This symbol represents America's 8,900 credit unions and nearly 88 million credit union members who have discovered the true difference in financial freedom. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives. They exist to serve their members, to help them gain financial freedom, to build financial stability in their lives, and to obtain financial services without needless and costly fees and charge. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, the earnings are returned to the members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, lower fees, and dividend returns. Putting money into accounts at a credit union is more than a deposit, it’s an investment.

That’s why the symbol contains hands, representing people helping people with personal touch and mutual respect.

Credit unions are economic democracy. Each credit union member has equal ownership and one vote -- regardless of how much money a member has on deposit. At a credit union, every customer is both a member and an owner. Each credit union is governed by a board of directors, elected by and from the credit union's membership. Board members serve voluntarily.

That’s why the hands are in a circle, symbolizing cooperation, collective strength, unity, stability and security.

Credit unions exist to help people. The goal is to serve all of the members well, rich or poor. Every member counts equally. Credit unions are there for their members in bad times, as well as good, when other financial institutions would cast them aside as a “unprofitable account.” This same people-first philosophy drives credit unions to get involved in community charitable activities and worthwhile social causes.

That’s why the circle of hands form a star, a symbol of America’s value, striving for higher social goals and principles, and painted in red for strength, white for purity, and blue for compassion.

America was founded on a few strong words, such as “We, the People.” America’s credit unions carry out that tradition and meaning.