Credit Unions
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How is a credit union different from a bank?
A bank is a for-profit company that exists to generate high profits for its stockholders. A bank is governed by a Board of Directors that makes decisions to benefit stockholders. Those decisions may not always be in the best interest of a bank's customers. Unlike a bank, a credit union is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by its members and managed by a full-time professional staff for the exclusive benefit of its members.
Credit unions have no stockholders, so after paying operating expenses and setting aside reserves, all remaining income is returned to members in the form of higher paying dividends, lower loan rates, reduced fees and enhanced services. In addition, a volunteer Board of Directors is elected by the members to ensure that all members have a voice in the credit union. Those serving on the Board must be members.
Who can join a credit union?
Each credit union has a defined field of membership and is not open to the public. Since credit union membership is not open to the public, individuals must meet certain requirements before being granted access to a credit union, one of the most important being that they share a "common bond." Examples of individuals sharing a common bond are employees of corporations, members of associations, churches or synagogues and residents of defined areas such as communities. Members can be drawn from more than one group, each sharing a distinct common bond.
Are members the only ones who benefit from credit unions?
No. Members obviously benefit from the affordable financial services, money management education and personalized service that credit unions provide. However, companies also gain by offering a credit union benefit to their employees. By doing so, employers increase their companies’ marketability and help employees gain access to financial services that they might have been unable to obtain elsewhere.
In the end, credit unions benefit all consumers — members and non-members alike. Credit unions provide the economic benefits of capital investment and help local capital pools serve local communities. Credit unions also benefit all consumers by continuing to provide rate competition and an overall choice for financial services in the marketplace.
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Central Credit Union Membership
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Who qualifies for membership in Central Credit Union?
To take advantage of the money-saving benefits of Central Credit Union membership, you must work for one of our more than 250 affiliated companies and organizations or be an immediate family member of a Central Credit Union member. Membership is also open to Illinois state residents.
How can my organization become affiliated with Central Credit Union?
For more information regarding affiliation, please click here.
How do I become a member?
If you qualify for membership, you can join online or at any of our locations.
Once I become a member, are my immediate family members eligible to join?
Yes. Membership extends to family members including any relative by blood or marriage and foster or adopted children.
What happens if I stop working for my employer who offers the credit union benefit?
The credit union offers lifetime membership. As long as you maintain a minimum balance of $25 in your Share Account, which establishes your share of ownership in the credit union, you can retain your membership regardless of your employment status.
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Savings Account
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Are my credit union deposits federally insured?
Yes. Your deposits are insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government.
How can I make deposits to my accounts?
When you first join the credit union, you can conveniently make your initial deposit by credit or debit card or via ACH transfer. You can do the same when you open additional deposit accounts online or through mobile banking. You can also deposit a check, if you open your account at one of our locations. With mobile banking, you can also remotely deposit checks into your account. Deposits can also be made in person, by mail or by ATM if you have a credit union checking account. You can also make deposits conveniently through direct deposit. To sign up for direct deposit, download and complete our Direct Deposit Information And Authorization form, and return it to your employer.
How can I withdraw money from my accounts?
Withdrawals from your account can be easily made through an external transfer to another financial institution, which you can set up in online banking or mobile banking. You can also make withdrawals in person or by ATM if you have a credit union checking account. Of course, if you have a checking or money market account, you can also withdraw money by writing checks. With a checking account, you can also withdraw funds by using your debit card to make purchases and requesting cash back from merchants.
How can I transfer funds between my accounts?
You can easily transfer funds between your credit union accounts through the credit union’s free online banking or mobile banking. You can also use online and mobile banking to transfer funds to your Central Credit Union accounts from other financial institutions and transfer funds from your credit union accounts to other financial institutions. To register for online and mobile banking, click here.
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Loans
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How long do I have to be a member before I can apply for a loan?
You do not have to be a member to apply for a loan, but you have to join prior to disbursing a loan.
How do I apply for a loan?
You can conveniently apply for a loan through online banking or mobile banking. You can also apply by calling our Loan Department at (708) 649-6420.
How long will it take to process my loan request?
The credit union can approve most loans for qualified members in an hour or less.
Can I repay my loan through direct deposit?
Yes. You can deposit money each pay period through direct deposit into one of your credit union accounts. You can then schedule an automatic transfer through online banking or mobile banking from the account to which the funds are deposited to your loan account on the payment due date.
Can I make my loan payments online?
Yes, with the credit union’s free online banking or mobile banking, you can transfer funds from your savings or checking account to your loan account. As long as there are sufficient funds in your account, your payment will be made immediately. You can register for online banking and mobile banking using your account number and electronic services PIN.
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Direct Deposit
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What is direct deposit?
Direct deposit is a service offered by your employer to enable you to conveniently make deposits to your credit union accounts. With direct deposit, your entire net paycheck or a portion of it is automatically deposited into one of your accounts on payday, and is available for use that same day.
To sign up for direct deposit, download and complete our Direct Deposit Information And Authorization form, and return it to your employer.
If I'm on direct deposit, does my entire net paycheck have to go into one of my credit union accounts?
Yes, if you are on direct deposit, your entire net paycheck will go into your Share Savings Account, unless your employer allows you to directly deposit only a portion of your paycheck to the credit union. You can then manually transfer funds to another account through online banking or mobile banking, or you can set up automatic transfers in online or mobile banking so the transfers are done automatically on a specified date/interval.
If I am on direct deposit, how long after I am paid will the funds be deposited into my account?
If your employer sends your funds via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) method, your funds will be available for use on the day you are paid. If the funds are sent by check, we will post them to your account on the day they arrive at the credit union.
How can I change the amount of direct deposit?
To change the amount of your direct deposit, download and complete a new Direct Deposit Information And Authorization form, and return it to your employer.
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