Credit unions are known for tough membership requirements and a lack of account options. But Alliant and Connexus are two with the chops to prove that thinking wrong.
Both institutions have a variety of accounts, some great interest rates, and make it easy to become a member. But which would work better for you?
Snapshot comparison
Choose Alliant If:
Choose Alliant If:
- You want higher savings account rates
- You use overdraft protection transfers
Choose Connexus if:
Choose Connexus if:
- You want a high rate on your checking balance
- You want a high rate on a certificate — and are willing to deposit more to get it
Below is a detailed breakdown of how the credit unions compare when it comes to checking, savings, share certificates, credit union experience and overdraft fees.
Checking accounts
| Alliant High-Rate Checking | Connexus Xtraordinary Checking | |
|---|---|---|
| Interest on balances | 0.65% APY | 1.75% APY on up to $25,000 |
| Minimum opening deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly fee | None | None |
| ATM fees and network |
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» MORE: Read our review of Alliant
Savings accounts
| Alliant High-Rate Savings | Connexus Personal Savings | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $1 | $5 |
| Interest rate | 2.10% APY | 0.25% APY |
| Minimum opening deposit | $5, which Alliant will credit back to your account | $5 |
| Automatic transfer from linked checking | Yes | Yes |
Share certificates
| Alliant | Connexus | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum opening deposit | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| APY on 1-year term | 2.70% | 2.50% |
| APY on 3-year term | 2.75% | 3.00% |
| APY on 5-year term | 3.00% | 3.00% |
» Read NerdWallet’s full review of Connexus Credit Union
Credit union experience
| Alliant | Connexus | |
|---|---|---|
| Branches | 1 (IL) (+1 open only to United Airlines employees) | 9 (WI, OH, MN) (+4 open only to Liberty Mutual employess) |
| Membership requirements | Indicate your support for Foster Care to Success; Alliant will donate $5 on your behalf | Make a $5 donation to the Connexus Association |
| Banking apps (current ratings from app store users) | 4.5 out of five stars for iOS; 4.3 out of five stars for Android | 4.5 out of five stars for iOS; 4.4 out of five stars for Android |
| Customer service | 24/7 by phone; also available via email and Twitter | Available by phone 6 a.m.-9 p.m. CT most weekdays and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays; also available via chat and email. |
Overdraft fees
| Alliant | Connexus | |
|---|---|---|
| Overdraft fee |
| $29.95 per transaction, no maximum number of fees per day |
| Overdraft protection transfer fee | $0 for a savings transfer, $3 for a line of credit | $8.95 |
| Extended overdraft fee | None | None |
Banking from home
As long as you don’t mind managing your accounts online — or you live near a branch — Alliant and Connexus are both good choices. Interested? Read our introduction to online and mobile banking. If you’d prefer more in-person service, check out our list of best national banks.
Updated April 11, 2018.
