One out of every three Americans is a member of a credit union, with memberships recently reaching the 100 million milestone nationwide. With Georgia credit unions reaching the 2 million member mark, one in every five residents of the Peach State now belongs to a credit union.

Releasing data compiled through its June 2014 Monthly Credit Union Estimates, Credit Union National Association (CUNA) estimates credit union memberships expanded by 2.9 percent in the past 12 months. 

This represents the continuation of a trend. Memberships expanded by 2.5 percent in 2013 and by 2.1 percent in 2012. CUNA expects membership growth to continue in the second half of 2014 and exceed the full-year growth of the previous year. 

"Clearly, there is growing recognition for credit unions among consumers," said CUNA President and CEO Bill Hampel. "They increasingly understand that a credit union places their interests above all else, particularly in returning financial benefits to consumer members in the forms of lower rates on loans, higher returns on savings, and lower and fewer fees."

Hampel added that in 2013, the financial benefits for U.S. consumers utilizing credit unions totaled more than $6 billion. 

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) found in 2013 credit unions led banks in customer satisfaction, scoring 85 out of 100 compared to 78 for banks. Likewise, the Chicago Booth Kellogg School Financial Trust Index showed 62 percent of consumers trust credit unions while only 28 percent said they trust big banks. 

"At a time when consumers mistrust big business and big government, credit unions continue to provide tangible value and helpful service," said Mike Mercer, president and CEO of Georgia Credit Union Affiliates. "Service that is now appreciated 100 million times a day." 

All Georgia consumers are eligible for credit union membership. Visit aSmarterChoice.orgto find a credit union to join, and learn more at www.americascreditunions.org