The Oceanside Christopher Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1969 by a small group of members at Fr. Joseph O’Connell Knights of Columbus council in Oceanside N.Y. An all volunteer group, they wanted to provide financial services to the families of the members of their council. Our founder Joseph J. Garay used to say “where does a guy go to borrow fifty bucks”. They thought if they “pooled” their money and let members borrow from it they could pay interest on the “pool” and provide credit to members without having to go to a bank. When a priest in the local Parish found out about the idea he went to them and said “your looking to start a credit union.”

 

Every credit union has a defined field of membership and ours has evolved over the years. We went from only serving the members of one Knights of Columbus council to adding about 50 other councils who wanted to be part of our credit union. Later our field of membership changed to any member of the Knights of Columbus in New York State.

Today we have evolved where any Catholic can now join our credit union.

 

From just offering a savings account and small consumer loans in 1969 today we offer any financial product you would want to meet your financial needs. What has not changed from 1969 is our commitment to provide the highest dividend rates on deposits, the lowest loan rates, minimal fees, and the best possible service. You can depend on Oceanside Christopher to always offer you a fair deal while treating you with the respect you deserve.

 

Oceanside Christopher is a not for profit financial cooperative that no one profits from personally. Each member owns one share of our credit union. Our members exercise their ownership through a democratically elected, volunteer Board of Directors, who establish all policies of the credit union.

 

We are an organization built on the credit union philosophy of people helping people.