Getting to Know Your Local Austin Credit Union
For over 80 years, Austin Telco Federal Credit Union has had a steady presence in the Austin community. In that time, we’ve continued to grow as a full-service financial institution by offering the best in financial services and resources. As a local Austin-area credit union with over 20 locations, we’ve dedicated ourselves to being a community partner, helping our members improve their financial health, and showing the true credit union difference. We want to give those who may not be familiar with Austin Telco a chance to get to know who we are at our core.
Serving Austin Since 1941
In 1941, Austin Telco began as a service to employees of Southwestern Bell, starting with just 49 members. A little over 60 years later, the National Credit Union Administration approved Austin Telco as a community charter credit union, allowing us to open our membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in the Austin Metro area. Our community of members has since grown to over 90,000 members with over 20 branches open in our communities across the 6 Austin Metro counties for in-person service.
If you’re looking for a financial institution that is not-for-profit, member-owned with years of dedicated service to the community, then joining Austin Telco Federal Credit Union is a great next step in your financial journey.
The Credit Union Difference
Some financial institutions, specifically credit unions, are not-for-profit entities and their focus is on serving their members. As a member owned not-for-profit financial cooperative, our earnings as a credit union are returned to our members in the form of higher dividend rates and lower loan rates and affordable financial services including:
- Free Personal Checking with no minimum balance
- No Service fees at 300+ ATMs
- Free Financial Calculators
- Free Online Banking
- Free VISA Debit Cards
- Free eStatements
- Free In-person Service
- …and more! View the full list of our credit union’s services here.
One of the biggest advantages of becoming a member of Austin Telco is that we charge lower fees and offer lower interest rates on loans compared to banks. Deposits are also insured by the National Credit Union Administration for up to at least $250,000, keeping your funds safe and secure until you’re ready to use them. When you do business with a credit union, you recognize the true credit union difference in the attitude and quality of service you receive. Visit our blog, What's The Difference Between CU's and Banks, today to find out more about the key differences between the two types of financial institutions.
The Meaning of Member-Owned
When a credit union mentions they are member-owned, this means their members are shareholders of the institution. Austin Telco membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis or Williamson County. Immediate relatives of qualified individuals are also able to take advantage of the Austin Telco membership benefits. Requirement to become a member is to open a savings account with a minimum $25 deposit.
Today, Austin Telco has over 90,000 members, all of which share ownership of the credit union. We are run by a volunteer board of directors who are elected by their peers. Each member, no matter how much they have in their account, has an equal vote during the board election process. The board of directors at Austin Telco are individuals from the local community and are in place to ensure we are best serving our communities. Being both member-owned and not-for-profit, we are able to invest in the growth and maintenance of the financial futures of all the members in our community, no matter what your situation may look like. Visit our membership page to learn more about the requirements to become a member at Austin Telco.
Supporting Our Local Austin Communities
The credit union motto of “people helping people” is one of our driving factors as an active community partner. While we continue to provide financial services and resources to our Austin-area members, we also invest our time and resources back into the community. This often takes the form of financial education programs for community groups, support of local businesses, and volunteer initiatives.
When you become a member at Austin Telco, you will not only have full access to our financial services, but you will also receive support in building your financial future. Whether you’re looking for more information on how to build your savings or if you need assistance planning for big life events, like college or retirement, our financial advisors are here to answer any questions you may have. Our learning center also provides helpful tips and information on budgeting, understanding your credit score, and financial calculators to help you better understand the next step in your financial journey.
At Austin Telco, we actively work to serve the diverse social and economic needs and interests of our community through the financial services and resources we provide. We empower our members to build true financial futures by being a resource over the phone, online, or in person at one of our branches. If you’re just starting your financial journey or looking for guidance on your next step, Austin Telco is here to make sure you get to where you want to go. Contact us today and see firsthand how we strive to provide our members with the best products and service we have to offer to our local communities.