Credit union membership is more than just opening a checking or savings account, and there are many benefits available to support your financial wellbeing. Read our 5 tips for ways you can maximize your credit union membership.
1. Explore all your member benefits
Start by reviewing the credit union’s full products and services lineup. Beyond checking and savings accounts, you may find auto and home loans, credit cards, certificates of deposit, insurance options, financial counseling, or member discounts. Visit the credit union’s website or ask a team member for an overview so you understand the available financial tools.
MSGCU is a full-service financial institution, and you can expect all the products and services you’d receive from a bank. Since we are not-for-profit, we give back to our members through better rates and fewer fees to keep more money in your pocket. You also have access to helpful discounts and benefits:
- Membership loyalty loan discounts. MSGCU members can benefit from a 0.25% APR reduction on most loan rates when they schedule automatic transfers from checking or savings accounts to make their monthly payments.
- Insurance product savings. Members get great rates on auto, homeowners, and life insurance.
- TurboTax and H&R Block discounts. Be confident your taxes are done right with solutions that will make filing your taxes easy. MSGCU members can save on TurboTax federal products and H&R Block professional tax prep.
- Referral rewards. Already an MSGCU member? It’s quick and easy to recommend us to your friends and family through Online Banking or the MSGCU Mobile App. When they join by December 31 using your referral link, you’ll both earn a $50 Member Appreciation Referral Bonus* on top of our regular referral rewards.
- Classroom Loans. We’re proud to help dedicated teachers purchase the classroom materials they need with a no-fee, 0% APR loan^ of up to $500.
- School Employee Pack. Educators who join MSGCU and open a savings and checking account, plus a third product of their choice like a Visa credit card or auto loan, will earn a $25 bonus+ in their account.
- First Responder Loans. Serving those who serve others is important to MSGCU. This 0% APR loan** is designed to help local first responders purchase equipment. Up to $2,000 is available with repayment terms as long as 24 months.
- Business Essentials. Our comprehensive suite of business banking offerings are designed to help businesses grow.
2. Take advantage of free financial education
Look for workshops, webinars, calculators, budgeting tools, blogs, and one-on-one guidance from credit union team members. These resources may help with topics such as building credit, buying a home, paying down debt, planning for college, or preparing for retirement. MSGCU offers many free educational resources for our members including blog articles, personalized interactive financial education, classroom and workplace education, and one-on-one financial counseling.
3. Learn about community giving programs
Many credit unions invest in their members and communities. Learn about the community giving programs available to see if you’re eligible for financial support like grants or scholarships. Each year at MSGCU, we’re proud to support the Michigan communities we serve through $1,000 Giving Back donations, over $50,000 in Classroom Cash Grants, and more than $150,000 in scholarship awards.
4. Connect with a friendly team member
A conversation with a knowledgeable team member can help you understand lending options, improve your savings strategy, or prepare for an upcoming expense. MSGCU builds relationships that champion your financial success, and our expert team takes the time to understand your goals, answer questions, and guide you toward the options that work best for you.
5. Participate in your credit union community
Because credit unions are member-owned, your voice matters. Read annual reports, vote in board elections when eligible, attend annual meetings, and learn about community initiatives. Participation helps you understand how the organization operates and gives you a greater connection to its mission.
Make your membership work for you
Your credit union membership can support much more than day-to-day banking. By exploring your benefits, using available tools, asking questions, and staying engaged, you can make more informed financial decisions and get greater value from the relationship. If you’re an MSGCU member interested in learning more about the ways we champion your financial success, stop in your local branch office, chat or video bank online, or make an appointment at any of our convenient 24 locations to talk with our team.
Ready to join MSGCU? Anyone in Michigan can bank with us. It’s easy to open an account online or in any of our 24 branch offices.
*$50 when your friend registers for the Member Referral Program using your link and opens a new MSGCU membership between 10/1/2026 and 12/31/2026, with the new membership remaining open for at least 60 days. View full member referral program terms and conditions.
^Annual Percentage Rate. Credit subject to approval. Normal credit standards apply. View full details.
+To receive the $25 deposit at account opening, the member must qualify for and open a checking account, regular savings account, and one additional savings or loan product. $25 offer is subject to change without notice. View full details.
**Annual Percentage Rate. Credit subject to approval. Normal credit standards apply. View full details.
Category: Finance
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