Why should I join a credit union?

Being a member means that you are also an owner of Unison Credit Union! Your deposits are referred to as shares because you actually own a share in the credit union. Unison Credit Union is a nonprofit cooperative governed by a volunteer board of directors. All members have an equal voice and vote in credit union matters.

Who can join Unison?

You are eligible to become a member if you:

• Live or work in Outagamie, Calumet, Brown or Manitowoc counties; the cities or townships of Neenah or Menasha in Winnebago county; or if you have an immediate family member who is currently a Unison Credit Union member.
• Once a member, always a member! Even if you move away from our charter area, you can still enjoy the benefits of being a member-owner of Unison Credit Union.

How do I join?

Membership is easy! Simply deposit $5.00 or more into a share savings account. That is all it takes to become a member-owner and enjoy the many benefits Unison Credit Union has to offer!

What is the credit union difference?

New federal laws and regulations are changing the structure and face of the financial services industry. In this time of accelerating change, it is important to truly understand how credit unions are unique and different, and why we remain a necessary and extremely popular financial alternative for 87 million Americans.

• 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 an 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.
• Financial Education for Members. Credit unions assist members to become better-educated consumers of financial services. Unison Credit Union partners with local school districts to teach students about the importance of positive financial habits from an early age. Our commitment to education continues through seminars offered to our adult members on a variety of financial topics.
• 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.

Copyright © 2009 - Credit Union National Association, Inc.