Skip to Content

Become a Member of Self-Help Credit Union

The basics: 
We’re fair. We’re affordable. We offer competitive rates to help your money grow.

 

The best part:
When you join Self-Help Credit Union, you can build your personal savings while building stronger communities. Every deposit you make helps expand economic opportunities for thousands of families, businesses and non-profits each year.


Why Join?

Local Roots, National Membership

We have locations in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia—and you can join no matter where you live. With online access, mobile banking and remote check deposit, plus thousands of free ATMs and shared branches nationwide, it's easy to bank with us wherever you are.

Find a Self-Help branch.

Financial Services You Can Trust

Joining Self-Help means low fees, competitive deposit rates and no surprises. It also means affordable loans for your new home, business or car, plus other unique loans to improve your financial health. 

See the benefits of becoming a member.

Money that Does Good

With Self-Help, you can build your savings and serve your community at the same
time. Every deposit you make contributes to the mission of expanding opportunities
for families and improving the economic well-being of our communities.

Learn about our mission.

Joining is easy.

Join Now

Still have questions? Get more information in our responses to Frequently Asked Questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions


Who is eligible to join Self-Help Credit Union?

Anyone can become a member by joining our nonprofit, the Center for Community Self-Help,
with a one-time $5 fee. Otherwise, many of our members are eligible because they live in
specific locations or have affiliations through their family or workplace. See our eligibility page.

How do I join?

You can join by submitting a secure online application, or apply in person at one of our branch locations.

What is the Self-Help mission?

Our mission is creating and protecting ownership and economic opportunity for all. While we
serve members from all walks of life, our lending focus is on those who have been underserved
by conventional lenders, including people of color, women, rural residents and low-wealth
families and communities

Where are Self-Help Credit Union's locations?

With 70,000 members, Self-Help has branches in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and
Virginia. Visit our locations page to find your nearest branch.

Can I use Self-Help Credit Union without having a branch nearby?

With our automated services you can access your accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer online, audio and mobile banking. We also partner with a network that offers over 30,000 ATMs
nationwide.

Is Self-Help a full-service credit union?

Yes, we have a full range of financial products and services to fit your needs, including home loans, loans for large and small businesses, car loans and credit-building loans.

How did Self-Help start?

Self-Help began in 1980 as a small initiative to help workers in rural North Carolina who had been
displaced from their jobs. Our start-up capital was $77 earned from a bake sale. Find out more about
our mission grew and evolved at Our Story.

What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?

As a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, Self-Help is owned by our members, not
shareholders, and we exist for the benefit of members. Our members serve as elected
representatives, giving all members a voice in governing the credit union. Our earnings are
returned to our members in the form of lower rates on loans and higher rates on savings.

Why do you have the name "Self-Help"?

From the beginning, we have witnessed the talent, determination and creativity within the
communities we serve. Our name reflects the reality that we are investing resources in people
who help themselves when given the opportunity to succeed.
Other Questions? Call us at 1-800-966-7353 or visit a branch today.