Who Can Join a Credit Union?

When most people think about banking, they picture big-name banks with nationwide branches. But credit unions offer an alternative that often comes with lower fees, better interest rates, and a strong community focus. However, many people aren’t sure if they qualify to join one.

Unlike traditional banks, credit unions serve specific groups of people based on factors like where they live, work, or go to school. While that might sound restrictive, you might be surprised at how many ways there are to become a member. In this blog, we’ll break down who can join a credit union, how eligibility works, and why credit unions are worth considering for your financial needs.

Who can join a credit union?

Credit unions are different from banks because they serve specific groups of people based on a field of membership. This means you must meet certain criteria to become a member—but the requirements are often broader than you might think.

A credit union’s field of membership is determined by its charter, which outlines who it can serve. These membership criteria typically fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Where you live or work: Some credit unions are open to people who live or work in a certain geographical location.
• Employer or industry affiliation: Many credit unions are created for employees of a specific company or members of a particular industry.
• Educational or military affiliation: Some credit unions serve students, alumni, or employees of certain schools, while others are open to military members and their families.
• Membership through an association: Certain nonprofit organizations and trade groups partner with credit unions, allowing their members to qualify.

You can also join a credit union by having someone in your immediate family that is a member—even if you don’t necessarily meet the field of membership requirements. This is made possible by another critical tenet of credit unions everywhere: once one person in your family is a member, the rest of your immediate family is eligible as well.

What if you leave the field of membership?

One of the great things about credit unions is that once you’re a member, you’re typically a member for life—even if your circumstances change. If you originally qualified through your employer but switch jobs, move to a new city, or graduate from a specific school, you don’t have to close your account.

Given the money management options available to customers, members can build a lasting relationship with their credit union, even if they end up in a different part of the world altogether. You may not have access to a home branch, but through shared branches and online banking, you’ll never lose that personal touch.

Who can join Amplify Credit Union?

Amplify Credit Union offers membership to individuals who meet any of the following criteria:

• You live, work, or study in Texas: If you live, work, or attend school anywhere in the state, you’re eligible to join.
• You have affiliation with partner organizations: Membership is also open to individuals associated with certain organizations, such as the American Red Cross: Central and South Texas Region or the Texas Consumer Council.
• You have family with Amplify membership: Immediate family members—including spouses, siblings, children, parents, and step or adoptive relations—of current Amplify members can also join, even if they don’t independently meet the primary eligibility criteria.

For more information on who is eligible to join Amplify, check out this help article.

How to Join a Credit Union

Joining a credit union—including Amplify— is simple! Typically, there are two ways to join: in person at your nearest branch or online.

Whichever way you choose, most memberships start by opening a basic savings account, even if your goal is to use another type of account or apply for a loan. 

To open your account, you’ll need to provide two things:

• Your contact information, such as name, address, and phone number
• A valid, government-issued photo ID or other form of identification accepted by the credit union

Some credit unions may also require an initial deposit. And, depending on the credit union, you may also be required to verify your membership in the field of membership. Once you provide the required information and sign documents, you’ll be able to access all the wonderful benefits offered to members.

Benefits of Joining a Credit Union

Unlike banks, which are for-profit organizations, credit unions are not-for-profit member-owned cooperatives. Though credit unions are smaller organizations, they offer all the services that a bank can provide—with some added benefits. Here are a few of the reasons why banking with a credit union can be a good financial move.

1. Lower fees—or no fees at all

Credit unions reinvest their earnings back into their members. This often results in lower fees for services like checking accounts, overdrafts, and ATM withdrawals. Some credit unions, including Amplify, have eliminated banking fees altogether and offer fee-free personal and business accounts.

2. Higher interest rates on savings and checking accounts

Since credit unions prioritize member benefits over profits, they typically offer higher interest rates on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs), as well as lower interest rates on loans and credit cards.

3. Lower loan interest rates

Plan on taking out a home mortgage, home equity loan, or auto loan anytime soon? Credit unions also offer competitive interest rates on loan products.

4. Emphasis on community and customer service

Perhaps the best benefit is the emphasis that credit unions place on community and customer service. At these institutions, you can expect a more personalized banking experience, with customer service that prioritizes your financial well-being.

Because many credit unions are locally based, they also invest in their communities—supporting small businesses, sponsoring local events, and offering financial education programs. When you bank with a credit union, you’re not just a customer; you’re a member of a financial institution that genuinely cares about its people and the community it serves.

Experience the Credit Union Difference for Yourself

Credit unions offer a unique banking experience that prioritizes their members with lower fees, better interest rates, and a strong sense of community. While membership is based on a credit union’s field of membership and charter, there are often multiple ways to qualify—whether through your job, location, family, or an affiliated organization. And once you’re a member, you’re in for life and get to enjoy all the benefits credit unions have to offer.