While small and large banks have been taken over by U.S. regulators over the past year, Credit Unions are still strong. Credit Unions are not dependent on the capital markets for loan funding. Credit Unions, for the most part, were not exposed to the speculations involved in the mortgage-lending crisis.

The federal government, through a 1970 act of congress, backs Credit Union member deposits. NCUSIF Share Insurance protects all members of federally insured credit unions. Shares are insured up to $250,000 and some retirement accounts are insured even higher. Read a detailed description from NCUA about your protection.

Some state-chartered credit unions are protected through American Share Insurance (ASI) that has provided insurance on your deposits, up to $250,000, since 1974. Insurance through ASI protects more than one million credit union members in the United States. Get more details from ASI.

Credit Unions Online publishes government data on the financial details of credit unions, so check out your credit union's financial details with a few clicks. If you have specific questions about the insurance your credit union offers, visit their website or in person. Credit Unions should have a logo for NCUA or ASI on their website that will let you know immediately how your deposits are protected.

Overall, the credit union industry remains strong, healthy, and still one of the safest places to put your trust.