Build & Save Matching Savings Program

You Save. We Match. You Grow!

Turn your savings into an opportunity to grow!

Saving money can be challenging—but you don't have to do it alone.

With the Build & Save Matching Savings Program from Members Credit Union, you can work toward a savings goal of up to $1,000 and receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds of up to $1,000 after you complete the program requirements.

Whether you're building an emergency fund, preparing for an exciting life milestone such as a car down payment, college tuition, a house project, or working toward better financial habits, Build & Save can help you take the next step.

New to Members Credit Union? You may be eligible to join if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Ready to get started?

Visit Members Credit Union in Stamford, CT, to open your Build & Save account and learn how to participate.

Get Started

How Does the Build & Save Program Work?

Build & Save is a matching savings program designed to help you save consistently while learning practical money-management skills.

1. Choose Your Savings Goal

Set a savings goal of up to $1,000 and work toward it during the program period.

Your goal can be connected to what matters to you—building savings, preparing for an upcoming expense, saving for an exciting life milestone, creating a financial cushion, or developing a stronger savings habit.

2. Deposit New Money

Make eligible deposits into your designated Build & Save Matching Savings Account.

Important: Only new money deposited after you enroll in the program is eligible for matching funds. Money that was already on deposit with Members Credit Union before enrollment does not qualify.

You can make eligible deposits:

  • At Members Credit Union

  • Through remote deposit in the MCU@Home App

  • Through our drop box

  • At participating Allpoint ATMs using a Members Credit Union Master Money Debit Card

3. Complete Financial Education

To receive matching funds, you must complete both required financial education sessions:

  • Saving & Budgeting

  • Understanding Credit & Debt

Sessions are offered separately in English and Spanish, primarily in person at Members Credit Union. Virtual sessions may also be available.

4. Receive Your Match

Complete all program requirements, and Members Credit Union will provide a one-time dollar-for-dollar match on eligible savings, up to $1,000.

For example:

You save $500 → We match $500
You save $1,000 → We match $1,000

The maximum matching amount is $1,000 per participant.

Choose the Path That Fits Your Goals

Build & Save offers two ways to participate.

SAVE & GROW

Focus on building your savings.
If your main goal is to save money and develop consistent savings habits, choose the Save & Grow option.

Work toward a savings goal of up to $1,000 and, when you meet all program requirements, you could receive up to $1,000 in matching funds.

Build & Save Account Features
With the Build & Save Matching Savings Program, eligible participants receive:

  • Dollar-for-dollar matching funds up to $1,000

  • $5 minimum opening deposit

  • No monthly fees

  • Multiple ways to make eligible deposits

  • Financial education in English and Spanish

  • An opportunity to build consistent savings habits

  • Your deposits are insured up to $250,000 by NCUSIF

No Credit Builder Loan is required.
This option may be a good fit if you're:

  • Building an emergency fund

  • Saving for an upcoming expense

  • Working toward a personal financial goal

  • Trying to establish a regular savings habit

Start Saving

SAVE & BUILD CREDIT

Build savings while working on positive credit habits.
Want to save money while also working toward stronger credit habits?

You can choose the optional Credit Builder Loan, subject to credit approval and Members Credit Union's standard underwriting process.

Credit Builder Loan Features

  • Maximum loan amount: $500

  • 0% interest rate for the program term

  • $30 loan fee waived for eligible Build & Save participants

  • Proof of income required

  • Loan payments, together with up to $500 in eligible personal savings deposits, can count toward the $1,000 savings goal and may qualify for the dollar-for-dollar match

  • Loan must be paid in full by April 15, 2027

The Credit Builder Loan is optional. You do not need to take the loan to participate in Build & Save.

LEARN ABOUT BUILDING CREDIT

Why Participate in Build & Save?

Save Money with a Goal
Instead of simply putting money aside, give your savings a purpose. Build & Save can help you create consistent savings habits and work toward a financial goal.

Earn Up to $1,000 in Matching Funds.
When you meet all program requirements, you can receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds on eligible savings, up to $1,000.

Learn Practical Money Skills
Complete two financial education sessions covering saving, budgeting, credit, and debt.

Work Toward Stronger Credit Habits
Choose the optional Credit Builder Loan if you want to work on your savings while developing positive credit habits.

Get Support from Your Credit Union
You don't have to figure everything out by yourself. Members Credit Union is here to help you understand the program and take the next step toward your financial goals.

Who Is Eligible for Build & Save?

The Build & Save Matching Savings Program is available to new and existing Members Credit Union members age 18 and older who meet all program requirements.

New Members

You may be eligible to join Members Credit Union if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

New members must:

  • Meet Members Credit Union membership eligibility requirements

  • Complete the regular membership application

  • Open a Members Credit Union Base Share Savings Account with a $5 minimum opening deposit

  • Open the designated Build & Save Matching Savings Account with a $5 minimum opening deposit

  • Meet all Build & Save program requirements

Not a Members Credit Union member yet?
You may be eligible to join and participate in Build & Save.

Visit our Stamford office to learn more and get started.

BECOME A MEMBER

Existing Members

Already a Members Credit Union member?

You can participate if you:

  • Open a designated Build & Save Matching Savings Account

  • Have your Members Credit Union accounts in good standing

  • Meet applicable account and delinquency requirements

  • Deposit new money into the Build & Save account

  • Complete the required financial education sessions

  • Meet all other program requirements

VISIT US TO GET STARTED

Build & Save Account Features

With the Build & Save Matching Savings Program, eligible participants receive:

  • Dollar-for-dollar matching funds up to $1,000

  • $5 minimum opening deposit

  • No monthly fees

  • Multiple ways to make eligible deposits

  • Financial education in English and Spanish

  • An opportunity to build consistent savings habits

  • An optional Credit Builder Loan

  • Federal share insurance according to applicable NCUA requirements

Required Financial Education

Financial education is an important part of Build & Save.

To receive your matching funds, you must complete both required financial literacy sessions.

Saving & Budgeting

Learn practical strategies for:

  • Setting realistic savings goals

  • Creating a savings habit

  • Managing your budget

  • Preparing for future expenses

Understanding Credit & Debt

Learn more about:

  • How credit works

  • Responsible credit habits

  • Managing debt

  • Steps you can take toward stronger financial health

Sessions are offered separately in English and Spanish. Check the current program schedule for available dates, times, and formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Build & Save is a matching savings program from Members Credit Union designed to help members participating in this program develop consistent savings habits while working toward a financial goal.

    When you meet all program requirements, you can receive dollar-for-dollar matching funds on eligible savings, up to $1,000.

  • Eligible participants can receive up to $1,000 in matching funds per participant.

    The maximum possible match is $1,000, but your matching amount is based on your eligible savings and completion of all program requirements.

  • No. Your savings goal can be less than $1,000, but we encourage you to take advantage of the matching opportunity on your savings.

  • No. The Credit Builder Loan is optional. You can participate in Build & Save through the savings pathway without taking the loan.

  • The optional Credit Builder Loan has a maximum loan amount of $500, a 0% interest rate for the program term, and is subject to credit approval and Members Credit Union's standard underwriting process.

  • The standard $30 Credit Builder Loan fee is waived for eligible Build & Save participants.

  • No.

    Only new money deposited after enrollment into the designated Build & Save account is eligible for matching funds. Money already on deposit with Members Credit Union before enrollment does not qualify.

  • Withdrawals are not permitted from the Build & Save account before the end of the program period.

    Financial hardship situations may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Approval is not automatic, and withdrawn funds will not be eligible for matching funds.

  • Yes.

    You must complete both required sessions—Saving & Budgeting and Understanding Credit & Debt—to receive matching funds.

  • All eligible savings deposits must be received by April 15, 2027.

    If you participate with the Credit Builder Loan, the loan must also be paid in full by April 15, 2027.

  • The target matching-fund disbursement date is April 22, 2027, following final verification that all program requirements have been met.

  • No.

    Matching funds are conditional upon meeting all program requirements. The program is funded by grant funds and is subject to available funding.

    Enrollment and matching funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may end when available funds are exhausted.

Ready to Build & Save? You Save. We Match. You Grow!

Visit Members Credit Union in Stamford, CT, to get started.

VISIT US & GET STARTED

Already a member? Ask a member of the Members Credit Union team about Build & Save.

Not a member yet? Ask us about membership eligibility and how to open your account.

Program Disclosure

The Build & Save Matching Savings Program is funded by grant funds and is subject to available funding. Enrollment and matching funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may end when funds are exhausted. Participants must meet all membership eligibility and program requirements to receive matching funds of up to $1,000. Members Credit Union reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the program when available funds are exhausted.

The Build & Save Matching Savings Account is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The Credit Builder Loan is subject to credit approval and follows the normal underwriting process. Members Credit Union is an equal opportunity lender. Federally insured by NCUA.