EPFCU & THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE
Credit unions are not "just like banks." While both credit unions and banks offer a full range of financial products, they are structurally different. Fortunately, that difference translates into a wealth of benefits to credit union members and their communities. Here's how:
Governance
Credit unions are locally owned by the members who do business with them – not stockholders. Credit union members elect a volunteer board of directors from among the membership, and they prioritize members’ best interests. At credit unions like EPFCU, it’s not only about the bottom line. It’s about what benefits you – the members.
Purpose
Nonprofit credit unions exist solely to meet the financial needs of their member owners. Because they have no stockholders expecting dividends, earnings are invested in members in the form of more competitive rates of return on accounts, lower interest on loans, lower fees and improved services.
Member Benefits
Money made by a credit union is invested in members in various ways such as through competitive product pricing – which helps working people stretch their money further – or by offering services members may not be able to get elsewhere. We treat all members equally regardless of how much they have on deposit. Finally, credit unions provide financial counseling, educational seminars and more opportunities that for-profit institutions often see as a drain on resources better put toward making profit.
Values
Credit union values aren't in profits; they're in people. And that translates to significant contributions within the communities we serve. For example, credit unions lead the nation when it comes to branches operating inside schools – a way for young people to learn to use financial products (such as credit cards) responsibly. As part of their community efforts, credit unions also reach out to people with low incomes, new Americans and people who lack a relationship with a financial institution to offer an affordable alternative to predatory financial providers, such as high cost payday lenders.
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