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AlaTrust Credit Union gives back to its members to help save for a rainy day — L-R: Rachel Kang and Karla Keplinger are just two of the smiling faces who work at AlaTrust Credit Union in Birmingham. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

If you’re an investor in a company, stock portfolio or real estate, your goal is to receive dividends on that financial gamble. But everyday banking services? You’d be pleased to simply find a financial institution that’s easy, affordable and friendly. Well, what if you could have it both ways?

We found a locally-centered credit union that provides all of those things…plus, they returned a total of nearly $600,000 in dividends to their approximately 13,000 members last year alone.

See how AlaTrust Credit Union has earned the trust of its members right here in Birmingham for more than 90 years, learn how they’re investing in the community and find out how you could be one of the members seeing an annual dividend back in your account, too.

Why is my credit union depositing money in my account?

If you’re wondering exactly how (or why) a financial institution gives back to its members, it’s because they’re a not-for-profit financial institution, which means they never have to factor in profit for stockholders. Instead, they focus on giving back to the community and their members.

These efforts have resulted in numerous charitable contributions and more than 3 million dollars in combined dividends back to members over the last decade!

Though annual amounts can vary, on December 31, 2025, all members received a 1% dividend bonus automatically deposited into their accounts just for being a member and 5% back on their loan interest as well.*

“At AlaTrust, our members are the reason we exist. Giving nearly $600,000 back in 2025 isn’t about a promotion or a one-time milestone. It’s about staying true to who we are as a not-for-profit credit union.

When we do well, our members do well, and that shared success is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

_{Shelley McLaughlin, Vice President of Operations, AlaTrust Credit Union}

*Members over 60 days delinquent on loans, in bankruptcy, with charge-offs and overdrafts (not opted in to ODP), as well as members with less than $100 in their account are not eligible for the interest rebate or bonus dividend.

Why should I trust AlaTrust?

Birmingham Board of Education building. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

_{L-R: The Birmingham Board of Education (Nathan Watson/ Bham Now); AlaTrust’s Hoover HQ (Alatrust Credit Union)}

As one of the first credit unions in the country, AlaTrust got its start 91 years ago specifically for educators. It was created in association with the Birmingham Board of Education and known as the Birmingham Credit Union.

Membership eventually became community-chartered and eligibility expanded beyond educators to serve both its existing educator population and a much broader group of anyone who lives, works or worships in the credit union’s member counties (more on that below). To reflect this growth, the Birmingham Credit Union changed its name to AlaTrust Credit Union in 2014.

But it’s more than just longevity that helps build members’ trust. Member reviews via Google ratings rank it at 4.8/5 stars (find excerpts at the bottom of their homepage), and BauerFinancial, an independent financial ranking system, has consistently awarded AlaTrust 5 stars for financial health.

Tip for teachers: While you no longer have to be an educator to be an AlaTrust member, they offer some excellent perks for teachers. Visit here to explore their Homeroom program, with discounted mortgage rates and donations back to a school program of your choosing.

How can you get in on this?

AlaTrust helped members save over $600k last year — The sunny smiles at AlaTrust make even a rainy Bham day a little brighter. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Joining a credit union vs a traditional bank is a little different, sure, but the good news is: It’s quick, affordable and easy! In fact, you only have to meet one of these requirements to join:

Live, work or worship in one of 12 Central Alabama counties: Calhoun, Coosa, Cullman, Elmore, Jefferson, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Walker or Winston.
Be an employee of AlaTrust’s Sponsored Employer Group (SEG).
Have a family member who’s an existing AlaTrust member
Contribute to the AlaTrust4U Foundation (minimum one-time donation of $25)

Interested in starting your own rainy-day savings fund, seeing funds trickle back into your account at the end of the year and enjoying the umbrella of great, friendly and local service AlaTrust provides? Click here to learn more.

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