Telhio is a federally insured credit union serving Central and Southwest Ohio with 67,000+ members, offering personal checking, savings, loans, and business banking services since 1934.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
Telhio Credit Union was founded in 1934 and has operated for 90 years as a member-owned financial cooperative. The organization is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) with additional coverage up to $250,000 through Excess Share Insurance Corporation. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Telhio serves anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Central and Southwest Ohio, with 12 convenient branch locations across the service area.
Telhio offers comprehensive personal and business banking services. On the personal side, they provide checking and savings accounts (Choice and Prime checking accounts), certificates of deposit (currently offering 4.00% APY on 24-month CDs), youth savings accounts with bonuses, credit cards with promotional rates (zero interest for 2 years on purchases and balance transfers), and various loan products. Their loan portfolio includes mortgage loans for home purchases and refinancing, home equity loans, auto loans (new and used vehicles), and business loans. They also provide retirement planning resources through a partnership with Silvur.
Telhio distinguishes itself primarily through its SBA lending program—it ranks as the #1 SBA lender among Ohio credit unions. The organization emphasizes personalized service for small business owners and entrepreneurs, positioning itself as dedicated to supporting business growth and financial accessibility. They offer free financial education resources to members of all ages and actively promote membership benefits including sign-up bonuses (up to $750 for new checking accounts, $50 for youth savings accounts). The credit union's 90-year operating history and strong community focus in Ohio differentiate it from larger national institutions.
Telhio is a legitimate, well-established credit union with federal insurance protections and a clear focus on regional service in Ohio. However, membership is restricted to specific geographic and occupational criteria (live, work, worship, or attend school in Central and Southwest Ohio), which limits accessibility compared to national banks. While they advertise various loan products and business banking, specific interest rates, terms, and detailed product comparisons are not fully available on the website, requiring members to apply or contact branches for precise pricing.
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.
Yes. Telhio Credit Union is a registered company, headquartered in Columbus, OH.
Telhio Credit Union plans start at Free per month with no setup fee. No money-back guarantee is offered.
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CreditDoc Diagnosis
Telhio is best for Ohio residents, workers, and business owners in Central and Southwest Ohio who want personalized, relationship-based banking from a credit union with strong SBA lending capabilities and federal insurance. The primary caveat is geographic and occupational membership restrictions that exclude anyone outside the defined service area, combined with limited online pricing transparency requiring direct contact with branches for loan quotes.
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