Estacado Federal Credit Union History

Credit unions are different from banks in several key areas:

1. Credit unions are not-for-profit which means all income is returned to members in higher dividends, lower loan rates, expanded products and services for low or no cost, and used for capital reserves.
2. Credit unions are member-owned and not owned by large and often out of state stockholders. Each primary member receives just one vote no matter the amount of their deposits.
3. Credit unions are tax-exempt which allows them to typically have better rates.
4. Credit unions are cooperatives and work together across the country to encourage responsible savings and borrowing.
5. Credit unions serve specific employer groups or communities. Loans are only given to qualified members.
6. Credit unions cannot be sold. Members must vote to combine credit unions.
7. Credit union boards are unpaid volunteer members elected by the membership.