The Credit Union Difference
Why should you choose a credit union for your financial services? On the surface, most financial institutions look the same. But lift the hood and you’ll discover that credit unions are driven to help others and to serve. Through our cooperative approach to banking, credit unions create value for every member, not just a few shareholders.
Credit unions derive earnings like a bank, but instead of paying external shareholders we reward our members with higher savings returns, lower loan rates, and fewer fees.
As a credit union member you are part of a common membership based on geographical area, an employee group, or an association or organization. Most importantly, you are part of a cooperative financial organization that puts members first.
Ready to try a credit union? Join 80,000 other Texans and become a member of Greater Texas Credit Union today and be part of a financial cooperative dedicated to the success of its members.
The Value of Membership
At Greater Texas Credit Union our focus is on our members and the local community. We value every member and work diligently to ensure we deliver competitive products and services that serve our members’ financial needs, not our bottom line. We offer a personal touch and work with members through unexpected and unforeseen circumstances to help keep members financially strong. We are also good community stewards by supporting local charities that positively change lives and offer hope.
Credit Union Advocacy
The Credit Union National Association (Opens in a new Window) (CUNA) is a great resource for those interested in political affairs concerning credit union policies.
America’s Credit Unions (Opens in a new Window) advocates for a common-sense, bipartisan set of solutions to transform the financial lives of all Americans.
Credit Unions
- Credit unions are member owned financial cooperatives.
- Not-for-profit means our earnings flow back to our members through higher savings rates and lower interest rates.
- Credit unions are overseen by a volunteer board of directors who are members, elected by the membership. Every member has a vote in the credit union.
- Earnings are returned to members through services like free ATMs, higher savings rates, more competitive interest lending rates, and lower fees.
- Credit unions are local, community-based financial institutions. Members support their local communities when they bank at a credit union.
- Shared branching among many credit unions and more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs across the U.S.
- Deposits insured by NCUA up to $250,000.
Banks
- Banks have customers and shareholders. They are accountable to their shareholders.
- For-profit institutions charge higher fees and pay shareholders.
- Banks are governed by shareholders who are the only voting members based on the number of shares owned.
- Earnings go to shareholders.
- The average size of a bank is double that of a credit union. Even large credit unions are only the size of a mid-sized bank.
- Banks require customers to use their branded ATMs and branches for services or pay fees.
- Deposits insured by FDIC up to $250,000.