Yes, you can! While many credit unions’ original fields-of-membership were quite selective, many have expanded to include everyone in the communities they serve. That means that if you live in, work in, attend school in, or worship in a particular geographic area, you can join. Or, if you are a blood relative of a member, you can also join!
A field of membership (FOM) defines a group or groups of people who are eligible to join. For instance, some credit unions were started to serve the employees of a particular business (Target, General Mills, etc.). Other credit unions were formed to serve teachers, government employees, communities and even parishes. Minnco’s original FOM served the members of the local farmer’s coop, which is now a part of Federated Co-ops (whom we still happily serve)!
Membership in Minnco Credit Union is composed of those who are members of Federated Co-ops, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, all persons who live, work, worship, volunteer in, attend school in, businesses and other legal entities located in Isanti, Chisago, Anoka, Benton, Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Washington, Ramsey, Hennepin, Wright, Pine and Kanabec counties. In addition to the regularly qualified member, the spouse of a member, the blood or adoptive relative of either of them and their spouses may also be members.
First of all, credit union terms can be confusing. Even the term “credit union” misleads people. We are not a “union” in the typical sense, nor are we affiliated with any unions. There are no dues to pay, other than your initial deposit into your savings account. The term “union,” in our case, simply means a united group of people. Everyone who has an account with Minnco is a “member.” Each “member” is an “owner” of the credit union. Each member has one vote, regardless of how much money they might have on deposit. So, when you “join” the credit union, you become a member/owner of Minnco.
All that is needed to open a savings account with Minnco is a valid I.D. and a small initial deposit. Once the account is open, you must maintain at least $5.00 in your savings account. This money stays in your account until it is closed.
As almost 31,000 people have discovered, there are many benefits to “banking” with Minnco. In general, Minnco pays higher dividends on savings, checking and certificates; charges lower interest on car loans and home equity loans; and has fewer and lower fees than a bank does. Minnco does this while providing the same overall products and services as a bank: savings, checking, check cards, credit cards, loans, safe deposit boxes, direct deposit, online banking, online bill pay, mobile banking, ATMs, drive-thrus, and extended hours. Recent studies indicate that the typical consumer can save over $190 annually by using a credit union!
Simply put, we’ve eliminated the “middle man.” Banks are owned by stockholders, and stockholders demand returns on their investments. Banks are PROFIT-driven. Minnco, and other credit unions, are SERVICE-driven. We’re not here to generate a profit, but to provide a service to our members. Any “earnings” are turned back to you, the member/owner, in the form of better rates, lower fees, more offices, more hours, more staff, etc.
That’s right. And many of our products and services are better than you’ll find at a bank.
Not at all. We don’t skimp on service. We don’t cut back on hours. We make it EASY to do business with us. If anything, you’ll notice faster and more personal service at Minnco offices. We operate 7 full-service offices and 7 24-hour ATMs in East Central Minnesota. No one—bank or credit union—has made a larger commitment to serve this area than Minnco has. That’s why it’s called “Minnco Country!”
No problem. “Once a member, always a member.” Though it may be more convenient in some instances to open an account at a credit union or bank near your new home (we’d recommend the credit union!), there’s no need to end your relationship with Minnco. With Direct Deposit of your paycheck and using your Minnco Check Card and Bill Pay, there’s really no need for a local office near you. Plus, you’ll always have access to your accounts with our online banking and MinncoMobile, our mobile banking app. You can always call us direct using our toll-free number. And you can keep up-to-date with any new developments at Minnco via our website or eNews newsletter.
Disputes are handled over the phone or by email; there is no need to visit a branch. Call 763-689-1071.
Yes, there are several options. If you and your spouse are joint on an account, this account will be protected up to $500,000. You can each have individual accounts insured for up to $250,000. In this way, you could have up to $1,000,000 covered by the NCUA insurance. Learn more about protecting your deposits.
1099-INTs are mailed out to our members. If your account earned under $10.00 a 1099 - INT is not mailed out. If you would like to see the interest earned, click on the details within the account history in online banking or MinncoMobile.
I love Minnco because they know who I am, even through the car window!Melanie G.
I love Minnco because everyone is friendly and efficient. You can build a relationship with the staff at Minnco and be welcomed with a friendly face.Laura D.
Compared to any other bank I have been with or known people to use, Minnco is the best with service, especially when you need help.Katrina A.
I love Minnco because they have always been there to help me with my banking needs. The staff are always super friendly whenever I have any questions.Cheryl W.
Minnco has always been easy to work with for all of my questions and loan needs.Paul S.
Fantastic service & very competitive rates. They are always willing to go above and beyond for members.Samantha S.
I grew up with them as a bank and they taught me about how banking works, and were always friendly, and made me less nervous when it was time to do things myself.Jessica B.
It's not a national level chain of branch offices... it's local banking for local people.Paul A.
Local, hometown, friendly bank. Due to the downturn in the economy many years ago, Minnco made it possible for us to get our life back on track financially after a job loss. We wouldn't be where we are today without their help years ago.Anne R.
Scott and ErinWe purchased the Route 66 warranty for our Chevy pick up. It was a great decision because the transmission went out on us 6 months later. The warranty saved us $3,300. The only thing we had to pay was the sales tax of the transmission. They were so wonderful to work with and it was so easy. We strongly recommend investing in the Route 66 warranty!
Always there right away when I need them!Suzannah M.
I love the people, I love the ease ability of banking, and there is never any hassle when it comes to working with Minnco.Jeff W.
For the first time ever, my card was compromised. Soon as I noticed it, I contacted Minnco. They were fast and efficient on taking care of my issue. They immediately put my concerns at ease. My account is back in order and a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders. I am so grateful to know that my finances are in safe hands!Tara C
Minnco is a great place to do business and belong to as a member!Kat E.
I love Minnco because they always make everything so easy. I have had several loans and the process is quick and easy.Cynthia
I love Minnco because of the fast service and friendly faces.Miah G.
I enjoy being able to call in when I need something and talk to someone local unlike the big banks. Your customer service is great and that goes a long way!Andrew J.
I have been a member since 1980 - and I wouldn't go to any other bank!!!!Nan L.
I love it when I come through the drive through and they know who I am and call me by name. This is personal service which is missed in the world today. It makes me feel like I am valued by Minnco.Emilie B.
Love the friendly, knowledgeable staff that will go above and beyond if/when needed. Great service without the corporate feel of the big banks.Sandy S.
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