International Credit Union Day

The credit union movement is a remarkable example of how individuals, communities, and societies can come together to create positive change in the lives of  their members. It is a reflection of the power of collective action, cooperation, and shared values.

A bank operates to make a profit, which it shares with its stakeholders, not its customers. 

The concept of a credit union is that, instead of focusing on strictly profit-making and dividend payments to stakeholders, as a nonprofit cooperative financial institution, a credit union is founded on the idea of a common bond of association. A common bond consists of individuals and groups whose members participate in activities developing common loyalties, mutual benefits, and mutual interests.

“Credit unions operate to promote the well-being of their members. Profits made by credit unions are returned back to members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings rates and lower loan rates.” Says MyCreditUnion.gov’s website.

Credit unions make a better life possible for millions of people around the world, and not just by providing traditional banking services at better rates than traditional banks.  Credit Unions contribute to a member’s sense of Financial Wellbeing.

Partners Federal Credit Union, along with other credit unions in the United States, adhere to the Cooperative Principles for Credit Unions. These are:

• Voluntary and Open Membership
• Democratic Member Control
• Member Economic Participation
• Autonomy and Independence
• Education, Training, and Information
• Cooperation among Cooperatives
• Concern for Community
• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (Belonging)
• Credit Union Ownership

Your credit union, Partners, is a recognized leader in the credit union movement. These recognitions include:

• Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Diamond Award for Digital Advertising, 2021
• Partners earned the CUNA Diamond Award for Financial Education, 2021
• CUNA Diamond Award for Ongoing Efforts for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, 2022

Partners offers an annual scholarship, granting up to $30,000 to Partners Members who are pursuing postsecondary education. Recipients are selected based on scholastic achievement, community involvement, school or work-related activities, and the content of an original written essay.

In 2022, 44 Partners Cast members volunteered a total of 1,652 hours in their local communities, either at a VoluntEARs event or on their own. Our Cast also requested 7 Disney VoluntEARS Grants for a total of $6,300 given to community organizations.

What makes Partners a great place to bank and a great place to work?

Our Cast members.

Partners’ Cast offer affordable financial services, promote financial literacy, foster a sense of community, and provide a more Member-centric approach to banking. Their impact is not only felt in individual financial situations but also in the economic well-being of the communities they serve. We make Magic for the Magic-makers.

Member Matt T., who performs in general food preparation at Disneyland’s Plaza Inn on Main Street, was introduced to Partners through Member Education and Development Advocate Michelle Padilla at Traditions.

Matt took advantage of Partners’ workshop program and signed up for Budgeting Essentials. “At the Budgeting Essentials Workshop, I learned how to track on my debt, track expenses. [The] Cast members at Partners, they were super helpful in answering any questions I had.”

“I met Matthew at the in-person Budgeting Essentials Workshop. After the class, Matthew stayed behind. He wanted to talk a little bit more about our one-on-one financial counseling sessions.

“He was very interested in that, had mentioned it in the class. So we were able to set up a meeting with him the very next day.” Said Michelle. “He came in, seemed a little nervous, didn't know what we were going to go over, but soon enough he got a little bit more comfortable. I just wanted to talk to him, get to know him, his story. For me, there's a story behind every face.”

“She offered me so many different things. Plans and courses of actions, and we talked through which ones would be the best for me and saved me so much money, which was a ton of weight off my shoulders. While I was talking to Michelle about debt consolidation, she mentioned taking out a loan with partners and pointing me in the direction of Jessica.” Matt said.

Michelle introduced Matt to Jessica Solis, Member Consultant, at the Team Disney Anaheim branch.  “By asking the right questions, I was able to identify what his end goal was and pair him up with our products and services that would best meet his needs. Helping members is more than just offering our products and services.” Said Jessica.

“My interactions with Jessica were great. She helped ease any uneasiness about loans, consolidating debt. She made the process seem very flawless. I was so comfortable with her that she convinced me to go all in on Partners; sign up for debit card, credit card, and eventually, I'm looking forward to applying for a car loan through Partners. Partners was able to help me save about $300 a month, and through that, I feel so much more financially secure and confident.”

That was near the end of 2022. In August, Jessica worked with him to pre-approve a car loan and Matt met with Jeremy at our Autoland in Anaheim. Matt drove away in a Plasma Yellow Pearl, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. 

“This was about 9 months in the making, all for this moment right here! From Michelle’s one on one, to the loans and consolidating to improve his score and all his hard work for this moment; getting his dream car!” said Jessica.

What makes Partners a great place to work and a great place to bank? Our cast and our members. You.