[NotARoleModel]

Are there credit unions that individuals can join that are not related to an employer or the federal, state, county or city governments or military? Is this something the employer always has to set up or what?

Many. I've joined two or three whenever they offer some crazy short term cd "teaser" rate.

They let you open an account usually with $5.

 

[NotARoleModel]

Are there credit unions that individuals can join that are not related to an employer or the federal, state, county or city governments or military? Is this something the employer always has to set up or what?

Try PenFed.

The claim you have to be military but I just filled out the online app, left all the military stuff blank, submitted it and voila they let me join.

All to get their Visa which gives you 5% rebate on ALL gasoline purchases anywhere with no limits and they put the rebate amount automatically on your next month's balance.

I had to open a checking account with $25 but that was it.