It’s important to understand how credit unions are different from banks, and why we remain a necessary and extremely popular financial alternative for many Americans. Credit unions, unlike many other participants in the financial services market, are exempt from Federal and most State taxes because credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit organizations managed by a volunteer board of directors, and because they have the specified mission of meeting the credit and savings needs of consumers.


Ownership

Credit unions are an economic democracy. Each credit union primary member has equal ownership and one vote, regardless of how much money a member has in deposits or how many accounts they have. At a credit union, every person is equal and both a member and an owner.


Volunteer Boards

Each credit union is governed by a voluntary board of directors, not stockholders. The board of directors are elected by and from the credit union’s membership. You can view the currently elected board of directors on our Contact Us page.


Membership Eligibility

Credit unions cannot serve the general public. People qualify for a credit union membership through their employer, county they live in, friends or family members, organizational affiliations like churches or social groups, or community-chartered.


Social Purpose

People Helping People. Credit unions exist to help people, not focusing on profits. Our goal is to serve all of our members well, every member counts. Our members are fiercely loyal for this reason. They know their credit union will be there for them in bad times, as well as good. The same people-first philosophy causes credit unions and our employees to get involved in community charitable activities and worthwhile causes.


Products & Services

Credit Unions offer similar or the same type of products as banks, such as: home purchase loans, Home Equity loans, auto loans, RVs, motorcycles, checking, savings, kids accounts, and so much more. People choose to become a member at a credit union because they can offer lower rates on loans, and higher rates on deposit accounts.

 

What’s the difference between Credit Unions & Banks?