We received our Federal Charter in 1942 and were originally established to serve the members and employees of theConsumers Cooperative of Berkeley, Inc. (Co-op market chain).

When the Co-op market chain closed its doors in the 1980s, Cooperative Center responded by expanding our field of membership and charter to include over 200 different employer and associational groups. During the 1980s and 1990s, Cooperative Center also merged and acquired other credit unions: Shaklee CU (1986), Cal Berkeley FCU (1990) and Alta Bates FCU (1991). Today public and private businesses, non-profits, housing and professional associations, employees of the merged employer groups and numerous Bay Area cooperatives contribute to our member base.

In 2010, Cooperative Center FCU received our Community
Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation acknowledging our mission and commitment to meeting the needs of underserved, unbanked and/or members of modest means. Just a few of the ways we do this are first checking accounts, shared secured loans to establish credit, short-term low dollar loans to replace payday lending, and coordinating the delivery of Free Tax Preparation services through our certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site.

When you become a member, you are not just a customer, you become an owner in a cooperative financial institution as rich in history as we are, in our vision for the future. You also establish eligibility for all of your family members.

A membership in Cooperative Center FCU is an investment in building sustainable wealth for yourself, fellow members, and your community.

We have continued to expand our membership base by accepting qualified private companies, organizations, and associations from the area, and continue to bring in other groups. This careful expansion has helped build a uniquely diversified membership around the stable core or original members.

Today, the Credit Union has over $100 million in assets and over 13,000 members, offering a full range of services from office located at 2001 Ashby Avenue in Berkeley.

For a full list of all our Charter Groups, please click HERE.

Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union, Founded and Guided by Seven Cooperative Principles
Voluntary & Open Membership:
Open for membership to all who qualify under our Federal Charter No. 04900
Democratic Member Control:
Members participate in the democratic election of a Board of Directors whose function is to create policies and make decisions for the good of the entire membership.
Member Economic Participation:
We encourage our members to make us their primary financial institution. When members participate in the cooperative financial model, the entire credit union membership individually and collectively benefits through competitive loan and share rates and lower fees for services.
Autonomy & Independence:
We operate for the benefit of the members, not for outside shareholders.
Education, Training & Information:
We provide financial literacy and money management education free and available to all.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives:
We actively support full cooperation among cooperative financial institutions. Credit unions are more than just financial institutions. We are a movement.
Concern for Community:
Cooperative Center FCU is a contributing corporate citizen. Building sustainable community wealth is at the heart of our mission.
Our Mission
As a member owned and governed financial institution, we are committed to providing quality services and education in a caring, responsible, professional manner, while maintaining long-term financial strength.
Our Vision
Co-op FCU will be our members’ primary resource for financial services and education to attain their economic goals.