Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (2025)

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (1)

Get Free Checking with no minimum balance, no monthly fees and no hassles.

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I want to...

Become a member
Buy a car
Invest for my future
Start saving money
Purchase my dream home
Grow my business

Today's rates

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Savings Certificates as high as¹

5.00

%APY

New auto loans as low as²

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (6)

7.34

%APR

Used auto loans as low as²

7.34

%APR

Mortgage loans as low as³

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (7)

6.113

%APR

HELOCs as low as⁴

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (8)

5.99

%APR

For the first 12 months

For the first 12 months

HELOCs as low as⁴

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (9)

9.00

%APR

after the first 12 months

after the first 12 months

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You're in good company

Desert Financial consistently ranks high for member satisfaction and service in leading local and national publications.

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (10)

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (11)

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (12)

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (13)

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (14)

See why

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (15)

The official retail banking partner of ASU

Desert Financial, named the No. 1 credit union in Arizona by Forbes, and ASU®, ranked No. 1 “Most Innovative School” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, have joined together in a partnership that looks out for another No. 1: You! Show your Sun Devil® spirit with an ASU debit card!

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Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (16)

Why we exist

Our passion is creating exceptional experiences through financial solutions that improve financial well-being. We believe in sharing success, and as a not-for-profit credit union, we can give more back to our members, community and team.

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The Desert Financial difference

Partner with a credit union that cares about the community! We believe in contributing to the community and our members, whereas banks are more concerned with making their shareholders happy.

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (17)

Investing in where you live

Thanks to our members, we were able to give back over $4 million to our community in 2022.

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (18)

Supporting higher education

We awarded $253,250 in scholarships in 2022, impacting 685 students.

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (19)

Improving your financial well-being

Take advantage of our free educational workshops and financial wellness content.

Explore other benefits

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (20)

Download the App

Get our top-rated mobile app

Your money, your way. See your balances, deposit checks, set up alerts, track your spending and saving, transfer funds and more.

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (21)

72K

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (24)

Locations, locations, locations

Enjoy the convenience of nearly 50 branches statewide and more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

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Disclosures

1

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of {current-date}. Rates and APYs are fixed for the term of the certificate and are determined by the length of the term. Dividends are credited and compounded monthly on the last day of the month. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees could reduce the earnings on the account. For complete account terms and conditions, refer to our Statements of Terms, Conditions and Disclosures. Visit our rates page for additional rate information and details.

2

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) shown effective {current-date} and is subject to change without notice. Actual rate and APR dependent upon borrower(s) credit qualifications. Additional rate discounts may apply. Visit our rates page for additional information and details.

3

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) shown effective {current-date} and is subject to change without notice. Visit our rates page for additional rate information and details. Mortgage loans are offered by Define Mortgage Solutions, LLC, NMLS ID #1761612, BK#0949053, a subsidiary of Desert Financial Credit Union.

4

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) shown effective {current-date} and is subject to change without notice. Visit our rates page for additional rate information and details. Promotional APR applies only to new HELOCs with a minimum loan amount of $10,000 and a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 80%. $50 annual fee applies; waived for Rewards+ members. See Statements of Terms, Conditions, and Disclosures for full Relationship Rewards details. Promotional APR is fixed for initial 12 months of the term. On the first calendar day of the 13th month following loan closing date, APR will convert to the variable rate plan as described in the applicable loan documents. Subsequent APR may vary based on the index rate, plus a margin. Index rate is based on the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. On November 3, 2022, that index was 7.00%; resulting APR with a 0.875% margin is 7.875%. APR will never exceed 24.00%. "As low as" rate assumes excellent borrower credit history, loan amount of $75,000 or more, and 60% or less loan-to-value. Alternative rates and terms are available. Actual rates and APRs dependent on credit history, type of product, loan term and loan-to-value (LTV), occupancy and type of collateral. This line has a 10-year draw period. Minimum monthly payment will be principal and interest amortized over a 30-year repayment term. NMLS ID#509455.

9.00

Arizona’s Best Local Credit Union (2025)

FAQs

Who is the best credit union in AZ? ›

Top Credit Unions in Arizona
  • Desert Financial Credit Union.
  • OneAZ Credit Union.
  • Arizona Financial Credit Union.
  • Vantage West Credit Union.
  • Hughes Federal Credit Union.
  • TruWest Credit Union.
  • Credit Union West.
  • Pima Federal Credit Union.
Apr 24, 2024

What credit union is the highest recommended? ›

NerdWallet's High APYs and Easy Membership: Best Credit Unions of 2024
  • Alliant Credit Union.
  • Connexus Credit Union.
  • First Tech Federal Credit Union.
  • PenFed Credit Union.
  • Self-Help Credit Union.
Jun 12, 2024

Who is the largest credit union in Arizona? ›

Desert Financial Credit Union

It is the largest credit union in Arizona.

Are local credit unions better than banks? ›

Better interest rates: Credit unions typically offer higher interest rates on savings accounts because they have lower overhead costs than banks. Similarly, they offer lower interest rates on loans. Customer service: Credit unions pride themselves on offering better customer service than banks.

What is the best credit union to open an account? ›

Choosing the best credit union: Where to begin
Brand nameBest forAPY*
AlliantOverallUp to 3.10%
PenFedRewards credit cardUp to 3%
First Tech Federal Credit UnionLow-interest credit cardUp to 5%
Consumers Credit UnionDeposit account varietyUp to 3%
4 more rows
May 22, 2024

Which is safer credit unions or banks? ›

Credit unions are generally considered to be safer than banks during economic downturns due to their conservative approach to risk and their emphasis on financial robustness.

What is a good credit score for a credit union? ›

A good FICO Score falls between 670 and 739, while an exceptional score measures 800 and above. A good VantageScore ranges from 700 to 749, while an excellent score is 750 and above. The higher the number, the lower the perceived credit risk.

Should I have more than one credit union? ›

By spreading your accounts around to different federally insured banks and credit unions, you can get access to having more of your money insured by the NCUA or the FDIC. You can better manage your money and build your savings.

Is my money more safe in a credit union? ›

Just like banks, credit unions are federally insured; however, credit unions are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Instead, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the federal insurer of credit unions, making them just as safe as traditional banks.

Who owns AZ credit union? ›

As a credit union with over $3.3 billion in assets, OneAZ is owned by its members, who benefit from better rates, lower fees for service and improved technology.

Is one AZ Credit Union FDIC insured? ›

Governor Mofford served as a chair of our board which helped shape the course of the Credit Union. Today, OneAZ Credit Union is the largest state-chartered federally insured credit union in Arizona.

What is the richest credit union? ›

Who is the largest credit union? Navy Federal is the country's largest credit union with around $168.4 billion in total assets and 13.2 million customers at the end of 2022, according to the latest data from the NCUA.

Should I switch to a local credit union? ›

One of the most compelling reasons to choose a credit union over a traditional bank is the favorable interest rates on savings accounts, checking accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs). Typically, credit unions offer higher interest rates on savings and lower rates on loans.

Why do banks not like credit unions? ›

Banks pay taxes, whereas credit unions are not-for-profit institutions that don't pay federal taxes. Banks are accountable to shareholders who want to maximize profits. Credit unions return all profits to their members by paying higher APYs on deposits and charging lower interest rates on loans.

What are disadvantages of banking with credit unions? ›

With a credit union, you might have to do some extensive research to compare accounts and find out what services they offer. Credit unions only serve certain groups of people and if the ones you can join don't have mobile banking or their apps aren't up to par, that could potentially be a major disadvantage.

What credit score do most credit unions use? ›

The FICO Score is used by most lenders, and typically ranges from 300 (very poor) to 850 (exceptional).

What is the biggest advantage to a credit union? ›

Pros of credit unions
  • Lower borrowing rates and higher deposit yields. Credit union profits go back to members, who are shareholders. ...
  • Variety of products. ...
  • Insured deposits. ...
  • More personal service. ...
  • Educational resources. ...
  • Member-owned.
May 16, 2024

What is the easiest credit union to get approved for? ›

However, many credit unions near you can provide the benefits of in-person banking and extensive member benefits.
  • 16 Easiest Credit Unions To Join. ...
  • Alliant Credit Union. ...
  • Bethpage Federal Credit Union. ...
  • PenFed Credit Union. ...
  • Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. ...
  • Connexus Credit Union. ...
  • Teachers Federal Credit Union.
Jun 21, 2024

What bank is popular in Arizona? ›

Wells Fargo is one of the largest and most well-known banks in the United States, with a strong presence in Phoenix. They offer a wide range of financial services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and investment services.

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