A credit union operates with the same level of regulations and deposit insurance as a traditional bank. But the largest difference is who credit unions work for.

• A credit union focuses on the best interest for the members (anyone with an account).
• A bank focuses on earning profits for shareholders (any persons or institutions who purchase stock).

Anyone who opens an account at a credit union becomes a member, and all members share in the profits through lower rates, lower fees, and higher dividends. Some of the benefits include:

• Typically lower interest rates on loans – including mortgages and auto loans
• Higher dividend earnings on savings accounts, including Certificates
• Access to Digital Banking and other financial technology
• Commitment to and investment in the local community (We donated over $3.8 million to our local communities in 2024 alone!)
• Members are owners of the credit union and can vote for directors who set policies

GreenState Credit Union membership is open to:

• Anyone living or working in Iowa or nearby counties in Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, or South Dakota
  • Illinois counties: Boone, Carroll, DuPage, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, Knox, McHenry, Mercer, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson, Warren, Whiteside, Will (North of I-80), Winnebago
  • Wisconsin counties: Crawford, Grant, Lafayette
  • Nebraska counties: Dakota, Thurston, Burt, Washington, Douglas, Sarpy, Cass, Otoe
  • South Dakota counties: Union, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Moody, Brookings
• Current employees of a business/organization, or members of an association, that GreenState partners with
• University of Iowa students, staff, and alumni
• Direct relatives of current GreenState Credit Union members
• Members of the Iowa Consumer Council/American Consumer Council