Question 1

What is Co-op Credit Union (CCU)?

Accepted Answer

Co-op Credit Union (CCU) is a state-chartered credit union headquartered in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, serving members across Western Wisconsin. With over $573 million in assets and more than 23,500 members, CCU is one of the largest credit unions in Wisconsin. The credit union specializes in serving individuals, families, and businesses in rural and suburban communities, with a particular focus on agricultural lending and cooperative members.

CCU operates seven full-service branch locations across Western Wisconsin and maintains a strong commitment to the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People."

Question 2

When was Co-op Credit Union (CCU) founded?

Accepted Answer

Co-op Credit Union was founded by members of Federation Cooperative in Black River Falls and received its charter from the Wisconsin Banking Commission on July 14, 1938. The credit union was established to help rural consumers access credit for new electric appliances following rural electrification in the 1930s.

Starting with just $977 in total assets as of January 1, 1939, CCU has grown through a combination of organic growth and strategic mergers. The credit union obtained federal deposit insurance from the National Credit Union Administration in 1987, further strengthening its position in the community.

CCU's growth has been marked by several significant mergers, including Melrose Credit Union (1981), Galesville Co-op Credit Union (1990), Blair Credit Union (1994), Partners Credit Union (2010), La Crosse Area Postal Credit Union (2015), and most recently La Crosse Burlington Credit Union (2024). Each merger expanded CCU's field of membership and service area while bringing additional services to members.

Question 3

Where is Co-op Credit Union (CCU) headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Co-op Credit Union is headquartered at 100 East Main Street in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. The credit union moved to this location in 1999 after breaking ground on a new main office building at the east end of the bridge.

The headquarters building houses the main office and serves as the central hub for CCU's operations across Western Wisconsin.

Question 4

Where does Co-op Credit Union (CCU) operate?

Accepted Answer

Co-op Credit Union operates seven branch locations throughout Western Wisconsin, serving members in multiple counties. Branch locations include Black River Falls (main office and Highway A drive-up), Fall Creek, Galesville, Melrose, Onalaska, Strum, and La Crosse.

Membership is open to persons residing, employed, or owning property in the following Wisconsin counties: Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, and Trempealeau. Additional membership eligibility extends to stockholders of Fall Creek Supply Co-op or Augusta Farmers Union Co-op, federal employees or postal employees within a 75-mile radius of La Crosse, employees and retirees of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (Chicago and Twin Cities Divisions working into or out of La Crosse), and employees of various cooperatives organized in Jackson County.

Immediate family members of current CCU members are also eligible for membership.

Question 5

What services does Co-op Credit Union (CCU) offer?

Accepted Answer

Co-op Credit Union provides a comprehensive range of financial services for personal, business, and agricultural needs. Personal banking services include share savings accounts (requiring just $5 to open and maintain membership), reward checking accounts with competitive APY, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and money market accounts.

Lending services include consumer loans, auto loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, mortgage loans (through partnership with AmeriCU Mortgage), agricultural loans, and business loans. CCU has over 80 years of experience in agricultural lending, making it a trusted partner for farmers and agribusiness operations.

Digital banking services feature online banking, a mobile banking app for iPhone and Android devices with mobile deposit capture, bill pay functionality, Popmoney person-to-person payments, account transfers, and loan applications. Members have access to ATMs at all branch locations and through the Alliance One ATM network.

Additional services include debit cards, credit cards, health savings accounts, student loan options, foreign currency services, and financial planning resources including loan and savings calculators.

Question 6

What makes Co-op Credit Union (CCU) unique?

Accepted Answer

Co-op Credit Union distinguishes itself through its deep roots in the cooperative movement and agricultural community. Founded in 1938 by members of a rural cooperative, CCU maintains special relationships with numerous cooperatives throughout Western Wisconsin, including electric cooperatives, telephone cooperatives, and agricultural cooperatives.

The credit union's agricultural lending expertise, developed over more than 80 years, provides farmers and agribusinesses with personalized service from lenders who understand the unique financial challenges and opportunities in agriculture. This specialization sets CCU apart from many other financial institutions in the region.

CCU's growth strategy through strategic mergers has allowed the credit union to expand services while maintaining local presence and community connections. Each merger has been carefully selected to enhance member benefits and expand the field of membership without sacrificing the personalized service that credit union members value.

The credit union operates with lower rates and fewer fees than traditional banks, reinvesting profits back into member services and community initiatives rather than distributing them to outside shareholders.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Co-op Credit Union (CCU)?

Accepted Answer

Co-op Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). As a state credit union, CCU operates under Wisconsin state banking laws while maintaining federal deposit insurance.

CCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. This means that members are also owners, and the credit union exists to serve member needs rather than generate profits for external shareholders. Each member has equal voting rights in credit union governance, regardless of account balance.

The cooperative structure aligns with CCU's founding principles and its continued commitment to serving cooperative members throughout Western Wisconsin. Membership requires maintaining a minimum $5 balance in a share savings account, which represents ownership in the credit union.

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About Co-op Credit Union (CCU) in the United States