What is a Credit Union?

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Definition:

A credit union is a nonprofit organization that offers financial services — such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards — and is owned by account holders.

🤔 Understanding a credit union

Credit unions are financial institutions that offer many of the services that banks do, such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and credit cards. What makes them different from banks is that they are owned by the account holders (members) rather than external shareholders. Everyone who holds an account owns a share in the credit union and gets a vote in how it operates. Credit unions are nonprofit organizations overseen by voluntary boards that their members elect. Community ownership means credit unions can sometimes offer lower fees, higher interest rates, and more personalized services than traditional banks. On the flip side, they often have fewer locations and products, and may lack up-to-date technology. While banks serve the general public, membership in credit unions is restricted based on your employer, region, or affiliation with a certain group. However, some restrictions are so broad that in reality anyone can join.

Example

Let’s say Sally wants to open a savings account, so she visits the local branch of a national bank. When she looks at the account agreement, she notices the high minimum balance requirements and monthly fees.

Sally decides to go to her local credit union instead. They offer her what is called a share account. It works like a savings account but also gives her a share in the credit union’s ownership and a vote in its affairs. The share account has a lower minimum balance requirement and lower fees, and it offers a higher interest rate. Some credit unions can offer these benefits because they don’t have to worry about making a profit for external shareholders.

Takeaway

A credit union is like a community garden…

A group of people own a small plot of land together (the credit union), and everyone brings their own seeds (cash deposits). Membership in the garden is restricted to a certain group — in this case, people who live in the neighborhood. Everyone who plants seeds, regardless of how many, has equal ownership in the garden and thus an equal say in what happens to it. Together, the group hires a gardener (credit union staff) to care for their plants. Some members volunteer to oversee the garden as a whole (voluntary board of directors.) Later, everyone benefits from the harvest.

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What is a credit union?

Credit unions are financial institutions that are similar to banks. They offer checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), loans, credit cards, and other financial products. What makes credit unions different banks is their ownership structure.

Credit unions are nonprofit organizations that are owned and controlled by their members. You often hear savings accounts at credit unions called “share accounts,” since opening one entitles you to become a member and to share in the ownership of the credit union. Typically, every account holder gets a single share and a single vote, regardless of how much he or she deposits. A credit union’s board of directors consists of volunteers elected by members. Credit unions are usually open to people who work for a given employer, live in a certain region, or are affiliated with a certain group, such as a church. The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund protects deposits of up to $250,000 per institution in case a credit union fails.

Banks, by contrast, are typically owned by individuals or institutions that are not necessarily clients of the bank. They serve customers, who don’t have any say in how the bank is run. Banks are typically for-profit and open to the general public. They’re overseen by boards that are accountable to the bank’s shareholders. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, an independent government agency, protects deposits up to $250,000 — per account — in case a bank fails.

Why do people use credit unions?

Some people may choose a credit union because they believe it’s convenient. If a credit union operates many branches and ATMs in your area, it can be an accessible financial institution. The unique ownership structure of credit unions is another reason people may prefer to work with them. Since credit unions are member-owned, they often offer lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, and higher ones on checking or savings accounts, compared to traditional banks. It’s also sometimes easier to qualify for a loan or credit card with a credit union if you have troublesome spots in your financial history, since it may be more willing to evaluate individuals on a case-by-case basis. Since credit unions are tied to a community, they may offer more personalized customer service. Some people might prefer to use a credit unions because supporting a local, non-profit organization aligns with their values.

How do credit unions work?

For the most part, credit unions work similarly to the way banks do. They offer similar services, such as checking and savings accounts, mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and more. However, the exact names of the accounts might differ. For example, many credit unions call their equivalents to checking and savings accounts “share accounts” to signify that they give members an ownership share in the organization.

A significant difference between credit unions and banks is that only members of a credit union can use its services. Federal regulations require credit unions to restrict their membership, so you must meet some requirements to join. For example, some credit unions are only for employees of specific companies. These restrictions go back to the emergence of credit unions in the 1920s. The idea was that small groups of people should be able to create nonprofits that provide them with affordable financial services tailored to them.

What are the membership requirements?

Some credit unions restrict membership heavily, while others have broader requirements.

One example of a credit union with narrow membership requirements is the Harvard University Employees Credit Union. Only students, staff, faculty, alumni, and affiliates of Harvard and its partner organizations are eligible. If you don’t attend or work for the university or an affiliate, there’s no way for you to join. This allows the credit union to focus its efforts on a very specific population.

The NASA Federal Credit Union is an example of an institution with looser eligibility requirements. You can join if you work for, or retired from, the National Academy of Sciences. You can also join if you work for, or belong to, one of 900 partner companies and groups, including SpaceX and J&J Auto Repair. You’re also eligible if a relative belongs to the credit union. If you don’t meet any of those requirements, you can still become eligible by joining a non-profit called the National Space Society. The credit union even gives potential members free one-year memberships to the organization. In essence, any member of the public can join.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of credit unions?

The primary advantage of working with credit unions is that they sometimes offer better customer service than banks, along with lower fees and better interest rates. Credit unions can offer these perks because, as member-owned institutions, they strive to work in the interest of account holders rather than external shareholders. That means more money can be returned to depositors or borrowers. If you’re someone who values community institutions, working with a credit union may be the more fulfilling route.

The biggest disadvantage of credit unions is that they tend to be smaller than banks. If you open an account at a major bank, you are likely to have little trouble finding an ATM or branch in the United States. Most credit unions are local institutions, with only a few branches and ATMs in the area, which can make it more difficult to access branches or ATMs. Credit unions may also lack the latest technology and often don’t offer as many services and products as banks do. You may want to do some research to figure out which organization is right for you.

What to know before joining a credit union

Before you join a credit union, you may want to compare its offerings to those of other financial institutions. It may be worthwhile to ensure that the credit union offers the products you want at competitive rates and charges acceptable fees. You should also know the membership requirements and make sure you can meet them. Finally, you may want to check that the credit union has branches and ATMs in the areas you visit often — You probably don’t want to go out of your way to access your accounts.

To join a credit union, you may start by filling out a form to prove your eligibility and become a member. You’ll have to open an account and make a small deposit to confirm your membership. You can generally do this either online, or in person at a branch. Typically, you’ll have to provide some identifying information, like your Social Security Number or a government ID, and proof of eligibility. You’ll also need some way to fund the account, like cash to deposit or details for the bank account from which you want to transfer funds. Once this is done, you can start opening other accounts or applying for loans.

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New customers need to sign up, get approved, and link their bank account. The cash value of the stock rewards may not be withdrawn for 30 days after the reward is claimed. Stock rewards not claimed within 60 days may expire. See full terms and conditions at rbnhd.co/freestock. Securities trading is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC.

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This information is educational, and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. This information is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell an investment or financial product, or take any action. This information is neither individualized nor a research report, and must not serve as the basis for any investment decision. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results or returns. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but Robinhood does not guarantee its accuracy.

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

Commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs and options refers to $0 commissions for Robinhood Financial self-directed individual cash or margin brokerage accounts that trade U.S. listed securities and certain OTC securities electronically. Keep in mind, other fees such as trading (non-commission) fees, Gold subscription fees, wire transfer fees, and paper statement fees may apply to your brokerage account. Check out Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule for details.

Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, (RHF) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC) and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, (RHS) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC). Cryptocurrency services are offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (RHC) (NMLS ID: 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. The Robinhood spending account is offered through Robinhood Money, LLC (RHY) (NMLS ID: 1990968), a licensed money transmitter. A list of our licenses has more information. The Robinhood Cash Card is a prepaid card issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. RHF, RHY, RHC and RHS are affiliated entities and wholly owned subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. RHF, RHY, RHC and RHS are not banks. Products offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal. RHC is not a member of FINRA and accounts are not FDIC insured or protected by SIPC. RHY is not a member of FINRA, and products are not subject to SIPC protection, but funds held in the Robinhood spending account and Robinhood Cash Card account may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance (review the Robinhood Cash Card Agreement and the Robinhood Spending Account Agreement).

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