Comforts like smartphone bank deposits are nice, but how much are they costing you? Your statement might not show the costs directly, but there's an old adage about situations like this: If you're not paying for a service, you're not the customer. You're the product. In this case, corporate banks use slick technological bells and whistles to get you in so you'll be more likely to take out loans and use other for-pay services.

If you're tired of being treated like a product, you're not alone. Last year, 2 million people between the ages of 18 and 35 joined a credit union. In fact, 28% of credit union members are under 35 while 54% of them are under age 50. The tools of technology are making it easier to see the value that credit unions offer. Don't just take our word for it. Do your research and see for yourself how credit unions compare to for-profit banks. Consider these five categories:
1.) Ease of service
Credit unions provide easy-to-use services and real, live human beings who can answer questions, make recommendations and help you understand the complicated world of finance.
2.) Lending practices
Credit unions are community institutions, so helping people out is part of what they do. Their rates tend to be lower than those of corporate banks.
3.) Online banking is everywhere
The services you use every day, like online bill pay, direct deposit and checking on account balances are just a click away.
4.) Educational resources
Credit unions are not-for-profits that want to make their communities a better place. Part of that mission includes financial education. If you need advice about home buying, making a budget or using credit responsibly, your credit union will be happy to help.
5.) Savings
Credit unions work for their members. They pay back the money they make to their members in the form of dividends. Since their members are also the people paying for their services, they don't have much of an incentive to charge an arm and a leg in interest and fees.
Read the full list of reasons here.
Go open an account at a credit union. You'll thank yourself later.
If you're considering a switch, check out what we can save you at Aggieland Credit Union.