Shiloh Englewood logo

Shiloh Englewood in Chicago, IL

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Faith-based federal credit union serving the African American community in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood since 1963, offering savings, loans, and financial services to underserved populations.

Data compiled from public sources

Shiloh Englewood Review

Shiloh Englewood Federal Credit Union (SEFCU) was established in 1963 as a response to systemic financial discrimination against African Americans. Founded by Pastor Owen D. Pelt and officially licensed in Illinois, the credit union was created specifically to address barriers that prevented Black families from accessing mainstream banking and building wealth. The institution emerged from the Shiloh church community and has operated as a cooperative association for nearly 60 years.

SEFCU offers core credit union services including share accounts (savings), share certificates, competitive deposit rates, home banking capabilities, and a variety of loan products tailored to member needs. Members can bank from anywhere through online services, access rate claims to verify on savings and borrowing, and receive personalized loan solutions. The credit union positions itself as a reported alternative to traditional banks for those historically excluded from conventional financial services.

What distinguishes SEFCU is its explicit mission to serve as a grassroots financial institution for the underserved and marginalized Englewood community. The credit union combines faith-based values with financial empowerment, emphasizing integrity, compassion, and the cooperative principle of "people helping people." Their target market focus on African American individuals and families, combined with community development initiatives and financial literacy programs, reflects a values-driven approach rather than profit maximization.

As a federal credit union, SEFCU provides NCUA insurance protection on deposits. However, the website provides limited specific details about loan types, rates, membership requirements, or fee structures. Prospective members should contact the institution directly to understand eligibility criteria (many credit unions have field-of-membership restrictions) and to compare specific rates and terms with other options.

Services & Features

Community financial services
Competitive deposit rates
Financial counseling (implied through mission)
Loan origination
Member financial services
Membership accounts
Online account access
Online home banking
Personal loans
Share certificates (CDs)
Share savings accounts
Various loan products

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Member-owned, not-for-profit structure prioritizes member welfare over profits
  • Nearly 60 years of community presence and institutional stability
  • Explicit mission to serve underserved African American families and historically excluded populations
  • NCUA-insured deposits provide federal protection up to $250,000
  • Online home banking allows members to bank from anywhere
  • Faith-based values integration with financial services
  • Offers multiple loan products to address various member financial needs

Cons

  • Website lacks specific information about membership eligibility and field-of-membership restrictions typical of credit unions
  • No posted rates, fees, or loan terms available online to compare competitiveness
  • Limited details about specific loan types, APRs, or lending requirements
  • Minimal information about financial literacy or community development program specifics
  • No online account opening or loan application process described

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Chicago, IL. It does not confirm that Shiloh Englewood or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Key state rules to check

  • The Predatory Loan Prevention Act (2021) caps all consumer loans at 36% APR including fees.
  • Traditional payday loans are effectively eliminated due to the 36% cap.
  • The Consumer Installment Loan Act regulates installment lending with additional protections.

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Shiloh Englewood offer?

Shiloh Englewood offers 12 services including Share savings accounts, Share certificates (CDs), Online home banking, Competitive deposit rates, Personal loans, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for Shiloh Englewood?

Shiloh Englewood has profile signals associated with African American individuals and families in Chicago's Englewood community seeking culturally aligned financial services, People previously denied banking services or credit by mainstream institutions, Church members and community residents prioritizing faith-based financial partnership, Members seeking to support a mission-driven credit union serving underserved populations.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Shiloh Englewood?

Key strengths: Member-owned, not-for-profit structure prioritizes member welfare over profits; Nearly 60 years of community presence and institutional stability; Explicit mission to serve underserved African American families and historically excluded populations. Areas to consider: Website lacks specific information about membership eligibility and field-of-membership restrictions typical of credit unions; No posted rates, fees, or loan terms available online to compare competitiveness.

How does Shiloh Englewood compare to similar companies?

In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include Chicago Avenue Garage Federal Credit Union, Chicago Firefighters Credit Union, Credit Union 1. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Founded
1963
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
NCUA Insured Charter #15454
Visit Shiloh Englewood

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on Shiloh Englewood

SEFCU is profile signals for African American families and individuals in the Englewood community seeking credit union services aligned with faith-based values and community development. The main caveat is that detailed rate, fee, and membership eligibility information is not available online, requiring direct contact with the institution before applying; additionally, like most credit unions, membership may be restricted to the field-of-membership.

Profile Signals

  • African American individuals and families in Chicago's Englewood community seeking culturally aligned financial services
  • People previously denied banking services or credit by mainstream institutions
  • Church members and community residents prioritizing faith-based financial partnership
  • Members seeking to support a mission-driven credit union serving underserved populations
Updated 2026-05-14

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Quick Summary

  • Shiloh Englewood is listed as a Credit Unions provider in Chicago, IL on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
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