The Credit Union Difference
Credit Unions
Not for profit
Owned by Credit Union Members
One member, one vote
Affordable fees
Small loans available
Easy to obtain loans
No account too small
Friendly, caring
For profit
Customers
Shareholders vote their shares, Customers don't
Excessive fees
Only larger loans available
Strict loan requirements
Minimum account balance
It's all business
Credit unions’ core values and structure are very different from those of banks. As a member, you’re not just a customer; you are an owner, with a say in the future course of the credit union. Plus, credit unions’ not-for-profit status means that all earnings are returned to the members in the form of great rates and low fees. Banks, on the other hand, exist to make a profit for shareholders, so their definition of success is different, “it is bottom line driven”.
Credit unions also give members the chance to get involved. The board of directors is made up entirely of volunteers, as is the supervisory committee (which audits the credit union’s books). As a volunteer, you can be a driving force in your credit union.
What is a Federal Credit Union?
A federal credit union is a cooperative financial institution chartered by the federal government and owned by its members. Federal credit unions offer members a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates. Surplus income is returned to members in the form of dividends and/or additional services.
What Services Do Credit Unions Offer?
While their values and structure are different from those of banks, credit union offers just as wide a range of services.
- Savings Accounts
- Checking Accounts—also called “Share Draft Accounts”—often with no service fees or minimum balances
- Mortgages and other loans with affordable rates
- Payroll Deduction / Direct Deposit
- Credit and debit cards
- ATMs
- IRAs
- Insurance Plans
- Financial Planning
- CDs (called “share certificates” in credit unions)
- Overdraft Protection
- And more…