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Membership Guide

How to Join a Credit Union, Step by Step

Joining is easier than most people expect. Most Americans qualify for at least one credit union through where they live, work, worship, or study, or through family. Here is the whole process, start to finish.

Join America's Credit UnionSee the Steps
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The Basics

What Is a Credit Union?

Credit union vs. bank

Built for members, not shareholders.

Credit unions and banks offer many of the same financial tools. The biggest difference is who owns the institution—and who it is designed to benefit.

Credit union

A member-owned cooperative

  1. Members are the ownersEach member has an equal vote, regardless of account balance.
  2. Not-for-profit structureEarnings support members and the institution instead of outside stockholders.
  3. Member value comes firstThis may mean fewer fees, higher savings dividends, or lower loan rates.
  4. Membership eligibility appliesYou join through an eligible community, employer, family, military, or association connection.

Traditional bank

A for-profit company

  1. Investors own the companyCustomers use the bank’s services but do not become owners by opening an account.
  2. For-profit structureThe business is designed to produce returns for its shareholders.
  3. Shareholder value is centralRates, fees, and services reflect the bank’s competitive and profit goals.
  4. No field of membershipCustomers generally open accounts without joining a defined membership group.
Members save Deposits build shared financial strength
Members borrow Savings help fund loans for other members
Value returns Earnings support rates, fees, and services

Rates, fees, eligibility, and services vary by institution. Federally insured credit union deposits are insured by the NCUA within applicable limits. Learn more at MyCreditUnion.gov (opens in a new tab).

See if you’re eligible  →
Step by Step

How to Join a Credit Union in Four Steps

Most people finish all four in about ten minutes, and many qualify without realizing it.

01

Confirm Eligibility

Live, work, worship, or attend school in the area, be related to a member, work for a partner employer, or join an affiliated association.

02

Open a Share Savings Account

Your share savings account represents your ownership. The minimum deposit is usually $5 to $25 and stays your money.

03

Complete the Application

Apply online or in person with your personal information, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

04

Fund the Account

Fund by debit or credit card, bank transfer, or cash or check in branch. Once approved and funded, you are officially a member-owner.

Why It Pays

Why People Choose Credit Unions Over Banks

Lower Fees

Credit unions typically charge fewer account maintenance and overdraft fees than large banks.

Better Rates

Members often receive higher dividend rates on savings and lower rates on loans.

Member-Focused Service

Credit unions are owned by their members, not shareholders, which puts service ahead of profit.

Community Connection

Many credit unions serve specific regions and communities, so they understand local financial needs.

Choosing Well

How to Choose the Right Credit Union

Compare these four things and you will know which institution fits your goals.

Rates and Fees

Look for lower loan rates and higher savings dividend rates, then check fees for ATM usage, overdrafts, and account maintenance.

Digital Tools

Robust online and mobile banking makes managing your money significantly easier.

ATM Access

Credit unions in shared networks often give members access to more surcharge-free ATMs than a traditional bank.

Membership

Some credit unions have narrow membership. America's Credit Union is open to just about everyone, by location, work, family, or association.

Who Can Join America's Credit Union

  • You live, work, worship, or attend school in the Pacific Northwest, or you qualify nationwide
  • You qualify through eligible U.S. military service, eligible civilian employment, or an eligible military family relationship
  • You qualify through an immediate family or household relationship with someone eligible for ACU membership
  • You are a current member of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), or ACU can enroll you in AUSA on your behalf when you join
  • You are an employee of America's Credit Union
FAQ

Joining a Credit Union, Answered

No. Most people qualify for at least one credit union based on location, employment, family, or association membership.
You typically need to deposit $5 to $25 into a share savings account, and that deposit remains your money.
Eligibility depends on the credit union, but modern credit unions are far more inclusive than many people realize.
Yes. Most credit unions offer mobile apps, online banking, bill pay, and digital account access.
Yes. Federally insured credit unions are protected by the NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor.

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