Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that exist simply to serve their members. In fact, credit unions are actually owned by their members. Banks are for-profit and exist to make a profit.

You can take out loans, make deposits, save for your future and everything else, just like you could at a bank. But, because a credit union only exists for its members, all its profits go back to its members for them to enjoy as reduced fees, higher savings rates, cash back, and lower loan rates.

Also, credit unions are community-based. That means they’re run by locals in your community and not some big corporate headquarter somewhere far away. Pretty neat, huh?

Pretty much anyone can join. Use our handy dandy find a credit union tool to find a credit union that’s perfect for you.

Usually, credit unions require you to live, work, worship, or study in the area the credit union serves. If you know a family member who belongs to a credit union you can join, too. But don’t fret, our finder will help you find your credit union match.

Over 50% of all Michiganders belong to a credit union, which is over 5.7 million people.^*

(^*CUNA -Asset Trends -Sept 2021)

Because credit unions are non-profit and exist to serve you and your fellow members, you get some big perks a bank just doesn’t give. We went ahead and made you a list:

• Lower interest rates on mortgages and other loans
• Low or no fee credit cards with lower interest rates
• High-interest rates on savings accounts
• Anywhere fee-free ATM access with over 30,000 ATMs in the national CO-OP network
• Nationally recognized financial literacy programs

Credit Unions are a pretty safe place for your coin. Unlike other financial institutions, credit unions don’t engage in predatory lending practices, payday loans, subprime loans, or other risky and unsavory practices.

Federally insured credit unions are nationally protected. Under the Credit Union Share Insurance Fund deposits are insured for up to at least $250,000 per individual depositor. Members have never lost a cent at a federally insured credit union.

So, you could say you’re safe with us.

No actually, we’re kinda old. In 1934 the Federal Credit Union Act was passed, which meant federally charted credit unions were established in all states. Nowadays there are over 5,398 credit unions which translates to over 130 million members with combined assets of over $1.8 trillion.

Glad you asked because we have a handy CO-OP locator so you can find an ATM near you wherever you are.

If you’re old school you can call 888-748-3266.

And if you’re new school you can *text your zip code to 91989 or use or CO-OP mobile locator app (iPhone or Android)

For more info on how to get the app, visit the ATM branch page here on our site.

*Standard messaging rates apply.

Yes!

Michigan credit union members have unlimited access to over 1,800 CO-OP Network surcharge-free ATMs across Michigan. Nationally, through the CO-OP network, there are over 30,000 ATMs.

And a lot of these ATMs are at retail convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Costco, Publix, Dunkin Donuts, and more. Meaning you have more access to banking than most traditional bank customers. Ironic, right?