How to Become an Alliant Credit Union Member
Alliant Credit Union membership is open for all Americans, including eligible non-U.S. residents. You may apply online or via mail.
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By Doug Milnes, CFA
DC
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
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Reviewed by Lee Huffman
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Credit Card and Personal Finance Expert
Lee Huffman is a credit card and personal finance expert at MoneyGeek. He has spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager, with 12 years of experience writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics. His writings are published on The Points Guy, Investopedia and NerdWallet. Huffman earned his business management degree from Pepperdine University and his master's degree in eBusiness from the University of Phoenix. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better through the power of travel rewards.
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Edited by Erika Hearthway
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Erika Hearthway Content Writer and Editor Erika Hearthway is an experienced professional linguist. She writes clear, compelling content for a variety of companies on topics ranging from finance to fashion. She also works as an editor, proofreader, and translator from Spanish to U.S. English, and she ensures that any copy that crosses her desk is polished, error-free, and written to have maximum impact. Prior to her career as a linguist, Erika worked as a project manager overseeing large-scale, multilingual translation efforts for companies looking to expand their global footprint.
DC
By Doug Milnes, CFA
DC
Doug Milnes, CFA Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets. Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
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Reviewed by Lee Huffman
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Lee Huffman Credit Card and Personal Finance Expert Lee Huffman is a credit card and personal finance expert at MoneyGeek. He has spent 18 years as a financial planner and corporate finance manager, with 12 years of experience writing about early retirement, credit cards, travel, insurance and other personal finance topics. His writings are published on The Points Guy, Investopedia and NerdWallet. Huffman earned his business management degree from Pepperdine University and his master's degree in eBusiness from the University of Phoenix. He enjoys showing people how to travel more, spend less and live better through the power of travel rewards.
EH
Edited by Erika Hearthway
EH
Erika Hearthway Content Writer and Editor Erika Hearthway is an experienced professional linguist. She writes clear, compelling content for a variety of companies on topics ranging from finance to fashion. She also works as an editor, proofreader, and translator from Spanish to U.S. English, and she ensures that any copy that crosses her desk is polished, error-free, and written to have maximum impact. Prior to her career as a linguist, Erika worked as a project manager overseeing large-scale, multilingual translation efforts for companies looking to expand their global footprint.
Updated: August 20, 2024 Advertising & Editorial DisclosureMoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
Founded as United Airlines Employees’ Credit Union (UAECU), Alliant Credit Union predominantly serves existing and retired employees of partner businesses and organizations, their family members as well people who live or work in any of the eligible communities near its corporate headquarters in Chicago. However, it also gives people who don’t qualify through regular means an easy way to join.
Alliant carries out soft credit pulls when dealing with applications for membership, so you don’t have to worry about any negative impact on your credit score. Submitting your application is straightforward, and you may do so online or via regular mail.
Alliant Credit Union membership is open to people from across the U.S. as well as eligible non-U.S. residents.
People who do not qualify through any of the conventional options may join by becoming FC2S members first.
Alliant carries out a soft credit pull when you apply for membership, so there’s no adverse effect on your credit score.
You don’t have to be associated with any Alliant Credit Union partner to apply. This is because membership is open to people from all walks of life.
Family members may consider opening joint accounts or looking at Alliant’s various credit offerings, such as its credit cards, auto loans or personal loans.
Alliant Credit Union former and current employees and family members
Anyone who is working or has worked for an Alliant Credit Union partner qualifies to apply. Their domestic partners and immediate family members are also eligible.
People looking to buy a home
People who wish to buy a home and are looking for mortgage solutions or a home equity line of credit may apply for membership.
Non-US residents with SSNs or ITINs
Non-U.S. residents who have Social Security numbers (SSNs) or valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) may apply.
When you apply for Alliant Credit Union membership, you may expect a soft credit pull. However, if you’re also applying for any form of credit, be it a credit card, a personal loan, an auto loan or a mortgage, you may expect it to carry out a hard pull.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIPThe Alliant Visa Signature Card is one of the most lucrative cash back credit cards available. It earns 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 you spend every statement cycle with no annual fees or foreign transaction fees. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com
Joining Alliant Credit Union is relatively easy. While you may submit an online application, you can also send a copy of your application via email or regular mail. If you’re not eligible for membership through any of the regular criteria that Alliant lists, you may qualify by becoming a Foster Care to Success (FC2S) member. If you choose this path, Alliant pays the one-time $5 membership fee to FC2S on your behalf.
Submitting an online membership application requires that you follow a few simple steps.
If you cannot submit an online application, you have the option of completing a hard copy application and sending it along with supporting documents by email or regular mail. The email address to use is alliantmemberapp@alliantcreditunion.com. The mailing address is 11545 W. Touhy, Chicago, IL 60666. Alternatively, you may fax your application to 773-462-2124.
MONEYGEEK QUICK TIPIf you are interested in getting an Alliant Credit Union cash back or balance transfer credit card or applying for another form of credit, you can become a member once you receive your loan decision.
Go through commonly asked questions about Alliant Credit Union eligibility requirements for membership and other aspects of this credit union to determine if joining it might work well for you.
How long does it take to become an Alliant member?If you have all the required information close at hand, you may complete the online application in a few minutes. Alliant opens a savings account when it processes your application, at which point you also become a member.
What score does Alliant use?Alliant Credit Union mainly uses TransUnion, although it has been known to use Experian and Equifax too.
What is the Alliant membership fee?Alliant does not charge any membership fees. However, you might need to pay fees depending on the type of account you open.
Is Alliant worth joining?Joining Alliant might work well for people who are looking for competitive interest rates and low fees across different types of financial offerings.
Is Alliant easy to get approved?If you meet any of its eligibility criteria for membership (including being an FC2S member) and can provide the required documentation, getting approved for Alliant membership is relatively straightforward.
What credit cards does Alliant offer?Alliant currently offers two credit cards. These include the Visa Platinum balance transfer card and the Visa Signature cash back card. Both cards come with no annual fees.
What other financial offerings does Alliant offer?Other than credit cards, Alliant offers high-rate savings and checking accounts, kids savings accounts, certificates of deposit, custodial accounts, personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, home equity lines of credit, IRA accounts, trust accounts and insurance solutions.
What are the benefits of joining Alliant?One benefit of joining Alliant Credit Union is you get access to highly competitive interest rates and low fees across different offerings. While Alliant functions as an online credit union, it boasts of having among the largest fee-free ATM networks in the U.S. If you have a high-rate checking account, you get ATM fee rebates of up to $20 per month.
Now that you have information about how to join Alliant Credit Union and the products it offers, establish if you want to move forward with your application for membership. If you decide to apply, compare its offerings well before selecting one or more that work well for you. For instance, if you need a new credit card, compare your options based on factors such as intro 0% APR offers, the ability to earn cash back and added perks.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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