Shared branching lets credit union members make deposits, withdrawals, and payments at participating credit union branches and 40,000+ CO-OP ATMs nationwide — even at credit unions they don’t belong to. Through the CO-OP Shared Branch network, a member of a small local credit union can walk into a participating credit union in any other state and conduct most transactions as if they were at their home branch. This can ease the branch access disadvantage that small credit unions have vs large banks.
How Shared Branching Works
Shared branching is a cooperative network where participating credit unions agree to serve each other’s members. When you visit a shared branch:
- Tell the teller you’re a shared branch member
- Provide your credit union’s name (or routing number)
- Present your account number and a government-issued photo ID
- The teller processes your transaction as if you were at your home branch
The settlement between credit unions happens behind the scenes — you don’t need accounts at the branch you’re visiting.
The CO-OP Shared Branch Network
The CO-OP Shared Branch network connects participating credit unions. CO-OP’s own website lists access to 40,000+ ATMs nationwide. This page does not give a branch count, because we could not confirm one on CO-OP’s site; use the locator to see participating branches near you.
What You Can Do at a Shared Branch
| Transaction | Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash deposits | Yes | May have next-business-day availability |
| Check deposits | Yes | Hold policies may vary |
| Cash withdrawals | Yes | May have daily limits (typically $500–$1,000) |
| Loan payments | Yes | Must know your loan account number |
| Balance inquiry | Yes | Full account balance |
| Account transfers | Yes | Between your accounts at home credit union |
| Money orders / cashier’s checks | Sometimes | Varies by location |
| Opening new accounts | No | Must be done at home credit union |
| Applying for loans | No | Must be done at home credit union |
| Account history beyond basics | Limited | Complex inquiries require home CU |
What You Need to Use a Shared Branch
- Government-issued photo ID — driver’s license, passport, or state ID
- Your account number — from your home credit union (member number or account number)
- Your credit union’s name or routing number — so the teller can look up your institution
- No special card or app required — though many credit union apps have CO-OP locators built in
Shared Branch ATMs vs Regular ATMs
The CO-OP network covers two types of access points:
CO-OP Shared Branch Locations: Full-service teller transactions. You can deposit cash, which you cannot do at most ATMs belonging to other institutions.
CO-OP ATMs: Withdrawals and balance inquiries, same as any ATM. Whether a surcharge applies depends on your credit union and the ATM, so confirm with your credit union before relying on a fee waiver.
Many credit union ATMs display both the CO-OP logo and a second network logo (Allpoint, MoneyPass) — look for CO-OP signage to confirm.
How to Find a Shared Branch or CO-OP ATM
Online: Visit co-opcreditunions.org and search by city, state, or zip code. Filter by “Branch” or “ATM.”
Mobile app: Most credit union apps include a branch/ATM locator powered by CO-OP. Search for “ATM” or “branch” in your credit union’s app settings.
Google Maps: Search “CO-OP credit union” near your location. CO-OP-participating branches often appear in Maps.
Call your credit union: Ask if they participate and for their CO-OP routing/ID number if you need it at the teller window.
Shared Branching vs Big Bank Networks
Shared branching lets a member of a small credit union use teller services at participating credit unions. A large bank usually offers its own branches and ATMs and may reimburse out-of-network ATM fees; check each institution’s published branch and ATM information before comparing, since counts and fees differ by provider and change over time.
Which Credit Unions Offer Shared Branching?
The majority of federally insured credit unions participate in shared branching. To confirm:
- Visit the CO-OP network locator and search for your credit union by name
- Check your credit union’s website for “CO-OP” or “Shared Branching” in the services section
- Call member services
Some of the most accessible shared-branch credit unions include Navy Federal, Alliant, BECU, and First Tech Federal — all of which also participate in the CO-OP ATM network.
Related Credit Union Guides
- Best Credit Unions in 2026 — Top picks by category
- How to Join a Credit Union — Eligibility and steps
- NCUA Insurance Explained — How deposits are protected
- Credit Unions Hub — All credit union guides
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