About Seattle Credit Union

A diverse group united for one mission: to make prosperity a reality

In 1933, seven City of Seattle workers got together to lend each other and their co-workers a hand. They pooled their resources to make loans to each other that they couldn’t get from the banks.

This spirit of people helping people is a heritage that we at Seattle Credit Union take very seriously.

Our members are the reason we exist. Our number one job is to make sure you are able to borrow money, grow your savings, and take advantage of other benefits as you travel on your journey toward prosperity.

We’ve been here for nearly a century, and we look forward to continuing to provide the people of our amazing region the financial knowledge and tools they need. Let’s continue to grow your — and Seattle’s — success for many years to come.

What sets Seattle Credit Union apart?

At Seattle Credit Union, we believe banking should be accessible, supportive, and tailored for everyone.

Financial growth should come naturally–we’re here to help it flourish.

From savings plans to financial education, we provide the tools and guidance to help you build a secure future with confidence.

Every transaction is a seed of change for Washington’s underserved communities.

Your membership fuels initiatives that support financial equity, affordable housing, and small business growth in communities that need it most.

We’re stronger together—our banking supports every journey.

As a member-owned institution, we prioritize people over profit, fostering connections that empower individuals and strengthen our community.

We celebrate our differences, as multiple perspectives breed the best solutions

While prosperity is a different dream for each of us, we are committed to bringing yours to life.

Seattle Credit Union vs. Banks

As a credit union, we recognize your unique goals and understand what it takes to get you there.

Type of organization

Type of organization
Who can join

Who can join
Invested in

Invested in
Deposits federally insured

Deposits federally insured
Governance

Governance
Interactions with financial institutions

Interactions with financial institutions

Seattle Credit Union

Type of organization

Not-for-profit – Fewer fees, better rates

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we return our profits to our members in the form of better rates, lower fees, and better service.
Who can join

Members

Seattle’s membership is open to anyone who lives or works in our field of membership, including the family of eligible members.
Invested in

Community members

We serve the needs of our membership and community by investing our non-interest income and interest from loans to local organizations working to make a difference.
Deposits federally insured

NCUA insured ($250k)

Your deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and are backed by the faith and credit of the United States Government.
Governance

Member owned

Each member can exercise their voting rights to fill seats on the Board of Directors. The directors advocate for membership.
Interactions with financial institutions

Cooperative

Credit unions are financial cooperatives. That means we work together toward one common goal- helping our members prosper.

Traditional Banks

Type of organization

For-profit – More fees, worse rates

Traditional banking institutions primarily focus on generating profits for their shareholders with no added benefits to their customers.
Who can join

Customers

You cannot join a bank, but anyone can be a customer.
Invested in

Generating revenue

Banks use the income they generate from fees, interest, business accounts, and investments to increase their shareholders’ earnings.
Deposits federally insured

FDIC insured ($250k)

At a bank, your deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are backed by the full faith of the United States Government.
Governance

Stakeholder owned

Banks are governed by their shareholders. Voting rights depend on the number of shares you own leaving regular customers out of decisions.
Interactions with financial institutions

Competitive

Banks are competitive. They compete with one another for your business and see you only as a number.

What our members say about us

I have three accounts with Seattle Credit Union. I never even considered a big bank. I believe in what this credit union stands for. They also gave me the best products and rates.

Veronica

Principles we stand by

These cooperative principles remind us who we are and why we do what we do.

Membership Should Be Open To All

Membership at Seattle Credit Union is open to all who live or work in the state of Washington, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination.

Members Should Call The Shots

Seattle Credit Union is a democratically run organization, controlled by our members. Our Board of Directors is composed of volunteers from our membership, and each representative is elected by our members.

Member Participation Benefits Everyone

We return excess revenue to members in the form of lower loan rates and fees, higher returns on deposits, and enhanced services that benefit the entire credit union.

Autonomy & Independence Set Us Apart

As a financial cooperative controlled by our members, not outside shareholders, Seattle Credit Union is autonomous and independent.

Financial Education Should Be Available To All

We provide free education so that all can prosper and contribute to the growth and wellbeing of the cooperative. We also support local programs and organizations that promote financial literacy.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives Is Vital

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Seattle Credit Union contributes to the cooperative movement by working with other cooperatives through local, state, regional, national and international organizations.

Giving Back to the Community is a Priority

Through programs like our Citizenship Loans and Feel Good Checking® nonprofit partnership, we seek to achieve a greater good through responsible corporate citizenship.

Become a member

Join a financial institution that puts you first—always.

Open an account