You want to do it. You've been meaning to do it. Here are 5 reasons to finally ditch your too-big-to-fail bank and move your money to a local credit union.
#1. You'll be voicing your opposition to a broken, destructive financial system. The big banks gambled with our money, created a catastrophic housing bubble that brought down the global economy, and got bailed out after being deemed "too big to fail." We now have a banking system in which the five largest banks control 40 percent of deposits, and the top six hold $9.5 trillion in assets -- equal to 63 percent of the United States GDP.
Far from being humbled or held accountable, bankers have continued to destabilize communities through discriminatory lending and foreclosure practices, while paying themselves million-dollar bonuses and shamelessly lobbying against even the most basic financial reforms.
By joining the groundswell of people moving their money, you will send the big banks a clear message that their reckless practices must change. The banks are listening -- as Bank of America and others made clear this week when they backed down on plans to institute new debit card fees.
#2. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, owned and controlled by their members. Credit unions are more than "nice banks" -- they are democratic institutions that represent a fundamentally different way of doing business. When you open an account at a credit union, you become a member and shareholder of the institution. Members elect the credit union's board of directors, made up of other members who serve as unpaid volunteers and make decisions about how the credit union is run. Like any democratic system, a credit union's success depends on its members' participation; if you decide to join a credit union, consider getting involved as a volunteer or active voting member.
The structure of credit unions helps ensure that they remain accountable to their members. Credit unions, in fact, can lend money only to their members. This means they can't gamble on Wall Street investments, or siphon money out of local communities to invest in environmentally destructive projects abroad. And because they are not-for-profit and governed by unpaid directors, credit unions are able to charge less for services and prioritize members' needs over maximum profits.
#3. Your money will support your local community and economy. Community development credit unions, in particular, are dedicated to strengthening low income neighborhoods and communities of color historically redlined by banks. They reinvest their members' deposits back into their communities in the form of loans for affordable housing, small business and community development. You can find a list of community development credit unions here.
Credit unions are part of a broader cooperative movement that includes housing, food, and worker co-ops. A new series of film shorts by SolidarityNYC highlights the role that co-ops (including my credit union, the Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union) play in creating the Solidarity Economy.
#4. Your money is safe in a credit union. One of the most commonly asked questions about credit unions is whether or not they are safe. The money you deposit in a credit union account is federally insured, up to $250,000. Credit unions are regulated and examined for safety and soundness by the National Credit Union Administration. Credit unions, in fact, are required to meet strict capital requirements, and are prohibited from charging more than 18% interest on credit cards and most loans (compared to no interest cap for national banks).
#5. Even if you're not ready to break up with your bank completely, you can move some of your business to a credit union. Consider opening a savings account, or replacing your bank credit card with one issued by a credit union. You'll get a better deal and will get to know the credit union over time. Moving your checking account down the line won't seem so daunting, and you'll have time to do it safely and without triggering any surprise bank fees.
Taking Action:
Find a list of credit unions in your area here. Call ahead to find out if you're eligible to join and what information you need to bring. Consider supporting a community development credit union, where your money will likely make the biggest difference.
While you're at it, send your former bank a letter explaining why you're closing your account. Occupy the Boardroom has set up a website where you can leave a message that they promise to deliver to Jamie Dimon, Brian Moynihan, or other banker "pen pal" of your choice.
There are many ways to protest right now, from joining teach-ins at Zuccotti Park and demonstrating with Occupy Wall Street, to joining state and national coalitions that have been working for economic justice for years. Moving your money is one clear, concrete way to align your actions with your values and begin to hold banks accountable to the public.
Bottom-line: protesters start enjoying protesting too much and they cannot stop. It becomes part of their identity. They think they're part of movement, when in fact they are part of a mob.
More on topic: moving your cash from one financial institution to another serves no purpose other than to make you FEEL as if you have some power over something you probably don't even understand. In the overall scheme of things, Bank of America probably doesn't give a crap about the measly $2K you keep in your checking count.
Mr. Dick Turpin
This is the 'soup to nuts" explanation of how we got to where we are as a nation of financial illiterates.
http://wwwÂ.youtube.cÂom/watch?vÂ=tGk5ioEXlÂIM
Bob Rubin. While Repubs were desperately trying to oust Clinton and dems were singing his praises, your country was being dismantled via the repeal of glass Steagall.
Rubin left the executive branch to work for what became citiGROUP because of him. He made tens of millions.
If that isnt fraud. If that isnt corruption I don't know what is.
Repubs btw passed the bill repealing glass Steagall.
MOVING YOUR MONEY is a no brainer. This country went south in a big way when TBTF became TBTF in the 90's. Then bush jr tripled the debt and we were toast.
So go to a credit union for other banking services, but stay away from them for mortgages.
People realized that credit unions with their $30 billion bailout from the Government are no different from any other financial institutions.