All Articles

Credit Union Myths: What Does It Mean to Be a Credit Union Member?

Profile Image
SHARE LinkedIn Icon X Icon Facebook Icon Email Icon

Credit Union Myths: What Does It Mean to Be a Credit Union Member?

Even though there are over 5,000 credit unions in the United States, many misconceptions about their structure and their services still exist.

One popular-but-false assumption is that the term “credit union member” is interchangeable with the term “credit union customer.”

It might seem like a harmless mistake, but the concept of membership is what sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions. A “member” isn’t an empty marketing term — it reflects your credit union’s commitment to co-operative values and shapes your entire banking experience.

As a member, you’re a part owner, you have a say in how your credit union is run and you get to share in its success in tangible ways.

(Article continues below video)

You own a part of your credit union

The main difference between banks and credit unions is their ownership: Banks are owned by investors and credit unions are member-owned (this makes them financial co-operatives).

When you first open an account at a credit union, you make a small deposit. The initial deposit isn’t some sort of service fee — it buys you a common share in your credit union.

As a shareholder, you officially own a part of your credit union, which gives you access to the benefits listed below.

You affect how your credit union is run

Members are directly involved in shaping their credit union’s future (bank customers, for the record, have no say).

As a member, you get to vote on your credit union’s board of directors (or even run for the board yourself).

You also have the opportunity to vote on special resolutions or key policy decisions at annual general meetings. Partnerships with local charities and small businesses also provide plenty of opportunity to contribute to initiatives in your community.

You share in your credit union’s success

When your credit union profits, so do you. As a shareholder, you benefit from your credit union’s success in the form of lower fees, better interest rates or cash back.

That shared success goes both ways, which means that your credit union is invested in your financial well-being, as well. This translates into helpful financial coaching, sincere advice and top-notch customer service. This might help explain why credit unions consistently rate highly in the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

As financial co-operatives, credit unions are structured in such a way that they prosper with their members.

Being a credit union member means you share your financial institution’s ownership, vision and profits. It gives you the opportunity to shape your personal banking experience, as well as the impact your banking has on your local community.

Membership has meaning and value. It’s not equivalent to being a customer at another financial institution — it’s a complete alternative.


Separating Fact from Fiction: 4 Credit Union Myths

Some people mistakenly believe that credit unions are limited, compared to big banks. Even though there are over 5,000 credit unions in the United States, misconceptions about their structure and services still exist. We address four persistent credit union myths below.

1

Myth #1: “Credit unions are basically banks with fewer services”

Reality: Credit unions offer all the same services as big banks: credit, debit, savings, loans and more. Thanks to innovations in online banking, financial institutions can be big on service — even when they’re small in size.

It pays to be a member. As a member, you own a share of your credit union and share in its success through better interest rates and fewer fees.

2

Myth #2: “It’s harder to access your money when you bank at a credit union”

Reality: Credit unions form a nationwide ATM network to increase accessibility to your finances. Online banking features and top customer service add to the convenience.

3

Myth #3: “Credit union deposits aren’t insured”

Reality: Credit union deposits are insured — they have a federal or state insurance fund that keeps your money safe.

Did you know? Deposits at all federal credit unions and most state-chartered credit unions are covered by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

4

Myth #4: “It’s too hard to switch to a credit union”

Reality: Making the switch from a bank to a credit union is easier than you might think. Some credit unions even offer “switch kits,” which contain all of the paperwork — including direct deposit and bill pay — you need in one convenient package.


It’s a Money Thing® is a registered trademark of Currency Marketing and is in partnership with Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU) to offer a digital library of financial topics.

Information in this article is general in nature and for your consideration, not as financial advice. Please contact your own financial professionals regarding your specific needs before taking any action based upon this information.

Related Articles

Ask RBFCU