Of those who did switch financial institutions after moving, 29% said they did so to be closer to a branch. Another 17% said they switched because the service was better, 17% said they switched because their previous financial institution did not meet their needs and 15% switched for better products. Another 11% said they switched because they preferred doing business electronically, and 11% said they switched because their income changed.

The average American moves once every five years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and though it's harder to keep long-distance relationships of any kind going, an increasingly digital world is making that easier for credit unions, the research found.

“In order to ensure members feel engaged in any location outside of the branch, your credit union should invest in robust online DIY tools and applications,” Filene Research Associate Manpreet Nat wrote. “The priority should be to broaden access points and service channels to afford members multiple opportunities to stay connected. Moving doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship with your members.”

About 80% of the survey respondents were female, and 45% were between 18 and 29 years old. About 77% of the respondents had an annual household income below $100,000, Filene said.