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Credit unions are for everyone, but the law places some limits on the people
they may serve. A credit union's charter defines its "field of membership,"
which could be an employer, church, school, or community. Anyone working for an
employer that sponsors a credit union, for example, is eligible to join that
credit union.
If you don't belong, here's how to find a credit union to join:
Call your state league. A representative will tell you about
credit unions in your area that you are eligible to join. Here's
a list of contacts in each state.
Ask your boss. Your company may sponsor a credit union, or may be
a select employee group (SEG) that has access to a credit union. Many employers
offer direct deposit of payroll to your credit union.
Poll your family. Does your spouse's employer sponsor a credit
union? Most credit unions allow credit union members' families to join. Each
credit union, however, may define "family" differently. At some, only
members of your immediate family are eligible. At other credit unions, family
may include extended family members, such as cousins, uncles, and aunts.
Quiz the neighbors. Some credit unions have a "community"
field of membership, serving a region defined by geography rather than by
employment or some other association. Ask friends in the community if they know
of a credit union you may join.
Read the yellow pages. Some credit unions rarely advertise, so you
might not know about them unless you look them up. A yellow pages display ad may
state a credit union's field of membership. If not, at least you'll know what
number to call to ask about membership eligibility.
Call us. The Credit Union National Association can help you find a
credit union by calling (800) 358-5710. You'll hear an electronic message that
includes the name and telephone number of a person at the credit union league in
your state who can help you find a credit union to join.
Check the online database of credit unions. Use our
credit union locator.
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