The Credit Union Difference

What is A Credit Union?

A credit union is a cooperative financial institution owned and controlled by the people who use its services. These people are members. Credit unions serve groups that share something in common, such as where they work, live, worship or go to school.

Credit unions are not-for-profit and exist to provide a safe, convenient place for members to save money and to get loans at reasonable rates. Credit unions, like other financial institutions, are closely regulated, and they operate in a very prudent manner. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, administered by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government, insures deposits of credit union members at more than 8,000 federal- and state-chartered credit unions nationwide. Deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 per member.

What makes a credit union different from a bank or savings & loan? Like credit unions, these financial institutions accept deposits and make loans—but unlike credit unions, they are in business to make a profit. Banks and savings & loans are owned by groups of stockholders whose interests include earning a healthy return on their investments.

Why Join a Credit Union?

Founded on the basic democratic premise of the cooperative movement, credit unions believe that access to low-cost financial services is critical to the health and stability of ordinary citizens. In fact, more than 89 million Americans trust that their credit union will provide the services to improve their financial well being.

Credit union membership offers many benefits. Services offered range from simple savings to home equity loans to IRAs. Study after study has revealed that on average, credit unions provide the best financial offerings with fewer fees, lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings. Credit unions continually score higher than all other financial institutions in consumer satisfaction surveys.

Credit unions strive to deliver the best service possible to their most important asset - their members.