How Do CU Rates Differ From a Bank? Depending on the bank loan, rates may be considerably different. Credit unions offers very competitive rates for loans and investments. Banks have higher rates so that they can make a profit and pay their shareholders. Credit unions are owned by their members. Contact Us For more information about loan rates, contact the loan professionals of Valley Federal Credit Union at their Brownsville location by calling (956) 546-3108 or their Harlingen office at (956) 425-5668.