What Is a Credit Union?

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative built on the principle of People Helping People. Credit unions exist to serve their members by providing financial services, guidance, and support that help people build financial security and reach their goals.

Become a Member

At MembersOwn, that means we’re here to help you succeed—not to make a profit. Every member is an owner, saver, and potential borrower, meaning your financial success is our priority. We’re governed by a volunteer board of directors, elected by our members. This board helps guide our policies, set dividend and loan rates, and ensure we’re always working in the best interest of our members. The result? A trusted place to save, borrow, and grow financially—with better rates and personalized service that focuses on people, not profits.

Who Owns a Credit Union?

Unlike banks that are owned by stockholders focused on making a profit, a credit union is owned by its members. Each member holds an equal share of the credit union, giving you a say in key decisions—like electing the board of directors. Because we don’t have outside investors, our earnings go right back to you through better rates, lower fees, and improved services.

Because we don’t answer to outside investors, our earnings are reinvested back into the credit union to provide greater value to our members through:

Affordable loan rates
Competitive savings rates
Lower fees
Enhanced products and services
Investments in our communities

How to Join

Opening an account is simple. Complete your online application to get started, and our team will guide you through the rest of the process. We’ll take the time to understand your financial goals, answer your questions, and help you choose the accounts and services that best fit your needs.

Once your membership is established, you’ll begin enjoying all the benefits of being a MembersOwn member.

If you’re already a member and would like to open an additional account, please contact us directly.

Membership is open to individuals who:

Live in Lancaster, Gage, Jefferson, Saline, Seward, Saunders, Cass, Otoe, Johnson, or Pawnee counties
Work in one of these counties
Worship in one of these counties
Attend school in one of these counties
Regularly conduct business in one of these counties
Volunteer in one of these counties
Membership is also available to immediate and extended family members of current MembersOwn members.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, we’d be happy to help.

How Did Credit Unions Start?

The credit union movement began in Germany over a century ago and has since expanded across the world. In the United States, credit unions started in 1909 in Manchester, New Hampshire, with St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit Association—a church-affiliated credit union. Today, 43% of Americans are credit union members, benefiting from the power of financial cooperatives.

What Is the Purpose of a Credit Union?

To help members achieve financial success.

At MembersOwn, that means helping you:

Build healthy savings habits
Access affordable lending solutions
Make informed financial decisions
Plan confidently for the future
Reach your personal and financial goals

Everything we do is centered on serving our members with empathy, honesty, and personalized guidance.

Talk to a Real Person
in Your Community

MembersOwn is here to talk things through, answer questions, and help you decide what makes sense for your life—with friendly guidance from people who live and work right here in Nebraska.

Lincoln Branch
1391 South 33rd Street
Lincoln, NE 68510
402.436.5365 (Text Friendly)

Beatrice Branch|
2600 Eastside Boulevard
Beatrice, NE 68310
402.223.4204

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