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.
Taxation. Credit unions do pay taxes - payroll,
sales, and property taxes. Congress exempts credit unions from
federal income taxes. The exemption was established in 1937,
affirmed by statute in 1951, and re-affirmed by the Credit Union
Membership Access Act in 1998, which states:
"Credit unions, unlike many other
participants in the financial services market, are exempt from
Federal and most State taxes because credit unions are
member-owned, democratically operated, not-for- profit
organizations generally managed by volunteer boards of directors
and because they have the specified mission of meeting the
credit and savings needs of consumers, especially persons of
modest means."
Ownership.
Credit unions are 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.
Additionally, there are programs through the Credit Union National
Association (CUNA), to expand financial education among high school
students. A national study shows that just ten hours of personal
finance education can positively affect students' spending and
savings habits for a lifetime.
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.