WHAT IS A CREDIT UNION?
How is a credit union different than a bank? Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that exist to serve their members. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits, make loans and provide a wide array of other financial services. But as member-owned and cooperative institutions, credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates.

MEMBER-OWNED

YOU ARE MORE THAN A MEMBER, YOU ARE PART OWNER.
Credit unions are owned and controlled by the people, or “members,” who use their services. Your vote counts. Unlike a “for-profit” bank that is controlled by shareholders and investors, a volunteer board of directors is elected by members to manage a credit union.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT
Credit unions operate to promote the well-being of their members. Profits made by credit unions are returned back to members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings rates and lower loan rates.

MEMBERSHIP
Members of a credit union share a common bond, also known as the credit union’s “field of membership.” At Financial Institution Name Here, our current field of membership includes Financial Institution Independent School District, Angleton ISD, and Financial Institution College employees and family members thereof by blood or marriage.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Members often have shared interests and appreciate participating in an institution designed to help other members.

Credit unions may provide:

• Financial Education and Outreach to Consumers
• In-school credit union branches
• Small Business Needs

COOPERATIVE
The cooperative structure of credit unions creates a cycle of mutual assistance towards the common goal of the financial well-being of members. One member’s savings becomes another member’s loan. That’s why we here at Financial Institution Name Here do our best to always keep “the member’s best interest at heart” in our decision-making, whether it be in making a loan decision or choosing an investment.

CONNECT

• MyCreditUnion.gov — NCUA’s consumer website.
• Share Insurance Estimator — Did you know that your funds are federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government? Calculate the amount of your insured funds at a federally insured credit union.