What is a credit union and how is it different from a bank?
A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution owned by its members—not shareholders. That means our focus is on serving you, not maximizing profits. Any earnings are returned to members through lower rates, fewer fees and better overall value. Banks, on the other hand, are for-profit and owned by investors.
Who can become a member?
Membership is open to individuals who work for one of our partner hospitals or select employer groups, live or work within our community charter, are family members of an existing HACU member, or qualify through CU4Kids.
How do I join the credit union?
Where are your branches and ATMs located?
We have three convenient branch locations in Oak Lawn, Des Plaines and Winfield. In addition, you have access to more than 5,000 shared branches nationwide through our shared branching network—so you can take care of your banking wherever you are.
At these shared branch locations, you can make deposits, withdraw money, cash checks, transfer funds, make loan payments and more.
You’ll also have access to over 75,000 surcharge-free ATM locations across the country. Find the location closest to you.
Are my deposits insured?
Yes. Your deposits are insured up to $500,000. The first $250,000 is federally insured through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). An additional $250,000 is insured through Excess Share Insurance (ESI), a subsidiary of American Share Insurance, the nation’s largest private deposit insurer for credit unions.
How is the credit union governed?
We’re guided by a volunteer board of directors elected by you, our member-owners, ensuring decisions are made with your best interests in mind.
Do you give back to the community?
Absolutely. We’re proud to support our community through volunteer efforts, financial education, charitable giving and local partnerships.
What security measures protect my accounts?
We use multiple layers of protection to keep your accounts safe, including insurance coverage, fraud monitoring, data encryption, multi-factor authentication, card controls, firewalls and regular security reviews.
How can I contact member support?
What values guide the credit union?
Our purpose is to increase our community’s overall well-being through healthy banking, and that drives everything we do. We lead with compassion by combining understanding with action, collaborate closely with our members and partners to achieve better outcomes, and bring creativity to deliver solutions as unique as the people we serve.
Do you offer financial health resources?
Yes! We offer free financial counseling through Bank Healthy, along with educational workshops to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Do you have an annual report?
We sure do! Check out our past few annual reports: