At Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), we believe that a financial institution should be more than a place to put your money—it should be a force for positive change for people and the communities they call home. That’s why we’re committed to our mission of “banking for a greater good”—a mission that embodies the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”
For us, “banking for a greater good” means financially empowering everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, providing full-service banking for every step of your financial journey, putting our members at the heart of what we do, and supporting local communities through giveback efforts and volunteerism.
Unlike traditional for-profit banks, GLCU’s not-for-profit structure means your success—and our community’s financial well-being—are always our top priority.
Read on to learn how we put our banking for a greater good mission into action every day.
Financial Empowerment
Financial empowerment at GLCU includes providing access, support, and tools for everyone. Whether you’re new to the financial world, a seasoned investor, or a savvy small business owner – when you succeed, we succeed.
A few examples of how we financially empower our members and communities include:
Community Giveback
- HUD-Certified Housing and Financial Counseling: We’re one of only five credit unions nationwide to offer free HUD-certified housing and financial counseling. Through this program, our counselors help members and non-members achieve their financial goals – from budgeting to homeownership.
- Scholarships: Every year, we invest in the futures of promising students in our community by providing scholarships to help fund their education.
Through these partnerships, including our collaboration with the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, we’re breaking down barriers and giving more people the power to meet their financial goals and live life on their terms.
Your Financial Partner
GLCU is dedicated to supporting our members at every stage of life. Our full-service approach means you always have access to expert guidance and tailored financial solutions that fit your unique needs, no matter where you might be on your financial journey.
With GLCU, you get the services of a big bank, but with low to no fees and a mission-driven approach that puts members’ needs first.
Here’s what being your financial partner looks like:
- Youth Savings Accounts: Our Money Mammals® and Adolescent$™ accounts and financial education programs help children and teens build smart money habits.
- Student Loans: Get the funds you need to finance your education and meet your financial goals.
- Business Accounts: We offer a full suite of accounts, tools, and lending products that can help you grow your business.
- IRAs and Retirement Planning: GLCU provides secure, flexible options to help you prepare for the future.
- Comprehensive Investment and Advisory Services: Members have access to expert advice through the GLCU Financial Advisory Center.
- Fresh Checking: Our Fresh Checking Account, certified by BankOn®, helps members establish or rebuild a positive financial history.
- Fast Cash Loans: Life happens. Our Fast Cash loan can help you manage unexpected expenses at a rate you can afford.
- Credit Builder Loans: Our no-cost Credit Builder loan is designed for people looking to establish or repair their credit score.
- Federal Workers Emergency Loan Program: During the government shutdown GLCU offered no interest loans to support federal employees.
Our extended “family of companies” is also here to help you on your journey:
- GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment: Our charitable and volunteer arm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to building financial well-being for our members, employees, and communities.
- GLCU Insurance Services: We’re proud to offer competitive rates for homeowners, renters, and auto insurance.
- Mortgage Forward: Make your homeownership dreams come true with expert guidance and exceptional service.
Every product and service is designed not only for your benefit, but to also give back—through lower fees, better rates, and reinvestment in our community. When you bank with GLCU, your choice helps us put our banking for a greater good mission into action.
Member-Driven
At GLCU, you’re not just a number—you’re a member-owner. What does that mean?
Here’s how being a GLCU member benefits you:
- Member Engagement: Every member has a voice, which includes voting in board elections and taking part in annual member meetings.
- Easy Access: Join with just $1 and access thousands of branches and ATMs nationwide via the CO-OP shared branching network
- Member Rewards: Earn perks simply for being a member.
- Personalized Service: Unlike a big bank, GLCU’s team prioritizes your needs, not shareholder profits.
The more you bank with GLCU, the more we can reinvest in both you and our wider community. Together, we form a partnership that supports you and turns banking into a force for good.
Community-Focused
Giving back is at the heart of GLCU’s banking for a greater good mission. Through donations, volunteerism, and partnerships, we invest in programs that empower people and the neighborhoods where we all live, work, and play.
Our community work spans financial education, events, and direct support to local organizations, including:
Community Outreach: Our employees give time to our “Great Wave” volunteer program.
Support for Local Nonprofits: We’re proud to financially support dozens of nonprofits in our community.
Events: From first-time homebuyer workshops to webinars, we’re here to provide the financial guidance you need.
By choosing GLCU, you help fuel greater opportunities and positive change for all through our community-focused mission.
Banking for a Greater Good Together
GLCU’s commitment to banking for a greater good shapes every product, service, and interaction. Whether you’re opening your first savings account, securing a mortgage, or finding financial stability, we’re here to empower you—and our community—every step of the way.
