Bank Where You Work and Get Financial Support That’s Personal

Serving 16,000 members, Duke Credit Union offers a range of accounts and personal guidance

Two women shake hands outside the Duke Credit Union
Duke Medical Interpreter Silvia Cartagena, left, began working with Duke Credit Union Financial Guidance Counselor Cassandra Taylor, right, to establish short- and long-term financial goals. Photo by Travis Stanley

One of the first things Silvia Cartagena did when she started working for Duke as a Medical Interpreter in 2017 was join the Duke Credit Union.

Cartagena has always joined her workplace credit union whenever one was available. So, she’s often surprised to meet Duke colleagues who have never heard of the Duke Credit Union, which has served members of the Duke community since 1968.

“It’s a benefit hidden in plain sight,” Cartagena said. “This is money that comes from us, that is for us – for our own benefit.”

Duke Credit Union is open to membership for all Duke University and Duke University Health System employees who are paid in North Carolina, along with students and alumni of Duke, retired employees, Duke-affiliated organizations and immediate family members of those who qualify.

Membership, which requires a $25 deposit into any account and a one-time $5 fee, gives access to a credit union that serves roughly 16,000 members. The credit union has a physical branch for in-person transactions, and members can access their accounts through online banking or a mobile app.

“We’re more of a boutique bank, in a way, in that we can offer really personalized service,” said Jennifer Sider, Director of Marketing at Duke Credit Union.

The Duke Credit Union offers payroll deduction for a variety of savings accounts and provides a range of products and services, including:

two women sit at a desk in an office
Silvia Cartagena, left, says Financial Guidance Counselor Cassandra Taylor, right, helped her get a low-interest loan approved quickly when she had unexpected car repair expenses. Photo by Travis Stanley

Lower Interest Rates

Auto loans, personal loans and credit card interest rates are generally lower than at most banks.

For instance, Duke Credit Union offers credit card rates as low as 8.5%, while the Credit Union National Association reports the average bank in North Carolina offers a credit card interest rate of 18.75%.

Special Events and Services

Each year, Duke Credit Union offers $3,000 undergraduate scholarships to three Duke Credit Union members or the child of a member.

Members can also take advantage of estate planning services during scheduled "Wills Days," as well as participate in an annual Shred Event to securely discard sensitive documents.

Doing Good

As a nonprofit, Duke Credit Union diverts some dividends to its designated charity, Duke Children’s Hospital.

Additionally, Duke Credit Union partners with LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program, and the Duke Cancer Institute to fund two Pets at Duke employee visits with therapy dogs per month.

Personal Financial Guidance

Cartagena worked with Duke Credit Union Financial Guidance Counselor Cassandra Taylor to establish short-term and long-term financial goals. When Cartagena had unexpected car repairs and expensive moving expenses, a low-interest loan was quickly approved, and money was deposited directly into her account.

“There can be some unexpected things that can be expensive that you didn’t plan for,” Cartagena said. “For me, it has been instrumental because I know I can get extra help – and you really are saving money with a low interest rate compared with other banks and you are strengthening your FICO score when you repay your loan on time.”

Learn more about the Duke Credit Union at dukefcu.org.

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