University of Wisconsin logo

University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI

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University of Wisconsin Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative serving UW students, faculty, and staff across Wisconsin with 38 branches and shared branching access.

Data compiled from public sources

University of Wisconsin Review

University of Wisconsin Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union affiliated with the University of Wisconsin system. Founded to serve the university community, it operates as a federally insured credit union under the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The credit union has grown to operate approximately 38 branch locations across Wisconsin, with significant presence in Madison, Fitchburg, Green Bay, La Crosse, and surrounding communities.

The credit union offers traditional financial services typical of member-owned cooperatives, including share accounts (savings), share certificates (CDs), and access to credit union services. Members benefit from NCUA insurance protection on deposits and the ability to use the shared branching network beyond their immediate location. The organization operates corporate offices in Madison and maintains branches strategically located near UW campuses, including campus-based branches at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

UW Credit Union distinguishes itself through its deep institutional connection to the university system and focus on serving students, faculty, and staff. Multiple branches are strategically positioned on or near university campuses, including locations in student unions and university buildings. The credit union's membership model means profits are returned to members rather than external shareholders, and governance is member-controlled.

As a credit union, UW benefits from the cooperative financial model but faces the limitation of being primarily accessible to those affiliated with the University of Wisconsin system. While branch locations are numerous, availability of listed services and product offerings are not detailed in available materials. The credit union's strength lies in accessibility for the university community and NCUA-insured deposit safety rather than in innovative financial products.

Services & Features

Branch locations near university-affiliated areas and student housing
Campus branch locations at UW-Madison, UW-Green Bay, and UW-La Crosse
Corporate office operations in Madison
In-branch banking at 38 locations across Wisconsin
Member services via centralized phone line
Share accounts (savings accounts) with NCUA insurance protection
Share certificates (Certificate of Deposit/CDs)
Shared branching access through credit union network

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 38 branch locations across Wisconsin providing extensive geographic coverage
  • Multiple branches located on UW campuses (Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse) for student and faculty convenience
  • NCUA-insured deposits protecting member accounts up to $250,000
  • Member-owned cooperative structure means profits return to members, not external shareholders
  • Centralized phone line (608-232-5000) for most branches simplifying customer service access
  • Access to shared branching network beyond UW Credit Union's own branches
  • No explicit profit motive allows rate claims to verify and lower fees typical of credit unions

Cons

  • Membership restricted primarily to University of Wisconsin students, faculty, and staff—not open to general public
  • Website content does not specify available loan products, interest rates, or fee structures
  • Limited information about digital banking services, mobile app, or online account features
  • No details on PALs (Payday Alternative Loans) or other credit-building products despite credit union category
  • Majority of branches concentrated in south-central Wisconsin, limiting access for members in other regions

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Credit Unions consumers in Madison, WI. It does not confirm that University of Wisconsin or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions

Key state rules to check

  • Wisconsin has no usury cap for licensed lenders, allowing unlimited payday loan rates.
  • Payday loans are governed by the Wisconsin Consumer Act but without rate caps.
  • Licensed lenders must disclose APR and fees but are not limited by them.

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

Mortgage Lending Transparency

University of Wisconsin processed 9,471 mortgage applications in 2023, with 87.9% recorded as approved across 6 states.

9,471

Applications

87.9%

Approval Rate

$138K

Avg Loan

6

States Served

Approval Rate by Applicant Income

Under $50K
58.5%
$50K–$100K
83.7%
$100K–$200K
91.8%
Over $200K
93.3%

Based on 9,471 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).

States With Recorded Applications

Wisconsin 9,338 apps · 85.4%
Illinois 83 apps · 90.4%
Minnesota 47 apps · 89.4%
Arizona 1 apps · 0%
Arkansas 1 apps · 0%
Colorado 1 apps · 0%

Source: CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023. Applications include originated, approved, and denied loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does University of Wisconsin offer?

University of Wisconsin offers 8 services including Share accounts (savings accounts) with NCUA insurance protection, Share certificates (Certificate of Deposit/CDs), In-branch banking at 38 locations across Wisconsin, Campus branch locations at UW-Madison, UW-Green Bay, and UW-La Crosse, Shared branching access through credit union network, and 3 more.

What profile signals are listed for University of Wisconsin?

University of Wisconsin has profile signals associated with University of Wisconsin students and faculty seeking convenient on-campus banking, UW system employees wanting member-owned financial institution with community governance, Wisconsin residents affiliated with UW seeking NCUA-insured savings and deposit products, Members prioritizing local credit union banking over large national banks.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of University of Wisconsin?

Key strengths: 38 branch locations across Wisconsin providing extensive geographic coverage; Multiple branches located on UW campuses (Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse) for student and faculty convenience; NCUA-insured deposits protecting member accounts up to $250,000. Areas to consider: Membership restricted primarily to University of Wisconsin students, faculty, and staff—not open to general public; Website content does not specify available loan products, interest rates, or fee structures.

How does University of Wisconsin compare to similar companies?

In the Credit Unions category, comparable providers include Air Tech, Badger-Globe, Brantwood. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Founded
1931
Headquarters
Madison, WI
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
NCUA Insured Charter #66492
Visit University of Wisconsin

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin Credit Union is profile signals for students, faculty, and staff of the University of Wisconsin system seeking accessible, member-owned banking with NCUA-insured safety and convenient on-campus branches. The main caveat is that membership is restricted to UW-affiliated individuals, and the publicly available website provides minimal detail on specific loan products, rates, or digital services—requiring direct contact to evaluate product competitiveness.

Profile Signals

  • University of Wisconsin students and faculty seeking convenient on-campus banking
  • UW system employees wanting member-owned financial institution with community governance
  • Wisconsin residents affiliated with UW seeking NCUA-insured savings and deposit products
  • Members prioritizing local credit union banking over large national banks
Updated 2026-05-14

Similar Companies

Air Tech logo

Air Tech

CUScore is a free directory and comparison tool for exploring 4,374 federally insured credit unions across America with NCUA financial data, health scores, and branch locations.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Consumers researching which credit union to join based on financial health and location, People unfamiliar with credit unions seeking to understand the cooperative banking model

Badger-Globe logo

Badger-Globe

Badger Globe Credit Union is a Wisconsin-based credit union offering checking, savings, loans, and digital banking services to members in the Neenah area.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Fox Valley Wisconsin residents seeking community-oriented banking with personalized service, Consumers wanting automatic savings tools integrated with everyday debit card spending

Brantwood logo

Brantwood

Brantwood Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution serving Wisconsin since 1932, offering checking, savings, and loan services with flexible payment options.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Local Brantwood and surrounding Wisconsin residents seeking community-focused banking with personal relationships, Credit union members preferring traditional, established institutions with long operating histories

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Quick Summary

  • University of Wisconsin is listed as a Credit Unions provider in Madison, WI on CreditDoc.
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