Private bank or credit union?

[snafu]

Everyone needs to do a bit of research as to whether a bank or CU would best meet their needs at lowest cost. Some CUs are v/bureaucratic and have few ATM machines, using non affiliated machines adds to your costs. What services do you need? Are their outlets on your most used routes? If you wanted a mortgage or car load, where would you find the best rates, best service?

[jeffmem]

Thanks all for your replies, until now I have not found a CU that can help me yet as I have not had much time to look.

Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch

jeffmem, there are credit unions whose only requirement for membership is that you live in their geographical area. I assume you maintain a permanent address somewhere in the US, even if it is with a parent or sibling. You might be able to get into a credit union there. My credit union will allow members to remain members even if they move out of the area--having once lived here and been a member is sufficient.

Joan, thanks for this, perhaps this is where I need to start, though I am not sure I will be able to find one just because of a geographicial area, but I will give it a shot.