Credit unions have much to offer their members: They often have low fees, affordable loan interest rates, and highly personalized service. However, one potential drawback of credit unions is that they often have a small geographic footprint. After all, many credit unions serve specific communities or regions and have limited branch locations.
Luckily, many credit unions participate in shared branch networks. These networks allow credit union members to bank at other credit unions’ branches as long as they belong to the same shared branch network.
If you’re a credit union member (or considering becoming one), read on to learn more about how credit union shared branching works.
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A credit union shared branch network allows credit union members to bank at other credit unions’ branches as long as they’re part of the same branch network. Shared branch networks help credit unions compete with large banks, which often have a nationwide presence but lack the personalized customer service and low fees typical of credit unions.
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Shared branch networks give credit union members access to potentially thousands of additional branches and ATMs, allowing them to complete a variety of financial transactions outside of their home credit union’s area. While some credit unions participate in both shared branches and shared ATMs, some may only participate in one or the other.
For example, Co-op Solutions is a major shared branch network with over 5,400 branches and 30,000 ATMs across the country. According to its website, it has more than 1,600 participating credit unions and serves 62 million credit union members. However, Co-op Solutions isn’t the only shared branch and ATM network; Xtend Shared Branching and Alliance One are examples of smaller networks.
Generally, you can do most of the same things at a shared branch that you’d do at your home branch, such as:
However, available services can vary by credit union and branch.
There are some things you can’t do at a shared branch. For instance, if you want to open or close an account, you’ll likely have to do so at your credit union’s own branch. You may also face limits on how much you can withdraw from a shared branch.
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The first step in finding a shared branch is to confirm that your credit union belongs to a shared branch network. Find out by checking your credit union’s website or contacting customer service.
If your credit union uses a shared branch network, you can likely find locations using your credit union’s website or mobile app. Many credit unions offer a locator tool to find shared branches in your search area.
If your credit union is part of the Co-op Solutions shared branch network, you can use the network’s online locator tool to find a shared branch or ATM near you.
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To make a transaction at a shared branch, you need to provide your credit union’s name, your account number, and a valid photo ID.
Credit union shared branch networks are convenient for any member of a participating credit union, but they’re especially useful to those who travel extensively or move frequently. Shared branch networks may also appeal to credit union members who don’t have access to or prefer not to bank online.
Many credit unions use a shared branch network. For example, the Co-op Solutions shared branch network includes more than 1,600 member credit unions. Examples of large credit unions that use a shared branch network include Boeing Employees’ Credit Union (BECU), Connexus Credit Union, Consumers Credit Union, First Tech Federal Union, and Security Service Federal Credit Union.
Shared branching gives credit union members branch access across the country by allowing them to make transactions at any network credit union. This means if you belong to a credit union that participates in a shared branch network, you can walk into another member credit union’s branch and make certain transactions, such as withdrawing cash or buying a money order.
You can generally withdraw money from a shared branch if you belong to a credit union within the same shared branch network. There may be limits on how much you can withdraw from a shared branch, but this varies by credit union.
Yes, you can generally deposit cash at a shared branch as long as you’re a member of a credit union in the same branch network.
