Why You Should Make the Switch

When it comes to business banking, credit unions present a great alternative for a variety of reasons. The reduction in fees, the lower rates, and the fact that credit unions are locally based not-for-profits - these all come to mind first - as well as other benefits that vary throughout each.

But, key questions linger, and that's understandable. Among them:

• Is my business eligible to join a credit union?

• Is there a fee to join?

• What should I do before making the switch?

• What makes BECU a better fit for my business?

• How do the rates compare?

• Does the credit union have all the products and services I need?

Let's answer these questions in detail.

Is my business eligible to join a credit union?

Credit unions serve members according to where they live, work, worship or other associations that may vary. For example, if your business operates out of Washington state, you're eligible to join BECU as a business member.

Is there a fee to join?

Nope! Membership with BECU comes with no fee to join. However, you'll obviously want to deposit money into your new account so you can start using it as soon as possible.

What should I do before making the switch?

Make sure to do plenty of research. If it's a good idea to make the switch, numbers don't lie - you'll see fewer fees, better rates, and probably higher satisfaction than with your current financial institution. Also, be sure to take into consideration the institution's ability to provide you products and services that match the needs of your business, and what (if any) prices are attached to those options. Finally, it's also a good idea to ask about specialized personnel who might be trained in handling specific and/or complex questions about any aspect of running your business.

What makes BECU a better fit for my business?

There's an ever increasing number of reasons why BECU could be a better fit for your business. Fewer fees and lower rates on everything from business credit cards to vehicle and equipment loans are a popular choice among BECU business members, as are the interest rates on Money Market Savings and Business CD accounts. Other reasons you might benefit from the switch:

• Not-for-profit cooperative

• Based in your community, so it's in the credit union's best interest to help your business succeed

• Investing in tech helps bring members free services like Online and Mobile Banking, remote high speed deposits, and access to 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP network

• Options for which checking and savings products best fit the needs of your business - see how much BECU can save your business

How do the rates compare?

These also vary, but credit unions tend to have competitive, if not lower, rates on most business credit products. Deposit rates are also generally more attractive at a credit union. For example, our Business Money Market and CD accounts have some of the most competitive rates compared to other financial institutions.

Does the credit union have all the products and services I need?

Not only does BECU compare favorably when it comes to business products and services, but the support behind these products is often more comprehensive. Plus, most of our services are free. And speaking of free - because you're signing up with a cooperative network with over 30,000 ATMs across the country, you can expect to use those ATMs surcharge-free for your business deposits and withdrawals.

Your business is your livelihood, so you shouldn't have to pay more just to access your money. Get access to this quick and easy five-step guide to help get started with the account opening process, or visit BECU Business Services to learn more about membership.