credit union

American  

noun

1. a cooperative group that makes loans to its members at low rates of interest.

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credit union British  

noun

1. a cooperative association whose members can obtain low-interest loans out of their combined savings

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credit union Cultural  

1. An organization formed by employees of a company or institution to make personal loans at low interest rates to all employees of that company or institution.

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Etymology

Origin of credit union

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

The Netflix film Bank of Dave, which was a fictionalised account of his attempts to get a banking licence for his credit union, was released in 2023, starring Rory Kinnear.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: Low‑interest lending options are often suited for established businesses and include bank, credit union, online and SBA lenders offering competitive rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

New York Fed President John Williams told reporters at a credit union conference in Washington that the fallout hinges on how long they affect asset prices, especially the price of oil.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

I haven’t lived in North Dakota since I was 19, but I still bank in a credit union here, and took out $40 before making the drive from Bismarck.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

Is there a credit union, or a savings association, or other organization to promote thrift in your community?

From Community Civics and Rural Life by Dunn, Arthur William

Related Words

• lending institution