Tower vs Chessie
Comparing a Credit Union in Laurel, MD with a Credit Union in Cumberland, MD using federal FDIC, NCUA, and CFPB data. Trust Grades reflect financial strength and complaint history.
| Tower ↗ Credit Union · Laurel, MD · Est. 1953 | Chessie ↗ Credit Union · Cumberland, MD · Est. 1948 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Grade | A · 98/100 | A · 98/100 |
| Institution type | Credit Union | Credit Union |
| Location | Laurel, MD | Cumberland, MD |
| Total assets | $5.0B | $433.2M |
| Net worth ratio | 14.0% | 13.6% |
| Return on assets | 1.1% | 1.3% |
| Shares & deposits | — | — |
| Members | 218,540 | 33,968 |
| CFPB complaints | 0 | 0 |
| Complaints / $1B assets | — | — |
| State rank | #5 of 61 | #1 of 61 |
| Established | 1953 | 1948 |
Tower
- Assets: $5.0B
- Members: 218,540
- Capital ratio: 14.0%
- Return on assets: 1.1%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #5 of 61
Chessie
- Assets: $433.2M
- Members: 33,968
- Capital ratio: 13.6%
- Return on assets: 1.3%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #1 of 61
Are both institutions federally insured?
Yes. Tower is NCUA-insured and Chessie is NCUA-insured. Both protect deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, regardless of Trust Grade. The Trust Grade reflects financial strength and complaint history — not the safety of insured deposits. Estimate your coverage →
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Tower or Chessie?
Based on Bankzia's Trust Grade — which blends financial strength (capital ratio, ROA) with CFPB complaint history — Tower scores higher with a grade of A (98/100). However, "better" depends on your needs: if you prioritize branch access, local service, or membership eligibility for a credit union, the lower-scoring option may still be the right choice for you.
Is Tower safe?
Yes — Tower is NCUA-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category are federally protected regardless of the institution's Trust Grade. Its Trust Grade is A (98/100), reflecting its financial strength and complaint history relative to peers.
Is Chessie safe?
Yes — Chessie is NCUA-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category are federally protected. Its Trust Grade is A (98/100).
What is the capital ratio of Tower vs Chessie?
Tower has a net worth ratio of 14.0%, placing it in the top 11% of $1B–10B peers. Chessie's ratio is 13.6%, placing it in the top 23% of $100M–1B peers. A higher capital ratio generally signals a stronger financial cushion.
How many complaints does Tower have compared to Chessie?
The CFPB database shows 0 complaints against Tower, and 0 complaints against Chessie. The per-$1B rate adjusts for institution size and is a more meaningful comparison metric.
How does Bankzia calculate the Trust Grade?
The Trust Grade combines a financial strength score (based on capital ratio, return on assets, and other FDIC/NCUA metrics) with a customer experience score derived from CFPB complaint data. The scores are weighted and normalized within peer groups by institution size and type. See our full methodology for details.
Compare Tower with other Credit Unions in Maryland
Financial data from NCUA call reports; complaint data from the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Bankzia is independent and not affiliated with any government agency or financial institution.
