Canadian Credit Union Association

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 help you make it happen.

We 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.

We work for you, our shareholders

Credit unions are owned by their members – the people who bank with them – which means your bottom line is our bottom line. All members have an equal say in how their credit union operates and can democratically vote for its board of directors.

We provide access to thousands of ding free ATMs

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.

We are regulated

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.

Your deposits are protected

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.

We provide award-winning service

Canada’s credit unions have ranked first among all financial institutions in overall Customer Service Excellence for 14 years in a row. We’re great at a lot of things, but we’re the best at putting you first.

What are you waiting for?

Join over 10 million* Canadians who trust their local credit union as their partner for day-to-day banking.  Find your local credit union.

Read our 2022-2023 ESG Report to learn more about what sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions.

Why Join a Credit Union?

By choosing to bank with a credit union, you are choosing to bank with a conscience. Credit unions give back to their members, the people that bank with them, and contribute to their community’s economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Credit unions keep money in Canadians’ pockets

Credit unions’ commitment to members’ financial well-being and cooperative model helps Canadians to hold on to more of their money by returning profits to members through profit sharing and low/no fees, through community investments in the form of donations, scholarships and other initiatives and through a national network of surcharge-free ATMs.

You’re an owner, not just a customer

Credit unions are owned by their members – the people who bank with them. All members have an equal say in how their credit union operates, no matter how much or little you have in your account. Members can voice their concerns and vote on the issues that matter to them.

We support our communities and strengthen our national economy

Credit unions contribute to our economic, social, and environmental well-being. Learn more about some of the ways that credit unions are helping local communities prosper here.

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. Credit unions directly and indirectly employ more than 58,000 Canadians. Whether you live in a smaller remote town, or bigger city, you can count on a credit union being there and helping making difference in someone’s financial well being.  Learn more about working for a credit union and browse regional job postings here.

Credit unions support communities through volunteerism

Credit union employees take co-operative principles to heart – with almost 80 per cent choosing to volunteer during their unpaid time off, and 70 per cent participating in community activities as part of their paid work.

Credit unions help Main Street and rural communities prosper

At their core, credit unions are local, community-based financial institutions. Credit unions help keep their members’ money local. They support small and medium sized enterprises and provide loans to farmers, benefiting members in communities large and small.

Credit unions keep money in Canadians’ pockets

Credit unions’ commitment to members’ financial well-being and cooperative model helps Canadians to hold on to more of their money by returning profits to members through profit sharing and low/no fees, through community investments and through a national network of surcharge-free ATMs.

Credit unions do not pursue profits for the sake of rewarding shareholders’ quarterly return expectations. They pursue profits to fund the business and to ensure future generations can benefit from the cooperative model and excellent banking services.