---
title: Truly Local Advice | Credit Unions
description: Credit Unions | Learn more about banking, investing and managing your money from the Truly Local Advice blog. Trust our Advisors to bring you stories and articles that matter to you.
---

[**](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/tag/credit-unions#tmpmodule_1568761248550301)

- [Find a Branch/ATM](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)
- [Rates](https://www.penfinancial.com/rates)
- [Careers](https://www.penfinancial.com/careers)
- [Become a Member](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/become-a-member)
- [Refer a friend](https://www.penfinancial.com/referrals)
- [CALL US: 1-866-866-6641](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us#call-us)

****

[![PenFinancial Credit Union](https://www.penfinancial.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PFCU-2017Logo_CMYK-PNG.png?width=220&height=69&name=PFCU-2017Logo_CMYK-PNG.png)

![PenFinancial Credit Union](https://www.penfinancial.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PFCU-2017Logo_Web-Res.png?width=288&height=90&name=PFCU-2017Logo_Web-Res.png) 

](https://www.penfinancial.com)

[![LOGIN](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6680345/9e666b20-82c2-44e9-a6d1-8768d8611aa8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6680345/9e666b20-82c2-44e9-a6d1-8768d8611aa8)

[**](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/tag/credit-unions#tmpmodule_1568761248550301)

- [Personal](https://www.penfinancial.com)
    - [Become a Member](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/become-a-member)
    - [Chequing Accounts](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/chequing-accounts)
    - [Savings Accounts](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/savings-accounts)
    - [Credit Cards](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/credit-cards)
    - [Mortgages](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/mortgages)
    - [Loans and Lines of Credit](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/loans-lines-of-credit)
    - [Ways to Bank](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/ways-to-bank)
    - [Meet our Advisors](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us/advisors)
    - [Estate Planning](https://www.penfinancial.com/estate-planning/settling-an-estate)
    - [Tools & Calculators](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/calculators)
- [Business](https://www.penfinancial.com/business)
    - [Banking Accounts](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/accounts)
    - [Credit Cards](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/credit-cards)
    - [PenCommunity & Non-Profit Accounts ](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/non-profit-accounts)
    - [Loans and Financing](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/financing)
    - [Investments](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/investments)
    - [Account Fees and Forms](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/fees-forms)
    - [Meet the Business Team](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/meet-the-team)
- [Investing](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing)
    - [Wealth Management Services](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/wealth-management)
    - [GICs & Index Linked GICs](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/gics)
    - [First Home Savings Account - FHSA](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/fhsa)
    - [Tax-Free Savings Account](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/tfsa)
    - [Retirement - RRSP](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/rrsp)
    - [Education - RESP](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/resp)
    - [Retirement Fund - RRIF](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/rrif)
    - [Disability - RDSP](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/rdsp)
    - [Qtrade Guided Portfolios](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/qtradeguidedportfolios)
    - [Self Investing - Qtrade](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/qtrade)
    - [Niagara Shares](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/niagara-shares)
    - [Meet our Advisors](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us/advisors)
    - [Tools and Calculators](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/calculators)
- [About PenFi](https://www.penfinancial.com/about)
    - [Truly Local Commitment](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/truly-local-commitment)
          - [How We Give Back](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/giving-back)
          - [Truly Local Grant Program](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/truly-local-grant-program)
          - [Book the Community Room](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/truly-local-commitment/community-room)
    - [Vision and Values](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/values)
    - [News & Media](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/news-media)
    - [Board of Directors](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/board-of-directors)
- [Contact Us](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)

**

###### Day to Day Banking

- [Chequing Accounts](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/chequing-accounts)
- [Savings Accounts](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/savings-accounts)
- [Credit Cards](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/credit-cards)
- [Ways to Bank](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/ways-to-bank)

###### Borrowing & Investing

- [Mortgages](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/mortgages)
- [Loans and Lines of Credit](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/loans-lines-of-credit)
- [Investing](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing)
- [Rates](https://www.penfinancial.com/rates)

###### Resources

- [Become a Member](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/become-a-member)
- [Meet our Advisors](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us/advisors)
- [Digital Banking Tips](https://www.penfinancial.com/digitalbanking)
- [Estate Planning](https://www.penfinancial.com/estate-planning/estate-planning-and-settlement-services)
- [Tools & Calculators](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/calculators)
- [Fraud Prevention Centre](https://www.penfinancial.com/fraud-prevention)
- [Contact Us](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)

**CONTACT CENTRE**

Our truly local representatives are here to serve you:  
[1-866-866-6641](tel:1-866-866-6641)

[Learn More →](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)

###### Daily Business Banking

- [Banking Accounts](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/accounts)
- [Credit Cards](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/credit-cards)
- [PenCommunity & Non-Profit Accounts](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/non-profit-accounts)

###### Borrowing & Investing

- [Loans & Financing](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/financing)
- [Investments](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/investments)

###### Resources

- [Account Fees and Forms](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/fees-forms)
- [Meet the Team](https://www.penfinancial.com/business/meet-the-team)

**CONTACT CENTRE**

Our truly local representatives are here to serve you:  
[1-866-866-6641](tel:1-866-866-6641)

[Learn More →](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)

###### Investments

- [GICs & Index Linked GICs](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/gics)
- [First Home Savings Account - FHSA](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/fhsa)
- [Tax-Free Savings Account - TFSA](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/tfsa)
- [Retirement - RRSP](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/rrsp)
- [Education - RESP](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/resp)
- [Niagara Shares](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/niagara-shares)

- [Self Investing - Qtrade](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/qtrade)
- [Qtrade Guided Portfolios](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/qtradeguidedportfolios)
- [Retirement Fund -RRIF](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/rrif)
- [Disability - RDSP](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/rdsp)

###### Resources

- [Wealth Management Services](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing/wealth-management)
- [Tools & Calculators](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/calculators)
- [Meet Our Advisors](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us/advisors)
- [Contact Us](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)

**CONTACT CENTRE**

Our truly local representatives are here to serve you:  
[1-866-866-6641](tel:1-866-866-6641)

[Learn More →](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)

###### About PenFi

- [Truly Local Commitment](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/truly-local-commitment)
- [How We Give Back](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/giving-back)
- [Truly Local Grant Program](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/truly-local-grant-program)
- [Community Room](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/truly-local-commitment/community-room)

- [Vision and Values](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/values)
- [Our History](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/history)
- [Board of Directors](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/board-of-directors)

- [News and Media](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/news-media)
- [Events](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/events)
- [Contact Us](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)
- [Policies](https://www.penfinancial.com/policies)

**CONTACT CENTRE**

Our truly local representatives are here to serve you:  
[1-866-866-6641](tel:1-866-866-6641)

[Learn More →](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us)

###### 5 min read

## [More Than Just Banking: The Power of Being a Truly Local Credit Union](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/more-than-just-banking-the-power-of-being-a-truly-local-credit-union)

 By [Dana Brown](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/author/dana) on Jul 15, 2026 12:10:25 PM

[![](https://www.penfinancial.com/hubfs/NEW%20JHC%202.jpg) ](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/more-than-just-banking-the-power-of-being-a-truly-local-credit-union)

At PenFinancial, being Truly Local is the reason we exist.

As a member-owned financial co-operative with deep roots in Niagara and Haldimand, every decision we make is guided by the belief that the success of our Members and the prosperity of our region go hand in hand.

[When you choose to bank with PenFinancial](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/become-a-member), you’re choosing a credit union that is committed to reinvesting in the people, organizations, and neighbourhoods we serve. The money you entrust to us help support local members, families, and businesses, while a portion of our profits is reinvested through grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and community initiatives.

###### Topics: [Credit Unions](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/credit-unions) [Truly Local Articles](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/truly-local-articles) [Social Responsibility](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/social-responsibility) [Truly Local Commitment](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/truly-local-commitment)

###### 2 min read

## [Continuing to Support the Fonthill Community](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/continuing-to-support-the-fonthill-community)

 By [PenFinancial Credit Union](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/author/penfinancial-credit-union) on Oct 23, 2023 10:56:00 AM

[![](https://www.penfinancial.com/hubfs/PenFinancial-Supporting-The-Fonthill-Community-800x533.jpg) ](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/continuing-to-support-the-fonthill-community)

## What does truly local banking mean to you?

At many banks, it could mean the ability to walk into a branch located in your community. And while we agree with that, at PenFinancial, it also means that we reinvest significant portion of our profits directly back into the local communities in Niagara, like Fonthill.

The rest of our profits? Well they go back into the products and services right here at PenFinancial, Niagara’s truly local Credit Union.

###### Topics: [Credit Unions](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/credit-unions) [Truly Local Articles](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/truly-local-articles) [Social Responsibility](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/social-responsibility)

###### 4 min read

## [When is it time to switch financial institutions?](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/when-is-it-time-to-switch-financial-institutions)

 By [PenFinancial Credit Union](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/author/penfinancial-credit-union) on Jan 12, 2018 1:01:51 PM

[![](https://www.penfinancial.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/farmer.jpg) ](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/when-is-it-time-to-switch-financial-institutions)

Financial institutions are not all created equal and neither are their Members.  As a member of the team at PenFinancial Credit Union, I get to see how unique our Members and their needs are and how we can help them everyday. 

###### Topics: [Small Business](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/small-business) [Credit Unions](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/credit-unions)

###### 3 min read

## [Solve your banking woes: Trust a credit union](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/solve-your-banking-woes-trust-a-credit-union)

 By [Claire](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/author/claire) on Apr 18, 2017 12:15:43 PM

[![](https://www.penfinancial.com/hubfs/Credit-Union-Comparison.jpg) ](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/solve-your-banking-woes-trust-a-credit-union)

## A growing problem

Many Canadians trust their finances – and a large portion of their livelihood – to one of five major banks in Canada. They trust the banks, and their employees, to offer solid advice and good products and services to manage their money.

###### Topics: [Credit Unions](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/credit-unions) [Truly Local Articles](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/topic/truly-local-articles)

[All posts](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice/all)

###### MEMBER LOGIN

MEMBER LOGIN

- [Online Banking](https://online.penfinancial.com/)
- [PenFi Collabria Mastercard®](https://www.collabriacreditcards.ca/affiliate_penfinancial-credit-union/)
- [Qtrade Direct Investing™](https://www.qtrade.ca/partner.jsp?skin=penfinancial)
- [Qtrade Guided Portfolios](https://www.guidedportfolios.qtrade.ca/?partner=penfinancial)

###### BANKING

BANKING

- [Become a Member](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/become-a-member)
- [Ways to Bank](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/ways-to-bank)
- [Rates](https://www.penfinancial.com/rates)
- [Investing with PenFi](https://www.penfinancial.com/investing)

###### RESOURCES

RESOURCES

- [Tools and Calculators](https://www.penfinancial.com/personal/calculators)
- [Truly Local Advice Blog](https://www.penfinancial.com/advice)
- [Branch/ATM Locator](https://info.penfinancial.com/branches-and-atms)
- [Retirement Calculator](https://info.penfinancial.com/retirement-calculator)

###### ABOUT PENFI

ABOUT PENFI

- [Truly Local Commitment](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/truly-local-commitment)
- [Board of Directors](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/board-of-directors)
- [News & Media](https://www.penfinancial.com/about/news-media)
- [Meet our Advisors](https://www.penfinancial.com/contact-us/advisors)

- [Careers](https://www.penfinancial.com/careers)
- [Privacy & Security](https://www.penfinancial.com/privacy)
- [Accessibility](https://www.penfinancial.com/accessibility)
- [Legal](https://www.penfinancial.com/legal)
- [Policies](https://www.penfinancial.com/policies)

Copyright © 2026 PenFinancial Credit Union  
 PenFinancial Credit Union is a licensed credit union operating in, and under the laws of the province of Ontario.

[![Deposits insured through FSRA](https://www.penfinancial.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos%20and%20Icons/FSRA.png?width=120&name=FSRA.png)](https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/credit-unions-and-deposit-insurance)[Deposit Insurance](https://www.penfinancial.com/deposit-insurance)

[**](https://www.facebook.com/PenFinancial/)[**](https://www.instagram.com/penfinancial)[**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/penfinancial-credit-union/)[**](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOuXst6f_ekOc-Je3sohatw)

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**