Taking the Mystery Out of Credit Unions

Want to find out what the real differences are between credit unions and banks? Read on...

The fact of the matter is, and it’s hard for us to admit, we know this to be true: Not everyone knows what a credit union is. So we’re taking this opportunity to take the mystery out of credit unions and raise awareness of how we differ from banks.

We know that when you solve the credit union “mystery”—understanding our cooperative, service-first model that allows us to offer benefits beyond banking—you’ll turn your attention to us, and maybe, just maybe make the switch.

Oklahoma Central exists for our members’ benefit. We work tirelessly, every day to find ways to help our members get more for their hard-earned dollars. And because we are not-for-profit, we are able to return profits in the form of lower rates on loans, increased returns on deposits and lower fees.
We operate under the cooperative principle of people working together to achieve a better life for themselves and their community. People helping people... it’s the philosophy on which credit unions were founded in the 19th century.

Voluntary membership.

Credit unions are voluntary, cooperative organizations, offering services to people willing to accept the responsibilities and benefits of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination. We operate as not-for-profit institutions with a volunteer board of directors.

Democratic member control.

We are a democratic organization owned and controlled by our members—one member, one vote.

Education, training and information.

We provide education, training and scholarship opportunities for members through the Oklahoma Central Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps members become financially empowered. We place a huge emphasis on financial educational opportunities for our employees and members.

Cooperation among cooperatives.

We strengthen the cooperative movement serve our membership of more than 40,000 most effectively by working through local, state, regional, national and international structures.

Concern for community.

This is an obligation, not a choice. We take our social responsibility very seriously and have supported many non-profit groups throughout our 75-year history. While focusing on member needs, we work for the sustainable development of our community through policies and programs accepted by our members.