Video: Banks or credit unions? Is your money safe?

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SEATTLE - The country's financial climate has many wondering where it's safest to store their money.

Many banks customers admit they've never given thought to credit unions. But with several major banks weathering tough times, some consumers are now thinking seriously about switching their cash from banks to credit unions.

"I know that it's FDIC insured so I haven't moved it, but I have thought about moving it," said Janine Torres, bank customer. "Just because it still makes me nervous to have it in a bank."

The CEO of Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union says in September alone, they opened 300 new accounts -- twice as many as any other month this year.

He says people are beginning to appreciate that credit unions are local and structured to benefit their members, not stock holders. And they've avoided the sub-prime loans that ruined banks like WaMu.

"There's never been one penny in taxes that have had to support credit unions," said CEO Bob Harvey. "We have a system that's sound. We're required to have more capital by law than banks do."

Most credit unions do not have the large advertising budgets of many banks, but some are trying to use today's financial climate to their advantage. For example, Watermark Credit Union has just sent out flyers pointing out that they remain liquid and financially strong.

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Credit union customers say now more than ever, they're feeling good about their decision.

"I feel like they're not spread too thin with too many financial gimmicks," said Andy Dautovic. "You know, a credit union's very straight forward. They offer a few services, they do it well, and I feel like I'm not going to get a raw deal ever."

And for many customers, that comfort is better than money in the bank.

Credit union accounts are insured in the same way bank accounts are, just by a different agency. There are currently 129 credit unions in Washington state.