What is the Credit Union?
The SoundView Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Members of the Credit Union include all Gillette employees and their families, as well as employees and their families from other member companies in the greater Danbury area.

The Credit Union was chartered by the federal National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) on May 29, 1980.

How does it work?
The Credit Union is owned mutually by its members, who save together and make loans to one another from the accumulated funds. The objective of the Credit Union is to help members manage their money by offering a place to save, by encouraging the intelligent use of credit, and by making available other financial services.

Each member’s savings are "shares" in the Credit Union. Shares earn interest called "dividends." Individual share accounts are pooled and the money is distributed to members as loans. Some money is invested in areas permitted by the NCUA. From interest earned on loans and investments, the Credit Union pays its expenses and sets aside a reserve. The remaining income, called "available earnings," pays the dividends on savings — at a rate that is often higher than what other financial institutions offer.

The Credit Union is called a non-profit cooperative because members share in the interest that is earned on loans and investments.

Who runs the Credit Union?
The Credit Union is controlled by a Board of Directors. Board members are unpaid volunteers elected from the membership. Other members are appointed by the Board to the Supervisory Committee.

It is the board’s responsibility to set policy and give direction to the Credit Union. The Supervisory Committee audits the books and verifies individual accounts to ensure that board policy is carried out.

The Credit Union is administered by a paid staff which conducts the daily business of the operation from Duracell headquarters in Bethel, Connecticut. Credit Union representatives are stationed at most of the manufacturing plants and office facilities of member companies.

If I’m not a member, why should I join the Credit Union?
If I am a member, what are the advantages of membership?
It’s been said, "Join your Credit Union — it’s where you belong." And, in fact, there are many good reasons why the Credit Union is where you belong. Here are just a few:

• You should belong because the Credit Union is a privilege extended only to those people who share a common bond within our field of membership — your fellow employees and their family members.

• You should belong because Credit Unions offer nearly all the same services as other financial institutions — and at rates that are usually more attractive than others will charge. This is possible because the Credit Union is a non-profit organization.

• You should belong because the Credit Union is formed for your benefit, to help you meet your financial needs. The Credit Union returns all of its earnings, over necessary reserves, to its members in the form of dividends, and low interest rates on loans.

• You should belong because your money is safe and accessible with the Credit Union, and because your money could earn higher than usual interest in a Credit Union account.

• You should belong because you have equal voting rights with all other members, giving you an active voice in deciding how the Credit Union will operate.

• You should belong because the Credit Union offers you a level of personal service that is uncommon at most other financial institutions.

How can I join?
If you are employed by the Gillette Company or another member company, you are eligible to join. You also may open accounts for any member of your family. To join the Credit Union, you must complete a membership card and make an initial deposit into a share account.

How safe is my money?
Your Credit Union savings are protected in several ways. First, by careful investment in sound loans made to people you probably know — fellow employees and their family members. Most other investments that the Credit Union makes are controlled by the NCUA and are limited to financial instruments that are either insured or guaranteed by the United States government.

SoundView Federal Credit Union

14 Research Drive
Bethel, CT 06801

Connecticut: 1-203-796-4500
Outside CT: 1-800-722-2936
Fax: 1-203-791-3225

Hours: 8:30a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. NCUA, National Credit Union Administration.
Equal Opportunity Lender
Equal Housing Lender

* The Credit Union is not liable for the content or availability of linked sites.