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What It Means to Be a Member

If you have a loan, credit card, checking account, or anything else with Amherst FCU, that makes you a member-owner of the credit union. That’s one of the primary differences between us and banks; you’re not just an account number, you’re a shareholder. Here’s what that means for you at AFCU.

  1. You’re a shareholder. All members of Amherst FCU are equal shareholders, which means no outside investors and no one member has more power than another. As a community-owned cooperative, a credit union exists to serve its members, not to maximize profits for individual shareholders or board members. That’s why earnings are reinvested back into better rates, fewer fees, and improved services. When you use the credit union’s products and services, you’re investing back into something you already own.
  2. Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors is made up of 8 unpaid volunteer member-owners, along with our dedicated CEO and office manager, Keri. Because they are regular members and shareholders like everyone else, they are invested in the success of the credit union and its current and future members. With no self-serving interests, their focus remains on what’s best for the membership as a whole. The board meets monthly to provide oversight, set direction, and help ensure AFCU continues to operate smoothly and responsibly.
  3. People helping people. The success of Amherst FCU is shared, with profits being reinvested to benefit our members and local community. Your membership helps fund local initiatives, financial education, and support for families and organizations right here in WNY. When you do business with AFCU, you’re investing not just in your own financial future, but in the people and places around you.

Additional Tips:
Amherst FCU is always searching for new and improved ways to support our members and contribute to our community. We encourage our members to write to the Board of Directors and/or Marketing Department with any ideas for unique financial products and services or local initiatives we can look to incorporate.

Published April 1, 2026