CME Federal Credit Union logo

CME Federal Credit Union in Columbus, OH

4.5/5

CME Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution founded in 1935, serving Central Ohio residents with competitive savings rates, low loan rates, and personalized service.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

From Free/mo Visit Website

CME Federal Credit Union Review

CME Federal Credit Union was established in 1935 by City of Columbus firefighters and police officers with a mission to protect the financial futures of public servants and their communities. Today, membership has expanded to include anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Central Ohio, making it a community-focused institution rather than a occupation-limited credit union.

The credit union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products including personal and business checking accounts, savings accounts, share and IRA certificates, health savings accounts, youth accounts, and online/mobile banking access. On the lending side, they provide auto loans, boat and motorcycle financing, personal loans, mortgage loans, home equity loans, student loans, and credit cards. They also offer specialized programs like Skip-A-Pay (allowing members to skip loan payments when needed) and the Ohio Homebuyer Plus savings program with promotional interest rates.

CME Federal Credit Union distinguishes itself through member ownership structure, lower fees compared to traditional banks, higher savings rates, and a commitment to community partnership. They were recently included in the Forbes list of America's Best-In-State Credit Unions 2025. Their routing number is 244077255, and they provide comprehensive fraud prevention resources and financial planning tools like SavvyMoney.

As a credit union, CME operates on a not-for-profit model where members are owners, theoretically resulting in better rates and lower fees. However, membership is geographically limited to Central Ohio, and availability of specialized products may vary compared to larger national institutions. Their website emphasizes security and member education, suggesting a focus on responsible financial management.

As a financial institution, this bank competes with both traditional banks and newer fintech personal loan lenders. Borrowers seeking personal loans for bad credit may find flexible terms through online lenders, while debt consolidation loans offer fixed rates. For credit building, secured credit cards and credit builder loans offer structured paths. Many banks offer installment loans with fixed monthly payments over 12 to 60 months.

Services & Features

Auto, boat, motorcycle, and RV loans
Business checking and savings accounts
Credit cards
Fraud prevention and account protection services
Health savings accounts (HSAs)
Loan payment processing
Mortgage loans and home equity loans
Ohio Homebuyer Plus savings program
Online and mobile banking
Personal checking accounts with debit cards
Personal loans
Savings accounts and deposit accounts
Share and IRA certificates
Skip-A-Pay loan payment deferral program
Student loans
Wire transfers
Youth savings accounts

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pricing Plans

Checking Account

Free /mo
  • No monthly maintenance fee (with qualifying deposit)
  • Online and mobile banking
  • Bill pay
  • ATM network access
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Most Popular

Savings Account

Free /mo
  • Competitive APY
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • FDIC or NCUA insured
  • Online transfers
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Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Member-owned credit union structure typically offers lower fees and better rates than traditional banks
  • Recently recognized in Forbes' America's Best-In-State Credit Unions 2025 ranking
  • Comprehensive product suite including checking, savings, loans, mortgages, and credit cards
  • Skip-A-Pay program allows members to skip loan payments during financial hardship
  • Ohio Homebuyer Plus program provides higher savings interest rates for home purchase preparation
  • Full mobile and online banking access via CME Mobile Banking app
  • Community-focused with open membership to anyone in Central Ohio (not employment-restricted)
  • Established institution with 90+ years of history since 1935

Cons

  • Membership limited to Central Ohio geographic area (live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school)
  • Smaller institution may have fewer branch locations and ATMs compared to national banks
  • Website does not prominently display specific APR ranges for loans or savings rates, requiring member contact
  • Limited information about business account features and requirements on the website
  • No mention of specialized products like student loan forgiveness tracking or advanced financial planning tools

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
4.9
Customer Service
3.9
Transparency
3.8
Ease of Use
4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CME Federal Credit Union legitimate?

Yes. CME Federal Credit Union is a registered company, headquartered in Columbus, OH.

How much does CME Federal Credit Union cost?

CME Federal Credit Union plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.

How long does CME Federal Credit Union take to show results?

Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
Columbus, OH
BBB Accredited
No
Starting Price
Free/mo
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit CME Federal Credit Union

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on CME Federal Credit Union

CME Federal Credit Union is best for Central Ohio residents seeking competitive rates and lower fees through a member-owned institution with a strong community focus and 90+ year history. The primary caveat is geographic membership limitation to Central Ohio, making it unavailable to those outside this region.

Best For

  • Central Ohio residents and employees seeking competitive rates with a community-focused financial institution
  • Homebuyers in Ohio looking for specialized savings programs and mortgage lending
  • Members experiencing temporary financial hardship who need Skip-A-Pay loan payment flexibility
  • Business owners in Central Ohio seeking member-owned banking with lower fees
Updated 2026-04-29

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