---
title: Excite Credit Union Blog | Credit Unions are Different than Banks
description: Credit Unions are Different than Banks | Helpful financial tips and community news from your local credit union – grow your knowledge and your savings.
---

Quick Links

- [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622&_ga=2.9158332.885728407.1614017764-121813073.1607694182)
- [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622)
- [Make a Payment](https://excitecu.org/payment-options)
- [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments)

Locations/Hours% Rates Contact

[![branding-excitecu-header](https://blog.excitecu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/branding-excitecu-header.png?width=286&height=119&name=branding-excitecu-header.png "branding-excitecu-header")](https://excitecu.org/)

 

### [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal)

- #### Save & Spend
  
    - [Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Checking)
    - [Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Savings)
    - [Certificates](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Certificates)
    - [IRAs](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/IRAs)
    - [Digital Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Digital-Services-New)
- #### Borrow
  
    - [Home Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans)
    - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans)
    - [Personal Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Personal-Loans)
    - [Credit Cards](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Credit-Cards)
    - [Solar Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Solar-Loans)
    - [Student Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Student-Loans)

### [Business](https://www.excitecu.org/Business)

- #### Solutions
  
    - [Business Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Checking)
    - [Business Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Savings)
    - [Business Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Services)
    - [Business Lending](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Lending)

### [Plan](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan)

- #### Invest
  
    - [Investments](https://excitecu.cusonet.com/)
- #### Insure
  
    - [Auto Protection](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans/Auto-Insurance)
    - [Insurance Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan/Insure/Insurance-Services)

### [Learn](https://blog.excitecu.org/Learn?hsLang=en)

- #### Education
  
    - [Blog](https://blog.excitecu.org/)
    - [Financial Education](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Financial-Education)
    - [SavvyMoney®](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Credit-Score)
    - [FAQs](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/FAQs)
    - [Calculators](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Calculators)
- #### About Us
  
    - [Why We're Here](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Why-Were-Here)
    - [Membership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Membership)
    - [Locations](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations)
    - [Leadership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Leadership)
    - [Media](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Media)
    - [Careers](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Careers)
    - [Fee Schedule](https://www.excitecu.org/ExciteCU/media/Documents/Fee-Schedule-rev-8-24-2020.pdf)
    - [Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy)
    - [Security](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Security)

### [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give)

- #### Community
  
    - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events)
    - [Excite Foundation](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Excite-Foundation)
    - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares)

[Rates](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Rates) [Locations/Hours](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) [Contact](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Contact-Us)

Search term(s)

Submit

- [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal)
  
    - Save & Spend
      
          - [Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Checking)
          - [Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Savings)
          - [Certificates](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Certificates)
          - [IRAs](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/IRAs)
    - Borrow
      
          - [Home Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans)
          - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans)
          - [Personal Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Personal-Loans)
          - [Credit Cards](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Credit-Cards)
          - [Student Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Student-Loans)
- [Business](https://www.excitecu.org/Business)
  
    - Solutions
      
          - [Business Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Checking)
          - [Business Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Savings)
          - [Business Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Services)
- [Plan](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan)
  
    - Invest
      
          - [Investments](https://excitecu.cusonet.com/)
    - Insure
      
          - [Auto Protection](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans/Auto-Insurance)
          - [Insurance Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan/Insure/Insurance-Services)
- [Learn](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn)
  
    - Education
      
          - [Financial Education](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Financial-Education)
          - [SavvyMoney®](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Credit-Score)
          - [Calculators](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Calculators)
    - About Us
      
          - [Why We're Here](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Why-Were-Here)
          - [Membership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Membership)
          - [Locations](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations)
          - [Leadership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Leadership)
          - [Media](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Media)
          - [Careers](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Careers)
          - [Fee Schedule](https://www.excitecu.org/ExciteCU/media/Documents/Fee-Schedule-rev-8-24-2020.pdf)
          - [Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy)
- [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give)
  
    - Community
      
          - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events)
          - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares)

- [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622)
- [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622)
- [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options)
- [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments)

## [Buying a Car from a Private Seller? Here’s How to Make It Happen!](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-from-a-private-seller?hsLang=en)

[By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en)

 September 22, 2025

[Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en), [Credit Unions are Different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en)

[![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/Aug%202025%20blog%20square.jpeg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-from-a-private-seller?hsLang=en)

 Thinking about buying a car from a friend, neighbor, or someone you found on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist? Smart move! Buying from a private seller can often get you a better deal than going through a dealership. And the best part? You don’t...  

[Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-from-a-private-seller?hsLang=en)

---

## [Empowering Communities Through CDFI Status](https://blog.excitecu.org/empowering-communities-through-cdfi-status?hsLang=en)

[By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en)

 February 21, 2024

[Credit Unions are Different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en)

[![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/CDFI%20blog%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/empowering-communities-through-cdfi-status?hsLang=en)

 In these rapidly changing financial times, where economic inequalities are on the rise, it's vital to have institutions that prioritize community development and financial inclusion. That's where Excite Credit Union comes in. As a certified...  

[Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/empowering-communities-through-cdfi-status?hsLang=en)

---

## [Protecting Your Peace of Mind: What To Do If Your Identity is Stolen](https://blog.excitecu.org/what-to-do-if-your-identity-is-stolen?hsLang=en)

[By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en)

 November 27, 2023

[Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Credit Unions are Different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en)

[![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/stolen%20identity%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/what-to-do-if-your-identity-is-stolen?hsLang=en)

 Learning what to do if your identity is stolen can be extremely helpful in safeguarding your personal and financial well-being. You've just found out that someone's been messing with your personal info – it's not a great feeling, is it? We're here...  

[Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/what-to-do-if-your-identity-is-stolen?hsLang=en)

---

## [Small Business Banking and the Benefits of a Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/small-business-banking-credit-union-benefits?hsLang=en)

[By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en)

 November 27, 2023

[Business Services](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/business-services?hsLang=en), [Small Business](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/small-business?hsLang=en), [Credit Unions are Different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en)

[![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/SmBusCU%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/small-business-banking-credit-union-benefits?hsLang=en)

 Small businesses are the backbone of any economy, and managing their finances is crucial for growth and success. One essential aspect of this financial management is choosing the right banking institution. While traditional banks are often the...  

[Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/small-business-banking-credit-union-benefits?hsLang=en)

---

## [2023 Community Impact Day](https://blog.excitecu.org/2023-community-impact-day?hsLang=en)

[By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en)

 November 13, 2023

[Credit Unions are Different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en), [Community Engagement](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/community-engagement?hsLang=en)

[![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/community%20impact%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/2023-community-impact-day?hsLang=en)

 In 2023, two extraordinary events unfolded, each with a noble mission of creating a positive impact on their respective communities. California Impact Day and North Carolina Impact Day, which took place on October 9th, were days of transformation...  

[Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/2023-community-impact-day?hsLang=en)

---

## [Credit Unions are different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/banks_vs_creditunions?hsLang=en)

[By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en)

 March 15, 2023

[Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en), [Credit Unions are Different than Banks](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en)

[![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/banks%20vs%20cu%20square.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/banks_vs_creditunions?hsLang=en)

 Excite is not only a credit union, but for over 70 years, we have been the community’s credit union, prioritizing our Members and committed to our community. So, what is a credit union, how do they differ from banks, and why is that important? ...  

[Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/banks_vs_creditunions?hsLang=en)

---

- <https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks/page/0?hsLang=en>
- <https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks/page/0?hsLang=en>

### Posts by Topic

- [Talking About Money (50)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/talking-about-money?hsLang=en)
- [Savings (27)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/savings?hsLang=en)
- [Budgeting (22)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/budgeting?hsLang=en)
- [Building Credit (12)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/building-credit?hsLang=en)
- [Auto (10)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/auto?hsLang=en)
- [Credit Unions are Different than Banks (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks)
- [Retirement (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/retirement?hsLang=en)
- [Security (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/security?hsLang=en)
- [Business Services (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/business-services?hsLang=en)
- [Parenting (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/parenting?hsLang=en)
- [Small Business (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/small-business?hsLang=en)
- [Credit Cards (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-cards?hsLang=en)
- [Emergency (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/emergency?hsLang=en)
- [Real Estate (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/real-estate?hsLang=en)
- [Taxes (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/taxes?hsLang=en)
- [Community Engagement (2)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/community-engagement?hsLang=en)
- [Home Improvement (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/home-improvement?hsLang=en)
- [Insurance (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/insurance?hsLang=en)
- [Student Loans (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/student-loans?hsLang=en)

see all

### About Excite

- [About Us](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/locations)
- [Careers](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/careers)
- [Community](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/community/excitecares)
- [Legal](https://www.excitecu.org/Legal)
- [**Phone: 800.232.8669**](tel:8002328669)
- **Routing: 321176804**
- **NMLS #477592**

### Resources

- [Forms](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Forms)
- [Order Checks](https://www.deluxe.com/products-services/financial-checks-retail-linking.jsp)
- [Opt Out](https://newapps.excitecu.org/MemberOptOuts/OptOutHome)
- [Sitemap](https://www.excitecu.org/Sitemap)
- [Privacy](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/privacy)
- [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options)
- [Homeowner Hardship Assistance](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans/Home-Loan-Hardship-Assistance)

### Follow Us

<https://www.facebook.com/excitecu> <https://twitter.com/Excite_CU> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_27RHvtP8a1InV8vnJp_w> <https://linkedin.com/company/excite-cu> <https://www.instagram.com/excitecu/>

| [![Download on the App Store](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-apple.png)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/excite-mobile-banking/id441879558) | [![Get it on Google Play](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-google.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifs.banking.fiid5230) |
| --- | --- |

Equal Housing Opportunity

Federally Insured by NCUA

© 2021 **Excite Credit Union**. All rights reserved.

[Contact Us](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Contact-Us) | [Website Accessibility](https://www.excitecu.org/Website-Accessibility)