50 Years of Shared Branch: Join the Nation’s Largest Cooperative Branch System
Fifty years ago, five credit unions in Detroit came together to solve a problem. It wasn't about simply offering more locations but about challenging the big banks… and proving that people helping people could be a powerful force. They understood that for credit union members to thrive in an increasingly mobile world, a world where a student might move for college, or a family might relocate for a new job, they couldn't be limited to a single building. That's the powerful, collaborative spirit that has driven the Shared Branch Network for half a century, and it’s why it’s more than just a network; it's a promise to put your needs first.
Imagine the world in 1975. Bell-bottoms were a fashion statement, and the idea of managing your money from a thousand miles away seemed like science fiction. Yet, the foundational promise of Shared Branching was already taking root. It was a time of classic cars and vinyl records, but a forward-thinking group of financial cooperatives was focused on a simple, timeless concept: working together for the greater good of their members.
More Than Convenience: A Strategic Advantage for all
By joining the Shared Branch network, your credit union can:
- Provide nationwide access and personalized service to your members
- Support member mobility and meet rising service expectations
- Compete with national banks without the cost of opening new branches, showcasing the cooperative difference.
No matter which credit union a member entrusts their money to, everyone within the network is working toward the same goal. Across the nation, over 5,600 credit unions participate in the Shared Branch Network, offering a combined total of 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.
This philosophy of collaboration opposed to competition defines the credit union difference. Whether a member is a familiar face or visiting from across the country, the network operates with a shared goal. With numerous credit unions participating and a vast network of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, the Shared Branch Network is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations unite under a common purpose.
Support for all Lifestyles
We know firsthand how valuable Shared Branching is, especially for the university students we proudly support at Metro State, Colorado Christian, Community College of Denver, and the University of Colorado Denver.
For many young adults completing their degrees away from home, the last thing on their mind should be finding a new credit union. The Shared Branch network eliminates this concern entirely. It ensures a student can manage their money in Denver as easily as they could back home, providing peace of mind during a major life transition.
Psst… if you're not already with a Shared Branching credit union, your student status makes you eligible to become a Credit Union of Denver Member!
This 50th anniversary isn’t just a look back; it's a launchpad for the future. As technology evolves, so will the Shared Branch Network. We are constantly exploring new ways to enhance convenience for our members, whether that's through improved app integrations or expanded services.
No matter what, Credit Union of Denver’s core mission remains the same: to empower our members. But the tools we use will continue to adapt to meet your changing needs. Here’s to the next 50 years of working together, not against each other.