Credit Union

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that provides various financial services and products to its members, such as accepting deposits and making loans. Members of a credit union share a common bond, also known as the credit union's "field of membership," which enables them to join. This bond can be based on factors such as where they live, work, worship, or attend school. Credit unions are owned and controlled by the people who use their services, with a volunteer board of directors elected by members to manage the credit union. Unlike for-profit banks, credit unions operate to promote the well-being of their members, with profits made being returned back to members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings rates, and lower loan rates.

Deposits in credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which is managed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), with the standard share insurance amount being $250,000 per share owner per insured credit union for each account ownership category. Compared to banks, credit unions provide more personalized customer service and, although they offer a similar range of products and services, they often offer better rates and fees. Eligibility requirements differ across credit unions, and individuals may qualify based on factors such as their employer, place of residence, or affiliation with certain groups.

1. Credit Unions are Nonprofit Institutions: Unlike banks, credit unions are not for profit institutions. They are owned and operated by their members and aim to promote their members’ best interests instead of focusing on profits. This often results in lower fees and better rates for members.

2. Members are also Owners: When you deposit money in a credit union account, you become an owner-member of the credit union. This means you have a say in how the credit union is run and how profits are reinvested.

3. Credit Unions Offer Similar Products as Banks: Credit unions offer many of the same products and services as banks including savings and checking accounts, loans, credit cards and more. However, the terms and rates offered by credit unions are often more favorable for members.

4. You Must Meet Eligibility Requirements to Join: In order to join a credit union, you must meet certain eligibility requirements which vary from credit union to credit union. Some common requirements include living in a certain town or region, working for an eligible employer, or being affiliated with certain groups like labor unions or schools.

5. Credit Unions Reinvest Profits Back into Their Products: Unlike banks, credit unions do not pay profits to shareholders. Instead, they reinvest profits back into their products and services, resulting in better rates and terms for members.

6. Credit Unions are Insured: Most credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). This means that deposits are typically insured up to $250,000 per account for each depositor.

7. Credit Unions Offer Personalized Service: Because credit unions are often smaller than banks, members may receive more personalized service and have easier access to decision-makers.

8. Credit Unions May Require Membership Fee: Some credit unions require a membership fee to join, though this is typically a small amount.

9. Credit Unions Offer Competitive Rates: Because credit unions are member-owned and not for profit, they can often offer better rates and terms than traditional banks.

10. Credit Unions can be a Good Choice for Local Banking: If you want to keep your banking local and support your community, credit unions can be a great choice. They often invest back into local communities and may have more personalized service than larger banks.

Credit are financial institutions that are owned and operated by members. They are not-for-profit organizations that focus on serving their members' best interests rather than maximizing profits. Credit unions offer a wide range of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. They often have lower fees, better savings rates, and lower loan rates than traditional banks because of their member-focused philosophy.

Credit union members have a say in how their institution is run by electing a board of directors. To become a member of a credit union, one must meet certain eligibility requirements, which vary depending on the credit union's organization and affiliation. Credit unions provide deposit insurance similar to that offered by banks, but are insured by the National Credit Union Administration rather than the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Overall, credit unions offer a personalized service experience and focus on putting their members first.