What is a Credit Union?

The idea for credit unions was based on the simple principle that ordinary people could pool their money and make loans to each other.  Credit unions are financial cooperatives, owned by the people who save and borrow there.  Once you deposit money in a credit union, you become a member.  Credit unions serve groups that share something in common, such as where they work, live, or go to church.

Every member is an owner with an equal vote in the election of the credit union's volunteer board of directors.  Credit unions return earnings to their members in the form of lower rates on loans, higher dividends on savings, and fewer and lower service fees.  Many credit unions have expanded their services to include credit cards, debit cards, checking accounts, online services, IRAs, mortgages, and student loans.

As with other financial institutions, credit unions are regulated by state and federal agencies.  The funds credit union members deposit are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000.