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FAQ

WHAT IS A CREDIT UNION?

This answer is easy.  R-S Bellco Federal Credit Union and all credit unions provide the same banking services you would find at a bank.  The real difference between a credit union and a bank comes from how we are owned.

Credit unions are financial cooperatives.  That means that each member has an ownership interest in the credit union.  Each member of the credit union is entitled to one vote on important matters affecting the credit union, regardless of their business with the credit union.  Members of the credit union board of directors are volunteers elected from membership to represent all members’ interests.

Banks are owned by a small group of stockholders who invest their money in bank stock and expect a return on that investment.  Stockholders vote on important matters affecting the bank based on the number of shares they own.  Members of bank board of directors are typically large stockholders.

Rates and fees at credit unions are typically better than those offered by banks.  Credit unions are able to offer these advantages as tax-exempt financial cooperatives with a focus on benefiting our member-owners as opposed to maximizing profits to benefit stockholders.

WHY DO I HAVE TO “JOIN” R-S BELLCO FCU?

Credit unions are chartered to serve particularly defined cooperative groups.  For R-S Bellco, membership is available to anyone that lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Beaver County.  Some credit unions serve employer or organization groups.  Each credit union has a unique set of qualifications.

To bank with a credit union, you must join the cooperative group by becoming a member.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO BECOME A MEMBER OF R-S BELLCO FCU?

Membership is FREE!

There is no cost to join R-S Bellco Federal Credit Union.  We require you to open a savings account, which we call a share account, and maintain a $5.00 balance.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT R-S BELLCO FCU?

There are many great things about being a member of R-S Bellco.  Here are a few…

  • Once a member, always a member.  You only need qualify for membership with R-S Bellco at the time you join.  As long as you maintain your share account with us, you remain a member no matter where life takes you. 
  • Small Stature, Big Reach.  R-S Bellco has a single location in New Brighton, PA.  However, through partnering arrangements we give our members nationwide, FREE access to over 5,000 branch locations through Shared Branching and over 6,000 ATM’s through the PNC and CU$ ATM networks.
  • Access 24/7.  R-S Bellco helps you live life on your schedule.  On-line banking and mobile banking allow you to access account information, make transfers or loan payments and pay bills anywhere, anytime.  You can also receive statements on-line. Apply for loans 24/7 on-line or with your smartphone and don’t forget to take the AskAuto app to help with car shopping.
  • R-S Bellco Members Care.  R-S Bellco Members Care was created in 2008 to give life to the efforts of the credit union to benefit worthy causes.  Over the years, credit union members have supported candy sales, bake sales and other activities to raise thousands of dollars for our scholarship program and to support the efforts of those working in our communities.