Credit unions are cooperative financial institutions guided by
{ 7 principles } :

1. Credit unions are { democratic }
This means we are controlled by our members.  The members elect a volunteer board of directors that calls the shots. So, you won't find us flying corporate jets or handing out big bonus checks.

2. Credit unions are { open }
You can belong to a credit union no matter your financial situation, race or gender, without discrimination.

3. Credit unions have { better rates }
Your success is our success.  The more people who participate, the more the credit union can give back in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings yields, fewer fees and more products. Just like karma - what goes around comes right back around.

4. Credit unions are { independent }
We are owned by our members, not outside shareholders. That makes each member the boss.

5. Credit unions believe in { financial education }
We are actively involved in helping members get ahead and teaching in schools.
Got a few minutes, we'll teach you the merits of budgeting, planning for retirement or even how to balance the ole checkbook.

6. Credit unions work { together }
We network together to provide more ATM's than the world's largest bank. We also share 4000 branches across the country that most any credit union member can access.

7. Credit unions { give back }
Credit union folks everywhere participate in volunteering for all sorts of local charities. It's just part of our DNA.