meet the Ignite team
Being a member of Ignite Credit Union gives you access to new and exciting products and services, along with more locations to do your banking. All while preserving the history, legacy and personal touch of the credit union you know and love.
At Ignite Credit Union, we’re all about serving the financial needs of the local community—that’s you! We deeply value our relationships with our members. We show it through our unconditional, understanding local service.
our core values
and Respect
We believe that friendly employees and intelligent technology allow us to deliver awesome service. We help meet our members’ financial needs through competitive rates and simple, effective financial products.
advancing lives
with a spark of financial freedom
what you need to know
What's a Credit Union?
A Credit Union is a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution organized to promote thrift and provide credit to members. It’s member-owned and controlled through a board of directors elected by the membership. The board serves on a volunteer basis and may hire a management team to run the Credit Union. The board also establishes and revises policy, sets dividend and loan rates, and directs certain operations. The result: members are provided with a safe, convenient place to save and borrow at reasonable rates at an institution which exists to benefit them, not to make a profit.
Who owns a Credit Union?
Most financial institutions are owned by stockholders, who own a part of the institution and intend to make money from their investment. That’s not how credit unions operate; rather, each Credit Union member owns one “share” of the organization. The user of Credit Union services is also an owner, and is even entitled to vote on important issues, such as the election of member representatives to serve on the board of directors.
How does your board of directors differ from a bank?
All members of a Credit Union’s board of directors are unpaid volunteers. This is different from a bank’s board of directors, which is made up of paid shareholders.
How did Credit Unions start?
The first Credit Union cooperatives were established in Germany over a century ago. Today, Credit Unions are found everywhere in the world. The United States’ Credit Union movement began in Manchester, New Hampshire. There, the St. Mary’s Cooperative Credit Association, a church-affiliated Credit Union, opened its doors in 1909. Today, one in every three Americans is a Credit Union member.
What is the purpose of a Credit Union?
The primary purpose of Credit Unions is to further their goal of service by encouraging members to save money. Another purpose is to offer loans to members. In fact, Credit Unions have traditionally made loans to people of ordinary means. Credit Unions can charge lower rates for loans (as well as pay higher dividends on savings) because they’re not-for-profit cooperatives. Rather than paying profits to stockholders, Credit Unions return earnings to members in the form of dividends or improved services.
Who can join a Credit Union?
Credit Unions and banks offer many of the same products and services. However, we’re quite different in our approach to serving you, as you are our member-owners. Our employees are also dedicated to making a positive impact. Civic-minded, we live in the same communities as you. We shop at the same stores and attend the same schools and churches. Like you, we have a stake in this community and in your personal success.
Typically a Credit Union exists to serve a specific group of people, such as those who live in a specific geographic location, a group of employees or the members of a professional or religious group. This is called a “field of membership.” The field of membership may include where they live, where they work, or their membership in a social or economic group. We serve the entire state of Michigan.
What is 'Spark the Love'?
Spark the Love means spreading goodwill in our communities with random acts of kindness and community engagement. If you’ve received one of our Spark the Love cards, then chances are you’ve already experienced a little bit of what Spark the Love can do-be it a free meal, a tank of gas or any other gesture to lighten your load and brighten your day.
How is a Credit Union structured?
Credit Unions are not-for-profit. Our earnings are given back to our member-owners in the form of higher dividend and lower loan rates. Local and national banks exist to generate profit for shareholders.
How do your fees compare to a bank?
Fees generally account for one-third of banks’ total profits. Credit Union fees are typically lower.
Where do the Credit Union's earnings go?
Credit Union earnings are given back to members in the form of higher dividends, lower loan rates and other improved services. Bank earnings are paid out directly to shareholders.
How do Credit Unions interact with each other?
Credit Unions cooperate with each other through services such as the CO-OP ATM and Shared Branch Network. Banks generally compete with one another for customers, deposits, loans and market share rather than sharing cooperative networks.
Are savings deposits insured?
Yes. All savings accounts are insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA, the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government.
Do you offer scholarships?
Ignite Credit Union is proud to award ten (10) $1,000 scholarships to members who are furthering their education at an accredited college, university or trade school. We believe in supporting individuals who exemplify our values of putting people first, leading with authenticity and respect, empowering through education, creating positive energy and being unstoppable.
See below for details on how you can get an extra $1,000 to put toward your education.
Interested? Here’s what we’ll need:
- A completed and signed application
Most recent transcript (official or unofficial accepted) - Proof of enrollment or acceptance from your college, university, or trade school
- Two current (not past 60 days) letters of recommendation from teachers, guidance counselors, employers, or school administrators; letters from family will not be accepted
- A typed, double-spaced essay (500 words or more) letting us know how you live out the core values of Ignite Credit Union
Who can apply?
- Anyone enrolled in college, university, or trade school
- A person meeting the above requirements who hasn’t won previously
Stay tuned for more information about our 2027 scholarship applications and how to apply!
How do I apply for a job at Ignite?
At Ignite Credit Union you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll discover a career where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported and your impact is felt. Join a dynamic team committed to fostering financial well-being and building stronger communities. If you’re looking for a role where you can thrive professionally while making a difference, Ignite your future with us today!