To join a U.S. credit union, find one whose membership rules you meet, confirm its application and opening requirements, then open its required share account. That account establishes membership. The details—such as acceptable identification, opening deposit, and whether you can apply online—vary by credit union, so verify them before you start.
Step 1: Find credit unions that fit your needs
Use the NCUA Credit Union Locator to find credit unions, then shortlist institutions that suit your location and the services and access you need. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) recommends locating a credit union and researching whether it and its accounts will meet your needs.
Step 2: Confirm that you qualify and check the requirements
Credit union membership is not automatically open to everyone. A credit union’s field of membership may be based on an employer, family relationship, geographic area, or qualifying group. Federally chartered credit unions can have single common bond, multiple common bond, or community charters. Ask the credit union or check its website to confirm that you qualify; do not assume that living nearby or seeing an open-to-join message is enough.
Before applying, check the institution’s current account information and ask:
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- Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
- Can I complete the application online, or must I visit a branch?
- What identification and other documents do you accept?
- Is an initial deposit required, and what amount should I be prepared to deposit?
- Which account services and access options are available to members?
There is no single eligibility test, identification standard, application channel, or opening-deposit amount established for every credit union. Confirm the answers directly with the institution you choose.
Step 3: Apply and open the share account
Submit the credit union’s application and open the share account it requires to establish membership. Credit unions are member-owned and member-controlled cooperatives; members elect a volunteer board. Products and member rights can differ, so consult the institution for its specific terms.
Rank #2
- Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Have documents ready
For a checking account, the NCUA says that in most cases applicants need two forms of government-issued identification, an application, and an initial deposit. A broader NCUA guide gives examples of typical identification: a government-issued photo ID plus another item, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or bill in the applicant’s name. These are examples, not universal requirements; ask which documents your credit union accepts.
Some credit unions accept online applications, while others may require a branch visit. Requirements may differ for undocumented immigrants; contact the credit union to ask what it accepts. For an account for a minor, ask what the institution requires. Typically, it will request identification for both the adult and the minor, an application, and an initial deposit.
Rank #3
- Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Check deposit insurance
Before depositing money, confirm the institution’s insurance status. The NCUA says the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund insures deposits to at least $250,000 per individual depositor at federal credit unions and most state-chartered credit unions. Check the institution and account details rather than assuming this coverage applies everywhere.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- Double check if the URL/website is genuine before entering card details online. Do not provide any gift card details (example: claim code) to someone you do not know or trust. There are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen, notify Mastercard immediately by calling 1-833-791-7288. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Mastercard Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including online. Your Amazon.com Balance cannot be used to purchase Mastercard gift cards.
Rank #4
- Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- Double check if the URL/website is genuine before entering card details online. Do not provide any gift card details (example: claim code) to someone you do not know or trust. There are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen, notify Mastercard immediately by calling 1-833-791-7288. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Mastercard Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including online. Your Amazon.com Balance cannot be used to purchase Mastercard gift cards.
Official guidance
- NCUA: Is a Credit Union Right for Me?
- NCUA: How Do I Choose a Credit Union?
- NCUA: Credit Union Accounts
- NCUA: Credit Union Membership
- NCUA: Your Insured Funds
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