“Not only are credit unions great stewards of their members’ money, but their business model means their primary focus is on serving their members. When you join a credit union, you know that your money goes back to you, the member.”
“There are real advantages to credit union membership,” said Karen Tyson, NAFCU senior vice president of marketing and communications. “Not only are credit unions great stewards of their members’ money, but their business model means their primary focus is on serving their members. When you join a credit union, you know that your money goes back to you, the member.”
Five things you will love about credit unions:
- Members come first. Unlike banks, credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned financial institutions where you are not a number – you’re a member. Relationships matter and people come first. Many people are eligible to join a credit union based on their employment, community, educational, military, church or family affiliation. Low-income-designated credit unions offer financial services in communities that are often underserved by banks.
- Joining a credit union is easy. You can find a credit union to join at www.CULookup.com. Visit your local branch, or apply for membership online. At some credit unions, you can open an account for as little as $5. Once a member, you can stay a member even if you change jobs or move to another area of the country.
- Credit unions have great services and products. Credit unions offer savings/checking accounts, debit cards, credit cards, IRAs, auto and mortgage loans, and online banking -- just like banks.
- Convenience. Many credit unions participate in a shared branching network offering members access to credit union locations in all 50 states. Credit unions also offer access to thousands of free ATMs nationwide, including at key 7-Eleven locations.
- Deposits are safe and secure. Deposits in the nation’s federal credit unions are federally insured through the National Credit Union Administration. NCUA carries the full faith-and-credit guarantee of the United States government, just like the FDIC. No credit union member has ever lost a penny of their federally insured funds.
The National Association of Federal Credit Unions is the only national organization that focuses exclusively on federal issues affecting credit unions, representing its members before the federal government and the public.
