Some frequently asked questions - and answers.

Q: What is required to become credit union Ambassador?
A: To be a credit union Ambassador requires nothing more than a belief in the Cowlitz Credit Union benefit and a willingness to share it with others. We'll do all the rest.

Q: What Is The Credit Union Benefit?
A: Cowlitz Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, owned by our members.  Helping our members reach achieve their financial dreams is our only goal.  As member/owners, your employees can count on competitive rates; anytime, anywhere access; a means to establish credit (very important to your younger employees); and a variety of ways to save easily or invest wisely.  All at a smaller financial institution whose friendly staff still answers the phone and greets you by name when you walk in our doors.

Best of all, once employees become Cowlitz Credit Union members, they are members for life - even if they change jobs, move or retire. That means you and your employees can take advantage of the lifetime benefit of credit union convenience.

Like you, we're here to help.

Q: How is a credit union different than a bank?
A: A credit union is a cooperative organization owned entirely by its members and operated for the benefit of all who belong. Credit unions provide a full spectrum of financial services - just like other financial institutions. Deposits at credit unions are federally insured for the same amount bank deposits are.  The difference is that credit unions are not-for-profit financial organizations whose earnings are passed onto members in the form of lower loan rates, fewer fees and added or improved services.

Q: Does the credit union provide the same services as banks?
A: Yes - and more. We offer a full spectrum of options including lifetime membership, family membership, direct deposit, savings and investment accounts, checking choices, loans for every need, credit cards and mortgage options. Plus, we offer a convenient location, lots of ways to do business with us and friendly, reliable financial service.

Q: How much does it cost to join?
A: Nothing! It's free. Simply open your account with a $25 savings account. This represents your share of credit union ownership. As long as your $25 stays on deposit, you're eligible to benefit from any credit union service. But it's always yours to keep.

Q: Can employees of my company join?
A: Yes. Everyone at your company is eligible to become a credit union member. We invite you to share the credit union advantage with all the people you work with.

Q: Can my family join?
A: Yes! When you become part of the Cowlitz Credit Union family, we invite you to share the credit union benefit with all the members of your family: Spouse, children, stepchildren, siblings, household members, parents and grandparents too.

Q: Where is the credit union?
A: We can be found at 821 Washington Way, across the street from Wendy’s.

Q: How can I do business if the credit union is not nearby?
A: We make it easy to do business with us - wherever you live or work. If you can't visit us, you can do business with us online, by phone, by worldwide ATM, through direct deposit and automatic pay services - even by mail.

Q: How long do I have to be a member to apply for a loan?
A: As soon as you join, you're elligible to take advantage of any credit union service. Applying for a loan is easy too. Apply online, call us at 425-7570 or 888-425-8845, or pay us a visit.

Q: If I leave the company, will I still be a credit union member?
A: Yes! The credit union advantage is a lifetime benefit. Once you're a credit union member, you're always a member - even if you change jobs or move away.

Have you thought of another question we ought to address here?  Please let us know!