Canada’s credit unions put people above all. Whatever your hopes, dreams, needs and wants are—that’s what we put first. Banking is just how we make it happen.
Credit unions provide traditional banking services
Credit unions are full-service financial co-operatives. Like other financial institutions, we provide chequing and savings accounts, mortgages, business loans and investment advice. Looking to start a registered savings plan? Invest in mutual funds? Bank online? Credit unions offer that too.
Credit unions are regulated & deposits are protected
Credit unions in Canada are either provincially or federally regulated. Regulators have oversight over individual credit unions; and credit unions are required to meet standards and work with public agencies to ensure they are among the country’s soundest financial institutions.
All provinces have deposit guarantee frameworks that provide credit union members with deposit protection equal to, or higher than, the big banks. In some provinces that coverage is unlimited. Learn more
How are credit unions different from a bank?
Credit unions are owned by the people who bank with them
As financial cooperatives, credit unions are owned by their members – the people who bank with them – which means you and your financial well-being are the credit union’s top priority. All members have an equal say in how their credit union operates and can democratically vote for its board of directors.
Credit unions are guided by the cooperative principles and hold strong ethical values such as honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Credit unions in Canada are for-profit financial institutions. They pursue profits to fund the business and to ensure future generations can benefit from the cooperative model and excellent banking services. Some credit unions return profits to members through profit sharing, low/no fees, community investments and/or access to a large national network of surcharge-free ATMs.
Credit unions provide award-winning service
Canada’s credit unions have ranked first among all financial institutions in overall Customer Service Excellence for 18 years in a row. We’re great at a lot of things, but we’re the best at putting you first.
Credit unions provide access to thousands of Ding Free® ATMs across Canada
Credit union members also have access to thousands of Ding Free ATMs across Canada through THE EXCHANGE® and ACCULINK® networks. It’s an ATM network bigger than most banks! Learn more here.
Credit unions champion financial literacy through the Each One, Teach One (EOTO) program
The Each One, Teach One (EOTO) program, trains employees of Canadian credit unions to deliver financial education workshops in their communities. Workshops are delivered in plain language without any ties to products or services, with the sole goal of empowering Canadians to take control of their financial decisions, goals and plans. Learn more here.
Credit unions support our communities and strengthen our national economy
Credit unions contribute to our economic, social, and environmental well-being. Read our 2022-2023 ESG Report to learn more about what sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions.
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Working for a Credit Union
If you’re looking for to work for a fulfilling employer, rooted in cooperative principles – look no further than working for a credit union....
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Canada’s Credit Unions
Visit CanadasCreditUnions.ca for more information about credit unions, resources and more.