How to join a credit union
To join a credit union you must fit its field of membership - the group it is chartered to serve. The four common paths are: your employer, where you live or work, an association you belong to (or can join, sometimes a partner non-profit for a few dollars), or a family member who is already a member. Once eligible, you open a share/savings account with a small minimum deposit (often $5-$25), which makes you a member-owner. Deposits are then insured up to $250,000. General information, not financial advice.
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of June 2026.
The four ways to qualify
| Path | How it works |
|---|---|
| Employer / occupation | Your job or industry is in the charter (e.g. teachers, the military, a company). |
| Community / location | You live, work, worship or attend school in a defined area. |
| Association | You belong to a club, alumni group or non-profit the credit union serves - some can be joined for a small fee specifically to qualify. |
| Family | A parent, spouse, child or other relative is already a member. |
Steps to open your account
- Find an eligible credit union. Check our 50 largest credit unions or search for one in your area or industry.
- Confirm the field of membership. Read the "who can join" section on its website; note any association you can join to qualify.
- Gather what you need: a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and the minimum opening deposit.
- Open a share/savings account online or in branch. The opening deposit is your ownership stake.
- Add the products you came for - a high-rate CD, a cheaper auto loan, or a low-fee checking account.
Tip: join for the rate
Many people join a specific credit union to capture a single product, such as a top CD rate or a low auto-loan APR. Run the gap in the calculator first - if a credit union beats your bank by a point or two on a big balance or loan, the small opening deposit pays for itself quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone join a credit union?
Not any single one - each credit union serves a defined field of membership (an employer, region, association or family of a member). But because some credit unions have very broad charters or let you qualify by joining a partner non-profit for a few dollars, almost everyone can find at least one credit union they are eligible to join.
How do I join a credit union?
Find a credit union whose field of membership you fit (by employer, where you live, an association, or a family member). Then open a share/savings account with a small minimum deposit (often $5 to $25), which makes you a member-owner. You will need ID, your Social Security number and the opening deposit.
Is there a fee to join a credit union?
Usually only the minimum opening deposit in a share account (commonly $5 to $25), which is your stake in the cooperative and stays in your account. Some credit unions that you qualify for via a partner association may charge that group's small membership fee.
Sources & accuracy
Membership and chartering concepts from the NCUA. Specific eligibility and fees vary by credit union - verify on its official site. General information, not financial advice. See methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-22