The Credit Union Difference

	Social Purpose Credit unions exist to help people. Every member counts. Our members know their credit unions will be there for them in bad times, as well as good. Our people-first philosophy leads credit unions and our employees to get involved in community charitable activities and worthwhile causes.
	Not-for-profit Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives. Our focus is to serve our members, not to make a profit. We do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees.
	Member Owned When you join a credit union and use its products – you become a MEMBER. As a member, you are an equal OWNER of the credit union and have an equal voice in the direction of the credit union, regardless if you have $1 or $1 million in your accounts. Rather than answering to a few stockholders, credit unions’ focus is to benefit all members.
	Member Directed Credit union boards of directors are elected by members; each member has an equal vote, regardless of how much he or she has on deposit. Only members may serve as directors, and most directors serve without remuneration. Volunteers are an important credit union resource.
	Taxation Credit unions DO pay taxes — including payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and taxes on unrelated business income. Credit unions do not pay the federal income tax on profits because of our not-for-profit organizational structure – our profits are returned back to members.
	Membership People qualify for credit union membership through a common bond. Members may work for the same employer or in the same industry, be affiliated with a particular organization or religion, or live in the same geographic area.