Del-One Stories is a series where real Del-One members share their own unique stories about their experiences with Del-One. We aim to enrich the lives of our member-owners, and are honored to act as financial partners through all stages of life.

Since Credit Unions are not-for-profit organizations, income earned above the cost of operations may be returned to the members in the form of dividends, low interest rates on money borrowed, or invested in additional products or services.  Credit unions are made up of people with a common bond—something that draws them together, such as a place of employment, an organization, a church, etc. When someone joins a credit union, they open a share account (savings). It is called a share account because the individual becomes part owner of the credit union.

The credit union idea is a simple one: people should be able to pool their money and make loans to each other. It’s an idea that evolved from cooperative activities in 19th century Europe. Since that time, the idea’s guiding principles have remained the same: only people who are credit union members should borrow there, loans are made for prudent and productive purposes, a person’s desire to repay (character) is considered more important than the ability to repay. Members are, after all, borrowing their own money and that of their friends. These principles still govern most of the world’s credit unions.

Member service is the foundation of the credit union movement. Whether a credit union is providing a loan to help a member cover unexpected medical bills, giving financial counseling to a member whose company closed its doors, or simply offering a better deal on a used car loan, the credit union is helping its members and the community as a whole.