International Credit Union Day® is worth celebrating 

Credit unions are more than an alternative to big banks. Credit unions believe in people helping people through financial partnership and charitable giving. And unlike banks, which distribute their profits to wealthy shareholders, credit unions invest their earnings after expenses right back into their members — often in the form of reduced fees and lower interest rates on loans — and their communities.     

International Credit Union Day®, October 17, is a day to recognize and celebrate those things that set credit unions apart. Around the world, credit unions and their members reflect on their achievements in the financial industry as well as in the community.   

Credit unions care about their members. In fact, credit unions are financial cooperatives owned by their members.  Because bonds of partnership and loyalty exist between the cooperative institution and its members, credit unions like OCCU go the extra mile to help in any way they can. Whether it’s greeting members by name, letting them know when there’s an opportunity to save money or even sharing fresh cookies in the branch, credit unions like OCCU are known for giving personal, caring service no matter what.   

Part of helping members is giving back to the communities that credit unions serve. Our team members are given up to 40 hours of paid time to volunteer and support the causes they care about in the communities they live in. For example, OCCU employees volunteer at many charity events throughout the year. They sort donations and prepare meals for Food for Lane County. They help raise funds for Relief Nursery. They find ways to serve their community, through OCCU and in their personal time.    

Just as rewarding is how hard we at OCCU work to make our financial institution as beneficial as possible for members. By reducing or eliminating fees, incorporating new technology like contactless debit cards and improving mobile banking and video teller service, we can serve members through added convenience and enhanced security. Members can trust that OCCU always has their best interest in mind.   

At OCCU, we believe it’s our duty to give back to the communities we’re proud to call home as well as the members who help us make the credit union what it is today. We don’t just see OCCU as a way to bank. We see it as a way to promote the “people helping people” philosophy. That’s what makes the credit union movement worth celebrating.