Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that exist to serve their members rather than to maximize corporate profits. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits and make loans. Banks and savings & loans are owned by groups of stockholders whose interests include earning a healthy return on their investments. Credit unions, on the other hand, are member owned, so they have your interests in mind, not the interests of a small group of investors. Since Illinois State Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution, after expenses are paid and reserves are set aside, surplus earnings are returned to you, the member, in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest rates on savings, and free or low-cost services.