4 Ways to Be Eligible For Credit Union Membership
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Credit unions have advantages that some big banks can’t match. When exploring the benefits of a credit union, you’ll typically find lower interest rates for loans, lower fees and higher savings rates, and a variety of resources to put you on the path to financial success.
At Listerhill Credit Union, we believe in membership for life. Even if you retire, move away, or change employers, you have a lifetime membership. Read below for four different ways toward your credit union eligibility with us!
Be Local: Live in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, or Tennessee.
Join By Association: Join the Athens State Alumni Association.
Family Membership: Be a family member of an existing Listerhill Credit Union member.
Other Credit Union Eligibility Options: You may find more eligibility options available for other credit unions beyond Listerhill.
Can Anyone Join a Credit Union?
In short, yes—just about anyone can join a credit union. But the one you’re eligible for depends on the membership requirements they follow. Most credit unions have what's called a field of membership, which is a set of criteria you need to meet.
For example, you might qualify based on where you live, work, or worship. Some credit unions are tied to specific employers or industries, while others may allow you to join if you belong to certain associations or organizations.
The good news? Many credit unions offer multiple ways to qualify, so even if one option doesn’t apply to you, another might.
1. Be Local
To become a member of a credit union, you need to have a common bond with the other members. Most modern-day credit unions must actively have a Community Charter. This means that credit union membership is open to everyone who lives in a specific geographic location, usually a city or county.
At Listerhill, if you live in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, or Tennessee, you are eligible to become a member.
2. Join By Association
Not near a branch? No problem! You have credit union eligibility if you join the Athens State Alumni Association and live in Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, or Florida.
This membership is initiated at no cost to you and doesn't require any setup outside of the normal Listerhill membership application process.
3. Family Membership
You can also qualify for membership by being a family member of a current Listerhill member.
To qualify, you must be an immediate family member of a current member. This includes spouses, children, siblings, parents, grandparents/grandchildren, step-parents/children/siblings, and adoptive relationships. We also take into consideration potential members. Credit union eligibility also counts if you live and share household expenses with a current member.
4. Other Credit Union Eligibility Options
The three options previously mentioned are unique to becoming a Listerhill member, but there are other ways to achieve credit union eligibility.
For example:
Employer partnerships: If your workplace has a relationship with a credit union, you and sometimes even your family members may be eligible to join.
School or university affiliation: Students, faculty, staff, and even alumni of certain schools or school districts may qualify.
Association memberships: Belonging to certain professional, religious, or community organizations can open the door to membership.
Family or household membership: Many credit unions allow you to join if a family member or someone in your household is already a member.
Donations or membership to partner organizations: Some credit unions partner with nonprofits or associations — joining one of these groups (sometimes for a small donation) may make you eligible.
Since eligibility varies by credit union, it’s always a good idea to check their specific requirements. With so many options available, there’s a good chance you qualify in more ways than you think!
Your Membership Matters
At Listerhill, our vision is to value people over profit — all members profit individually and collectively. We work passionately to exceed expectations, seek improvement and make our community a better place! With only $5, you can join us as a member today.
Learn more about how you can be eligible to join Listerhill
