How to join a credit union
To join a credit union, you need to meet the membership requirement for that specific credit union, then complete a membership application and open an account. Most credit unions require you to live, work, or worship in a certain geographic area, or belong to a specific employer or organization. Once you meet that requirement, you can visit a branch in person, call, or apply online — the process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour, and you can start using your account the same day or within a few business days.
The key difference from a bank is that credit unions are member-owned cooperatives, so they set their own membership rules. You are not just opening an account; you are becoming a partial owner. That is why the membership requirement exists and why you may need to provide proof that you meet it.
Key Takeaways
- Every credit union has a specific membership requirement — usually based on where you live, where you work, or an organization you belong to — and you must meet it before you can join.
- You will need to bring or provide proof of identity, proof of address, and sometimes proof that you meet the membership requirement (such as a pay stub or membership card).
- Many credit unions let you start the process online or by phone, but some require you to visit a branch in person to verify your identity.
- Once approved, you can open a checking or savings account and use your account within hours or a few business days, depending on the credit union.
Find a credit union that accepts you
Start by identifying which credit unions you are may be able to access to join. The easiest way is to search the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union's locator tool online, or call a credit union directly and ask about membership requirements. You can also ask your employer's human resources department whether they sponsor a credit union for employees.
When you contact a credit union, ask three things: whether you meet their membership requirement, what documents you need to bring, and whether you can start the process online or must visit a branch. Some credit unions accept anyone in a five-county area; others accept only employees of a specific company or members of a specific union. A few accept anyone in the United States if you open a savings account and maintain a small balance.
If you do not meet the requirement for any credit union near you, some credit unions allow you to join through a family member who already belongs. Ask whether this option is available.
Gather the documents you need
You will need to prove your identity and address. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a recent document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you are opening an account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents.
If the credit union requires proof of membership — for example, that you work for a specific employer or live in a certain area — bring that document too. This might be a recent pay stub, a utility bill showing your address, a membership card from an organization, or a letter from your employer. Ask the credit union which document they accept before you visit or submit your application.
Some credit unions also ask for your Social Security number to run a credit check or verify your identity through a database. This is standard practice and does not mean they are checking your credit score to decide whether to accept you.
Complete the membership application
The application itself is short — usually one or two pages. You will provide your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. The credit union will ask you to confirm that you meet their membership requirement and that the information you provided is accurate.
Some credit unions let you fill out the application online before you visit or call. Others hand you a paper form when you arrive. Either way, the process is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes. If anything is unclear, ask the staff member helping you.
After you submit the application, the credit union will verify your identity and check that you meet the membership requirement. This usually happens the same day or within one business day. You will be notified by phone, email, or in person whether you have been accepted.
Open your first account
Once you are approved for membership, you will open an account — usually a checking account, savings account, or both. The credit union will explain the features of each account: what the minimum balance is, whether there are monthly fees, what interest rates they pay on savings, and what services are free (like online banking or debit cards).
You do not have to open an account the same day you apply for membership, but most people do. It takes another 10 to 15 minutes. You will choose a PIN for your debit card and set up online banking access if you want it. Some credit unions issue a debit card on the spot; others mail it to you within a week.
Ask whether there is a minimum opening deposit. Many credit unions require $25 to $100 to open a savings account, though some waive this if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance.
Activate your account and start using it
If you opened your account in person, you can usually start using it the same day — you can make deposits, withdraw cash at the credit union's ATM, and use online banking right away. If you applied online or by mail, your account may take one to three business days to fully activate.
Once your account is active, you can set up direct deposit with your employer, transfer money from another bank, or deposit checks through mobile banking. You can also apply for a credit card or loan if the credit union offers them, though membership does not may provide approval for credit products.
Keep your membership card and account number in a safe place. You will need them to access your account online, by phone, or at the branch.
What happens if you are denied membership
Credit unions rarely deny membership based on the membership requirement itself — if you meet it, you meet it. However, a credit union may deny your application if you have unpaid debts to another credit union, a history of fraud, or a negative banking history that shows up in ChexSystems (a banking history database). Some credit unions also check your credit report.
If you are denied, ask the credit union why. If it is because of information in ChexSystems or your credit report, you have the right to see that information and dispute it if it is wrong. You can also try a different credit union with less strict membership requirements — some credit unions accept people with banking problems that others would reject.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join a credit union online without visiting a branch?
Many credit unions let you start the application online, but some require you to visit a branch in person to verify your identity with a government ID. Call or check the credit union's website to see whether they offer fully online membership. If they do, you can usually open your account and start using it within a few business days.
Do I need a minimum deposit to join?
Membership itself is usually free, but opening an account may require a small deposit — often $25 to $100 for a savings account. Some credit unions waive this if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Ask before you apply.
What if I do not meet any credit union's membership requirement?
Some credit unions accept anyone in the United States if you open a savings account and maintain a small balance, often $5 to $25. Search online for "credit unions open to anyone" or call a few credit unions to ask. You can also ask whether you can join through a family member who already belongs.
How long does it take to become a member?
The application and account opening usually take 30 minutes to an hour in person. If you apply online, approval may take one to three business days, and your account may take another one to three days to fully activate. You can often start using your account the same day you are approved.
Will joining a credit union hurt my credit score?
Membership itself does not affect your credit score. Some credit unions run a soft inquiry (which does not show up on your credit report), and some run a hard inquiry (which may lower your score slightly for a few months). Ask the credit union which type they use before you apply.