What are some advantages of being a member of a Credit Union? A Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned and member-operated financial cooperative. We offer members comprehensive financial services at very competitive rates and terms. And, we do it with the personal attention our members deserve. If you live, work, worship or attend school in Kern County you can become a member of Strata Credit Union. Simply open a Share Savings account with a $5 deposit — and you’re officially one of us! Membership is the greatest difference between your credit union and other financial institutions. Your opening deposit gives you a share in Strata Credit Union earnings. When the credit union makes money it’s reinvested to improve products and services. That means lower interest rates on auto loans, credit cards and personal loans, truly free checking accounts with no strings attached and much more. Your money is safe with us. All Credit Union deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an independent agency of the Federal Government. Enjoy owning part of your local credit union. Open a Share Savings account to join today!