Chartered by the State of Washington instead of the federal government, Washington state-chartered credit unions can be a wise choice for your banking needs. These credit unions provide some of the lowest loan rates around with competitive interest rates and flexible terms, which make them perfect for auto and home loans or expanding your business, increasing your working capital or purchasing assets.

Choosing to bank at state-chartered credit unions in Washington can be as easy as finding one in the county where you live or work. Membership usually just requires a modest deposit into a share account or may only require you to fill out a membership application.

Consider the following when looking for state sponsored credit unions in Washington:

1. Locate local credit unions chartered in the state of Washington that cater to your community.

2. Learn how Washington state-charted credit unions can save you money.

3. Find Washington state-chartered credit unions specifically geared to your occupation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for a state-chartered credit union in WA in your community

One of the best forms of advertising is word of mouth. Listen to established credit union members in your county when you're looking to join a WA state-chartered credit union to learn what a community-based credit union can do for you.

I recommend: Lacamas Community Credit Union is open to anyone who works or lives in Skamania or Clark County or are an employee of one of its select business partners or a family member of an eligible member. It offers many services including both personal and business accounts. It’s located in Camas and has five branch locations. Columbia Credit Union is open to anyone who works or lives in Washington State or Hayden Island or Jantzen Beach, Oregon. Businesses in Washington State are also eligible to join. There are 13 locations and and five dollars entitles you to membership and all the benefits of the credit union.

Find state-chartered credit unions in Washington to save money

If you or any family members meet the eligibility requirements, join a state-chartered credit union in Washington to save money and meet your specific financial needs. Since many only require that you reside or work in a specific county, then most anyone can find one of these credit unions that they can qualify to join.

I recommend: It’s simple to join the Sound Credit Union--you only need to live or work in the state of Washington or have a family member who does. Sound offers both personal and business accounts, home, auto and personal loans, and free checking accounts. It’s located in Tacoma and has 10 branches. Verity Credit Union is a credit union chartered in the state of Washington and is open to anyone who works, lives, goes to school or worships in Washington state. It’s located in Seattle and offers personal and business accounts. Checking, savings, loans, online banking and merchant services are among the business services offered.

Select a state sponsored credit union in Washington specifically for teachers

Some state sponsored credit unions in Washington specifically gear membership to teachers and other employees in the school systems, but you can also qualify as a relative of someone within the schools, and some, though originally started for teachers are now open to most people in the community. See if you meet the requirements to take advantage of the many financial benefits of credit union membership.

I recommend: If you work in the school system in Washington State, you're eligible to join the School Employees Credit Union of Washington. It’s located in Seattle and Spokane, and offers auto, home equity, mortgages, boat and RV loans. Originally, set up to serve medical and educational employees, Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) is now open to anyone who attends school, lives, worships or works in Whatcom County and their relatives. With just $5, you can take advantage of all the personal and business services it offers. It’s located in Bellingham.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Credit unions chartered in the state of Washington use state funds rather than federal funds, although they are federally insured.