Credit Unions

Learn how credit unions & financial co-ops are benefiting our economy and communities.

Credit unions operate for the benefit of their member-owners, the account holders. Credit unions have been organized to serve a specific group of people or community that is in need of financial services. Some are small with a single location in one community, while others are found nationwide with millions of members. What they all have in common is their dedication to serving their members and ensuring all people have access to banking, credit, and other financial services. Credit unions in the United States are empowering over 100 million people with ownership of their financial institutions!

Credit unions, cooperative banks, and all financial co-ops have great impact on how people and local businesses access the financial tools they need to thrive.

Here is just one story from Michigan First Credit Union.

Watch the video

CUSTOMER-OWNED

People and communities thrive with supportive local businesses and institutions. In contrast to conventional banks, credit unions commonly take risks and operate in rural, impoverished, and underserved locations. Credit unions and cooperative banks provide access to capital, an opportunity that individuals, businesses, and communities might not otherwise have, making it possible for millions of people to buy their first car, their first home, start a new business or complete a community project.

What is a Credit Union or Financial Co-op?

Credit unions are different than your conventional bank. They are owned by the people who bank there, not outside investors. Credit unions are nonprofit banks – all revenue is funneled back into the credit union to lower interest rates and provide extra savings for the people who bank there. A conventional bank is for-profit and operates to return money to its outside investors.

“Credit unions in the United States are empowering over 100 million people with ownership of their financial institutions!”

DID YOU KNOW?

%
1/3 of the total population in the United States has a membership in a credit union.
Credit unions and cooperative banks can be found in all 50 state and nearly every congressional district.
k
Co-ops build jobs – credit unions account for 275,000 American jobs!

HELPFUL LINKS

Credit Union National Association
National Association of Federal Credit Unions
National Credit Union Administration
Search Other Associations

Find Co-ops Near You

What is INVESTED, BUILT, GROWN, MADE and SPENT with a co-op directly benefits the local community – make a bigger impact when you choose local co-ops.

Find Locations
Privacy Settings
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Youtube
Consent to display content from Youtube
Vimeo
Consent to display content from Vimeo
Google Maps
Consent to display content from Google
Spotify
Consent to display content from Spotify
Sound Cloud
Consent to display content from Sound