What Is a Credit Union in Canada? The Benefits of Membership

As a new Canadian working to build credit, you might be looking to open a bank account. Or perhaps you want to switch to a different bank in Canada because of the impersonal feel or compounding fees. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone if you’re starting to question whether the traditional banking model actually works in your favour. One alternative to the biggest banks in Canada is a credit union. Instead of operating based on shareholder profits or quarterly earnings targets, credit unions function differently.

What is a credit union?

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates under the ownership of its members. Instead of serving external shareholders, the organization exists to serve the people who use it. This means that members are both customers and owners. The structure, in turn, changes how decisions get made.

To start with, one major difference between credit unions and banks is that the latter prioritizes shareholder returns. But with a credit union, the profits are reinvested. Often, this money goes towards lowering fees as well as making lending and savings rates more competitive. The organization may also help community-focused initiatives like local programs or to support small businesses. This is a stark contrast to the structure of the major banks in Canada who center their activities around achieving greater profitability.

Another difference is that most credit unions in the country are under provincial regulation. Though a small number are federally regulated, allowing them to operate across the country.

How credit union membership works

Joining a credit union is typically straightforward. You can qualify for membership based on where you live, work, or the community where you have ties. Most credit unions require you to purchase a membership share starting at as little as $5. Regardless of the cost, that share gives you the rights of an owner, which, in turn, means you have voting capabilities. Your account balance does not increase your influence. Instead, it is simply your ownership stake that gives you voting rights. One member equals one vote.

As a voting member, you can voice (and vote) your opinion on key decisions. It keeps the institution’s leadership accountable to the people using the institution. By highlighting the needs of members over quarterly earnings, credit unions tend to make decisions that prioritize long-term value and stability for their members.

Key benefits of credit unions

Credit unions provide several practical benefits stemming from their member-owned structure:

• Lower fees and competitive rates. By reinvesting profits back into the institution (instead of paying shareholders), credit unions pass those savings onto their members. The result? More competitive savings rates and fewer account fees. The exact pricing still varies by institution and product, though.
• Greater lending flexibility. By assessing risk at the community level, credit unions may show more flexibility when approving loans. This is particularly advantageous for small businesses and first-time borrowers.
• Personalized service. Credit unions make decisions locally. Not at a board meeting in Toronto. That local focus allows staff the time and ability to gain a better understanding of the needs of each member, then respond in kind. It prioritizes people over centralized policies.
• Community investment. As the Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA) writes, “credit unions make a positive impact on local communities.” This is because they put their profits directly back into those around them by supporting small businesses and regional initiatives.
• Member-first incentives. Some credit unions pay patronage dividends, allowing the members to share in the institution’s success.

Credit unions vs banks in Canada

Despite some key structural differences, credit unions offer most of the same core products as banks, including savings and chequing accounts, mortgages, loans, credit cards, and online banking.

Are credit unions safe in Canada?

In Canada, both federally and provincially regulated credit unions have deposit insurance coverage. Those few credit unions that fall under federal regulation will have coverage through the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). Otherwise, they will have a provincial deposit guarantee based on the province. In many, the protection matches CDIC limits, with some cases providing 100% coverage on eligible deposits.

Let’s look at an example. Consider Vancity, the provincially regulated credit union founded in 1946. The Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (CUDIC) insures eligible deposits. Not CDIC. This is a relevant detail as the CUDIC covers “all eligible deposits at B.C. credit unions” without a limit. The CDIC, however, caps coverage at $100,000 per category, per bank.

The key here is that deposit protection exists in both cases, though the rules differ between the types. Regardless of whether a credit union has federal or provincial regulation, it likely has some level of coverage. It is best to check with the credit union directly for information on their deposit insurance details.

Takeaway: Who should consider a credit union?

Credit unions make sense for Canadians who value lower fees and competitive rates. Not to mention a more personal banking experience. They can also appeal to those who are trying to build their credit, as well as small-business owners or anyone who prefers local decision-making over the traditional banking structure.

That said, credit unions are not all the same. Products, digital tools, and membership rules vary by institution. Before you sign up, compare offerings and confirm whether the credit union’s services align with how you manage your money on a day-to-day basis.