Self-Help Credit Union

What Self-Help Credit Union does

Self-Help Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned community development financial institution (CDFI) headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 1980 and chartered in 1983. The credit union serves more than 100,000 members through 36 physical branches across North Carolina (24), Florida (10), Georgia (1), and Virginia (1), supplemented by nationwide surcharge-free access through the CO-OP/Velera shared branching network, mobile banking apps for iOS and Android, 24/7 audio banking, and digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay). Its stated mission is to provide fair and affordable financial services to underserved communities including people of color, women, rural residents, immigrants, and low-wealth families.

The credit union operates a full-service consumer and commercial banking platform with more than 25 distinct products spanning checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, term certificates, IRAs, auto loans, home mortgages with 0% down and no PMI options, HELOCs, personal loans, credit cards, credit-builder loans, green/Solar/EV loans, Dreamer Medical School loans, and assistive technology loans. Commercial offerings include small business loans, SBA 504 loans, commercial real estate development financing, and lease-ready properties. Underwriting is differentiated by acceptance of credit scores from 580 and alternative credit history, with rate discounts for relationship-qualified, certificate-holding, and EV/PHEV borrowers. Pricing across deposit products (e.g., 0.30% APY savings, 3.72%–3.82% APY 12–36 month certificates) and loan products (6.25%–15.00% APR auto, 7.75%–8.50% HELOC, 13.25%–16.00% credit card, 5.75%–14.00% solar) is publicly disclosed.

The business model is a standard credit union net interest spread plus fee model: revenue is generated primarily through interest income on the $2.15 billion asset base, supplemented by deposit interest spread, monthly service fees ($5 checking, waivable), ATM and wire fees, and interchange. The institution is part of the Center for Community Self-Help family of nonprofits, alongside sister institution Self-Help Federal Credit Union (which received South Carolina operations in September 2025), the Center for Responsible Lending, and Self-Help Ventures Fund. Cumulative financing since 1980 exceeds $11 billion to more than 176,000 borrowers, and the credit union has been actively pursuing growth through the December 2024 acquisition of Winston-Salem Federal Credit Union, expanding from four to five southeastern states.

Name

Self-Help Credit Union

Legal name

Self-Help Credit Union

Website

https://self-help.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Self-Help Credit Union is a not-for-profit CDFI serving 100,000+ members across NC, FL, GA, and VA through 36 branches, offering mortgages, auto, business, and community-development loans targeted at underserved populations including people of color, women, rural residents, and immigrants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (522130), Credit Unions (52213), Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (522)

SIC

State Commercial Banks (6022), Personal Credit Institutions (6141)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus) (FSABAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cooperative Banks (Member-Owned Commercial/Retail) (FSABAEAF), Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment) (FSAKAAAL)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Community development lending
• Mortgage financing
• Consumer credit products
• Small business lending

Headquarters

HQ city

Durham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices37 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Loan Interest Income: Self-Help Credit Union generates revenue primarily through interest earned on loans including auto loans, home mortgages, personal loans, credit cards, and commercial/business loans. Interest rates vary by product type with APR ranges disclosed for various loan categories.
2. Deposit Interest Spread: Credit union earns spread between interest paid on deposits (savings, checking, certificates, IRAs) and interest charged on loans. Competitive dividend rates offered on deposits.
3. Fee-Based Services: Various fees including monthly service fees ($5 for checking), ATM fees, wire transfer fees, and other standard banking fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Self-Help Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative financial institution that delivers retail banking products (checking, savings, money market, certificates, IRAs) and consumer and commercial lending (home mortgages, auto loans, HELOCs, personal loans, credit cards, small business loans, SBA loans, commercial real estate). It operates as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with explicit focus on people of color, women, rural residents, immigrants, and low-wealth families historically underserved by mainstream finance. Services are delivered through 36 branches across North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, supplemented by online, mobile, and audio banking, plus a nationwide shared-branch network through CO-OP/Velera.

Product overview

Self-Help Credit Union is a community development financial institution offering a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products. The credit union operates as a single unified platform with personal checking, savings, and loan products alongside business accounts, commercial lending, and real estate services. Personal products include checking accounts, savings/money market accounts, term certificates, IRAs, auto loans, home mortgages, HELOCs, personal loans, credit cards, Credit Builder loans, Green loans (energy, solar, EV), and specialized loans for medical school and assistive technology. Digital services encompass online/mobile banking, audio banking, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), bill pay, and free financial coaching. Business offerings include checking accounts, small business loans, SBA loans, commercial lending, and real estate development. All services are accessible through 36 branches across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, plus nationwide ATM/branch networks through CO-OP (Velera) partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Personal Checking Accounts Basic checking account for individual members with debit card access, unlimited ATM withdrawals, $5 monthly fee (waivable), online and mobile banking, and mobile check deposit capabilities.
• Savings & Money Market Accounts Multiple savings options including regular savings, money market, holiday clubs, youth savings (FUN Club), and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with competitive dividend rates.
• Term Certificates Certificate of deposit products with terms from 3 months to 5 years, including standard term certificates, IRA term certificates, Green Term Certificates, Women & Children Term Certificates, and Go Local Term Certificates.
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) Tax-advantaged retirement savings with Traditional and Roth IRA options, no setup or maintenance fees, with ability to open term certificates within the IRA.
• Auto Loans Financing for new and used vehicles and motorcycles, with rate discounts for EVs and PHEVs, available for borrowers with strong credit, imperfect credit, and first-time auto borrowers.
• Home Mortgage Loans Flexible mortgage options with low and no down payment programs, 0% down options, no PMI required, and flexible underwriting accepting credit scores from 580 and alternative credit.
• Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) Variable rate home equity financing allowing members to convert home equity to cash for home repairs, debt consolidation, and large expenses.
• Personal Loans Signature loans and share-secured loans for debt consolidation, car repair, home improvement, and taxes, with maximum amounts varying by qualifications.
• Credit Cards Standard credit cards for established credit histories and share-secured cards for building or rebuilding credit, with no annual fees, no balance transfer or cash advance transaction fees, and digital wallet compatibility.
• Credit Builder Loans Loans designed to help members build or rebuild credit through careful approval processes and accompanying financial education resources.
• Green Loans Environmentally-focused loans including Energy Saver Loans for HVAC, heat pumps, insulation, and windows, Solar Loans, and Electric Vehicle Loans with rate discounts for EV/PHEV purchases.
• Dreamer Medical School Loans Specialized loans for medical school students, supporting aspiring healthcare professionals including those with DACA/Dreamer status.
• Vacation Loans Short-term loans of up to $2,000 for qualified members to fund vacation expenses.
• Assistive Technology Loans Loans for persons living with disabilities or their family members in North Carolina covering assistive technology, including personal and vehicle loans.
• Recreational Vehicle Loans Flexible-term loans up to 144 months for recreational vehicles up to 10 years old, with financing covering taxes, tags, registration, and transaction fees.
• Business Accounts Flexible business checking and savings accounts for small businesses and nonprofits, with personalized support and competitive rates.
• Small Business Loans Loans for small businesses and nonprofits including commercial loans and specialized financing options for business growth and operations.
• SBA Loans Small Business Administration loans including SBA 504 loans for real estate and equipment financing.
• Real Estate Development Financing Commercial real estate financing for property development projects that build community resources and revitalize neighborhoods.
• Properties for Lease Commercial properties available for lease as part of Self-Help's real estate development initiatives.
• Digital Wallet Service Contactless payment capability through Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay for credit, debit, and HSA cards, with enhanced security through tokenization.
• Bill Pay Service Online bill payment service with fast, paper-free processing, free for the first 20 transactions per month.
• Financial Coaching Resources Free financial coaching including FICO credit score reviews, personalized one-on-one coaching, and access to GreenPath Financial Wellness partner services for debt management.

Quantifiable outcome

• Since 1980, provided more than $11 billion in financing to small businesses, community projects, families, and individuals
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union (RHFCU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2026Partnership formed to help RHFCU avoid forced consolidation. Combined grant funding with mentorship from Self-Help Credit Union and Jessie Ball duPont Fund to rebuild operational capacity. Helped RHFCU resolve compliance and regulatory obligations, expand loan and deposit products, and introduce new technology.
• Winston-Salem FCUcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2025Self-Help Credit Union acquiring Winston-Salem FCU, a North Carolina-based credit union established in 1957. Expected to expand services across five southeastern states. Deal aims to enhance financial security and accessibility for underserved groups including people of color and immigrants.
• GreenPath Financial WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted nonprofit partner providing free financial coaching and resources to Self-Help members. Great option for members outside Self-Help regions, debt management focus, or non-traditional business hours support.
• No Kid HungryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelf-Help joined the fight against food instability by partnering with No Kid Hungry campaign focused on providing children with access to three meals a day, run by Share Our Strength nonprofit.
• CO-OP/ Velera NetworkcoreTechnology or IntegrationShared branching network allowing Self-Help CU to extend remote services and convenience anywhere in the U.S. Access to surcharge-free ATMs and shared branch locations nationwide.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hope Credit Union: Mississippi-headquartered CDFI credit union and community development financial institution serving Deep South underserved communities with consumer, mortgage, and small-business lending; one of the most direct mission-aligned peers to Self-Help's CDFI model.
• CDC Federal Credit Union: Atlanta, Georgia-based community development credit union serving CDC employees and broader underserved Atlanta residents; operates a CDFI-aligned model in Self-Help's GA geography with comparable member-base focus.
• Self-Help Federal Credit Union: Sister institution within the Center for Community Self-Help family; a federally chartered CDFI credit union serving CA, IL, WA, WI and absorbing Self-Help's SC branches as of September 2025. Operates with the same mission-driven, underserved-population focus and overlapping product suite, making it the closest direct peer.
• Coastal Federal Credit Union: North Carolina-headquartered community credit union serving members across the Research Triangle and beyond; offers personal and business banking products in the same Southeast footprint as Self-Help with comparable cooperative, member-owned structure.
• Truliant Federal Credit Union: North Carolina and Virginia-headquartered credit union with branch presence overlapping Self-Help's core NC/VA geography; offers a similar mix of consumer lending, mortgages, and small-business products as a member-owned cooperative.
• Lower East Side People's Federal Credit Union: New York-based community development credit union serving low-income and immigrant members on the Lower East Side; shares Self-Help's CDFI mission, multilingual service model, and focus on financial inclusion for underserved populations.
• Latino Community Credit Union: Durham, NC-based CDFI credit union serving Latino and immigrant populations with bilingual financial services; operates in Self-Help's headquarters market with an overlapping immigrant-focused member segment and similar cooperative structure.

Emerging players

• Liberty Bank: Minority-owned CDFI bank headquartered in New Orleans with consumer and small-business banking; a comparable mission-driven community bank rather than a credit union, but overlapping CDFI certification and similar underserved-segment strategy.
• Greenwood (Greenwood Financial): Digital-first Black-owned banking platform launched by Killer Mike focused on serving Black and Latino communities; emerging player targeting an overlapping underserved demographic via a tech-led model that contrasts Self-Help's physical-branch, cooperative approach.

Broad incumbents

• State Employees' Credit Union (SECU): North Carolina's largest credit union with $50B+ in assets, serving state employees and broader NC communities. A broad incumbent in the same geography, with overlapping retail-banking and mortgage products but a much larger, less mission-narrow footprint than Self-Help.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SelfHelpCU
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/selfhelporg
• Facebookfacebook.com/CenterForCommunitySelfHelp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/self-help-org
• Instagraminstagram.com/selfhelpcreditunion

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Self-Help Credit Union