Skip to main content

Membership

Welcome to Friendly

Enjoy exclusive benefits, competitive rates, and personalized support when you join our financial family. Experience the Credit Union of America difference!

Become a Member

What Is a Credit Union?

A credit union is a group of people (identified as members) formed around a common bond, such as employment type/employer, geographic area, or a specific interest.

Here are the distinctive characteristics that set credit unions apart:

  • Credit unions are not-for-profit. This business model means we return our net income after expenses to our members through dividends (interest) and/or new financial services, technology, branches, etc. For-profit traditional banks only return their income to a small group of stockholders.
  • The primary focus of credit unions is to serve members rather than generate profits.
  • Member’s financial education and well-being are at the core of a credit union’s mission.
  • The deposits you make at a credit union are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
  • Credit unions operate with a member-based governing structure, where each member gets one vote regardless of the size of their deposits.
  • A board of directors (elected by members) carries out governance.
  • Credit unions must adhere to strict regulations set by both state and federal entities.
  • They often collaborate with other credit unions through shared branch and ATM networks to serve members better.

View the 2023 Annual Report


What Are the Benefits of Joining A Credit Union?

Experience a unique financial journey that puts members at the forefront and shapes benefits for community growth and individual advancement.

Credit union members enjoy the following benefits:

  • Take advantage of lower rates on loans.
  • Grow your money faster with higher interest rates on deposit accounts.
  • Enjoy lower fees compared to traditional banks.
  • Value-added products, such as checking accounts, online banking, debit cards, and more!
  • Personalized customer service focused on your financial well-being.
  • Access to exclusive financial resources and educational workshops.
  • Ability to participate in a community-driven approach where your voice matters.
  • Have the peace of mind of having your deposits insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

     

Who Can Join?

To join Credit Union of America (CUA), you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Employed in the field of education in the state of Kansas
  • Retired from the field of education in the state of Kansas
  • Work for a Select Employer Group
  • Family member of an existing CUA member
  • Resident, employee or paid in the following counties: Anderson, Atchison, Barber, Barton, Butler, Chase, Clark, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Edwards, Ellis, Ellsworth, Finney, Ford, Franklin, Geary, Gray, Harper, Harvey, Hodgeman, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Kingman, Kiowa, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, Morris, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pottawatomie, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Russell, Rush, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Stafford, Sumner, Wabaunsee, or Wyandotte.
  • Any non-profit, small business, organization, trust, or custodial account whose signatory would otherwise be eligible for membership by the criteria above.
  • Belong to the American Consumer Council (ACC). CUA can complete your membership at no additional cost to you.*

*If you do not meet one of the above membership requirements, we will sign you up for the American Consumer Council (ACC) at no extra cost. This will ensure you can open an account at Credit Union of America.


How Do I Join?

It’s easy to join our credit union in Kansas! All you need to do is open a share account with a $1 deposit. You’ll then have access to all our products and services. Click the button below to get started!

Open An Account


Who We Are

Credit Union of America has deep roots in education. We began as a source of support and hope for Wichita teachers back in 1935. Today, while our reach has broadened, our commitment to positively impacting the community remains unshaken.

Contact us below to learn more about becoming a Credit Union of America member.