and independence
  • Education, Training and Information
  • Cooperation among cooperatives
  • Concern for community

All members of a credit union have a say in how the credit union operates. A volunteer Board of elected Directors assists the Chief Executive officer, who runs the day-to-day business.

How To Join a Credit Union

You must meet the eligibility requirements to become a member of a credit union.

Generally, provincially regulated credit unions (the majority of credit unions) require that you:

  • Are at least the age of the majority in your province (i.e. 18 or 19 years or older)
  • Are a resident of the province*
  • Are willing to buy an equity share in the credit union (costs $5 to $25)
  • Have not declared bankruptcy in the past 7 years

Each member has an equal say in the election of the Board of Directors.

*Federally incorporated credit unions accept anyone who is a resident of Canada.

Accounts Offered By Credit Unions in Canada

Credit unions offer various financial accounts similar to traditional banks. Some popular accounts you can open at your credit union are:

  • Chequing accounts
  • Savings accounts and term deposits
  • Loans
  • Mortgages
  • Insurance, financial advice and planning services
  • Credit cards  – many credit unions offer credit cards through their partnership with Collabria.
  • Investment accounts – many credit unions offer mutual funds through Credentials Asset Management and online brokerage services through Qtrade.

Credit union customers have access to thousands of free ATMs (over 3,700) across Canada through The EXCHANGE Network. Check the back of your card for the EXCHANGE logo to see whether your credit union is a member.

You may also have access to some ATMs in the U.S. via the ACCEL Network. This network of “ding-free” ATMs is bigger than most banks have to offer.

How Do Credit Unions Make Money?

Credit unions make money from the transaction fees, interest on loans, mortgages and credit cards paid by their members. Unlike banks that answer to shareholders, credit unions report to their members.

Depending on the annual profit generated, a credit union may pay out dividends to its members, donate to local charities and community projects, give out scholarships, and plough back some of its profits to improve its operations and service offerings to members.

credit union guide canada

The Largest Credit Unions in Canada

The Canadian Credit Union Association has a list of all the credit unions in Canada. The top 100 credit unions are ranked by asset size twice a year.

For the second quarter of 2022, the 10-largest credit unions (excluding Quebec) were:

  1. Vancity
  2. Meridian Credit Union
  3. Coast Capital Savings Credit Union
  4. Servus Credit Union
  5. First West Credit Union
  6. Desjardins Ontario Credit Union
  7. Steinbach Credit Union
  8. Alterna Savings and Credit Union
  9. Affinity Credit Union
  10. Prospera Credit Union

The top 1-3 credit unions in each province based on asset size and in the top 100 largest credit unions are:

British Columbia: Vancity, Coast Capital and First West credit union.

Manitoba: Steinbach, Assiniboine and Cambrian credit union.

Ontario: Meridian, Desjardins Ontario Credit Union, and Alterna Savings.

Alberta: Servus, Connect First and Vision credit union.

Saskatchewan: Conexus, Affinity and Innovation credit union.

New Brunswick: UNI Financial Cooperation and Bayview credit union.

Nova Scotia: East Coast and Credit Union Atlantic credit union

Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador credit union.

PEI: Provincial credit union

List of Federal Credit Unions in Canada

There are two credit unions (Caisse Populaires) that carry out business across Canada and are federally regulated:

  1. Caisse Populaire Acadienne Itee (UNI Financial Cooperation)
  2. Coast Capital Savings

Who Regulates Credit Unions in Canada?

A majority of credit unions in Canada are provincially regulated.

For example, in Ontario, they are regulated by the Ministry of Finance’s Financial Services Commission of Ontario in accordance with the province’s Credit Unions and Caisse Populaires Act, and the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario.

All credit unions are also members of a deposit insurance corporation that guarantees members’ deposits – more on this below.

Are Credit Unions Safe?

All provinces have a deposit insurer that is tasked by the provincial government to guarantee the deposit of credit union members. These deposit insurance corporations are also responsible for overseeing compliance with solvency rules and ensuring a safe and sound credit union system.

Credit union members enjoy deposit protection that generally exceeds what traditional banks offer.

Deposit Insurance is provided by the following provincial bodies:

Alberta: Alberta Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (100% guarantee).

British Columbia: Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of B.C. (100% guarantee).

Manitoba: Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba (100% guarantee).

New Brunswick: New Brunswick Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (up to $250,000).

Newfoundland & Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (up to $250,000).

Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation (up to $250,000).

Ontario: Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (up to $250,000 and unlimited for registered accounts).

Prince Edward Island: Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of PEI (up to $125,000 and 100% for registered plans).

Saskatchewan: Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Saskatchewan (100% guarantee).

Quebec: Autorite des Marches Financiers (up to $100,000).

While credit unions insure deposit products, i.e. savings, GICs, chequing, term deposits, drafts and certified cheques, the guarantee coverage does not generally extend to:

  • Foreign currency deposits (sometimes covered)
  • Mutual funds, bonds, debentures and treasury bills
  • Equity membership shares

Federally chartered credit unions offer insurance coverage through the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).

Member deposits are insured up to $100,000 per eligible category, similar to what CDIC provides to traditional banks.

Credit Unions vs. Online Banks

Online-only banks and robo-advisors (fintechs) are the newest entrants into the financial services industry.

Also referred to as virtual or digital banks, these internet-based financial institutions have limited to no physical locations that customers can walk into.

Given their lower overhead costs, online banks offer some of the best savings rates you will find in Canada. Their high-interest savings accounts often exceed what is offered by big banks by up to 150 basis points (1.50%)!

They also have the best offers for no-fee chequing accounts, with some even paying you interest on your chequing balance.

Some of the best online banks in Canada are owned by credit unions.

Unlike banks and credit unions that offer various products and services, many online banks only focus on savings and term deposits.

Online Banks in Canada

The top-7 online banks in Canada are (plus review links):

1. Tangerine Bank – Owned by Scotiabank.

2. EQ Bank: Owned by Equitable Bank.

3. Simplii Financial: A subsidiary of CIBC.

4. motusbank: A subsidiary of Meridian Credit Union.

5. Alterna Bank: A subsidiary of Alterna Savings.

6. Motive Financial: A division of Canadian Western Bank.

7. Oaken Financial: A division of Home Trust Company.

Should I Join a Credit Union?

Credit unions offer Canadians choice, i.e. the ability to choose banking that meets their needs.

When you are looking for no- or low-fee banking options, competitive rates on loans and mortgages, and higher savings rates, remember to check out the credit union in your area as well.

There are over 400 credit unions and Caisse Populaires to choose from in Canada. Sometimes, the best deals are offered by big banks, but many times, they are not.

Credit unions have their pros and cons.

Look at the products they offer, check their fees, ensure they are part of the surcharge-free ATM networks, compare their rates, and ensure they offer various ways to do your banking (online, mobile app, in-branch and telephone).

Make your ultimate choice based on what’s best for your financial needs.

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Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

About Savvy New Canadians

Savvy New Canadians is one of Canada's top personal finance platforms. Millions of Canadians use our site each year to learn how to save for retirement, invest smartly, maximize rewards, and earn extra cash. We have been featured in prominent finance media, including Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC, MSN, Wealthsimple, and TD Direct Investing. Learn more about Savvy New Canadians.

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27 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide To Credit Unions in Canada 2024”

  1. Gravatar for Sam

    Great article! I’m looking to push some of my secure investments into some GICs and HISA during this time, and I was concerned with bank/ credit union solvency. However, seeing that the insured amount is higher than the CDIC is quite reaffirming! I appreciate the article!

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Sam: Glad you found the blog useful. Cheers!

  2. Gravatar for anil

    If the Credit Union Goes Under in Ontario. How easy or hard it is to get paid/covered by Provincial Insurer? Thanks

    • Gravatar for igivafck

      Brother, what credit union is not owned or affiliated with Vanguard, Blackrock or state street? Thanks and God bless you.

      • Gravatar for igivafck

        We are still waiting for an answer? Why does nobody want to address this question? I don’t want anything to do with the likes of Vanguard or Blackrock. What credit unions in British Columbia Canada are not associated with these unelected corporations? Please??? I would like to move my money out of IMF; big banks!!! I don’t trust any large corporations or unelected organizations like the IMF, WEF, DAVOS, UN, NATO, WHO, FDA, CDC, Google, Facebook, etc…

  3. Gravatar for Abraham King

    Nice write up
    Very informative we are planing to start a credit union
    Do you write business plan for this category

  4. Gravatar for D Heaslip

    Fantastic article, lots of great content in simple terms, thanks!

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @D Heaslip: Glad to hear you found it useful!

  5. Gravatar for @gb

    Thank you for this informative and well written article!
    Am I to assume that Online-only Banks are “banks” and therefore federally regulated?
    If I may suggest, an explanation of central credit unions would be a nice addition too.

  6. Gravatar for Sanjeev

    Thanks for so much informatic article. I had my first account in USA with one of the credit union. It was easy to open, easy to apply online, quick response on phone, always great service. However I am bit confused with experience at credit unions in Canada, yes I meant confused. Credit unions in Canada seems not to eager to open new chequing account. Although no one said no; but I had to keep calling back or reach them for progress update and account is still not opened.
    I am resident of Ontario and I tried 2 credit unions which are listed in this article (top credit unions listed for Ontario). Why I am confused, it seems they don’t want new business or may be chequing accounts are not attractive to credit unions.
    1st – I filled online form, and had to call 3 days to local office to know how can this be taken forward. Finally I got call back to visit credit union to fill a form for credit check; now once credit check would done, I would be called by advisor and since advisor is fully booked for 3 weeks; which means I may get call in 4th week from now (if credit check is done in this week). Wow…
    2nd – I called and couldn’t get answer to my simple query and was suggested to visit local branch. I found local branch at 5 minutes drive, so thought would be easy if I visit branch. Receptionist took my personal details, purpose of visit on paper (not on any form but just plain paper) and told me I would get call back by advisor. It’s been a week, no call back. Really…

    I guess, I am okay to have my account with current institutes (with one of online bank & one traditional bank); but I would like to understand if there is big difference in credit union in USA & Canada (Ontario). Infact I had only one account in USA and that was with credit union, my chequing account, car loan, credit card account, and service was awesome, (although I had other credit cards too). But I am amazed – no, upset – no, frustrated – no; but can’t understand this type of culture of credit unions in Canada (Ontario).

    Is there major difference in credit unions in USA & Canada?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Sanjeev: I understand where you are coming from. I don’t think there are major differences between CUs in Canada and the US. That said, my experience with Canadian credit unions is that they tend to be very laid back and today’s work from home environment hasn’t helped. Unless you are looking for a mortgage, you may find their service to be slow…snail-paced really. Once set up though, the customer service appears to be a lot better. I am not sure why this is the case…could be that the advisors are not under pressure to get new clients (based on incentives)…

  7. Gravatar for Stephan Plante

    Hi Enoch.

    Thanks you for this insightful article.

    In your listing of the 10 largest Credit Unions in Canada, you seem to have omitted Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. Based in Ontario with over 50 branches accros the province, it is the 6th largest in Canada and the 2nd largest in Ontario.

  8. Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

    @Stephan: Really good point – updated!

  9. Gravatar for Ray

    This has been a very informative article thank you. I have but a few questions and they are as follows. Is online banking for example Simplii Financial (that is a subsiduary of CIBC) the same as doing banking with CIBC? If this is the case this “Online banking” would be considered an assest and an arm of CIBC and rules would be dictated by CIBC? I am trying to distance myself from the 5 big banks in Canada to have no affiliation with them, and credit unions seem to be the path and maybe the one online banking alternative provided by Alterna Savings. Would this be a clear path to take? I am not asking for you to recommend Alterna I am only looking for clarification. Thank you

    Regards
    Ray

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Ray: Yes, Simplii is owned by CIBC. I do have a Simplii account and haven’t had to do anything via a CIBC branch. That said, the free ATMs you get to use are CIBC ATMs, so there are distinct affiliations. If you are looking to do all your banking (chequing, savings, investments, etc.) at a non-big bank-owned financial institution, a credit union could work well. Depending on your needs, motusbank (Meridian CU), EQ Bank (Equitable Bank), Motive Financial (Canadian Western Bank), Alterna, etc. can also work.

  10. Gravatar for Sharon R. Greenlaw

    The Bank of Nova Scotia has announced it is leaving our island, Grand Manan, New Brunswick. We are hoping to find banking services similar to the full spectrum once offered by Scotiabank. Is there any advise or direction you could share that might make our transition both safe and soon?

  11. Gravatar for Danielle Gareau

    Are there no credit unions in the province of Quebec?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Danielle: There are many credit unions (Caisses Populaires) in Quebec that operate as part of the Desjardins Group network.

  12. Gravatar for Danielle Gareau

    Great article. I am sharing it with my friends.
    I am looking for a Credit Union in Ontario that is not affiliated with The World Economic Forum (WEF). I understand that some are!

  13. Gravatar for Robert Davidson

    With all the corruption in the federal system, would it be advised to take money out off one of the top banks and place it into a credit union.

    Basically is my money safer in a credit union than a Bank? And can the Federal government touch it or basically anyone.

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Robert: I would think they get the same protections overall. Technically, many credit unions insure a higher deposit than the feds, but I can’t think of an instance when this insurance coverage has come to play.

  14. Gravatar for Joyce

    I’m interested in joining a credit union. Do the smalle ones provide better service?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu

      @Joyce: I can’t really say. Each one is different and your experience may also vary by branch.

  15. Gravatar for Ron Daniels

    We reside in the Yukon and do not have a Credit Union out let here.
    Is there a way we can open an account in one of the provinces?

    • Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

      @Ron: Federal credit unions are generally available across Canada e.g. Coast Capital Savings. You could also open an account at an online bank owned by a credit union, such as Motusbank (owned by Meridian CU).

  16. Gravatar for Louis

    I’m looking to divest from the big bank I’m currently using because they fuel the climate crisis (search for the 2023 report “Banking on climate chaos”). I know it’s a drop in the bucket, but it makes a difference to me and my family.
    How do I find out if the credit union I’m considering invests in fossil fuel development or infrastructure like the big banks mentioned in the report?
    Thanks

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