Bank anywhere life takes you: How Purdue Federal Credit Union’s CO-OP shared branch network benefits members

Life doesn’t always keep you close to home — and your bank shouldn’t have to either. Purdue Federal Credit Union’s participation in the CO-OP shared branch network allows members to access their accounts at thousands of credit union locations nationwide while still enjoying the personalized service of their local branch.

“Big banks might have a branch on every corner, but they also often have additional fees and costs. With shared branches, you can get the best of both worlds,” said Jim Dougherty, vice president of retail sales and service at Purdue Federal.

The shared branch network is especially useful for students and recent graduates who move across the country after finishing school. Purdue Federal wanted a way to continue serving those members wherever they go, ensuring that access to their accounts isn’t interrupted by a move or a change in lifestyle.

“We have a lot of students who open accounts while in college, but after graduation, they go all over the country. By participating in shared branching, our members can always access their accounts, no matter where life takes them,” Dougherty said.

Using a shared branch is simple, but members need a few things ready before their first visit. To maintain security, they should bring a valid government-issued ID and know their account or member number. This ensures transactions are processed correctly and safeguards members’ accounts from unauthorized access.

Members can complete a wide range of transactions at shared branches, including:

• Depositing money
• Withdrawing funds
• Transferring money
• Checking account balances
• Making loan payments
• Requesting cashier’s checks

Some transactions, like starting a new loan or opening a new account, can be done online through Purdue Federal’s Virtual Branch. However, for everyday banking needs, shared branches provide convenience and flexibility wherever members travel. They offer 260 shared branches in Indiana and more than 5,600 shared branches nationwide.

“We’ve had great success with members staying with us, even when they move to California or New York. They can access their accounts easily, which helps maintain that relationship we built while they were students,” he said.

Finding a shared branch is straightforward. Members can search on the Purdue Federal website by visiting purduefed.com/locations or download the Shared Branch app, which shows thousands of participating locations across the country. Whether members are traveling for work, school, or vacation, they rarely have to go far to access their accounts.

The shared branch network also reflects the cooperative philosophy of credit unions, ensuring members receive consistent, member-focused service wherever they go.

“One good thing is we know that members are going into another credit union, and credit unions all have that ‘people helping people’ philosophy. I’d much rather them go there knowing they’ll get great service,” he said.

Even beyond convenience, Purdue Federal emphasizes the personal connection that sets credit unions apart. Members are more than account numbers — they are part of a community where staff know their names, their preferences, and their goals.

“We treat our members like family. We know them by name, understand their needs, and aim to provide personal, community-focused service every time they walk through the door,” Dougherty said.

For more information about Purdue Federal Credit Union, or to find a shared branch, visit them at purduefed.com.