The third Thursday of each October is a momentous occasion for 411 million people and over 67,000 credit unions around the globe, for it marks the annual celebration of International Credit Union Day, a worldwide commemoration of our movement.

The history of International Credit Union Day

Created by the Credit Union National Association (now America’s Credit Unions)  in 1948, International Credit Union Day was instituted with the mission to “Celebrate the spirit of the global credit union movement,” and to “reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognize the hard work, and share member experiences.”

At the time of its creation, the credit union movement was young and small, having only existed in North America for thirty years by that point, and the Federal Credit Union Act had only been signed 14 years prior, introducing the first Federally-chartered credit union that same year. For perspective, the tax-exemption status had not yet been created, and neither had the event’s current host, the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).

Around the same time as the inaugural International Credit Union Day, the movement would enter some of its most successful years, with thousands of new credit unions being chartered over the next decade, rising up to nearly 10,000 by 1960, compared to the 5,000 or so that existed in 1948. (Though, of course, we cannot credit the success of the movement in the following years to the introduction of ICU Day).

After the founding of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) in 1978, the organization became a co-host of the event with CUNA, before the latter eventually handed the reins off entirely to the former.

Cooperation for a Prosperous World

Today, the event is celebrated by the 411 million credit union members in 104 different countries worldwide—a far cry from the day’s humble origins back in 1948. Each year, International Credit Union Day is adorned with a new theme for credit unions to look toward for inspiration both on the day and throughout the coming year. 2025, the event’s 77th year, carries the theme: Cooperation for a Prosperous World.

This year’s theme is a reflection on not just the work credit unions do to help their members prosper each and every day, but an acknowledgement of how far and widespread the industry as a whole and fields of membership have become. Credit unions and members across the globe have never been more connected than they are now, thanks to the rapid advancement of technologies over the last decade.

Credit unions can collaborate, even when they’re on opposite ends of the world, and the same goes for members. A member traveling in Asia can still connect with their credit union back home whenever they need to. This widespread connection allows the movement to work together more than ever, and this year’s theme is an acknowledgement and celebration of that.

“In today’s world, connection happens across time zones, through calls, messages, and virtual meetings. Credit unions may be separated by oceans, but we remain united by purpose,” the official International Credit Union Day page reads.

“For members, that means support is always within reach, through mobile banking, a phone call, or a trusted advisor. Each conversation, each connection, each interaction—it’s all part of something bigger: a global movement where cooperation drives progress, and where prosperity is something we build together.

“No matter where we are, credit unions are united. Working as one. Growing together. Cooperating for a prosperous world.”

Celebrate the occasion 

Celebrations for International Credit Union Day come in all forms. Many will mark the occasion with a social media graphic or video for their members, while others may host events in their branch, complete with food, drinks, and giveaways. Colorado Credit Union, for example, is even handing out its own yearly calendar, made from images submitted by the community.

But don’t forget, ICU Day isn’t just about the members, it’s about the credit union movement and the people who work within it, so make sure to show some love to your credit union staff as well! Of course, International Credit Union Day should certainly be a time to celebrate and connect with your community, but often, the best way to honor the day and its intent is to do what credit unions do best: support the financial wellbeing of their members.

A look back

International Credit Union Day is the perfect time to reflect on the origins of our movement and its purpose. While this year’s theme certainly should take center stage, take a moment to look through all of the past themes from the event’s 77 years, and ask yourself how your credit union lives out each of those missions.

To find more information and resources on ICU Day, you can visit the official site.