Credit unions aren’t out to make a profit like banks. All the proceeds go back to lending credit to its members. At a credit union, since you “own” your bank, they’re more likely to work with you in whatever financial situation (dreamers get loans through them more easily than a bank like Chase). And depending on your credit union, you’re keeping your money in your community. They are definitely safer than big banks like Bank of America or Wells Fargo since they don’t have an investment banking division, so your deposits aren’t used to fund speculative trading

Yes, they are federally insured with the NCUA for the same amounts guaranteed by the FDIC.