Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Community Credit Union in Syracuse, NY
Cooperative Federal is a mission-driven, community-owned credit union founded in 1982 by local organizers committed to social and economic justice. We prioritize financial inclusion for underserved communities, offering services like personal and business loans, mortgage programs, and financial education. Our focus on local investment ensures members' savings support Syracuse neighborhoods through lending to individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits.We hold certifications as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and maintain federal insurance through the NCUA. Our bilingual services and community partnerships reflect a 40-year commitment to equity, sustainability, and member ownership.
Services
Personal Loans
Auto Loans
Mortgage Loans
Financial Counseling
Checking Accounts
Savings Accounts
Credit Cards
Small Business Loans
Immigration Loans
Home Equity Loans
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer HUD-certified housing counseling and down payment assistance programs
- Our credit union specializes in immigrant-friendly financial services and loans
- Local decision-making ensures community-specific needs guide our lending practices
- We provide free financial literacy education and personalized credit-building tools
- Our member-owned structure prioritizes community impact over corporate profits
Associations and certifications
- National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
- Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
What people say
Family vibe
Stress-free process
Personal interest
Community investment
Supportive specialists
Services
Personal Loans
Flexible personal loans for debt consolidation, medical expenses, and major purchases. We offer competitive rates with options for secured and unsecured financing. Our credit union considers individual circumstances rather than relying solely on credit scores, making loans accessible to members with diverse financial backgrounds.
Homebuyer Program
Down payment grants up to $20,000 combined with mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers. Includes mandatory financial counseling and education courses. Our program prioritizes underserved communities with special eligibility pathways for first-generation homebuyers and residents of majority-minority census tracts.
Financial Counseling
Free HUD-certified housing counseling and credit-building services. Our certified counselors provide personalized guidance for budgeting, debt management, and homeownership preparation. Sessions available in-person, by phone, or via video conferencing to accommodate all members' needs.
Immigration Loans
Specialized loans for immigration-related expenses including legal fees, travel costs, and documentation. These 12-72 month term loans offer lower rates than predatory alternatives like payday loans. Requires proof of immigration expense and valid identification for approval.
Credit Builder Loans
Secured loans designed to establish or rebuild credit history. Funds are held in a restricted account while monthly payments get reported to credit bureaus. Offers 3.95% fixed APR with loan amounts from $300-$2,000, helping members build credit while creating emergency savings.
People
Christina Sauve
CEO
Christina leads Cooperative Federal with 15+ years of credit union experience, focusing on racial equity and community development. She previously served as COO during the credit union's pandemic-era expansion.
Chelsea Conley
Operations Manager
Chelsea oversees daily operations and member services, ensuring alignment with Cooperative Federal's social justice mission while maintaining operational excellence across all branch locations.
Thom Dellwo
Financial Counselor
Thom provides personalized financial guidance, specializing in credit repair and homeownership preparation. He holds certifications in housing counseling and debt management strategies.
Questions
How do I qualify for membership?
We serve Syracuse and Central New York residents through multiple eligibility pathways including geographic location, employer groups, and membership in partner organizations.
What loan programs help first-time homebuyers?
Our Homebuyer Dream Program offers grants up to $20,000 combined with mortgage loans, plus mandatory counseling and education to ensure long-term homeownership success.
Do you offer financial education resources?
Yes, we provide free financial counseling, online courses, and workshops covering budgeting, credit building, and homeownership preparation for all members.
Can I access banking services online?
Our online banking platform offers account management, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and loan applications 24/7 with enhanced security features for all transactions.
How does Cooperative Federal support local communities?
We reinvest 100% of deposits locally through loans for affordable housing, small businesses, and community organizations while maintaining our social justice founding principles.
Reviews (3)
Stephannie Luevano
Dec 11, 2018
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This is a great credit union the staff are friendly and helpful. They are community oriented and offer a variety of consumer products and business loans. They really care about their members. Love this place.
Olga'S. Treasures
Jun 17, 2016
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It is super hard trying to closed an account from then. Two years ago they make some internal change and my account no longer exists if I want to continue with them I have to change to a different number of account .I was not interesting so they closed the account , but I just has to pay the remained balance in the account; I was paying ,but 2 years later I went to pay in full every thing and finally finish with that and my surprise was when they told me "the account "never was closed. That day was a nightmares fix the account and closed it finally was a mess they finally gave me a letter with
Kyle M.
Jun 25, 2014
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I was disappointed with the lack of professionalism at this institution. I was excited to get a credit union set up when I moved to Syracuse, but this place has a lot of growing to do before I would ever set something up with them. My experience was as followed:
1) When I was setting up my account, I was not invited to sit anywhere. Instead, I had to stand at the teller throughout the rather lengthy process. Meanwhile all the other clients coming in were tied up since I was taking the time of one of two tellers. Every other institution I have opened an account with, has brought me to a semi private
1) When I was setting up my account, I was not invited to sit anywhere. Instead, I had to stand at the teller throughout the rather lengthy process. Meanwhile all the other clients coming in were tied up since I was taking the time of one of two tellers. Every other institution I have opened an account with, has brought me to a semi private
