The nonprofit American Consumer Council (ACC) is a gateway to credit union membership for many Americans. At its core, the council focuses on consumer education, advocacy, and financial literacy.

However, council membership can also be a path to the many benefits of credit union membership, such as attractive interest rates for savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs). Some credit unions on Investopedia’s lists of best high-yield savings accounts and best CD rates partner with the ACC. So, joining the ACC could make you eligible to receive those competitive rates.

Key Takeaways

• The American Consumer Council is a nonprofit consumer advocacy and education group.
• Many credit unions use council membership to offer credit union membership to any qualified person nationwide who might not otherwise be able to join the credit union.
• Joining the American Consumer Council Membership as a credit union member is often free.

How the American Consumer Council Works

The San Diego-based American Consumer Council (ACC), established in 1987, provides consumer education, consumer advocacy, and financial literacy to its more than 400,000 members across 54 state, regional, and local affiliates Thomas Hinton is president and CEO of the ACC. 

Note

The American Consumer Council reported $1.85 million in assets, $1.08 million in revenue and $683,000 in expenses in 2023. 

Some credit unions in the U.S. partner with ACC to open the door to credit union membership, products, and services for people who don’t qualify for credit union membership through other methods. 

Consumer Education

ACC provides free personal finance and estate planning workshops to credit union members through local credit unions. Other ACC services offered to members and the broader public include: 

• A monthly consumer newsletter
• Friend of the Consumer Award for consumer-friendly businesses
• Green C Certification program for eco-friendly businesses
• Financial literacy and planning workshops and video series
• Financial education for teens

How Credit Union Membership Works

Credit unions were created as organized groups of people with a common bond, such as working at the same employer, attending the same university, or belonging to the military. Geographic common bonds also help people qualify for credit union membership.

Credit unions wanting to allow any qualified individual to join sometimes partner with nationally available organizations such as the American Consumer Council, which anyone can join.

ACC membership enables credit union membership and the council offers access to tools, resources and workshops at no cost to council members or credit unions. “It’s a win-win in helping people reach their financial goals," Anthony Demangone, chief membership and engagement officer for the America’s Credit Unions trade group, to Investopedia by email.

“Credit unions are the original consumer protector,” Demangone said. “Like the American Consumer Council, credit unions and America’s Credit Unions focus on consumer advocacy and protection. This is just another layer to assist members in fostering financial health and well-being.”

By the end of 2023, more than 140 million people were members of the 4,689 credit unions in the U.S. Credit unions controlled 9.9% of deposits at U.S. financial institutions as of June 2023.

Credit Union Membership: An Example

Austin-based Amplify Credit Union is an example of a credit union allowing credit union membership by joining the ACC to those who qualify. Ways to qualify for membership are:

• Living, working or studying in Texas
• Being a relative of a current member
• Joining partner organizations such as the American Consumer Council’s Texas affiliate

One of the cooperative principles that drives all credit unions is an ongoing commitment to financial education and training, Matthew Monagle, director of brand and communications at Amplify Credit Union, told Investopedia by email. This makes the American Consumer Council a valuable partner to many credit unions. Both organizations work together to help people navigate their personal finances.

"And where credit unions may help members build their skills in budgeting or money management, the American Consumer Council ensures that they are making smart choices, big and small, with how they spend their money," Monagle said.

Credit Unions Partnering With the ACC

Here are more examples of credit unions, including federal credit unions, that partner with the ACC. Because these credit unions work with ACC, anyone in the U.S. can join:

• Amplify Credit Union
• Andrews Federal Credit Union
• CBC Federal Credit Union
• Credit Human
• Department of Commerce Federal Credit Union
• Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union
• Financial Partners Credit Union
• Financial Resources Federal Credit Union
• Great River Federal Credit Union
• Mountain America Credit Union
• State Department Federal Credit Union

How to Join the American Consumer Council

A credit union working with ACC typically allows you join the ACC and credit union simultaneously. Credit unions generally cover the $15 fee for a lifetime council membership.

A credit union will usually automatically handle your enrollment in the ACC when you apply to become a credit union member through your council membership. You can potentially also join both if you apply for a certificate of deposit (CD) account or a personal loan.

Or join through ACC’s website at $15 for an individual lifetime membership and $75 for a business. You’re asked to check consumer products of interest (such as food and beverages, insurance, apparel or housing), but filling out this information isn’t required. You will be required to provide your name, email, phone number, and credit card information at a minimum. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Benefits of Joining a Credit Union?

Among the potential benefits of joining a credit union are higher interest rates on savings products such as CDs and money market accounts compared to banks, lower interest rates on credit cards and loans, and low or no fees.

Can Anyone Join a Credit Union?

Generally, anyone can join a credit union if they have a “common bond” with its members. Common bonds include working for the same employer, a bond of geographic location (where you work, live, attend school or worship), or membership in a group such as a church, labor union, or school. 

What Do Consumer Organizations Do?

In general, consumer organizations are national, state or local groups that protect consumers' interests and support consumer protection laws. Examples include the Consumer Federation of America, the National Consumer Law Center and Public Citizen.

The Bottom Line

If you want to boost your knowledge about money while also qualifying to join a credit union, the American Consumer Council might be a viable option. Council membership can help step up your financial know-how through workshops and videos and give you a ticket to credit union membership.

Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

1. ACC. "American Consumer Council."

2. ProPublica. "American Consumer Council."

3. CUNA. "America's Credit Unions."

4. ACC. "Join Now."

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