Bank Alternatives - Joining a Credit Union
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Now as you begin to grasp the benefits of Credit Union membership, you may start to ask yourself how to go about joining a Credit Union. The first step is to discover where the nearest one is located to where you live. The movement has a very useful website at : www.creditunion.coop and certainly you will find that information there. I typed the zip code 95327 into the box provided and it came up with three within a 25-mile radius. As Jamestown is a small place in the mountains, I thought that was pretty good. However, you can also use the following tips to find a group and then inquire if you are eligible to join.
Ask your boss: You may find the company in which you work sponsors a CU or a band of employees might have got together to access a local cooperative. If this is the case you will find they probably also offer to pay your check directly into the CU. This will put you on a good footing with the group before you start and will insure credit benefits will come to you more quickly.
Ask your family: Does your husband or wife’s employer sponsor a CU? You will find that the policy of most groups allows family members to join. Some will even allow extended family to participate and this might prove to be a benefit to a lot of people!
Ask the neighbors: Is there a CU that serves your local area? Not all coops are work or specific group related some serve a community or a region. Thus if you live within this community you are eligible for membership because of geography.
Let your fingers do the walking: Credit Unions do not go in for media advertising, they have a catchment for membership and do not need to pay the additional expense of advertising. However, many Credit Unions have a listing in the Yellow Pages. This will give you a number to call to help you in your search.
Call the National Association of Credit Unions: You can call this number (800- 358-5710). The call will take you to an electronic computer activated voice, which will tell you what number to call in your State to find the information you seek. Be sure to have paper and pen in hand when you start the call.
Good luck in your search. I hope you find a conveniently located Credit Union with which you will be able to work happily and productively as a member. Many people say they would have taken the step a long time ago if only they had known! Now you know.
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25 May 2008, 6:13 pm
I just joined a credit union about a month ago and I love it. They are much better than my bank and the customer service is awesome.
05 June 2008, 4:21 pm
Probably one of the biggest advantages that Credit Unions have over Banks is the cooperative nature. Unlike Banks, where you are charged fees for using other Banks, many Credit Unions belong to an ATM network of over 25,000 ATM’s that members can use without paying a fee. Some Credit Unions even belong to a network that allows members of Credit Union “A” to do in-person transactions at Credit Union “B”, “C”, or “X”, greatly expanding their accessibility.