I know most people probably don't have alot of positive things to say about their bank or credit union but I can absolutely say, MY CREDIT UNION ROCKS!!!
Why do I like my credit union so much?
Customer Service. I don't have to go inside the credit union very much but when I do, I am always greeted with a friendly smile and someone willing to help me conduct my financial business.
Location. My credit union has several branches close to my home and office. I also have the option of using a credit union service center. A service center is basically another credit union that participates in "shared branching". The premise of shared branching is that you can conduct financial transactions in any branch that you would be able to conduct at your own credit union. Anytime you see the 
"swirl" logo, you are able to conduct a range of financial transactions such as: deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, transfer money between accounts and much more.
Online Banking. Since I conduct alot of transactions online, having a good quality online banking system is important. My credit union offers a top notch online banking platform allowing me to pay bills online and see images of cleared checks.
Online Deposit. I was informed by my credit union that I am eligible to make online deposits from home. Basically, how it works is that I log onto online banking and enter the amount of the deposit. I'm given a code to write on the back of the check and then I mail the check within 10 business days. The amount of the check, up to $500, is credited to my account immediately.
ATM Deposit. Since I do most of my banking via the ATM, I like the fact that they offer "envelope free" deposits. I can deposit checks and/or cash without an envelope or deposit slip and receive a photocopy of the check on my receipt.
No Fees. It's nice that I've been a member of my credit union for over 6 months and I have not paid any fees for any services. There are no minimum balance requirements and no service fees.
Rewards. Each time I use my checkcard, I get one point for each dollar spent. I can then redeem the points for gift cards and/or cash.
What credit union am I raving about? If you are in the Atlanta area, you should consider joining Delta Community Credit Union. If you are not eligible to join based on your employer, you can join if you are a resident of: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Gwinnett, Fulton, Forsyth, Fayette, Hall or Henry County. They also have branches in Salt Lake City, Florence, KY and Southlake, TX.
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Great article! You hit on the very same points that keep me at my Credit Union.
A few differences, when I use my checkcard, I get 1 point for every 3 dollars spent; I do not have a limit on the dollar amount of checks deposited, my funds,no matter how they are deposited (via ATM, direct deposited, share branch, home branch lobby) are always available immediately; my Visa card is also a rewards card, 1 point for each dollar spent and I can combine these points with points I have earned with my checkcard. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash, or gifts.
They just upgraded our online billpay software so it's much more user friendly and functions much like Quicken or Money. They also hold my mortgage, 15yr fixed @5.13%.
But the thing that has kept me there (member since 1995) is the Customer Service, on the phone or in person, they always make me feel like I'm worth their time...whatever I'm requesting. Bankng hours on Saturday, in lobby, from 9:00 am.-1:00 p.m. My primary credit union is DuPage Credit Union, here in the western suburbs of Chicago, IL.
I say my primay, because I have relationships with three other credit unions, but for specific products that are slightly more competitive than DuPage. PenFed has a great Visa Rewards credit card and lower rate for my vehicle loan, Alliant has a slightly higher savings rate and my employer credit union is on campus and gives me access to a 15% group discount for insurance rates.
Dupage is part of a large network of CU and ATMs so I can bank most anywhere without a fee.
I love my bank too (no credit union) for all the same reasons you've listed above - most important to me are CUSTOMER SERVICE and NO FEES. The locations are limited, but I can make deposits from home and all fees incurred by using other banks' ATMs are reimbursed.
My bank is USAA and they rock! I will be a customer for life.
I love my credit union for the same reasons, pluse it gives us better dividend/interest rates than regular banks. We were with Bank of America for a few years before and earned about $11 a year with a Cash Maximizer account. At our credit union, we're getting at least $50-60 a year.
Also, the customer service is much better because the credit union isn't a business and doesn't try to make money off us with telemarketers calling every week to try to get us to buy cardholder protection and insurance like BOA did.
I'm all about Credit Unions! I used one 2 years ago to get like 1.5% off on a car loan - it was great. esp. when they're right around the corner like yours :)