Membership & Credit Union FAQs

Join the Meridia Family. Let’s Go Beyond Together.

More About Credit Union Membership

Being a credit union isn’t just about meeting basic financial needs. It’s about helping people get to a better place financially.

The foundation of all credit unions is the philosophy of people helping people. Unlike banks, credit unions exist solely to help people, not make a profit. That’s why we can offer lower rates on loans and higher dividends on savings–we reinvest our profits in our members in the form of products and services that help you, our members.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you say “join” the credit union, what does that mean?

A savings account is your key to membership. Joining the credit union means opening your account with a minimum deposit of $5 or more in a savings account, and establishing your membership. Once you have your opened that savings account, you can take advantage of everything we have to offer!

Is there a fee to join?

No. There isn’t a cost, but we do require a minimum deposit of $5 in your savings account to establish your membership. In order for your account to stay open, you must maintain a minimum balance of $5 in your savings account.

How did Meridia get started?

Meridia was originally chartered in 1955 as Hamburg Central Federal Credit Union for the employees of Hamburg Central Schools. We changed our credit union name and charter in 2005, allowing a broader membership, including more families and individuals from Southern Erie County. In 2019, our charter was expanded to serve all who live, work, worship or attend school in all of Erie County, Cattaraugus County and Chautaugua County in Western New York. Although we continue to grow, we hold strong to our Mission, Vision and Promise to Members.

What is Meridia's Mission, Vision and Promise to Members?

These things exemplify the credit union philosophy of people helping people, but more importantly, it formalizes the ideology the founders of Meridia envision.

Mission

Our mission is to take what we do well and go far beyond the expectation.

Vision

At Meridia, we are forward thinkers focused on doing more for our members to get them to a better place financially.

Our Promise to Members

We will simplify your financial life by helping you:

  • Identify needs and define financial goals
  • Make informed decisions
  • Achieve financial success

How does a credit union work?

When members join a credit union, their deposits are used to make loans to fellow members. Earnings over and above operational expenses and reserve requirements are returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher returns on savings and improved services.

We’ll Help You Go Beyond

Go be successful. Go be what you’ve always dreamed of. Be confident in your decisions. We are here to help every step of the way. Go beyond just having a bank–have a financial partner.