What you need to do to become a member

Joining a credit union is straightforward: you find one that will accept you, fill out a membership form, and deposit money into a savings account. Most credit unions require a minimum deposit — often between $5 and $25 — to open that account. You'll need a government-issued ID and proof of address, like a utility bill or lease. Some credit unions let you start the process online; others require you to visit in person or mail in your paperwork.

The main hurdle is finding a credit union that will take you. Credit unions are not open to everyone the way a bank is. Each one has a field of membership — a specific group of people it serves. You might be in the field of membership because of where you work, where you live, what industry you work in, or because a family member already belongs. A few credit unions have opened their fields to anyone in a geographic area, but most still have restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • You can only join a credit union if you fall within its field of membership, which varies by credit union and might be based on your employer, location, or family ties.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and a minimum deposit (usually $5 to $25) to open a savings account.
  • Many credit unions let you start the membership process online, but some still require an in-person visit or mailed paperwork.
  • Once you are a member, you can use the credit union's checking and savings accounts, loans, and other services just like you would at a bank.

Finding a credit union that accepts you

Start by checking whether you already may have access to for membership through your job. Many employers sponsor a credit union for their workers. Ask your HR department or check your employee benefits materials. If your employer does not sponsor one, look at credit unions in your area — some serve people who live or work in a specific county or city.

If you do not fit those categories, check whether a family member belongs to a credit union. Many credit unions let you join if your spouse, parent, or sibling is already a member. Some also accept people who work for certain nonprofits, government agencies, or professional associations. The CO-OP Network and Shared Branch directories let you search for credit unions by location or affiliation. You can also call a local credit union directly and ask whether you meet their membership requirements.

What information and documents you will need

Have your government-issued ID ready — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement usually works. Some credit unions accept a government document with your address on it instead.

If you are opening an account online, you may be able to upload photos of these documents. If you are visiting in person or mailing your process, bring the originals or certified copies. You will also need to decide on a PIN or password for online banking and choose whether you want online statements, paper statements, or both.

The membership form and initial deposit

The membership form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. It also asks you to agree to the credit union's bylaws — the rules that govern how it operates. You do not need to read every word, but the form will tell you what the minimum deposit is and what fees, if any, explore to your account.

That initial deposit goes into a savings account that you will own as a member. It stays there unless you withdraw it. Some credit unions require you to keep a minimum balance in the savings account to stay a member; others do not. Ask about this before you join, because it affects whether you can move that money later.

Online versus in-person membership

Many credit unions now let you start the process on their website. You fill out the form, upload your ID and address proof, and make your deposit by debit card or bank transfer. The credit union reviews your documents and either approves you or asks for more information. This usually takes one to three business days.

Some credit unions still require you to visit a branch in person, especially if you want to open a checking account at the same time or if they want to verify your identity face-to-face. A few accept mailed applications, though this is slower. Call the credit union or check its website to see which options it offers.

What happens after you join

Once you are approved, you become a member-owner of the credit union. You can open a checking account, savings account, or both. You can borrow money through the credit union's loan programs. You may also be able to use ATMs at other credit unions through the CO-OP Network or Allpoint network, depending on which credit union you join.

As a member, you have a say in how the credit union is run. Many credit unions hold annual meetings where members can vote on the board of directors and major decisions. You will also receive statements and tax documents the same way a bank customer does. If you ever want to leave, you can withdraw your savings account balance and close your membership.

Common reasons membership is denied

The most common reason is that you do not fall within the credit union's field of membership. If you do not work for the employer it serves, do not live in its geographic area, and have no family member who belongs, you cannot join that particular credit union. This is not a reflection on you — it is a legal restriction on who the credit union can serve.

A second reason is a problem with your banking history. Some credit unions check ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts and fraud. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of bounced checks, or fraud on your record, a credit union may decline you. You can request your ChexSystems report and dispute errors on it. A few credit unions specialize in serving people with banking problems and may accept you even if others decline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join a credit union if I have bad credit?

Yes. Credit unions do not check your credit score to determine membership. They check whether you fall within their field of membership and sometimes whether you have unpaid banking debts. Bad credit does not disqualify you from joining, though it may affect whether you can borrow money once you are a member.

Do I have to keep money in the credit union after I join?

That depends on the credit union's rules. Some require you to maintain a minimum balance in your savings account to stay a member — often $5 to $25. Others have no minimum. Check the membership agreement before you join so you know what is required.

What if I was denied membership at one credit union?

Try another credit union. Each one has its own field of membership and its own rules. You might not may have access to for one but may have access to for another. If you were denied because of a ChexSystems record, ask the credit union which item caused the denial and consider requesting your report to check for errors.

Can I join a credit union online without visiting a branch?

Many credit unions let you complete the entire process online, but not all. Check the credit union's website or call to ask whether it offers online membership. Even if you join online, you may need to visit a branch later to withdraw cash or conduct other business.

What is the difference between joining and opening an account?

Joining makes you a member-owner of the credit union. Opening an account is what you do with that membership — you create a checking or savings account where you keep money. You must join first; then you can open accounts and use the credit union's services.