In a world where day-to-day living constantly shifts based on finances, many people are rethinking how and where they manage their money. Traditional banks offer a range of services, yet their customers often find themselves paying higher fees or receiving less personalized attention. Credit unions are a compelling alternative: they prioritize people over profit and remain deeply committed to the wellbeing of their members and communities. A philosophy of “People Helping People” guides everyday decision-making and long-term strategies.
Chartway Credit Union is a prime example of how a member-focused financial institution can bring transformative benefits to the communities it serves. From modernizing branches and providing innovative products and services to our philanthropic efforts, Chartway consistently focuses on three key priorities – serving members, enriching communities, and empowering our team. Perhaps the greatest manifestation of this commitment is the Chartway Promise Foundation, Chartway’s charitable arm, which has granted $16 million dollars over the past two decades to help medically fragile children and their families. Our people-first approach can help you better understand the benefits of credit unions in general and why it should matter to you specifically.
Why Credit Unions Matter
Focus on Community
The concept of a “local focus” might sound like a catchphrase, but in the credit union world, it’s genuinely how business is conducted. This is where the impact of credit unions is most visible. When we reinvest in our communities by funding scholarships, partnering with schools, or hosting financial education workshops, it’s because we know we’re stronger when every member of the community is welcome and has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
A Not-for-Profit Advantage
Credit unions differ from traditional banks in one significant way: they are owned by their members rather than shareholders. This cooperative structure allows credit unions to channel profits back into their membership, resulting in more favorable loan rates, lower fees, and enhanced community programs. This not-for-profit advantage also fosters transparency and trust. When you step into a credit union, you’re not just another account number – you’re a member-owner, and decisions are made with your best interests at heart.
Serving Real Needs
Beyond offering competitive products and services, credit unions often meet needs that big banks neglect. For instance, we provide tools and resources for young adults, first-time homebuyers, and entrepreneurs looking to start small businesses. We’re here to unlock potential and empower people so they thrive financially. We’re also a lifeline during challenging times because we’re willing to work with members who are facing job loss, medical expenses, or other hardships.
Chartway’s Story: A Legacy of Service
Chartway Credit Union traces our roots to 1959, and ever since, our trajectory has been defined by steady growth, financial soundness, and a steadfast commitment to community. Serving more than 260,000 members across Texas, Utah, and Virginia markets, we prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that anyone seeking a supportive financial partner can find a home at Chartway. Though for us, “serving members” is about more than deposits and loans – it’s about continually investing in technology, branches, and team members to enhance convenience and the member experience. Whether you prefer face-to-face service in a freshly updated branch or the flexibility of a mobile app, our engaged and dedicated team meets you where you are with personalized attention and real financial solutions.
The Chartway Promise Foundation: Celebrating 20 Years of Giving
Perhaps the most visible demonstration of our community commitment is the Chartway Promise Foundation. Our goal is simple yet profound: bring joy, hope, and smiles to children navigating serious health challenges and their families. Celebrating our 20th anniversary, we’ve granted a total of $16 million to support medically fragile children – fondly known as our “Promise Heroes.” And for 2025, we awarded $1.1 million to our charitable partners, our largest annual total since inception. With this funding, 25 partners – ranging from Make-A-Wish® chapters to Ronald McDonald House Charities – will provide memorable moments and life-changing services with everything from medical equipment and therapies to emotional support programs and trips-of-a-lifetime.
Chartway’s Community Impact
In addition to the significant community support provided by our charitable arm, our team remains dedicated to engaging and empowering communities in tangible ways. In 2024 alone, we awarded 15 scholarships worth $3000 each to deserving students, collectively volunteered 1500 hours in local neighborhoods, provided nearly $450,000 in debt relief, and rallied to provide swift disaster relief when it mattered most. Chartway is continually finding new ways to help build stronger, more resilient communities in the markets we serve.
Chartway and the Broader Credit Union Movement
While Chartway’s achievements are unique to its member base and geographic footprint, our overarching philosophy resonates across the entire movement. The emphasis on community, empathy, and member empowerment is a hallmark of credit unions everywhere. As conversations about tax status or potential regulatory changes continue in the wider financial sector, credit unions will continue to advocate for local engagement and financial inclusion. Grassroots campaigns like “Don’t Tax My Credit Union” highlight the importance of preserving our not-for-profit model to ensure we can keep directing resources to the people and places that need them most.
Staying the Course
In a world where financial giants dominate the headlines, credit unions like Chartway continue to embody a different kind of success – one built on empathy, inclusion, and impact. A not-for-profit structure and unwavering focus on community illustrate the transformative power of “People Helping People,” even in the face of economic shifts and regulatory changes. Chartway is proof that being a strong financial institution and a caring partner aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they go hand in hand.
Experience the benefits of credit union membership – join today!