How to get a credit union?

[Amy26]

I keep reading threads about getting a secured card and opening something with a credit union.... but how do you get a credit union if you're not military or have one offered through your employer?

I had one pre bankruptcy but they are the ones holding my mortgage etc...so I'm no longer welcome there! I got that through a former employer...

Any thoughts?

[jcregs28]

You should check the websites for all surrounding local credit unions in your area to determine their requirements...DCU is in my area and they only require you to become a member of local charitable orginization (usually like $15 one-time joining fee) to be a member...a lot of local credit unions only require you to be a resident in one of its surrounding towns/communities

Also, lot of credit unions allow to be a memeber if a current family member, relative, etc., is already a member

[Amy26]

Well I don't have any family with a credit union.

How do I know what credit unions are in my area? I live in DC area...so only one I know of is Navy Federal.

[IBroke]

usually like $15 one-time joining fee

Yep, that's how I made it. Had no friends or affiliations. Paid a small fee and minimum deposit on savings-account and that was it.

Now since I am a member, my mother could join for free.

[jcregs28]

Amy,

All i did was a google search, and this was just the first page:


WA Telephone Federal Credit Union
1401 I St, Washington, DC - (202) 789-2818

National Credit Union
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW # 600S, Washington, DC - (202) 626-8060

NLRB Federal Credit Union
1099 14th St NW # C300, Washington, DC - (202) 273-4300

NASA Federal Credit Union
300 E St SW # Gc21, Washington, DC - (202) 358-4147

Afl-Cio Federal Credit Union
1750 New York Ave NW # 1, Washington, DC - (202) 661-7711

Credit Union House
403 C St NE, Washington, DC - (202) 548-3131

Lee Federal Credit Union
611 H St NW, Washington, DC - (202) 289-7580

Dist of Columbia Teachers CU
903 D St NE, Washington, DC - (202) 547-4800

451 7th St SW, Washington, DC - (202) 863-2800

Hew Federal Credit Union
200 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC - (202) 289-1592

BTW, this was just the first page! lol Good luck!

[Amy26]

Thanks guys! I actually found a Fairfax County credit union that the only requirement is to live in Fairfax county... lol. So, that was good! Signed us up... just need to send in the signature card. ;)

[anime-chicka]

That's good! Several credit unions in my area have that requirement. I notice that a lot of them do credit pulls now too, so it does make having an account with them somewhat tricky if you have a bk. I got into mine before I filed, otherwise I'd have had to take some sort of course before I could be approved for an account.

ETA: if anyone else is looking for a credit union, check out the NCUA website. They can direct you to credit unions in your area as well as other information regarding credit unions.

[Amy26]

They checked my credit when I applied but I got approved... and I just got discharged 2 days ago and its not on my report yet...so, I guess they didn't care!

I can pull my credit report on equifax as much as I want for free so I've been checking it every day to see if the discharge is listed yet. So, I pulled it a little while ago and saw an inquery from Fairfax FCU on there today....