Global Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings and CDs

Global Credit Union offers accounts with low or no fees and nationwide ATM and branch access.
Chanelle Bessette
By Chanelle Bessette 
Edited by Sara Clarke

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Global Credit Union
  • Certificates of deposit

Overall institution rating

3.5

NerdWallet rating 
The bottom line:

Global Credit Union, formerly Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, is widely accessible: It has 66 branches across Alaska, Arizona, Washington and California, plus thousands more across the country through the Co-op shared branching network. It also offers 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. The credit union’s checking and savings accounts have low fees that are easily avoided, but those accounts also have low interest rates. Its certificates offer some competitive rates. Live customer service is available 24/7 via phone. You can become a member of Global Credit Union if you live, work or go to school in Alaska, Washington, California’s San Bernardino County or Arizona’s Maricopa County. You can also become a member if you work for the Department of Defense anywhere worldwide or if you have a relative who qualifies for membership.

Best for: Residents mostly in Alaska or Washington who value in-person customer service and low-cost checking and savings accounts.

» Looking for a credit union to join? See NerdWallet’s list of best credit unions

Pros

  • No minimum opening deposits on checking and savings accounts.
  • Large, free, nationwide ATM network.
  • 24/7 customer service by phone.
  • Participates in shared branching with other credit unions.

Cons

  • Low rates on savings accounts.
  • Monthly fees (though they are avoidable).
  • Limited membership.

Full review

Certificates of deposit

Global Credit Union Certificate
Global Credit Union Certificate

CD

Federally insured by NCUA

3.0

/5
 NerdWallet rating 
1-year APY
2.30%
3-year APY
4.55%
5-year APY
2.90%
Minimum deposit
$500

Global Credit Union’s certificates are available in a wide variety of term lengths and minimum deposit amounts, the lowest being $500. Its rates are competitive, including on its jumbo certificates, which come with minimums of either $100,000 or $250,000.

Methodology

NerdWallet’s overall ratings for banks and credit unions are weighted averages of several categories: checking, savings, certificates of deposit or credit union share certificates, banking experience and overdraft fees. Factors we consider, depending on the category, include rates and fees, ATM and branch access, account features and limits, user-facing technology, customer service and innovation. The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.