Ready to join a credit union but don’t know how? No worries, we got you! Here’s a breakdown of the top credit unions and the hacks to become a member. Let's dive in! 1. Navy Federal Credit Union 🚢 For military heroes (and their friends) You’ll need a military connection or a sponsor to join. Pro tip: Some folks talk about a back door method. 2. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) 🛡 Easy for military supporters! Join by signing up for the National Military Family Association ($15) or Voices for America’s Troops ($14). PenFed even helps with the signup. Boom! You're in. 3. The Golden 1 Credit Union 💰 California vibes, anyone? Not in Cali? No biggie! Become a member of the Financial Fitness Association for just $8. Click “Open an Account,” and you’re golden (literally). 4. Alliant Credit Union 🌟 Help foster kids & yourself! Donate $10 to Foster Care to Success (FCS), and you’re eligible. Win-win for you and a great cause! 5. San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) 🏖 SoCal love for everyone! Join the Financial Fitness Association (yes, again!) for $8. Click "Open an Account," and you're all set. 6. Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) 💻 Go digital, baby! Sign up through a partner organization with a membership fee between $25–$120. Once you’re in DCU, it’s forever! (You can cancel the other membership after joining.) 7. Kinecta Federal Credit Union 📍 Santa Monica sunshine for you! Join through the Consumers Cooperative Society of Santa Monica for $10. Don’t worry Kinecta will handle the paperwork for you. 8. Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) 🏞 A good cause + perks! Make a donation to the ALS Association, West Michigan Chapter. That’s it you’re eligible! 9. GTE Federal Credit Union ⚡ Power up with CUSavers! Sign up with CUSavers for a one-time $10 fee. Easy peasy, and you're in. 10. NASA Federal Credit Union 🚀 Space dreams included! Get a free membership to the National Space Society (NSS), and boom you’re ready to blast off with NASA FCU.

You can add your children to your credit card to help them build their score. This is called adding an authorized user onto your credit card. By the time your child is 18, they can potentially have 800 Credit Score Only do this if you have excellent credit card payment history and low utilization (BELOW 30%) or you will end up hurting their scores instead!