Ok, let me start of by saying, bluntly, if you do your banking at a traditional bank, well, you're just foolish. Use a credit union instead.
For those un-aware, basically credit unions serve all the same functions and roles as a bank. The major difference is that instead of being for-profit privately owned institutions, credit unions are owned by the people that bank there. This means as a member you get all sorts of good things like better interest rates, lowered/non-existent fees, better service, and generally a much, much better experience. Instead of being 100% focused on the bottom line and making an old white guy richer, credit unions tend to re-invest their profits into providing these services.
Ok, that out of the way, what makes KU Credit Union so awesome? Simply put, absolutely everything.
I primarily use their 31st St. branch because it's close to home. It's small, but then I'd rather my money go to support customer service and a better return than buying a big shiny building with leather lobby furniture. The staff there is phenomenally courteous and efficient. If they notice my savings account is getting close to a certain level, they'll politely inform me that I could transfer into a different account and earn better interest. If I choose to, they can do it quickly and right then on the spot. What other financial institution offers to help MAKE you money?
Their 23rd and Naismith location is their newest, and it conceptually is my favorite experience I've ever had at a financial institution. The first thing you'll notice upon entering is it looks radically different than a normal bank.
Gone are the imposing counters, barriers between you and the tellers(i.e. your money). Instead, several elbow high counters are dotted across the landscape, as are some comfy chairs and couches. The entire building is wifi networked and all the tellers function on laptops. This leaves them free to roam at their will and conduct your transaction wherever you feel like it.
Need to deposit a check? Quickly do it at one of the counters. Feel like having an hour long discussion about which mortgage is best for you? Plop out on a couch and get all your questions answered. Professional, but relaxed, this is how a financial environment should me.
The staff there is additionally very knowledgable about what they carry and financial planning. I've had many conversations with them regarding budgets and how best to structure my accounts to make my life easier.
Speaking of easier, did I mention you can bank online? KU Credit Union has one of the best, easiest to use, and cleanly designed online banking sites I've ever seen. This was a massive selling point to me, as I prefer to automate all my finances. KU CU allows me to automatically set up all my bills electronically, so I receive a bill and it's literately a single mouse click to pay it. They write and mail the check for me, I receive verification it was sent and received. How easy and awesome is that?
A customer for life, I can't recommend them highly enough. My only only regret is we bought a house before we began banking here, thus our mortgage is at a different, traditional bank. read more
