The Credit Union Difference
Our nation’s Credit Unions have helped our member’s live better lives. Credit unions are different from other financial institutions in many important ways, including:
- Not-for-profit. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives. We exist to serve our members, not to make a profit. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to our members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees.
- Ownership. Credit unions are economic democracy. Each credit union member has equal ownership and one vote – regardless of how much money a member has on deposit. At a credit union, you are both a member and an owner.
- Volunteer Boards. Each credit union is governed by a board of directors, elected by and from the credit union's membership. Board members serve voluntarily and receive no compensation.
- Financial Education for Members. Credit unions assist members to become better educated consumers of financial services.
- Social Purpose: People Helping People. Credit unions exist to help people, not make a profit. Our goal is to serve all of our members well, including those of modest means – every member counts.