Credit Union Difference
We're different by design.
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Membership
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- University Communities Overview University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Mount Saint Mary's University (MSMU) Pepperdine University Santa Clara University Saint Mary's College University of California, Irvine University of California, Davis University of California San Diego Georgia Tech Chabot College Las Positas College University of Texas at Arlington Western Athletic Conference
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Credit Unions and Banks. What's the difference?
Our credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative which makes it a better choice. You can bank on it
The difference between credit unions and banks? It's like the difference between a mega-corporation and a neighborhood nonprofit. One always has its eye on the bottom line, while the other focuses on people rather than profits.
While banks and credit unions offer similar products and services, a bank's mission is to enrich its shareholders. In contrast, a credit union is a not-for-profit institution owned jointly by you, our member-owners. All earnings are funneled back into our financial cooperative and with your participation and relationship we provide members unparalleled benefits that include the Best Rates in the Nation Guarantee.*
Ready to see a positive difference with your finances? Start with our online membership application. If you want to talk more about how UCU can assist you, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a credit union? Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that exist to serve our member-owners. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits, make loans and provide a wide array of financial services. Credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow money at reasonable rates.
- What is the difference between a credit union and a bank? Credit unions are democratically operated by members, and the board of directors is made up of volunteers from the membership. Each member gets one vote, giving you an equal say in how the credit union is operated.
- How are credit unions operated?
Credit unions are not-for profit, which means that any profits are returned to the membership in the form of better rates on loans and savings, lower fees, and improved services.
Find the answers to these questions and a whole lot more by going to our Financial Wellness center.
Relevant resources
Calculators
The more you know, the better prepared you are to make great choices for yourself and your family.
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Learning center
Gain a wealth of knowledge on subjects such as 529 plans, college financing, mortgages, and estate planning.
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Forms
From membership and loan applications to direct deposit and stop payments, our forms are conveniently available online.
Learn more More about Forms Giving our University Communities a financial advantage
University Credit Union offers membership to employees, students and alumni of UCLA, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University, Saint Mary's College, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Arlington, Mount St. Mary's University, Chabot College and Las Positas College, West Coast Conference Universities, The Big West Universities, Western Athletic Conference Universities, Southland Conference Universities, and other universities throughout California. UCU offers a variety of products and services including checking accounts, credit cards, home mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, commercial loans, insurance, investments, as well as digital banking.
University Credit Union offers membership to employees, students and alumni of UCLA, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, Santa Clara University, Saint Mary's College, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC San Diego, Georgia Tech, University of Texas at Arlington, Mount St. Mary's University, Chabot College and Las Positas College, West Coast Conference Universities, The Big West Universities, Western Athletic Conference Universities, Southland Conference Universities, and other universities throughout California. UCU offers a variety of products and services including checking accounts, credit cards, home mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, commercial loans, insurance, investments, as well as digital banking.
*UCU guarantees that our lowest loan rate for cars, credit cards, consumer loans, and HELOCs are in the top 5% nationwide as measured in a monthly rate survey by Rate Watch, a part of S&P Global. Rates are subject to approval and based on an evaluation of credit history and other factors specific to your loan (such as loan term, credit score, loan amount, loan-to-value, and length of credit) and may be higher than the lowest rates advertised. Rates are subject to change at any time.
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