About North Carolina Credit Unions

North Carolina credit unions have served local communities for generations, building investments for our members and their families for the future.

Today we serve 2.8 million North Carolina consumers through about 120 institutions, and manage more than $23 billion in consumer assets.

Our credit unions are locally owned and controlled, not-for-profit entities that return all their earnings to their members.

Our members are our owners – equal partners with equal opportunity to influence governance and decision making.

Credit unions are closely regulated by the National Credit Union Administration, whose oversight ensures that credit union officers and administrators serve the best interests of their members. 

Since credit unions sprang up thanks to the efforts of grassroots volunteers, the credit union “movement” has many advantages for consumers.

• Credit unions are committed to helping members reach their financial goals.
• Credit unions work tirelessly to improve financial literacy among members, and the general public.
• Credit unions are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities they serve.

According to a recent study, credit union members in North Carolina saved more than $336 million by doing business with their local credit union rather than a bank. (“Benefits of Credit Unions to North Carolina Consumers of Financial Services,” April 2005.)

North Carolina bank customers saved close to $60 million due to banks being in competition with credit unions.

Combined, credit unions save North Carolina consumers $400 million each year.

North Carolina credit unions contribute millions of dollars to charitable organizations each year. In addition, credit union members work on volunteer projects, serve on the boards of charitable organizations and take leadership roles in service organizations statewide. Credit unions are truly by the people and for the people.

U.S. Data (2006 Statistics from CUNA)

Credit union members:
87.4 million

Number of credit unions:
8,534