A credit union is a member-owned, not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution. Provide the same products and services – including surcharge-free ATMs, online financial services, and free savings and checking accounts – as other financial institutions Return their profits to their credit union members by providing better services, better rates, lower fees and special discounts Operate under the philosophy of “people helping people,” allowing their members to pool their savings, lend to one another, and own the organization Follow conservative investment practices and lend responsibly