Opportunities Credit Union

Founded in 1989, Opportunities Credit Union is Vermont’s only community development credit union. Uniquely committed to Vermonters of low wealth, Opportunities’ mission is to build wealth, community, and opportunity through a fair and affordable financial system. Our primary market is Vermont’s 90,000 low-income households throughout the state. Member incomes average 30% below Vermont average incomes and 72% of our members have less than $25 in savings. Most members have been refused financial services by mainstream institutions. Our members are more likely to be solicited by and use predatory products and services at very high cost, and they are the least likely to understand the choices available to them. They are also the first and hardest hit by rapid declines in the economy including the rising cost of transportation, home heating, food, and other basic necessities, and they are the slowest to recover when the economy turns around.