What's a credit union?
	Though many credit unions seem like banks, they're very different. Difference #1 A credit union is a not-for-profit financial services cooperative that is owned by the people who save and borrow there. When you join a credit union by opening a savings account, you become of a shareholder with the right to vote for credit union officers. Credit union members are treated with respect and dignity because they're not just customers - they're owners. Difference #2 Credit unions are the only democratically controlled financial institutions in the United States. You and other members elect qualified, unpaid volunteers as the board of directors to oversee the credit union. Difference #3 Credit unions can pay higher than average interest rates on savings and charge more favorable rates on loans because they have lower operating overhead than other financial institutions. The money the credit union makes is returned to members in the form of better rates and lower fees. Difference #4 In the U.S., credit unions have been the favorite among consumers surveyed in the American Banker satisfaction survey every year. Just recently credit unions took over the top ranking in trustworthiness as well. Your funds at your credit union are insured up to $250,000. Can I join Community Resource? Community Resource is a community chartered credit union. You can join if you live, work, worship or attend school in Albany County or if you have a relative who does. You can also join if you are related to a member of Community Resource, or you live in the same household as a member.
	Interested? Call our office at 518-783-2211 or contact us at "feedback@communityresource.coop" for information.

Can I join Community Resource?
Community Resource is a community chartered credit union. You can join if you live, work, worship or attend school in Albany County or if you have a relative that does. You can also join if you are related to a member of Community Resource, or you live in the same household as a member.

How will membership in Community Resource benefit me?
A rate and fee advantage
Our operating overhead is lower than a bank's. As a result, we can offer you excellent interest rates, as well as lower and fewer service fees.

Personal service
We're a not-for-profit financial institution set up to meet the needs of our membership. When you join the Credit Union, you're a member, not just a customer. And, we're not too big to spend the time necessary to help you with your financial matters.

A full range of services
We offer a variety of savings products including checking accounts, money market accounts, share certificates and IRAs. We also offer a wide range of loan products including car, personal, VISA credit card, home equity and 1st mortgage loans.

Once a member, always a member
Once you're a member, you're a member for life; you don't have to leave the Credit Union if you no longer meet the requirements that made you eligible for membership. So, if you were eligible to join because you lived in Albany County and you move, you do not have to terminate your membership.

How do I join?
You must open a Community Resource savings account with at least $5 to be considered a member (you earn interest on balances of $100 or more). After you've opened your savings account, you may use any of our other services. For example, you may apply for a loan on the same day that you join since there is no waiting period.
Click here to apply

Interested?
Call our office at 518-783-2211 or contact us at "feedback@communityresource.coop" for information.