Need a great deal on a car loan or a home equity loan? Credit unions offer some of the best deals around, and Consumer Reports says you may be eligible to join one.

It’s not a place you'd think to go to borrow money, but a local firehouse is the home of a credit union for firefighters and their families.

"You can do payroll deduction, direct deposit; we have great loan rates, it's convenient for the members, family members," explains credit union officials.

Consumer Reports just looked at the savings benefit of credit unions. Almost anyone can join. They’re not limited to where you work.

"Federal regulations have loosened many restrictions, so now, credit unions can cover people in the same industry, but they don't necessarily have to work for the same employer. Or they can cover people in a large, geographical region instead of just a small town."

And, unions are now allowed to extend membership to your extended family.

Another plus, most credit unions these days offer the same products and services as a bank, including home equity loans, checking accounts, life insurance, and certificates of deposit. How much can you save?

"Credit unions are tax exempt, so you can usually get much lower rates than you'd find at a bank or a savings and loan. For example, on a car loan, you might get a rate that's two percentage points less than you'd find at a bank."

And, credit unions' annual interest rates on money market accounts are almost a full point higher than at a bank.

Consumer Reports suggests checking with your human resources department to find a credit union. Also, ask family members to see if you can join theirs.

You can also go online to the Credit Union National Association to search for one by state.