Credit union savings & loan calculator
How much more you earn on deposits, and save on loans, at a credit union vs a bank
These two free calculators use the NCUA national average rates (rates as of December 26, 2025) to estimate the gap between credit unions and banks. The first shows how much more interest you earn on a savings balance or CD at the credit-union average; the second shows how much interest you save on an auto loan. Pick a product and enter your own amount and term. Results are estimates using average rates, not offers - this is general information, not financial advice.
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of December 26, 2025.
Estimates only - not financial advice. Savings figures use annual compounding on the national average APY; loan figures use a standard fixed-rate amortization on the national average APR. The rate you actually get depends on the institution, your credit and current market conditions. See methodology; verify live rates before deciding.
Why the gap exists
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by their members, so surplus is returned as better rates and lower fees rather than paid to outside shareholders. Across the NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates, 2025 Q4, that shows up as higher average deposit rates and lower average loan rates. See the full product-by-product comparison or read what is a credit union.
Example gaps from the latest report
| Product | Credit union avg | Bank avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year CD ($10,000) | 2.95% | 2.29% |
| New car loan, 60 months | 5.44% | 7.41% |
Frequently asked questions
How much more can I earn at a credit union?
It depends on the product and balance. Using the latest NCUA averages, a $10,000 one-year CD earns about 2.95% at the credit-union average vs 2.29% at the bank average - roughly $66 more in a year. The savings calculator above lets you plug in your own amount and term.
How much do I save on a car loan at a credit union?
Credit unions average about 2 percentage points less on auto loans. On a $30,000 60-month new-car loan, the credit-union average (5.44%) vs the bank average (7.41%) saves well over $1,500 in total interest. Use the auto-loan calculator above for your loan amount and term.
Are these calculators accurate for my situation?
They are estimates using NATIONAL AVERAGE rates, so they show the typical gap between credit unions and banks, not a quote. Your actual rate depends on the specific institution, your credit profile, the balance or loan amount and market conditions. Always confirm the live rate before deciding.
Sources & accuracy
Average rates from the NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates report (2025 Q4, rates as of December 26, 2025). Savings figures use annual compounding; loan figures use standard fixed-rate amortization. Estimates and general information, not financial advice or an offer. Verify live rates with the institution. See methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-22