Credit unions are unique financial institutions. They are owned and operated by their members and are not for profit. Founded on the philosophy of "people helping people," credit unions are financial cooperatives organized for the purpose of improving members' economic well-being.

Credit unions offer many of the same financial products and services as banks. However, there is an important difference. Since credit unions are nonprofit cooperatives, they function to serve members rather than earn profits. Earnings over and above the required reserves are returned to members in the form of competitive rates on savings and loans.

Credit unions are committed to service and have been since their beginning in 1852. The credit union concept is a simple one: that people working together and pooling their savings can create a valuable credit resource not otherwise available to them.

These guiding principles of the early credit union movement are still alive today. Operated by a voluntary board of directors elected by the membership, credit unions are still dedicated to serving members. It is what sets them apart from other financial institutions. It is what makes a member more than just a customer. It is people helping people.