Calgary has some of Canada's strongest credit unions — member-owned institutions that return profits to members. Compare Servus, Connect First, and ATB Financial against the Big 5.
Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYACalgary's credit union sector is robust, with Servus Credit Union (Alberta's largest) and Connect First Credit Union (formed from several legacy Calgary-area CUs) providing strong alternatives to the Big 5 banks. Credit unions in Calgary are governed by the Credit Union Act (Alberta) and deposits are insured by the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation (CUDGC) — similar to CDIC protection for banks. For Calgarians who value community banking, profit sharing, and local mortgage expertise, credit unions are an excellent choice.
Alberta already saves you on taxes and land transfer costs. Save even more with KOHO: no monthly fees, cash back on purchases, and an easy mobile app. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a bonus.
Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYA| Feature | Credit Unions | Big 5 Banks | KOHO/EQ Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Member-owned | Shareholder-owned | Fintech |
| Monthly Fee | $5–$15 avg | $11–$30 | $0 |
| Profit Sharing | ✓ Dividends | ✗ | ✗ |
| Local Mortgage Expertise | ✓ Strong | ✓ | ✗ |
| CDIC Deposit Insurance | CUDIC (provincial) | ✓ CDIC | ✓ CDIC partner |
| ATM Network | Exchange Network | Own + Interac | Network-free |
Calgary credit unions excel at mortgage lending, particularly for self-employed borrowers and those with non-traditional income — a major advantage in Calgary's entrepreneurial economy. Servus Credit Union's profit-sharing model means members receive an annual dividend — essentially a rebate on banking fees. Connect First Credit Union, born from several historic Calgary-area credit unions including Calgary Italian Club CU and Heritage Savings, has deep community roots across SW and NW Calgary. Many Calgarians take a hybrid approach: using a credit union for their mortgage and TFSAs while using KOHO (no fees, cash back) for daily spending. This gives the best of both worlds — local investment expertise and zero-cost everyday banking.
Many Calgary residents use both: a local credit union for mortgages and investments, and KOHO for zero-fee everyday banking and cash back. Use code 45ET55JSYA when signing up.