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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

City of Boston Credit Union vs Navy Federal Credit Union

City of Boston Credit Union 4.8★ · Free to download 60
Winner Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union 4.9★ · Free to download 75

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is generally the better choice due to its more robust app features and widespread positive sentiment, despite recent complaints about maintenance and bugs, while City of Boston Credit Union (CBCU) struggles with fundamental app functionality and outdated technology.

Full reviews: City of Boston Credit Union · Navy Federal Credit Union

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) offers a comprehensive banking experience with a generally well-regarded app, though recent updates have introduced frustrating bugs and frequent maintenance. City of Boston Credit Union (CBCU) provides excellent in-person customer service but is significantly hampered by an unreliable and outdated mobile app.

Head to head

App Features & Functionality edge: Navy Federal Credit UnionR7R8R9R10
City of Boston Credit Union CBCU's app is described as basic and simple, with some users appreciating its convenience for transfers and bill pay R8. However, many recent reviews highlight significant issues, including frequent 'session expired' messages, login failures, crashes, slowness, and an inability to update information or use features like Face ID reliably R9R13. Some users also note the lack of modern features like tap-to-pay for cards and integration with apps like Zelle R7R10. Recent updates have been polarizing, with some praising improved interface and Face ID R36 while others still report persistent login and functionality problems R29.
Navy Federal Credit Union NFCU's app is generally praised for being easy to use, smooth, and providing necessary information for banking, including transfers and statements . Users appreciate features like credit card points management and the ability to track expenditures . However, recent updates have introduced numerous bugs, such as freezing, display issues , problems with mobile deposits R93R103, and difficulty with credit card payments . Users also report issues with notifications, including persistent badge counts , and a desire for features like a widget and dark mode .
Reliability & Performance tieR9R13R15R17
City of Boston Credit Union CBCU's app is frequently criticized for being unreliable. Users report it failing to open 60% of the time, being very slow, and constantly asking for security questions R13R15R17. Login issues are a major pain point, with users experiencing 'session expired' messages, blank pages, and inability to sign in after updates R9R17R29. Some reviews suggest that recent updates have introduced more bugs, making the app unusable for many R29.
Navy Federal Credit Union NFCU's app suffers from frequent 'scheduled maintenance' periods, which users find highly inconvenient and frustrating, often occurring at critical times R48R50R51R54. Beyond maintenance, the app is reported to be slow, freeze up, or lock up after login . Some users also experience issues with login recognition and a blank screen during Apple Pay verification .
Customer Service & Support edge: City of Boston Credit UnionR2R4R5R6
City of Boston Credit Union CBCU receives high praise for its in-person and phone customer service, with employees described as professional, friendly, helpful, and going 'above and beyond' R2R5R6R16. However, there are conflicting reports, with some users calling customer service 'terrible' R4 and others experiencing unhelpful or rude interactions regarding specific issues like bill pay or loan problems R19.
Navy Federal Credit Union NFCU's customer service receives mixed reviews. While some users express overall satisfaction with the institution , there are complaints about long wait times for live agents in chat and on the phone . Some users report issues with customer service not resolving notification problems or being unresponsive during critical times .
Ease of Use edge: Navy Federal Credit UnionR1R3R8R9
City of Boston Credit Union CBCU's app is described as convenient and efficient by some R1R8. However, many users struggle with its usability due to frequent login problems, security questions, and a generally outdated interface R3R9R10. There's a learning curve for new users, as some need to enable mobile access via a computer first for the app to work .
Navy Federal Credit Union NFCU's app is generally considered easy to use with a clear interface . However, recent issues like freezing, slow loading times, and display problems detract from the user experience . Some users also find specific features, like rewards search or savings goals, to be less intuitive or buggy after updates . The 'TO/FROM' transfer screen is also noted as confusing .
Price/Value edge: Navy Federal Credit UnionR2R6R16R19
City of Boston Credit Union As a credit union, CBCU is generally perceived positively for its services and loyalty R2R16. However, one user claims they are 'thieves' regarding loan practices, alleging principal balance increases R19. External transfers can also be a 'huge headache' R6.
Navy Federal Credit Union NFCU is widely regarded as offering excellent value, with many users stating it's the 'best bank' and they will be members for life . Users appreciate competitive rates and the ability to centralize banking . However, some recent updates have negatively impacted the value of rewards .
Pick City of Boston Credit Union if

You prioritize personalized, highly-rated in-person or phone customer service and are willing to tolerate a less reliable and feature-rich mobile app, or if you primarily conduct banking in person R2R5R6R16.

Pick Navy Federal Credit Union if

You need a comprehensive banking app with a wide range of features and generally good usability, and are comfortable navigating occasional maintenance downtime and recent software bugs .

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, so there is no free-vs-paid asymmetry. Recent reviews for both apps show a negative skew, with many users reporting issues after updates. For City of Boston Credit Union, the number of reviews is significantly smaller than Navy Federal Credit Union, leading to less comprehensive data for some dimensions.

Frequently asked

Does the City of Boston Credit Union app support Face ID or fingerprint login?
The City of Boston Credit Union app has recently introduced Face ID and fingerprint login, with some users praising this long-awaited update R36. However, other users report that the fingerprint authentication is not functioning or that they still have to answer security questions even with Face ID enabled R21R29R31.
How often does the Navy Federal Credit Union app undergo maintenance?
The Navy Federal Credit Union app is frequently under maintenance, with users reporting it as 'constantly' or 'always' undergoing scheduled service, often at inconvenient times like weekends or evenings R48R50R51R54. These maintenance periods can last for several hours, preventing users from accessing their accounts or making transfers R54.
Can I make mobile deposits with the Navy Federal Credit Union app?
While the Navy Federal Credit Union app generally supports mobile deposits, some users have reported issues with this feature since a recent update, with the screen freezing or checks being deemed blurry even with good lighting R93R103.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 107 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R7] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Alan: Cards don’t have tap to pay, AND is not recognized by any of these helpful transactional apps. Ex Zelle
  2. [R8] City of Boston Credit Union 5/5 · US Very convenient: I am pleased with the services offer, efficient and convenient!
  3. [R9] City of Boston Credit Union 3/5 · US Session expired: Lately the app has been giving me problems when trying to log in. As soon i log in it gives me the message session expired try and log in again, sometimes 2 or 3 times in a row.
  4. [R10] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Outdated: This app is outdated makes it hard for people to make payments from outside banks because of this i dont use Boston credit union anymore
  5. [R13] City of Boston Credit Union 2/5 · US Fails to open 60% of the time: So frustrating. No other app, including banking apps, give nor more trouble than this app. Just doesn’t load doesn’t show any information. Doesn’t matter how many times I open/close, WiFi/ no WiFi, apps in the background. So frustrating legitimately makes me want to close my account.
  6. [R15] City of Boston Credit Union 2/5 · US Very slow: I appreciate the ability to view and pay bills through an app, however the app is slow to open, slow to switch between accounts and the pay my bills page, and continually asks for security questions to be answered upon opening. I use the same device every time but it seems that it’s not remembered.
  7. [R17] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Needs improvement: So far the application makes me login to my security questions more often than I should. I also have trouble when logging in. I get shown a blank page so I have to close the application and restart.
  8. [R2] City of Boston Credit Union 5/5 · US Excellent should be its name.: Please let me start by saying that this is the best credit union I have ever been a member of, and I must say I’ve been a member of two others in the past but the team always goes above and beyond, regardless of what it is, a simple request for a new/lost card or something more complex. Everyone is super professional and friendly. My favorite person there is John fr
  9. [R4] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Not good: Customer service is terrible.
  10. [R5] City of Boston Credit Union 5/5 · US Cudos to your employees: To reactivate my dormant account, via telephone assistance, your W.Rox employee offered invaluable support with professionalism and a helpful dose of humor.
  11. [R6] City of Boston Credit Union 3/5 · US External transfers: The employees at the offices in Dorchester (Patty & Britany) & Canton (unsure of their names) were incredibly helpful. However the external transfers themselves were a huge headache. Messages from the transfer dept did not correspond to the transactions I initiated. Bring in a different time zone also severely restricted my ability to get access to my funds easily & quickly
  12. [R1] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Great: Convenient and efficient
  13. [R3] City of Boston Credit Union 3/5 · US Technology: Good morning, With technology moving forward it’s hard to see the bank not moving in the direction of improvement. Bank transactions should be less complicated. If you need a new card you should not have to wait 10 business days. Thank you for the opportunity M. Flowers
  14. [R16] City of Boston Credit Union 5/5 · US Satisfied customer: I have been a member of CBCU for about 15 years. My plan is to be a lifelong member. I’m that pleased with the service.
  15. [R19] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Thieves: Do NOT get a loan through this credit union. They are absolute thieves. They will keep adding money to your principal balance keeping you in debt forever!!! They’re customer service will do nothing to fix this error!!!
  16. [R21] City of Boston Credit Union 2/5 · US Was fine: The recent updates security changes are extremely annoying why have the option to login with Face ID if you have answer security questions enter a code from a text
  17. [R29] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Not working!: The new update for finger authentication is not functioning. City of Boston Credit Union has been very outdated and things don't seem to be moving in any directions!
  18. [R31] City of Boston Credit Union 1/5 · US Fingerprint: Why can't I just use my finger scan to access my account like every other banking app
  19. [R36] City of Boston Credit Union 5/5 · US UPDATE LONG OVER DUE BUT DEFINITELY NEEDED: I’ve waited years and finally we get a nice update. Love the Face ID feature and new tweaks and look!
  20. [R48] Navy Federal Credit Union 2/5 · US Always under maintenance: WHYYYY is this app constantly under maintenance? I try to open in and half the time I can't even check my account or transfer money because they're "conducting scheduled maintenance." I've never dealt with a banking app or any app like this where it's always undergoing some sort of service, like this is so frequent that it has irritated me enough to the point of writing a
  21. [R50] Navy Federal Credit Union 3/5 · US The Maintenance shut down is annoying: Eveytime I need to get into my bank I gotta worry if it in maintenance or not like at least give me a warning
  22. [R51] Navy Federal Credit Union 1/5 · US Unacceptable: I live in Hawaii and the navy federal app is almost always being worked on. Definitely open another bank!
  23. [R54] Navy Federal Credit Union 1/5 · US The app is trash: It shouldn’t ever take 6 plus hours for a “ schedule maintenance” it’s ridiculous at this point
  24. [R93] Navy Federal Credit Union 1/5 · US Can’t do mobile deposits anymore: Since a recent update (I believe 2026.6.1) I’m no longer able to do mobile deposits. When I take a picture of the front of the check, the entire screen turns white and just stays there frozen. I’ve tried turning off auto capture, flash, restarting app, restarting phone, my phone has the latest iOS update, everything. The bug is in the app.
  25. [R103] Navy Federal Credit Union 4/5 · US pretty great: fix the mobile deposit there shouldn’t be no reason that i take the best photos of my life with my phone and it still says blurry even though i literally just cleaned my camera before taking the photo and have perfect lighting… example im dealing with this issue now and i’m right now im next to my window with the light on and it’s still saying blurry.

Synthesized from 107 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store