CME Federal Credit Union logo

CME Federal Credit Union in Columbus, OH

4.5/5
Google rating from 249 reviews

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 · Google rating shown when a stored review count is available

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 listed 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 listed 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

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 listed products like student loan forgiveness tracking or advanced financial planning tools

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Columbus, OH. It does not confirm that CME Federal Credit Union or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions

Key state rules to check

  • HB 123 (2018) reformed payday lending with 28% APR cap plus a monthly maintenance fee.
  • Short-term loans capped at $1,000 with minimum term of 91 days.
  • Monthly maintenance fee of up to 10% of original principal (max $30/month).

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does CME Federal Credit Union offer?

CME Federal Credit Union offers 17 services including Personal checking accounts with debit cards, Savings accounts and deposit accounts, Share and IRA certificates, Health savings accounts (HSAs), Youth savings accounts, and 12 more.

What profile signals are listed for CME Federal Credit Union?

CME Federal Credit Union has profile signals associated with Central Ohio residents and employees seeking rate claims to verify with a community-focused financial institution, Homebuyers in Ohio looking for listed 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.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of CME Federal Credit Union?

Key strengths: 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. Areas to consider: 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.

How does CME Federal Credit Union compare to similar companies?

In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union, Prestige Community Credit Union, Southeast Financial Credit Union. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on CME Federal Credit Union

CME Federal Credit Union is profile signals for Central Ohio residents seeking rate claims to verify 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.

Profile Signals

  • Central Ohio residents and employees seeking rate claims to verify with a community-focused financial institution
  • Homebuyers in Ohio looking for listed 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

Similar Companies

Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union logo

Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union

Community development credit union serving Upper Manhattan since 1997, offering low-cost financial services and affordable loans to underserved communities.

4.5/5

Google rating from 111 reviews

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Immigrants and non-citizens seeking credit access without traditional documentation, Upper Manhattan residents seeking community-oriented banking with mission-driven values

Prestige Community Credit Union logo

Prestige Community Credit Union

Prestige Community Credit Union is a Dallas-based credit union offering checking, savings, loans, and digital banking services to members with a focus on financial education and cybersecurity.

4.7/5

Google rating from 372 reviews

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Dallas-area residents seeking member-owned credit union benefits with digital banking, Consumers prioritizing cybersecurity education and fraud prevention in their banking relationship

Southeast Financial Credit Union logo

Southeast Financial Credit Union

Southeast Financial Credit Union is a federally insured credit union offering checking, savings, loans, credit cards, and wealth management services to members nationwide.

4.9/5

Google rating from 331 reviews

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Members seeking a full-service credit union with competitive auto and vehicle financing, Consumers prioritizing digital banking convenience with mobile apps and remote deposit

Compare Your Needs With CME Federal Credit Union

Answer 3 quick questions to review category, service, and profile context.

1. What's your primary financial goal?

Quick Summary

  • CME Federal Credit Union is listed as a Credit Unions provider in Columbus, OH on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
  • If you need a loan, account, installment option, credit help, or debt support, start with the fit quiz and compare alternatives before contacting a provider.
  • For broader context, continue into the free Credit Fundamentals course or a relevant financial wellness guide.

Financial Wellness Guides

Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to CME Federal Credit Union and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Compensation does not determine whether a provider can be covered; visible star ratings use stored Google review ratings when available. Learn more.