credit union

American  

noun

credit unions plural

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

---

credit union British  

noun

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

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• credit unions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of credit union

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

The detective sought data on phones that were within 150 yards of the credit union within one hour of the late afternoon robbery.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

For people who need help with a small loan, both Citizens Advice and the FCA suggest contacting your local credit union.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Mine had their main accounts at the credit union, but their mortgage was through a different bank.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

What are your thoughts on having retirement money managed by a credit union?

From MarketWatch • Dec. 28, 2025

A credit union may be organized by any seven or more persons with a share capital the par value of which shall not exceed $25.

From Readings in Money and Banking Selected and Adapted by Phillips, Chester Arthur

Related Words

• lending institution