Free Guide to Understanding Local Credit Unions

What Credit Unions Are and How They Differ from Banks

A credit union is a financial institution owned by its members rather than by outside investors or shareholders. This fundamental difference shapes how credit unions operate and the services they offer. When you join a credit union, you become a part-owner of that organization. The profits earned by the credit union get returned to members through lower fees, better interest rates on savings accounts, and lower rates on loans.

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Traditional banks operate differently. Banks are typically owned by stockholders whose goal is to maximize profits. Banks answer to investors first and customers second. Credit unions answer to their members. This means decisions about interest rates, fees, and services are made with members' financial wellbeing in mind rather than shareholder returns.

Credit unions also operate on a not-for-profit basis. This does not mean they are charitable organizations. It means that instead of distributing profits to owners, credit unions reinvest earnings into improving member services and maintaining competitive rates. A credit union might offer a savings account with a higher interest rate than a bank or provide personal loans at lower rates.

The typical credit union is smaller than a major national bank. Many credit unions serve specific communities or groups of people. Some credit unions are based on where you work, live, or worship. Others serve people in a particular profession or industry. This community focus often means credit union staff know members personally and can provide more individualized service.

Credit unions are federally regulated and insured, just like banks. Your deposits in a credit union are protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), similar to how the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects bank deposits. You typically have up to $250,000 in coverage per account category.

Practical Takeaway: Understanding that credit unions are member-owned and not-for-profit helps explain why they often offer different rates and fees than banks. Research a credit union's mission and structure to understand what drives their business decisions.

Finding a Credit Union You Can Join

Credit unions use membership requirements called "fields of membership." These requirements determine who can join a particular credit union. Unlike banks, which typically serve anyone with identification and a deposit, credit unions have specific membership criteria. Understanding these criteria helps you find a credit union you may be able to join.

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Common fields of membership include geographic areas, employers, and associations. A geographic field of membership might cover a specific city, county, or region. For example, a credit union might serve anyone who lives or works in three specific counties. An employer-based field of membership means you can join if you work for that company or organization. Some credit unions serve military members and their families, employees of particular government agencies, or members of professional associations.

To find credit unions you might join, start by checking if your employer sponsors a credit union. Many large employers and government agencies have affiliated credit unions for employees and their families. Ask your human resources or payroll department whether a credit union is available to you. If you are retired or no longer work for that employer, you may still be able to keep your membership.

The CO-OP Network and Shared Branch Network provide tools to locate credit unions. These networks let you search by location or by the type of membership you have. Many credit unions participate in these networks, allowing members to use other credit unions' ATMs and branch services for free or at low cost.

Family membership is another option worth exploring. Some credit unions allow family members of existing members to join, even if those family members do not meet the primary membership requirement. The definition of family varies by credit union, but it often includes spouses, children, parents, and grandparents. Ask the credit union about family membership policies when you contact them.

Consider joining a credit union that serves your community through a community charter. Some credit unions have fields of membership based on living or working in a particular geographic area with no other requirements. This option may be available to you if you live in an area served by a community-chartered credit union.

Practical Takeaway: Make a list of potential fields of membership you qualify for—your employer, your location, your profession, military service, or family connections—then search for credit unions matching those criteria using online directories.

Understanding Credit Union Services and Products

Credit unions offer a range of financial products similar to those at banks, though specific offerings vary by institution. The most common products are savings accounts, checking accounts, and loans. Knowing what products a credit union offers helps you decide if it meets your financial needs.

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Savings accounts at credit unions often provide higher interest rates than savings accounts at banks. This is because credit unions do not prioritize profits for shareholders. The money earned from investments gets returned to members through better rates. Interest rates on savings accounts fluctuate based on market conditions and the credit union's strategy, but credit unions frequently offer rates above the national average.

Checking accounts at credit unions typically have lower fees than bank checking accounts. Many credit unions offer free checking with no monthly service fees and no minimum balance requirements. Some credit unions reimburse ATM fees charged by other banks, making it easier to access cash without paying surcharges. However, not all credit unions offer all services, so compare options between different institutions.

Personal loans from credit unions generally have lower interest rates than personal loans from banks or online lenders. Credit unions base loan decisions on factors beyond just credit scores. A credit union loan officer might consider your employment history, income stability, and relationship with the credit union when making lending decisions. This can be helpful if you have limited credit history or an imperfect credit record.

Auto loans are another popular credit union product. Credit unions often provide auto loans with better rates than banks or dealership financing. Some credit unions have programs that help members purchase used vehicles at fair prices or provide guidance on vehicle purchases to avoid overpaying.

Credit cards, mortgages, and other financial products are also available through many credit unions. Some credit unions offer home equity loans or lines of credit. Others provide investment services, financial planning resources, or business loans. The specific products available depend on the individual credit union's size and focus.

Credit unions increasingly offer digital banking services including online accounts, mobile apps, and electronic transfers. Many credit unions participate in shared branching networks, allowing you to conduct transactions at other credit unions' branches. Some credit unions offer 24/7 phone support or online chat for member questions.

Practical Takeaway: List your primary financial needs—whether you need checking, savings, a loan, or other services—then review which credit unions offer those specific products at competitive rates.

How Credit Union Membership Works

Joining a credit union involves opening a membership share account, which is the credit union equivalent of a bank deposit account. This account represents your ownership stake in the credit union and is required to access other credit union services. Understanding how membership works helps you know what to expect when you join.

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Most credit unions require an initial deposit into a share account, typically ranging from $5 to $25. This deposit is your membership fee and establishes your ownership in the credit union. This amount is minimal compared to the value of membership benefits. Your share account is insured by the NCUA up to $250,000.

Once you become a member, you have certain rights and responsibilities. You can attend annual meetings where members vote on credit union policies and elect board members. The board of directors oversees the credit union's operations. Since members elect board members, you have a voice in how the credit union is run. Voting rights typically mean one member equals one vote, regardless of how much money you have in the credit union.

Credit unions maintain privacy and security standards similar to banks. Your personal and financial information is protected under federal privacy laws. Credit unions are required to have cybersecurity measures in place to protect member data and prevent fraud. You should still follow good practices like protecting your passwords and monitoring your accounts regularly for unusual activity.

Member services vary by credit union but often include financial education resources. Many credit unions offer workshops on budgeting, credit building, homebuying, and retirement planning. Some provide one-on-one financial counseling at no charge. These educational resources can help you make better financial decisions.

If you leave a geographic area or change employers, you may still keep your credit union membership. Many credit unions allow you to maintain your account as a member for life, even if you no longer meet the original membership requirement. Some credit unions have reciprocal agreements with other credit unions, allowing you to transfer membership if you move.

Credit unions may charge fees for certain services, though typically fewer and lower than banks. Common fees might include