Kindred Credit Union
Kindred Credit Union provides banking, mortgage, loans, credit and financial services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1964
- HeadquartersKitchener, Canada
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Kindred Credit Union does
Kindred Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative founded on March 21, 1964, by twenty-two Waterloo County Mennonites, headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, and operating under the Credit Unions and Caisses Populaires Act, 1994. It serves over 29,000 members through eight physical branches across Southern Ontario (Aylmer, Elmira, Kitchener, Leamington, Milverton, Mount Forest, New Hamburg, and Waterloo), complemented by full online and mobile banking, online account opening, and a multi-channel appointment booking system. Its core product set spans everyday banking (Flex/Value/Unlimited/Generations chequing accounts, US Dollar accounts), residential mortgages including a HomeShare co-purchase product, personal loans and lines of credit, agricultural and commercial banking, church and organization banking with reduced fees, and specialty lending such as Affordable Housing Loans, Creation Care Loans with a 0.5% environmental discount, and Member Assistance Services. Wealth and investment offerings are delivered through partnerships with Aviso Wealth (mutual funds, NEI SRI funds), Qtrade Direct Investing (zero-commission self-directed brokerage), and Qtrade Guided Portfolios (robo-advice), alongside a proprietary Class B Investment Shares product paying a 4.25% dividend in 2025.
The business model is a traditional credit union net interest income model supplemented by fee income and distribution revenue: net interest margin from mortgages, personal, agricultural, and commercial lending; recurring chequing account fees ($0-$17.95/month tiers with fee waivers for youth, students, seniors, RDSP beneficiaries, ODSP/Ontario Works recipients, and a one-year free Refugee Settlement Account); credit card interchange via the Collabria Mastercard partnership (a portion of member spend is donated to the Kindred Charitable Fund); and asset-based distribution revenue from wealth partnerships. The credit union is differentiated structurally by its cooperative ethos — 25% of annual profits are returned to members through Profit Shares ($1.725M in 2025; over $13M cumulatively over the last 10 years) — and by certifications including Certified B Corporation, member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, Living Wage Employer, and first-in-Canada validation of all GICs as Socially Responsible Investments (2016).
Technology stack is largely third-party and partnership-based rather than proprietary: cloud-based multi-tenant SaaS digital banking through Intellect's eMACH.ai Digital Engagement Platform (shared with 34 other Canadian credit unions managing $13B+ in assets and 373,000+ members), mobile apps for iOS and Android with 2-step verification, ClickSWITCH for automated account switching, SecureIT for secure messaging, Clover POS and Wagepoint payroll integrations for business members, and Core Innovation Financial Technology via Central 1 for payment processing. Member-facing digital tools include a Money Wellness Score Calculator, mortgage, retirement, TFSA, RESP, and RRSP/RRIF calculators, plus online wealth and investment webinars. The Kindred Charitable Fund has distributed over $1.7M to 209 organizations since 2001, with $168,637 approved for 2026, reinforcing the community-led GTM motion that complements direct-to-consumer branch and self-serve digital channels.
Kindred Credit Union firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kindred Credit Union
- Legal name
- Kindred Credit Union
- Website
- https://www.kindredcu.com/
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1964
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Kindred Credit Union provides banking, mortgage, loans, credit and financial services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kindred Credit Union industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Retail Banking
- NAICS
- Credit Unions (52213), Credit Unions (522130), Credit Card Issuing (522210)
- SIC
- Personal Credit Institutions (6141)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Faith-Based & Affinity Credit Unions (FSABAEAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus) (FSABAEAA), Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment) (FSAKAAAL), Secured Credit Cards (FSAKABAD)
Keywords
Where Kindred Credit Union is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kitchener
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
Kindred Credit Union business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Interest Income: Net interest income from lending activities including mortgages, personal loans, lines of credit, agricultural loans, and business loans. Credit union returns profits to members through competitive loan rates and deposit rates.
- Member Fee Income: Monthly service fees from chequing accounts (Flex, Value, Unlimited plans), transaction fees, and service charges. Fee-waiver available for accounts maintaining minimum $3,000 balance.
- Investment Products Distribution: Distribution of mutual funds, GICs, and self-directed investing through partnerships with Aviso Wealth and Qtrade Direct Investing. Receives revenue based on asset growth.
- Credit Card Interchange: Collabria Mastercard issuing through partnership. Donations to Kindred Charitable Fund based on member card usage generate community impact.
- Specialty Lending Programs: Affordable Housing Loans, Creation Care Loans (environmental discounts), and Member Assistance Services address community needs while generating interest income.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Annual | Investment Shares Dividend |
| Subscription | Monthly | Flex Plan - Pay-as-you-go chequing |
| Subscription | Monthly | Value Plan - Moderate activity chequing |
| Subscription | Monthly | Unlimited Plan - High activity chequing |
| Subscription | Monthly | Generations Plan - Youth/Student/Senior |
| Subscription | Monthly | Refugee Settlement Account |
| Subscription | Monthly | US Dollar Account |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Kindred Prime Rate |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels10 records
Kindred Credit Union product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kindred Credit Union is a values-centered financial cooperative offering everyday banking (chequing and savings accounts), residential mortgages, consumer and agricultural lending, credit cards (Collabria Mastercard), and wealth management services delivered through partnerships with Aviso Wealth and Qtrade. It serves 29,000+ members across Ontario via 8 physical branches, online banking, and a mobile app, with a member-owned cooperative model that returns 25% of profits to members through Profit Shares.
Product overview
Kindred Credit Union operates as a values-centred financial cooperative offering a comprehensive suite of banking products organized around personal banking, business banking, and wealth management services. The core offering spans everyday banking (chequing and savings accounts), residential mortgages (Conventional and High Ratio options), consumer lending (personal loans, lines of credit, student credit, home equity products), and specialized lending (Affordable Housing Loans, Creation Care Loans with environmental discounts, Member Assistance Services). Wealth management services are delivered through strategic partnerships with Aviso Wealth and Qtrade Direct Investing, providing expert financial advice, self-directed investing platforms, mutual funds, GICs, and socially responsible investing options with full SRI validation. Business banking covers small business, agricultural, and church/organization segments with tailored solutions. The credit union also provides financial planning tools including mortgage, retirement, and savings calculators plus a Money Wellness Score assessment. All products integrate with third-party platforms including ClickSWITCH for account switching, Clover POS for merchants, Wagepoint payroll software, and Qtrade Direct Investing for self-directed brokerage services. Kindred is a Certified B Corporation and Living Wage Employer, emphasizing its cooperative banking model connecting values and faith with finances.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Kindred Connects: The company's blog featuring articles on financial wellness, community impact, and values-based banking.
Products and services
- Everyday Banking (Chequing and Savings Accounts) Personal chequing accounts (Flex Plan, Value Plan, Unlimited Plan, Generations Plan for youth/students/seniors, Refugee Settlement Account, US Dollar Account) plus savings accounts for individual members and families across Ontario.
- Residential Mortgages Conventional and High Ratio Mortgages with flexible terms (1-5 years, variable or fixed rates, open or closed), pre-approval, portability, and profit share returns. HomeShare Mortgage option for buyers purchasing with friends or extended family.
- Personal Loans and Lines of Credit Term loans for vehicles, investments, and renovations (1-5 year fixed/variable rate options), revolving lines of credit, student credit, home equity line of credit (up to 65% of home value), and overdraft protection for individual members.
- Creation Care Loan Renewable fixed-rate loans for solar energy systems, geo-thermal heating/cooling, and eco-energy audit home upgrades with a 0.5% environmental discount for individual members.
- Affordable Housing Loan Loans for not-for-profit or for-profit organizations developing or providing long-term affordable housing, supported by Affordable Housing GIC impact investment.
- Member Assistance Services Unique lending program combining mutual aid commitment with credit union resources, offering options for members needing help obtaining loans or experiencing financial hardship.
- Wealth Management Services Full-service wealth management for members with multiple properties and complex tax/financial planning needs, including Private Wealth Solutions, delivered through the Aviso Wealth partnership.
- Mutual Funds Pooled investment funds offered in partnership with Aviso Wealth, NEI Investments, and IA Clarington Investments with socially responsible investing (SRI) screening options.
- GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates) Non-redeemable GICs with fixed interest rates, term options, and full socially responsible validation, including a 1-year cashable GIC option and Community Inspiration GICs that donate bonus interest to a designated charity.
- Investment Shares Exclusive Class B Investment Shares for members providing premium dividend rates (4.25% declared for 2025), available in non-registered, RRSP, and TFSA accounts with a minimum 5-year commitment.
- Qtrade Direct Investing Award-winning self-directed online brokerage platform providing zero commission trades for stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds, offered through Qtrade (a division of Aviso Wealth) and accessed by Kindred members.
- Qtrade Guided Portfolios Automated digital wealth (robo-advice) service providing professionally designed portfolios matched to members' needs and goals with continuous oversight and regular rebalancing, offered through Qtrade.
- Business Banking Banking solutions for small businesses, farms, and commercial operations including business accounts, commercial loans, merchant services (Clover POS), payroll processing (Wagepoint), and business credit cards.
- Agricultural Banking Specialized banking for farmers including agricultural mortgages, agricultural loans, AgriInvest accounts, farm record keeping support, succession planning, and CFFO member benefits for livestock and cash crop operations across southwestern Ontario.
- Church / Organization Banking Fee-free or reduced-fee chequing accounts for congregations, registered charities, and not-for-profit organizations, including church mortgages, donations/tithings processing, and community sponsorship programs.
- Collabria Mastercard Credit Cards Personal and business credit cards offered through Collabria Mastercard with low rate, cash back, and travel rewards options; member card usage generates donations to the Kindred Charitable Fund.
- Travel Insurance Travel insurance offered through Allianz Global Assistance providing up to $10 million in out-of-province emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, lost luggage coverage, and 24/7 multilingual support.
- Profit Shares Program Member profit-sharing program that returns 25% of Kindred's annual profits to members based on the volume of business they conduct with the credit union.
Quantifiable outcome
- $1.725 million in Profit Shares shared with members in 2025
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Kindred Credit Union
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Kindred Credit Union technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature4 records
Kindred Credit Union partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Habitat for Humanity Greater OttawacoreKindred partnered as financial partner providing residential mortgages for the Beechcliffe Homes build project, contributing to affordable housing initiatives in the community.
- DUCA Financial Services Credit Union / The DUCA Impact LabcoreCollaboration focused on developing equitable banking solutions for Canadians facing rising financial pressure. Part of existing collaboration including Kindred, Vancity, Coast Capital Savings, and Your Neighbourhood Credit Union. Programs include Escalator Loan program for fair access to credit.
- Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit UnioncoreJoined the credit union collaboration focused on addressing predatory lending and developing equitable banking solutions. Collaboration includes Kindred, Vancity, DUCA Impact Lab, and Your Neighbourhood Credit Union.
- Intellect Design Arena Inc.coreStrategic partnership for eMACH.ai Digital Engagement Platform serving 35 Canadian credit unions with $13B+ in assets under administration and 373,000+ members. Platform provides accelerated member onboarding, advanced digital self-service, and operational efficiency through shared multi-tenant SaaS model. Early adopters include Bulkley Valley, Kindred, and Rosenort credit unions plus League Data representing 32 credit unions.
- Aviso WealthcorePartnership for wealth management, mutual funds, and financial planning services. Kindred's Wealth and Investment Team, in partnership with Aviso Wealth, offers personalized advice and access to a full range of investment products including socially responsible investing options.
- Qtrade Direct InvestingcorePartnership for self-directed investing services. Qtrade Direct Investing is a division of Aviso Wealth Inc., offering online brokerage with $0 commission trades. Also offers Qtrade Guided Portfolios (robo-advice) for automated portfolio management.
- VancitycoreValues-driven credit union collaboration partner working on equitable banking solutions and programs like Escalator Loan to help vulnerable Canadians escape predatory debt cycles.
- Your Neighbourhood Credit UnioncoreValues-driven credit union collaboration partner focused on equitable banking solutions for Canadians facing financial pressure.
- Allianz Global AssistanceminorTravel insurance partnership offering members peace of mind coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Products include up to $10 million in out-of-province emergency medical coverage.
- CollabriacorePartnership for Mastercard credit card issuing. Personal and business cards available with options including low rate, cash back, and travel rewards. Donations to Kindred Charitable Fund based on member card usage.
- Central 1coreTrade association and payment services provider for Canadian credit unions. Services include PaymentStream AFT for automated funds transfer, cheque clearing, and ombudsperson services for complaint resolution.
- NEI InvestmentscoreLeading provider of SRI mutual funds and investment portfolios, offering Canada's largest and most diversified range of socially responsible investment solutions. Partner through Aviso Wealth for SRI offerings.
- Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO)minorSpecial banking offer for CFFO members including business and personal banking products and services tailored to agricultural community needs.
- CUMIS Life Insurance CompanyminorPartnership for Loan and Line of Credit Protection insurance products, offering coverage for total disability, critical illness, or death. Protects loved ones and ensures family home security.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Kindred Credit Union competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Vancity: Vancity is Canada's largest values-driven credit union and a fellow member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values. Both institutions share faith-inspired cooperative banking models, SRI leadership, and equitable banking collaborations targeting vulnerable Canadians—making Vancity the most direct comparable for Kindred.
- Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union: Coast Capital is a major Canadian credit union and partner in Kindred's equitable banking collaboration. Both institutions emphasize values-based banking, ESG commitments, and member community impact—operating as cooperative financial institutions serving values-aligned members.
- DUCA Financial Services Credit Union: DUCA is a partner in Kindred's equitable banking collaboration through the DUCA Impact Lab. Both credit unions target underserved Canadians with fair credit alternatives and share a values-driven cooperative model focused on community impact.
- Meridian Credit Union: Meridian is one of Ontario's largest credit unions serving a similar geographic footprint. Both institutions offer full-service personal and business banking with digital channels, though Meridian operates at significantly larger scale than Kindred.
- Alterna Savings and Credit Union: Alterna is an Ontario-based credit union with community banking focus. Both institutions serve Ontario consumers with full-service personal banking, mortgages, and digital channels, competing in overlapping Southern Ontario markets.
- Your Neighbourhood Credit Union: YNCU is a values-driven credit union partner in Kindred's equitable banking collaboration. Both institutions emphasize cooperative banking models and serve Ontario members with full-service banking products.
- First Ontario Credit Union: First Ontario Credit Union is a community-focused Ontario credit union offering personal and business banking across the Greater Hamilton and Niagara regions. Both institutions serve Ontario members with similar full-service banking products and compete in adjacent Southern Ontario markets.
Broad incumbents
- Desjardins Group: Desjardins is Canada's largest credit union federation operating across Quebec and Ontario. As a broad incumbent cooperative financial institution, Desjardins offers similar products at much greater scale and serves as the dominant credit union benchmark in Canada.
- Tangerine (Scotiabank subsidiary): Tangerine is a major Canadian digital bank offering chequing, savings, mortgages, and investments with no-fee models. As a digital-first incumbent, Tangerine competes with Kindred for Ontario consumers seeking convenient banking experiences.
Emerging players
- Wealthsimple: Wealthsimple is Canada's largest digital wealth management platform offering self-directed investing, robo-advisory, and savings products. As an emerging player, it competes directly with Kindred's Aviso/Qtrade-based investment offerings while targeting similar younger, values-conscious demographics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Kindred Credit Union social profiles
Digital presenceKindred Credit Union financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kindred Credit Union leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Kindred Credit Union funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kindred Credit Union M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kindred Credit Union
What does Kindred Credit Union do?
Kindred Credit Union is a values-centered financial cooperative offering everyday banking (chequing and savings accounts), residential mortgages, consumer and agricultural lending, credit cards (Collabria Mastercard), and wealth management services delivered through partnerships with Aviso Wealth and Qtrade. It serves 29,000+ members across Ontario via 8 physical branches, online banking, and a mobile app, with a member-owned cooperative model that returns 25% of profits to members through Profit Shares.
Is Kindred Credit Union a public or private company?
Kindred Credit Union is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was Kindred Credit Union founded?
Kindred Credit Union was founded in 1964. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Kindred Credit Union based?
Kindred Credit Union is headquartered in Kitchener, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Kindred Credit Union make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Interest Income is the primary driver. The others are member Fee Income, investment Products Distribution, credit Card Interchange and specialty Lending Programs.
Who are Kindred Credit Union's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Vancity, Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union, DUCA Financial Services Credit Union, Meridian Credit Union, Alterna Savings and Credit Union, Your Neighbourhood Credit Union and First Ontario Credit Union. Broad incumbents are Desjardins Group and Tangerine (Scotiabank subsidiary). Wealthsimple is listed as an emerging player.
Does Kindred Credit Union have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kindred Credit Union.
What industry is Kindred Credit Union in?
Kindred Credit Union's product category is Retail Banking. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSABAEAH, Faith-Based & Affinity Credit Unions, with a secondary code of FSABAEAA, Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus). Its NAICS code is 52213 and its SIC code is 6141.