How Credit Unions Protect Your Money

Credit unions know that you need more than a variety of products and services. You need to know that your money is safe—and at a credit union it is.

Money is Insured

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the independent federal agency that regulates charters and supervises federal credit unions. NCUA, with the backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, also operates and manages the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, insuring the deposits of nearly 90 million account holders in all federal credit unions and the majority of state-chartered credit unions. As an alternative, many credit unions choose to insure your funds through private insurance companies.

The NCUSIF provides all members of federally insured credit unions with $250,000 in coverage for their individual accounts. These accounts include regular shares, share drafts (similar to checking), money market accounts, and share certificates. Individuals with account balances totaling $250,000 or less at the same insured credit union have full NCUSIF coverage.

Members have full NCUSIF coverage at each federally insured credit union where they are qualified members. While NCUSIF coverage protects members at all federally insured credit unions from losses on a broad spectrum of savings account and share draft products, it does not cover losses on money invested in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies, and annuities.

Responsibly Managed

Credit unions generally offer higher interest rates for savings accounts and lower rates for loans, when compared to most banks. And credit unions typically do not engage in predatory lending practices, such as offering subprime loans or payday lending programs with exorbitant rates and fees.

Credit unions also follow conservative investment practices and live within their financial means. That means you can trust your credit union to put the needs of you and its other members first.

Financial Guidance

Across the country, credit union staff members participate in programs that help consumers learn the basic financial skills that will serve as a strong foundation for their financial futures.

Also, many credit unions and their state associations work with other non-profit entities to help educate consumers about the risks associated with predatory lending.

Whether it’s working with schools to open in-school branches, hosting a financial planning seminar, or offering ID-theft prevention tips at a branch, credit union staff members share their knowledge with the community. Because the more knowledge credit union members have, the wiser the decisions they can make with their money.

Source: http://www.lovemycreditunion.org/