Why Choose a Credit Union?

Quick Summary: Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives that offer competitive rates, fewer fees, personalized service, and community-focused support. FORUM also provides convenient access through branches, ATMs, online banking, and mobile tools, with deposits federally insured by the NCUA.

A credit union gives you more than a place to manage your money, it gives you a financial partner built around you. With competitive rates, fewer fees, personalized local support, and convenient digital access, FORUM helps members move forward with confidence while supporting the community they call home.

What Makes a Credit Union Different?

Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members, giving them a voice in their financial wellbeing.

• Every member has an equal vote in electing the board of directors, regardless of how much money they have deposited. 
• Credit unions often return earnings to members through higher savings dividends and lower rates on loans and credit cards.
• Credit unions operate on 7 cooperative principles: voluntary & open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy & independence, education training & information, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community.

Credit Union Benefits Members May Appreciate

Credit union membership offers more than competitive rates and member ownership.

• At FORUM, we don’t just care about our members, we care about our communities. That’s why FORUM supports an employee nominated “Charity of Choice” annually and why we created the FORUM Foundation to offer educator grants and collegiate scholarships. 
• Credit union members may also access member perks, including notary services, car buying support, and tax program discounts.
• Because credit unions are community based, members enjoy personalized service from a local team. 

Convenient Access for Everyday Financial Life

Members can manage money through local branches, ATMs, online banking, and mobile tools. Convenience is part of the FORUM member experience. 

• In addition to local branches, FORUM members have nationwide access to 5,000+ shared branches, and 5,000+ surcharge-free Alliance One ATMs.
• FORUM offers secure online banking, as well as a free mobile app for on-the-go secure access to accounts. 
• Members can get support in person, by phone, or through secure chat.

Is Your Money Safe at a Credit Union?

At a federally insured credit union like FORUM, your deposits are protected by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an independent agency of the U.S. government.

• The NCUA Share Insurance Fund protects savings, checking accounts, and certificates of deposit up to $250,000. This matches FDIC bank coverage.
• Explore FORUM disclosures for additional details.

Ready to Become a Member?

Choosing a credit union means joining a member-owned financial institution built around your needs. With competitive rates, local support, convenient account access, and a strong commitment to community, FORUM helps members feel confident about their financial journey. When you’re ready, open an account or schedule an appointment to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a credit union?
  A credit union is a member-owned, non-profit financial cooperative that provides traditional banking services like savings accounts, checking accounts, and loans.
• Who can join a credit union?
  To join a credit union, you must meet their specific "field of membership" requirements. Eligibility is generally based on where you live, work, worship, or go to school, your employer, or being related to an existing member.
• Are credit unions federally insured?
  Yes, most credit unions are insured by the government through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which protects your money up to $250,000 per person per account type. This federal insurance is backed by the U.S. government, much like the FDIC protects money in regular banks.
• What are the benefits of credit union membership?
  Credit union membership offers several distinct advantages over traditional banks because these institutions are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members. Key benefits include higher interest rates on savings, lower interest rates on loans, fewer and lower fees, and federally insured deposit safety up to $250,000
• How do I become a FORUM member?
  Open an account or schedule an appointment to get started.