Cleveland Selfreliance Federal Credit Union was established to serve the Ukrainian-American community and has operated for over 60 years. Based in Cleveland, Ohio with additional branches in Lorain and Canton, the institution operates as a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union federally insured by the NCUA with deposits protected up to $250,000 per member.
The credit union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products including mortgage lending (15 and 30-year conventional mortgages), auto loans, personal loans, home equity lines of credit (up to $200,000), VISA credit cards, and savings products such as regular shares, certificates of deposit, and IRAs. They provide digital banking capabilities through online banking portals, direct deposit services, ACH payroll deposits, safe deposit boxes, money orders, and MAC ATM access. Current promotional rates include 5.00% for 30-year mortgages (new purchase only, $1M max), 4.75% for home equity lines of credit and new auto loans (2024-2026), and 5.49% for 15-year mortgages.
What distinguishes Cleveland Selfreliance is their deep community roots within the Ukrainian-American population, bilingual services (English and Ukrainian), and their explicit organizational commitment to supporting Ukrainian independence and freedom. As a not-for-profit institution, they return earnings to members through lower loan rates and higher savings rates rather than generating shareholder profits. The credit union actively maintains community connections through member meetings and charitable outreach.
While Cleveland Selfreliance offers rate claims to verify and genuine member-ownership benefits, potential members should note that as a listed community credit union, membership eligibility may be limited to those with Ukrainian heritage or community ties. Limited branch availability (three locations) may restrict convenient access for those outside the Cleveland-Lorain-Canton corridor. The organization's small-to-mid-size profile means fewer digital tools and services compared to national banks.