72% of the largest credit unions in the U.S. offer free checking accounts to all customers versus just 38% of the nation's largest banks, according to a new Bankrate.com report. Five years ago, 78% of credit unions and 65% of banks offered standalone free checking accounts.

Additional Findings

• The average overdraft fee at credit unions is $26.78 (compared with $32.74 at banks). 

• 30% of the credit union accounts that Bankrate.com surveyed provide at least one free out-of-network ATM withdrawal per week. Of the accounts that do charge for out-of-network ATM withdrawals, $1.50 is the most common fee (it's $2.50 at banks).

• 96% of credit unions charge non-members who withdraw money from the credit union's ATMs. This is the area of greatest similarity between credit unions and banks (both typically charge $3 to non-customers/non-members using their ATMs).

• None of the credit union accounts requires more than $100 to open, and 62% have no minimum opening deposit. The average minimum required to open an account is just $9.84.

• Among the credit unions that charge monthly fees, $2 and $3 are tied for the most common fee (about half of the average at banks).

• In addition to the credit union checking accounts that are always free, another 26% (for a grand total of 98%) can become free if certain requirements are met (most commonly e-statements, direct deposit or a combination of both).

"When evaluating checking accounts, consumers should definitely include credit unions in their search," said Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate.com's chief financial analyst. "They have competitive offerings and many participate in large ATM networks that extend the credit union's reach."

Click here to view more information about Bankrate.com's 2015 Credit Union Checking Survey: 

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-unions/credit-union-accounts/default.aspx