BETTER DEALS Making comparisons

Compared with banks and thrifts, credit unions still offer the best rates, according to a new survey.

Average rate on six-month certificate of deposit:

Credit unions: 0.57 percent

Thrifts: 0.42 percent

Banks: 0.18 percent

Average rate on five-year certificate of deposit:

Credit unions: 2.31 percent

Thrifts: 1.88 percent

Banks: 1.36 percent

Average rate on home-equity line of credit:

Credit unions: 4.28 percent

Thrifts: 4.97 percent

Banks: 6.14 percent

Average rate on used-car loan:

Credit unions: 5.28 percent

Thrifts: 7.78 percent

Banks: 6.58 percent

Source: Bankrate.com