The Credit Union Difference: You Are the Owner
Dupaco Community Credit Union isn’t just a financial institution; it is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. This fundamental difference is the core of everything Dupaco does and why it has earned recognition as a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union.
Unlike banks, which operate to generate profit for external shareholders, Dupaco exists solely to serve its members’ financial well-being. This cooperative cycle of giving back means that earnings are returned to members in three key forms:
- Lower Loan Rates: Competitive, often better, rates on auto, mortgage, and personal loans.
- Higher Dividends: Better returns on savings, certificates, and money market accounts.
- Fewer and Lower Fees: Reducing the overall cost of day-to-day banking.
How to Join the Dupaco Cooperative
Membership is voluntary and open to anyone who lives or works in the 118 counties served throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois, and southwest Wisconsin.
Becoming a member-owner is simple: you typically open a Share Savings account with a minimal deposit (often $25). This deposit represents your ownership share and immediately grants you access to all the benefits, services, and the democratic right to vote in board elections (“one member, one vote”).
Financial Empowerment: Education and Guidance
Dupaco is perhaps best known for its aggressive, hands-on commitment to financial education. The belief is that when members “know better, they do better,” and the credit union invests heavily in free tools and one-on-one coaching to make this possible.
Signature Financial Programs (Free for Members and Non-Members)
| Program Name | Focus Area | Impact & Benefit |
| Money Makeover | Budgeting & Debt Management | Free, personalized guidance from a coach to review income, expenses, and debts, showing members how to save more and pay less interest. |
| Credit History Lesson | Credit Score & Report | A one-on-one session to demystify the credit report, explain credit scores, and develop an actionable plan for improvement. |
| Bright Track | Credit Monitoring | A free digital tool that allows members to view, monitor, and completely understand their credit score and report 24/7. |
| Credit Coach Program | Rebuilding Credit | A special loan program designed to help members with below-average credit scores safely and affordably rebuild their financial footing. |
These programs are the embodiment of the “people helping people” mission, directly tackling financial challenges and providing the resources needed for members to achieve financial sustainability.
Comprehensive Products and Modern Services
Dupaco offers the full suite of financial products you would expect from any major bank, but with the added layer of the credit union advantage—value over profit.
1. Banking and Systematic Savings
- Free Checking Accounts: Designed to be low-cost and high-value with features like mobile deposit and online bill pay.
- Systematic Savings: Tools and services built to make saving automated and effortless, helping members consistently reach their goals.
- Digital Convenience: Shine Online & Mobile Banking provides robust, secure access to accounts from anywhere, and Dupaco also participates in Shared Branching, allowing members face-to-face service at thousands of credit union locations nationwide.
2. Lending and Asset Protection
Dupaco’s lending philosophy prioritizes affordability and member financial health.
- Mortgage & Home Equity: Competitive rates and personalized service for home purchases, refinancing, and home equity lines of credit.
- Vehicle Loans: Favorable rates on new and used auto loans, boats, and RVs, often beating commercial bank offers.
- Insurance & Investments: Comprehensive insurance services for home, auto, and life, plus wealth management and investment planning to help members grow their assets over the long term.
3. Business Services
Supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses is a key part of the cooperative mission. Dupaco provides tailored business services, including business checking, loans, and credit cards, often coupling these products with its trademark personalized financial advice.
The Foundation focuses its efforts on three critical Community Pillars:
- Affordable Housing and Homeownership: Providing grants and educational resources to make buying a first home more accessible.
- Upskilling and Reskilling: Supporting programs that increase people’s earning potential and help strengthen the regional workforce.
- Small Business Development: Offering grants, education, and networking for local entrepreneurs to start and grow their ventures.
Through grants, scholarships (totaling tens of thousands annually), and staff volunteer hours, Dupaco helps local non-profits and individuals facing unexpected hardships. This dedicated community focus is a defining feature of the Dupaco brand, proving that a financial institution can be a powerful force for local economic and social good.
Why Choose Dupaco?
Choosing Dupaco means choosing a financial partner whose success is directly tied to yours. You get the technology and services of a big bank, but with the personalized, cooperative mission of a local credit union. Whether you are looking to save for the future, finance a major purchase, or simply get better control of your credit score through their free educational programs, Dupaco is positioned to empower you on your journey to a “life worth loving.”
Dupaco Community Credit Union delivers exceptional value through its member-owner model, offering competitive rates and low fees. However, its most powerful difference is the dedication to financial literacy, exemplified by free programs like the Money Makeover and Credit History Lesson, creating financially stronger individuals and, by extension, stronger communities.