Genesee Co-Op Federal Credit Union

The Genesee Co-​Op is, hands-​down, the friendliest bank-​type place, I’ve ever visited. I mean, how can you go wrong with a credit union that’s named after popular beer?* A couple of days ago, I came in with a laundry list full of questions about my account and some of the services offered at the credit union and the teller not only took the time to answer all of my questions, he also encouraged me to ask about the small rock on top of his computer. I’ve been to a number of great big banks and not once have I ever been encouraged to discuss rocks, stones, or even sand atop a teller’s workstation.
Admittedly, it is a little annoying that there is a grand total of one ATM that you can use in the entire world free of charge, but whenever I’m low on cash, I’ll use a «FriendTM,» you know, when you go out to lunch and put the whole thing on your card and then your friends give you cash.
Seriously, though, it’s really cool to know that I’m also a part-​owner since it’s a cooperative credit union. Cutting out profits for shareholders means they offer really good rates, whether you’re saving up or borrowing.
Finally, a pro tip: At different times throughout the year, they offer a coupon that waives the usual $ 10 fee for opening a new account, but, if you sign up for eStatements, they give you a really good APY, so you can make your $ 10 back pretty quickly.
*Apparently, the credit union, like the beer, is actually named after the Genesee River… but I assume that beer flows from the river, so it’s still really cool.