Our Story
At Educators, our culture is based on “People Helping People.”
The Educators Credit Union Story
Educators Credit Union was founded by teachers in 1937, so members could borrow and save money at fair and reasonable interest rates. Today, Educators members are students, government workers, healthcare employees, small business owners and many other community members.
Educators started out operating under the guiding principle of “Not for Profit, Not for Charity, But for Service.” That purpose and philosophy remains our foundation and guiding force today, along with our mission to help every member achieve his or her financial goals.
The Credit Union Difference
A credit union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative. Members, not profits, come first.
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A Commitment to Community
We are committed to making a positive difference where we live and work.
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An Equal Membership Stake
When you join Educators, you are not a customer. You are a member-owner.
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Not-for-Profit Financial Cooperative
When you’re a member-owner, you know your best interests always come first.
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Our History
In 1937, Educators Credit Union began in Racine, Wisconsin, and was known then as the Racine Teachers Credit Union. There was no place for teachers to save or borrow money then, so teachers formed a financial cooperative – a credit union.
Today, Educators Credit Union has 23 branch locations in southeastern Wisconsin, a network of 60,000 fee-free ATMs and over 225,000 members! These members are not just teachers, but hold just about any job you can imagine. We’re open to anyone who lives in our 11-county service area: Dane, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties.
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Our Values
Since 1937, we have grown along with our members by practicing our mission: to passionately help people by educating, advising and earning loyalty. We seek to assist people as they bridge their financial and personal lives by providing education, service and support.
Whether you are interacting with us on the phone, over the computer or in person, we are dedicated to providing you with sincere, personal service. Outside of work, we believe in being active participants in the local community through fundraising and volunteering. It takes a village, and we are honored to be a part of yours.
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Our Mark
The Mark of Excellence is a distinctive representation of Educators Credit Union’s core values. Each petal on the flower represents one of our core values: honesty, integrity, fairness, respect and excellence. The stem of the flower is an “E,” which represents Educators Credit Union.
When you see the Mark, you know that it has Educators Credit Union’s seal of approval and it complies with those five fundamental values.
Frequently Asked Questions
While we started as the Racine Teachers Credit Union in 1937, membership at Educators Credit Union is not just for teachers. Educators is open to anyone who lives in our 11-county service area: Dane, Green, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties, no matter your job title.
With our network of CO-OP Shared Branches across the country, 60,000 fee-free ATMs, Educators Connect Cam™, Mobile and Online Banking, you can access your account from just about anywhere. Find a branch or an ATM near you at ecu.com/locations-atms/.
With just a deposit of $5 to your Prime Share Savings account, you can become a member-owner of Educators Credit Union. If you ever need to close your Educators account, you will receive this $5 deposit back.
Every member of Educators Credit Union is also an owner. It is part of the cooperative principal that guides credit unions like Educators. Our member-owners help move our mission and vision forward, and the decisions we make are with our members in mind. Each year, we host an annual meeting to keep our member-owners informed about the financial health of Educators.
Your deposits are insured with the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The NCUA insures member deposits up to $250,000 at federally insured credit unions. Learn more about the National Credit Union Administration at their website www.ncua.gov.