Are you happy with your credit union? (Boston, Lowell: neighborhood, live in)

[mintchip]

I hate my bank due to high fees. So, I would like to consider switching to a credit union. I did open an account at a local one that is open to people in my town (my job doesn't offer one) but so far I haven't switched all of my auto payments over. Since changing all of your auto payments is a bit of a hassle, I'd like to avoid doing it unless this is a good choice for me.

This particular credit union has been around for a long time but I wasn't thrilled with the level of professionalism I've seen at first glance. For example, they told me it is not possible to change the PIN on my account since "the machine is broken and won't be replaced."

Are you happy with your credit union? What are the pluses or pitfalls of going with a credit union instead of a traditional bank checking account? Do you need to choose a local credit union, or is it possible to pick one far away.

Another option I could consider would be a small local bank, but they could always get bought by a larger bank, I suppose.

[massnative71]

Quincy Credit Union is excellent. They are open to residents of Norfolk and Plymouth Counties I think as well as the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston.

Also Harborone Credit Union has no mebership requirements and they are all over the South Shore. I never had any issues with them.

DCU (Digitial Credit Union) I have heard is decent and most of their branches are west of Boston, they have requirements to join but pretty much anyone can meet them somehow.

[Jamesnana]

Read in the paper yesterday that HarborOne wants to become a bank.

If you live on the South Shore, I recommend Rockland Federal Credit Union, but they only have a few branches.

[LeavingMA]

I've used a credit union since I was 18 and wouldn't touch another bank. My credit union is out in Central MA though and even though I live in Texas now I still keep them and do my banking there. I have never had an issue and the credit unions are always way ahead of the big banks.

[magicshark]

I use Jeanne d'arc credit union out of Lowell. I switched from Banknorth maybe seven years ago. Absolutely love them, complete night and day from any bank I have ever used.

[western mass and love it]

I use ST Jeans credit union, They have branches in Lynnfield,Revere,Salem and Newburyport. I think there are more but i am not sure. I have had nothing but good dealings with them.