The Credit Union Difference

There are over 90 million credit union members in the United States. In Arizona, 1.6 million members belong and are owners of a credit union. Why do so many consumers choose a credit union over other traditional financial institutions? The answer can be attributed to our “Credit Union Difference.”

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, every customer is 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.

Membership Eligibility

By current federal statute, credit unions cannot serve the general public. People qualify for a credit union membership through their employer, organizational affiliations like churches or social groups, or a community-chartered credit union. Find out which credit union serves you [Link to Find A Credit Union].

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. 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 - just ask us.