Can I join more than one credit union?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of credit unions you can belong to, provided you meet each one's field of membership requirements.

What happens to my account if I leave my employer (for an employer-based credit union)?

Once a member, always a member — as long as you maintain the minimum balance in your share savings account. You do not lose membership if you change jobs or move out of a qualifying area.

Do credit unions check credit when you open an account?

Opening a basic share savings account typically involves a soft credit inquiry or a check through ChexSystems, not a hard credit pull. Applying for a loan will involve a hard credit inquiry.

Can non-US citizens join a credit union?

Many credit unions accept members who are not US citizens, including permanent residents and visa holders. You will typically need a government-issued ID, an ITIN (if you don't have a Social Security number), and proof of address. Policies vary by credit union.

Is there a minimum age to join?

Adults 18 and older can join independently. Minors can often open joint or custodial accounts with a parent or guardian. Some credit unions offer student accounts starting at age 13 or 16.

How to Join a Credit Union | CUScore

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Every credit union has a "field of membership" (FOM) that defines who can join. The three main types are:

Community: Open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in a defined geographic area (often a county, city, or metropolitan region).
Occupational: Open to employees of a specific company, industry, or employer group.
Associational: Open to members of a qualifying organization — a union, alumni association, church, or professional group.

Use our search tool to find credit unions in your area and review each one's membership requirements. Many credit unions also list their full eligibility criteria on their website or allow you to check online in minutes.

Step 2: Choose the Right Credit Union

Not all credit unions are created equal. Before joining, consider:

Financial health: Check the credit union's net worth ratio and delinquency rate on this site. A score of B or above indicates a sound institution.
Services offered: Does the credit union offer checking accounts, mobile banking, credit cards, mortgages, and other products you'll need?
Branch and ATM access: How many branches does it have? Does it participate in a surcharge-free ATM network?
Rates and fees: Compare loan rates and fee schedules with competing institutions.

Step 3: Open a Share Savings Account

To become a member, you must open a share savings account — the credit union equivalent of a savings account. This account represents your ownership stake. Most credit unions require a minimum deposit of $5 to $25 to open membership. This money remains yours as long as you are a member.

Step 4: Provide Required Documentation

To open an account, you'll typically need:

Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Proof of eligibility (employer badge, utility bill showing address, etc.)
Initial deposit (minimum varies by credit union)

Step 5: Open Your Account

Most credit unions allow you to open accounts online in 10–15 minutes. You can also visit a branch in person. Once your share savings account is open, you can immediately apply for checking accounts, debit cards, loans, and other products.

A Note on Membership Fees

Joining a credit union is typically free. Some credit unions charge a one-time membership fee of a few dollars (separate from the minimum deposit), but this is not universal. Read the fee schedule carefully before opening an account.

How to Join a Credit Union