Harvard Federal Credit Union

Harvard Federal Credit Union is a member-owned credit union based in Cambridge, with branches including Harvard Square, Massachusetts General Hospital and One Brigham Circle. Its pitch is summed up in the slogan “Not a bank. A benefit.” Checking accounts come with perks such as premium interest, cash back on debit purchases and ATM fee refunds, and its credit cards promise simple terms with rewards programs, good rates and low fees.

Home loans are a specialty, with a team that helps members buy a new home or refinance an existing mortgage. Education financing is another focus, with options to refinance or consolidate student loans, help pay a child’s tuition, and graduate loan programs tailored for the credit union’s partners. Members can meet branch and home loan staff in person, by phone or by video, and use more than 5,000 shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs.

What to Know

• Existing mortgage holders get help from a dedicated home loan support team.
• Appointments with branch staff can be scheduled online.
• It belongs to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.