Who can join and how

You have to become a member before you can open an account or borrow at a credit union. At Listerhill the requirements are broader than the "plant workers only" origins might suggest.

Who is eligible

According to Listerhill Credit Union, you can become a member if you live in any of these five states:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Mississippi
• Florida
• Tennessee

Depending on your circumstances, the credit union may ask you to join an approved association as part of the process. It states that this comes at no cost to you. This is a common way for credit unions to extend membership within the rules of their charter, and it usually happens as a step inside the application.

You can also qualify as a family member of a current or potential Listerhill member.

What it costs

Membership requires a $5 deposit into a share savings account. That $5 is your ownership share in the cooperative. It isn't a fee; it stays in your account for as long as you are a member. Listerhill describes this as a lifetime membership that continues if you move, retire or change employers.

What to have ready

Every institution sets its own requirements, and federal rules require identity verification for new accounts. When opening an account at most U.S. credit unions, expect to be asked for:

• A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport
• Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
• Your current physical address, and possibly proof of it
• Your date of birth, phone number and email address
• A way to make the opening deposit, such as a debit card or a transfer from another account

Check Listerhill's own application for its exact list. If you're applying on behalf of a child, the parent or guardian will usually need to provide their own details as well.

How applications work at Listerhill

Applications are handled only by Listerhill Credit Union. According to the credit union, you can apply online through its official website or in person at a branch. Plain Ledger does not take or forward applications. To stay safe:

• Start from the official site by typing listerhill.com into your browser's address bar. Don't follow links in unexpected texts or emails.
• Check the web address before entering personal information. Some parts of the process may run on a partner platform the credit union links to; reach it only through Listerhill's own site.
• Remember that Plain Ledger never collects applications, account details or personal financial information.

Accounts for children and teens

Listerhill lists savings accounts designed for younger members, grouped by age:

• Good Start Savings for ages 0 to 4
• Explorer Rewards Savings for ages 5 to 14

According to the credit union, children aged 0 to 14 aren't eligible for a checking account, and minors under 18 aren't eligible for credit products. Kids' accounts are covered in more detail in Chapter 3.

A short pre-application checklist

• Confirm you live in one of the five eligible states, or have a qualifying family connection.
• Decide which account you actually want besides the required share savings, so you can open it at the same time.
• Read the account disclosures and fee schedule before funding anything.
• If a promotion caught your eye, read its full terms first. Bonuses usually depend on conditions such as direct deposit or debit card use.
• Think about access. If you don't live near a branch, check whether online banking, the mobile app and shared branching cover what you need (see Chapter 5).