An often puzzling question with clear answers below:
A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution. Whereas a bank is a for-profit financial institution.
A credit union is owned by its members, which is where your $1 membership comes into play, therefore the institution has its members best interests at heart.
Credit unions have a more community based and localized approach. Whereas large banks can service nationally/internationally. But, not to fear, at HRCCU we offer shared branching, giving you access to thousands of credit union locations and ATMs nationally.