Why Choose a Credit Union?

Credit union members are owners and decision-makers who have a say in the actions of their financial institution. Members participate in the running of the credit union by electing a board of directors to provide leadership and to ensure that the views of the members are recognized and represented.

Local ownership means local understanding; and, when you're an owner, you share in the success of your credit union. Many credit unions distribute patronage dividends to members in accordance with prudent business practices.

We're known for personalized, friendly service, providing a helping hand when we're needed, supporting our members and communities year after year.

CLICK HERE to see a video on how credit union's give back to the communities they serve.

Our Network

Credit unions belong to a large co-operative network provincially, nationally, and internationally. This network, consisting of specialized organizations, enables credit unions to provide members with a full range of financial products and services to meet the sophisticated needs of our members.

The network includes:

Concentra Financial - offers a comprehensive suite of products and services that support the business needs of credit unions and other businesses nationwide. Based on specific objectives, solutions can be tailored to simplify business operations or expand product offerings through access to Commercial Leasing, Corporate Banking, Corporate Finance, Financial Services and Trust Services.
CUETS - A member of MasterCard International, CUETS supplies card-related products and services through credit unions and merchants across Canada.
Credential Group - A family of companies, including Ethical Funds Investment Services, which allows credit unions to provide quality mutual funds and other securities.
The CUMIS Group Limited (CUMIS) - partners with credit unions to deliver competitive insurance and financial solutions. In doing so, it creates financial security and promotes the growth and success of the credit union system in Canada.

CUMIS’ principal companies are CUMIS Life Insurance Company and CUMIS General Insurance Company. CUMIS also has a 50 per cent interest in Credential Financial Inc. CUMIS is jointly owned by Co-operators Life Insurance Company and Central 1 Credit Union.
SaskCentral - owned by Saskatchewan credit unions, Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan is a second tier co-operative supplying trade association, research, development, support and consulting services to the province’s credit unions.
Credit Union Central of Canada - owned by Canadian credit union centrals, Credit Union Central of Canada is a third tier co-operative, the national trade association and central finance facility for credit unions in Canada.
Celero Solutions Inc. - a joint venture between five Canadian prairie co-operative organizations. Celero delivers reliable, innovative and cost-effective information technology products and services to prairie credit unions.
The Co-operators - a group of wholly Canadian-owned companies focused on insurance. As a co-operative, The Co-operators is owned by members, including Credit Union Central of Saskatchewan.
Credit Union Payment Services (CUPS) - provides clearing services and related products and services to Saskatchewan and Alberta credit unions.
Canadian Co-operative Association - a national umbrella organization representing co-operatives and credit unions. As a not-for-profit co-operative owned by its members, its mission is to promote the growth and development of the co-operative sector for the economic and social betterment of Canadian and international communities.
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) - a provincial organization that acts as a unified voice working for the development, growth and promotion of co-operatives in Saskatchewan. SCA operates a community service co-operative on behalf of its co-operative and credit union organization members.

Membership

Saskatchewan can boast that more than half our population belongs to a credit union. As locally owned financial institutions, we can also say that credit unions belong to their members and communities…and we're here to stay.

With 10 million members, Canada has the highest rate of credit union membership in the world. Worldwide, there are 118 million credit union members in 79 countries.

We're growing to meet the demands of today's world while remaining the financial institutions you've trusted for years.

Deposit Guarantee

Saskatchewan credit unions instituted a bold, groundbreaking move in 1953: a deposit guarantee. The Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation, was the first deposit guarantor in Canada and continues to protect credit union depositors today. Deposits held in Saskatchewan credit unions are fully guaranteed. Click here for more details.

Superior Service

In survey after survey, credit unions are recognized for superior service. We are dedicated to meeting and exceeding the needs of our members and to helping them reach their financial goals.

We are full-service financial institutions that offer experienced lending and wealth management services, plus Internet banking and online access to many products. A credit union MemberCard can be used across Canada and internationally.

Giving Back

We recognize that strong communities are the foundation for the quality of life and positive environment Saskatchewan people deserve. Credit unions invest in the dreams that help our members and communities succeed. For us, investing in people extends far beyond business relationships. It's an essential part of who we are.

Annually, credit unions give back over $2.5 million to local causes and organizations.

When disaster strikes, credit unions become collection points for Canadian Red Cross disaster relief. Each year, credit unions throughout the province support the Terry Fox Run, Telemiracle, and the Children's Health Foundation as well.

Credit union employees also contribute thousands of hours of volunteer time to events and fundraisers in their communities.

Careers

From finance to human resources, from customer service to technology, credit unions offer excellent career opportunities in a wide variety of fields. Credit unions support internal advancement of employees and believe that ongoing training and development of staff is essential.

Our members deserve the best and we strive to provide exceptional, friendly service in each and every facet of our organization. That's why we keep member needs in mind when we look to hire.

Credit unions provide solid, meaningful employment in communities throughout the province.

Our History

The first credit union in Saskatchewan, and in Western Canada, started in 1910 and the second opened in 1916. It wasn't until the 1930s, however, that the credit union idea really took hold.

During the 1930s, crops were poor and wheat prices were very low. Credit unions offered people and communities a way to control their own financial future.

By pooling resources, credit unions helped farming communities survive during difficult times and thrive when economic conditions got better.

In 1937, a credit union opened in Regina followed by one in Lafleche a year later. By the end of the 1938, there were 14 credit unions in Saskatchewan.

Today, credit unions serve more than half a million members throughout the province.