# Buoy Local vs Downeast CU

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Downeast CU at 63% against Buoy Local's 0%. Downeast CU also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (937 vs 14). Buoy Local's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Downeast CU holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Downeast CU has 937 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Buoy Local's written reviews are positive against 63% of Downeast CU's.

Buoy Local ships an update every 6 weeks, Downeast CU every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Buoy Local | Downeast CU |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buoy-local/id1489823886/reviews) | **[4.7 (937 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/downeast-cu/id1496799862/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **937** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **62.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 20 MB | 111 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bangor Savings Bank](https://appshunter.io/developer/566411509) | [Downeast Credit Union](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439100589) |

## What reviewers say

### Buoy Local

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buoy-local/id1489823886)

Discover local deals and earn rewards by supporting businesses in Maine and New Hampshire. This app helps you track your loyalty points and find local shops and restaurants to patronize with every purchase.

**Highlights:** Support local shops and restaurants, Earn loyalty rewards, Track reward points, Find local deals, Discover Maine and New Hampshire businesses

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Downeast CU

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/downeast-cu/id1496799862)

Manage your finances on the go with secure mobile banking. Check balances, view transactions, pay bills, deposit checks, and transfer funds easily from your device. Access your accounts anytime, anywhere with advanced security measures.

**Highlights:** Check account balances, View account activity and history, Pay bills, Deposit checks, Make transfers, Secure access

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Buoy Local free?

Buoy Local is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Downeast CU free?

Downeast CU is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Buoy Local or Downeast CU?

Downeast CU is rated higher. Buoy Local averages 3.7 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Downeast CU averages 4.7 from 937 ratings.

### Do Buoy Local or Downeast CU have ads?

Downeast CU shows ads; Buoy Local does not.

### Which is updated more often, Buoy Local or Downeast CU?

Buoy Local ships an update every 6 weeks, and Downeast CU every 3 months. Most recently, Buoy Local was updated on November 3, 2026 and Downeast CU on November 7, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*