Who is Secure Credit Union?
Secure Credit Union was formerly the Gas and Electric Employees Credit Union. Formed in 1927, we have gone through many changes, but one thing remains constant: our commitment to our membership. Now what is a credit union, you may ask? Read on.
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What’s a Credit Union?
A credit union is a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution organized to promote thrift and provide credit to members. It is member-owned and controlled through a board of directors elected by the membership. The board serves on a volunteer basis and may hire a management team to run the credit union. The board also establishes and revises policy, sets dividend and loan rates, and directs certain operations. The result: members are provided with a safe, convenient place to save and borrow at reasonable rates at an institution which exists to benefit them, not to make a profit.
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Who owns a credit union?
Most financial institutions are owned by stockholders, who own a part of the institution and intend on making money from their investment. A credit union doesn't operate in that manner. Rather, each credit union member owns one "share" of the organization. The user of credit union services is also an owner, and is even entitled to vote on important issues, such as the election of member representatives to serve on the board of directors.
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How did credit unions start?
The first credit union cooperatives started in Germany over a century ago. Today, credit unions are found everywhere in the world. The credit union movement started in this country in Manchester, New Hampshire. There, the St. Mary's Cooperative Credit Association, a church-affiliated credit union, opened its doors in 1909. Today, one in every three Americans is a credit union member.
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What is the purpose of a credit union?
The primary purpose in furthering their goal of service is to encourage members to save money. Another purpose is to offer loans to members. In fact, credit unions have traditionally made loans to people of ordinary means. Credit unions can charge lower rates for loans (as well as pay higher dividends on savings) because they are nonprofit cooperatives. Rather than paying profits to stockholders, credit unions return earnings to members in the form of dividends or improved services.
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Are savings deposits insured?
Yes. All savings accounts are insured up to $100,000 by the NCUA, the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government. In addition, all deposits in excess of $100,000 are insured by MSIC, the Massachusetts Share Insurance Corporation, for amounts up to $250,000. Please contact the credit union for specific details.
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Who can join a credit union?
A credit union exists to serve a specific group of people, such as a group of employees or the members of a professional or religious group. This is called a "field of membership." The field of membership may include where they live, where they work, or their membership in a social or economic group.
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Am I eligible to join this credit union?
You can join this credit union if you meet ANY of the following membership criteria:
1 - You live or work in Melrose, Saugus, Wakefield, Stoneham, Malden, Medford or Revere.
2 - You are an employee or retired employee of a utility company that is involved with the delivery of electricity or natural gas.
3 - You are an employee of this credit union.
4 - You are a family member of an existing member.
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