MADISON, Wis.— It’s International Credit Union Day—a celebration that, for U.S. credit unions, goes well beyond branding. The day serves as an opportunity to demonstrate cooperative values in action, highlight their local and economic impact, and deepen the connections that bind members and communities together.
This year’s theme, “Cooperation for a Prosperous World,” ties directly to the United Nations’ 2025 recognition of the International Year of Cooperatives.
Here’s a look at how credit unions across the country—and one north of the border—are marking the day:
In California, credit unions are coordinating “community appreciation” events, financial literacy outreach, and local open houses. California’s Credit Unions reported that it is backing nine credit unions—including Golden 1, SchoolsFirst, Pacific Service, Wescom, and Kinecta—in these joint efforts.
In Maine, the state league is encouraging credit unions to host financial fitness fairs, volunteer events, “CU Kind Days,” and school-based financial education sessions.
In Tennessee, TCTFCU is preparing branch events, social media activations explaining the cooperative model, and giving out free apple cider and donuts.
Meanwhile, Westoba Credit Union in Canada is promising branch celebrations, raffles, calendars, refreshments, and interactive activities to connect members and staff.
In Virginia, Call Federal, on its website, underscores how the theme reinforces why the cooperative model matters—not just for local lending and saving, but for collective resilience and shared prosperity.
In honor of ICU Day, University of Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union is hosting a two-day craft fair Oct. 16–17 at its McCully branch, featuring local vendors and artisans. The credit union is also offering members a chance to win one of four $50 Amazon gift cards through a sweepstakes, along with special in-branch giveaways throughout the event.
In Washington, Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union is offering free treats in branches and is hosting a branch contest for those who enroll in e-statements. Winners receive $50 gift cards.
In Wisconsin, Royal Credit Union has been encouraging members and the community to stop by any of its offices between Oct. 10 and Oct. 20 to enter an ICU Day giveaway. Prizes include gift baskets with an ICU Day puzzle, a neck pillow, and travel accessories. The CU is also distributing free coloring pages in branch offices during that period.
In Arizona – 18 credit unions joined forces to celebrate Arizona Credit Union Week, in conjunction with ICU Day. "It has been an amazing week of giving back to our communities and celebrating the cooperative movement," stated David Kexel, AVP brand and communications at Arizona Financial CU.
National Coordination, Global Context
The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and the Worldwide Foundation For CUs have been supplying posters, media kits, pledge cards, social graphics, and even commemorative pins to help credit unions link their local face time with the global cooperative movement. WOCCU has been encouraging credit unions to leverage these materials and the hashtag #ICUDay2025 to amplify their stories around the world.
WOCCU explained that ICU Day is not mere symbolism—it’s strategic.
“International Credit Union Day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement's history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences. International Credit Union Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948,” WOCCU explained. “The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged.”