How to join a credit union
Joining a credit union requires meeting the organization's membership requirements, which vary by credit union. Most credit unions have a field of membership — a rule about who can join based on where you live, where you work, what organization you belong to, or your family connection to a current member. You find out which credit unions you're may be able to access for, confirm you meet their membership rules, then open an account by providing identification and proof of address. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or online.
Unlike banks, credit unions are member-owned cooperatives, so joining means becoming a partial owner. This is why they ask membership questions — they're checking whether you fall into the group they serve. Once you're in, you have voting rights and access to their products: savings accounts, checking accounts, loans, and credit cards.
Key Takeaways
- Every credit union has a field of membership that defines who can join — usually based on geography, employer, family connection, or membership in an organization.
- You can search for credit unions you're may be able to access for using the CO-OP or Shared Branch locator tools, or by asking your employer or family members if they belong to one.
- To open an account, bring a government-issued ID, proof of address (utility bill or lease), and usually a small deposit to fund your first account.
- Most credit unions let you start the process online or in person, and approval happens the same day or within a few business days.
- Once you join, you become a member-owner and can vote on credit union decisions, not just use their services.
Finding a credit union you can join
Start by checking whether you already have a path in. Ask your employer whether they sponsor a credit union — many large employers do, and employee membership is often the easiest route. Ask family members if they belong to one; many credit unions let immediate family of current members join. Check whether you belong to any organizations (unions, professional groups, churches, alumni associations) that sponsor credit unions.
If none of those apply, use the CO-OP Network locator or Shared Branch locator on the Credit Union National Association website. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool shows credit unions in your area and their membership rules. You can also search "credit unions near me" and call the ones that appear to ask about their field of membership.
When you find a credit union, read their membership requirements carefully. Some serve a geographic area (a county or city). Others serve people who work in a specific industry or for specific employers. Some serve members of a particular group. A few have very broad fields and accept almost anyone. The credit union's website or a staff member can tell you whether you meet their rules.
What documents you'll need to bring
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring proof of your current address, which is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some credit unions accept a government document with your address instead.
Have your Social Security number ready. The credit union will run a background check and a soft credit pull (which doesn't affect your credit score). Bring a small amount of money to fund your first account — many credit unions require a minimum deposit, often $5 to $25, though some have no minimum.
If you're opening an account online, you'll upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of showing them in person. The process is the same; it just happens through their website or app.
Steps to open an account
Visit the credit union's website or a branch location. If you're going in person, ask to open a membership account. If you're doing it online, look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "Become a Member." You'll fill out an application with your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information.
The credit union will verify your identity and run a background check. This usually takes a few minutes in person or a few hours to a few days online. They'll ask which type of account you want to open first — most people start with a savings account or checking account. You'll choose a PIN and set up online banking access.
Once approved, you'll make your initial deposit. In person, you hand over cash or a check. Online, you link a bank account and transfer money, or you wait for the credit union to mail you a debit card and checks. You're a member as soon as the account is open and funded.
Membership fees and account minimums
Most credit unions charge no membership fee. Some charge a small annual membership fee ($1 to $10), which they disclose upfront. Ask about this when you apply.
Account minimums vary. Many credit unions have no minimum balance requirement. Others require $5 to $25 to open a savings account and $25 to $100 for a checking account. Some waive minimums if you set up direct deposit. Ask the credit union what their requirements are before you apply, so you know what to expect.
Credit unions typically don't charge monthly maintenance fees on basic accounts, though some charge fees if your balance drops below a minimum or if you exceed a certain number of withdrawals. Read the account disclosure document before you open the account so you understand the terms.
What happens after you join
You'll receive a debit card, checks, and online banking login information. You can use the credit union's ATM network — most credit unions participate in the CO-OP or Shared Branch networks, which means you can withdraw cash and make deposits at thousands of ATMs and branches nationwide, not just at your credit union.
As a member, you can vote on credit union decisions at annual meetings and run for the board of directors. You'll receive annual reports and notices about member meetings. You can also use other credit union services: apply for loans, open additional accounts, get a credit card, or use financial counseling services if the credit union offers them.
Your deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a federal agency similar to the FDIC. Your money is protected up to $250,000 per account type, per credit union.
If you don't meet a credit union's membership requirements
If you're not may be able to access for the credit unions in your area, look for ones with broader fields of membership. Some credit unions serve multiple counties or regions. Some have occupational fields that are wide enough to include many people. The CO-OP locator will show you all the options in and around your area.
You can also join a credit union in a different state if you meet their membership rules. Some credit unions serve people nationwide or have very open membership policies. Online credit unions make this easier because you don't need to visit a branch.
If credit union membership isn't available to you, a traditional bank or online bank is an alternative, though you won't have member-owner status or access to credit union loan rates and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join a credit union if I have bad credit?
Yes. Credit unions don't require good credit to become a member or to open a savings or checking account. They do run a background check and may check ChexSystems (a banking history database), but this is different from a credit check. If you want to borrow money or get a credit card, credit unions will review your credit history, but membership itself is not credit-based.
Do I have to go to a branch in person to join?
No. Most credit unions let you open an account online. You'll upload photos of your ID and address proof, and the process takes a few hours to a few days. Some credit unions are online-only and have no physical branches. You can complete the entire membership process from home.
What's the difference between a credit union and a bank?
Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives; banks are for-profit companies owned by shareholders. Credit unions typically offer lower loan rates and higher savings rates because they're not trying to maximize profit. Credit unions have membership requirements; banks don't. Both are safe — credit union deposits are insured by NCUA, bank deposits by FDIC.
Can I join multiple credit unions?
Yes. If you meet the membership requirements for more than one credit union, you can join both and open accounts at each. Some people do this to access different services or loan products. Your deposits at each credit union are insured separately up to $250,000.
What if I move to a different state?
You stay a member of your credit union even if you move. You can still use your accounts and access services online or through the CO-OP and Shared Branch networks. You may also become may be able to access to join credit unions in your new state. You don't have to close your original credit union account unless you want to.