So... What Exactly Is A Credit Union?

Okay, okay. We get it.

What even is a credit union? And if it does the same things as a bank, why isn't it called a bank?

Great question!

A credit union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that exists to serve its members, not shareholders.

That means we offer many of the same services you'd expect from a bank, like checking accounts (Share Drafts), savings accounts (Share Account),
loans, credit cards, share certificates (certificates of deposit), online banking, and mobile banking.

But here's where things get interesting…

Becoming a Member is Easier Thank You Think

Let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions right now:

You don't have to work for a specific company or belong to a special group to join.

At Valley 1st, membership is open to people who live, work or worship in Washington County, Westmoreland County, or Fayette County.

And becoming a member is simple:

✅ Open a savings account with $5
✅ Deposit a $1 membership fee- This means that you are now a stakeholder of the credit union, and everyone gets the same stake no matter how much money they have in their accounts.
✅ Gain access to all the products, services, and benefits of credit union membership

That's it. No complicated process. No secret handshake. No endless paperwork.

Once you're a member, you're a member for life, even if you move, change jobs, or retire.

We're here to make joining easy and help you find the accounts and services that fit your goals. Whether you're opening your very first account, buying a car, purchasing a home, or simply looking for a financial institution that puts people first, we'd love to welcome you.

Ready to become part of something bigger?

We’re Owned by Our Members.

Yep, that means you.

When you become a member of a credit union, you're not just opening an account, you're becoming part of the organization itself. Unlike a traditional bank, where ownership belongs to shareholders, a credit union is owned by the people who use it. Every member has an equal voice, whether they have $5 or $500,000 in their account.

Being member-owned helps guide everything we do. Instead of focusing on generating profits for outside investors, we're focused on helping our members and communities thrive.

It's called the "people helping people" philosophy, and it's been at the heart of credit unions from the very beginning.

Wait... What Does "Not-for-Profit" Mean?

A lot of people hear "not-for-profit" and assume it means the same thing as "non-profit”, but there’s actually a difference.

Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, which means we still operate like a business. We earn money, invest in technology, pay employees, offer loans, and provide financial services.

The difference is what happens to those earnings.

Because we don't exist to create profits for shareholders, earnings are reinvested into the credit union and the communities we serve through things like:

✅ Financial education programs
✅ Community partnerships and sponsorships
✅ Member-focused services and technology
✅ Dividends and member benefits
✅ Local events and charitable initiatives

When we succeed, our members and communities benefit right alongside us.

Your Membership Makes a Difference.

One of the coolest things about being part of a credit union is that your everyday banking helps support something bigger.

By choosing a credit union, you're helping support local communities, financial education, community programs, and opportunities that make a difference right here at home.

So yes, every time you use your account, make a payment, or deposit a paycheck, you're part of something that's working to strengthen and grow the community around you.

We're Not Saying You Have to Choose Just One.

Let's be honest. Most people use a combination of financial tools today. We actually have a term for that. It’s called a “Stack”. And we want to be part of it!

Maybe you have a checking account, use Venmo to split dinner, keep a budgeting app on your phone, and send money through Cash App.

That's completely normal. We aren't here to tell you to stop using those tools.

We're here to show you why a credit union is different. Because while apps can help you move money and track spending, a credit union brings something they can't:

Real people. Real relationships. Real support.

The technology is important. But when you need guidance, have questions, are buying your first home, or just want someone who genuinely cares about your financial future, that's where your credit union shines.

Oh & ps. we do have ZELLE which is a peer2peer digital payment system that is integrated with your Valley 1st Account! We call that a win-win!

More Than Banking. We're Here to Help You Thrive.

Money can be confusing sometimes. Nobody is born knowing how credit scores work, how to create a budget, or how to prepare for a major financial milestone.

That's why financial education is one of the most important things we do.

As a credit union, part of our mission is helping people build confidence with their money, no matter where they are in their financial journey.

On our Financial Wellness Center, you'll find resources designed to help with:

✅ Budgeting and saving
✅ Understanding credit and credit scores
✅ Managing debt
✅ Buying a car or home
✅ Identity theft and fraud prevention
✅ Planning for life's big moments
✅ Building healthy financial habits

Whether you're just starting out, raising a family, preparing for retirement, or somewhere in between, we're here to provide guidance, tools, and support every step of the way.

Because financial wellness isn't about being perfect. It's about making informed decisions and feeling confident about your future.