1. “You Are the Star!” A credit union exists only to serve the financial needs of its members! The word “member” sometimes confuses people. To be a “member” simply means you are an account holder at the credit union. The day you open your credit union account, your “membership” begins. Since credit unions are structured as not-for-profit cooperatives, the “members” are its owners. Unlike banks, which have to please their shareholders by earning profits to boost shareholder value, credit unions have no shareholders to please—only their members. Credit unions give back to their members by charging fewer and lower fees than other financial institutions, as well as offering better loan and deposit rates. In 2013, for example, credit unions returned $6 billion in member benefits due to the lower fees and better rates. The average family saves $130 a year by banking at a credit union. That’s value. As the member, you are the star at a credit union! It’s easy to find a credit union to do business with—simply visit www.asmarterchoice.org. 2 15 Reasons You Should Only Bank at a Credit Union