Great Lakes Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution serving the Chicago area since 1938, offering checking, savings, loans, and investment products with a community-focused approach.
Data compiled from public sources · Google rating shown when a stored review count is available
Great Lakes Credit Union was founded in 1938 and has operated for over 85 years as a member-owned financial cooperative. The organization positions itself around the philosophy of "banking for a greater good," emphasizing personalized service and community commitment. As a credit union, it is regulated by the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) and provides NCUA Share Insurance on deposits.
The credit union offers a comprehensive suite of financial services across five main categories: banking products (checking, savings, money market accounts, certificates, and IRAs), lending solutions (personal loans, vehicle loans, home equity, credit cards, student loans, and mortgages through a partner), investment services (Easy Vest, certificates, IRAs, and financial advisory), insurance products (auto, homeowners, life, and accidental death insurance), and business banking (small business lending, cash management, and payment processing). The Chicago Uptown branch specifically provides in-person services including loan applications, account opening, ATM access, notary services, and medallion signature stated terms. Great Lakes differentiates itself through its credit union structure, which emphasizes member benefits over profit maximization, and its integration of educational services including housing and education counseling.
The organization serves both individual consumers and small business owners. The Chicago Uptown location offers extended Saturday hours (9am-1pm) and comprehensive branch services, positioning it as a full-service financial center rather than a limited-service branch. As a credit union, Great Lakes is subject to membership eligibility requirements not clearly detailed on this webpage.
While the site emphasizes personal service and community values, specific interest rate competitiveness, fee structures, and membership requirements would need to be verified separately. The reliance on a mortgage partner (Mortgage Forward) suggests some lending services are not handled in-house.
This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Chicago, IL. It does not confirm that Great Lakes Credit Union or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Great Lakes Credit Union processed 920 mortgage applications in 2023, with 58.9% recorded as approved across 20 states.
920
Applications
58.9%
Approval Rate
$129K
Avg Loan
20
States Served
Based on 920 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).
Source: CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023. Applications include originated, approved, and denied loans.
Great Lakes Credit Union offers 12 services including Checking accounts, Savings accounts, Money market accounts, Certificates of deposit, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and 7 more.
Great Lakes Credit Union has profile signals associated with Chicago-area residents seeking full-service banking with a community-focused institution, Small business owners needing integrated business banking and lending services, Consumers prioritizing personal relationships and financial counseling over large institutional banking, Members seeking NCUA-insured deposit protection with investment and insurance options.
Key strengths: NCUA-insured deposits provide federal protection up to applicable limits; Comprehensive service suite including banking, lending, investments, insurance, and business services all under one organization; Extended Saturday hours (9am-1pm) at Chicago Uptown location for working professionals. Areas to consider: Membership eligibility requirements not transparently disclosed on public website, creating potential barriers to access; Mortgage services outsourced to third-party provider (Mortgage Forward) rather than handled in-house.
In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include Center Parc Credit Union, Civic Credit Union, Salal Credit Union – First Hill Branch. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Great Lakes Credit Union is profile signals for Chicago-area residents and small business owners seeking comprehensive, relationship-based banking from a member-owned institution with community commitment. Primary caveat: membership eligibility requirements are not listed on their public-facing website and should be verified before applying; consumers shopping rate-sensitive products should compare their specific rates against competitors.
Center Parc Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative founded in 1925, offering comprehensive personal and business banking, lending, and financial planning services.
Google rating from 352 reviews
Profile signals: Members seeking comprehensive banking services from a stable, community-focused credit union, Consumers interested in member-owned institutions with lower fees and competitive lending rates
Civic Federal Credit Union is a North Carolina-based credit union serving local government employees, retirees, and their families with rate claims to verify on loans, savings products, and digital banking services.
Google rating from 152 reviews
Profile signals: Local government employees and retirees in North Carolina seeking competitive loan rates, Families of government workers who qualify for membership and want credit union membership benefits
Salal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative offering banking services including checking, savings, and lending products to its membership base.
Google rating from 24 reviews
Profile signals: Individuals eligible for Salal Credit Union membership seeking member-owned banking alternatives, Consumers in the First Hill area looking for local credit union services
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