Abbott Laboratories Employees Credit Union

At ALEC, they are less restrictive than bigger commercial banks. There is no minimum amount you have to keep in your checking account, and there is only a $5 membership fee, which you get back if you ever close your account.

Unlike at an auto dealership, I know there aren’t going to be any surprises with ALEC.

John was in the market for a new vehicle and concluded that ALEC had the best rate, which was no surprise given that, as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, ALEC returns its profits to members in the form of higher rates on deposits and lower rates on loans.

The mobile experience is wonderful. I can see my balance instantly, see pending transactions and it's easy to set up accounts on bill pay.

Lou Lou says that one of the benefits of their ALEC affiliation is that their son can be a member, too. Membership in ALEC is open to employees and retirees of Abbott or AbbVie, family members of current Abbott or AbbVie employees, and family of current ALEC members.

Dennis now talks glowingly about the great find that has been ALEC. It all started with his search for the best interest rate available - he still shops other lenders to search out the best rates - but his heart belongs to ALEC, not only because of the excellent rates, but because of the personal care he gets from a credit union that caters exclusively to members like him.

Can the simple act of opening a checking account really spawn such devotion? At ALEC it can, thanks to unparalleled service, excellent rates and a knowledgeable, dedicated staff bent on leading members onto the road to financial security. As La Tonya learned, it's not just business as usual.