Educators Credit Union: A Pillar of Financial Well-being in Southeastern Wisconsin

Educators Credit Union (ECU) stands as a testament to the power of community-focused financial institutions. Founded on the principle of "Achieving more together," ECU has been serving the financial needs of Southeastern Wisconsin residents since 1937. Originating as the Racine Teachers Credit Union, its mission has remained constant: to provide exceptional, personalized, and convenient products and services to assist member-owners in reaching their financial goals. Federally insured by NCUA, Educators Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members.

A History Rooted in Education

In March 1937, Educators Credit Union emerged in Racine as the Racine Teachers Credit Union. Back then, teachers lacked a reliable avenue for saving or borrowing money. To address this gap, they established a financial cooperative - a credit union. This marked the beginning of ECU's journey, a journey characterized by steady growth and an unwavering commitment to its members. The 1970s witnessed a significant expansion with the opening of branch offices in Kenosha and Burlington, solidifying its presence in the region. It was then that the Racine Teachers Credit Union evolved into Educators Credit Union, reflecting its broader reach and mission.

Serving a Diverse Community

While ECU's roots lie in serving educators, its membership has expanded to include a diverse range of individuals. Today, Educators members encompass students, government workers, healthcare employees, small business owners, and many other community members. This inclusive approach underscores ECU's commitment to serving the financial needs of anyone who has attended school in Southeastern Wisconsin, in addition to education, healthcare, and government-related employees and their families. ECU services Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties with 17 convenient locations. ECU is a local, not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by their members.

Core Values and Commitment to Service

At the heart of Educators Credit Union lies a set of core values that guide its operations and interactions with members. These values - Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Fairness, and Excellence - are not merely words on a page but are actively embraced and modeled by employees. ECU's top priority is quality service to its members, and the efforts of each employee are critical to providing the services its members deserve. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, competitive wages, and opportunities for learning and advancement. The most successful employees are driven to provide quality service and embrace learning.

Products and Services Tailored to Meet Member Needs

Educators Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its members. These include:

Personal and Business Banking: ECU provides a range of banking solutions for both individuals and businesses, including checking and savings accounts, online and mobile banking, and other convenient services.
Loans: ECU offers various loan options, including auto loans, home loans, and personal loans, with competitive rates and flexible terms. Financing options extend up to 105% of the approximate retail value for certain loans. Loan rates are based on term, credit score, and credit tiers. The lowest rates are typically available to those with a credit score of 670 or above. Rates are subject to change.
Credit Cards: ECU provides credit card options with rewards programs and competitive interest rates, allowing members to manage their spending and build credit.
Investment Services: ECU offers investment services to help members plan for their financial future, including retirement planning and investment advice.

Empowering Through Financial Literacy

Beyond providing financial products and services, Educators Credit Union is deeply committed to financial education. Through its financial literacy programs, ECU empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial goals. Each year, Educators Credit Union provides free financial literacy programs to over 25,000 students annually in southeastern Wisconsin. Part of the Educators Credit Union mission is, of course, education!

Community Involvement and Outreach

Educators Credit Union is an active participant in the communities it serves. ECU actively engages with local organizations and initiatives, demonstrating its dedication to making a positive impact. For instance, Educators Credit Union was part of a special celebration honoring some of Racine Unified School District's brightest rays of sunshine.

Scholarship Programs: Investing in the Future

Demonstrating its commitment to education, Educators Credit Union invests in the future by providing scholarships to deserving students. ECU is giving a significant amount of scholarship money to students heading off to college. The 2026 Educators Credit Union Scholarship, for example, will award 35 students with $2,000 each to help cover the cost of higher education. The 2026 Educators Credit Union Scholarship application closes Friday, February 27! The scholarship is open to high school seniors getting ready to embark on their college journey. College dreams start with support. To be eligible, students must be graduating seniors headed to an accredited college or technical school.

Competitive Rates and Member Benefits

Educators Credit Union strives to offer competitive rates on savings and loan products, ensuring that members receive maximum value. Members also benefit from low or no fees on many services, further enhancing the value of their membership.

As of February 3, 2026, rates are subject to change without notice. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. ECU membership is required. As low as rates are based on a credit score of 740+, a loan-to-value less than 80% and include discounts for at least two of the following services: ECU direct deposit, GAP insurance, Mechanical breakdown insurance, credit life/disability insurance or an insurance policy through Educators Insurance Services.

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Here's a glimpse of certificate rates effective February 16, 2023:

Regular Certificate of Deposit (CD):
- 6-Month Term: 2.00% Rate, 2.02% APY*
- 12-Month Term: 2.25% Rate, 2.27% APY*
- 24-Month Term: 2.50% Rate, 2.53% APY*
- 36-Month Term: 2.50% Rate, 2.53% APY*
- 48-Month Term: 2.50% Rate, 2.53% APY*
- 60-Month Term: 2.50% Rate, 2.53% APY*

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum opening deposit $1,000. Fees may reduce earnings.

For auto loans, a payment example is $41.75 per $1,000 financed at 3.99% for 25 months. This rate is for a 25-month term, 2019 model or newer. Other rates and terms are available. Excludes existing ECU loans and Indirect loans. Certain restrictions apply. An Annual Percentage Rate is as low as. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

Digital Banking Convenience

Educators Credit Union understands the importance of providing convenient access to financial services. Through its digital banking platform, members can manage their accounts, make transactions, and access other services from anywhere, at any time.

Membership: Becoming a Member-Owner

Joining Educators Credit Union means becoming a member-owner of a financial cooperative. This unique ownership structure ensures that members have a say in how the credit union is run and benefit from its success. When you join Educators, you’re not a customer. You are a member-owner. Member-owner sounds like a pretty good title. People join together for their mutual economic benefit. That is the most basic meaning of a financial cooperative, and you can see it in action at Educators. Members earn money with competitive rates on savings and save money with low or no fees. That’s right, all the fancy ideas above boil down to that one statement.

Read also: Cultivating Meaningful Learning

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