United States

Why is the American Consumer Council important?

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • The American Consumer Council is a nonprofit organization that provides consumer advocacy, education, and access to credit union membership.
  • ACC membership offers various benefits, including financial education resources and potential credit union eligibility.
  • The partnership between the ACC and credit unions has expanded access to beneficial financial products and services for millions of Americans.

In today's complex financial landscape, consumers are constantly seeking ways to maximize their financial well-being and protect their interests. Enter the American Consumer Council (ACC), a nonprofit organization that has been championing consumer rights and financial literacy since 1987. This article delves into the role of the ACC, its partnership with credit unions, and the benefits it offers to consumers across the United States.

The American Consumer Council is a prominent nonprofit consumer advocacy and education group based in San Diego, California. With over 400,000 members spread across 54 state, regional, and local affiliates, the ACC has established itself as a formidable force in consumer protection and financial empowerment.

Thomas Hinton, the president and CEO of the ACC, leads the organization in its mission to educate and advocate for consumers. As of 2023, the ACC reported impressive financial figures, including $1.85 million in assets, $1.08 million in revenue, and $683,000 in expenses, demonstrating its significant impact and reach.

The ACC and Credit Union Partnerships

One of the ACC's most notable features is its role as a gateway to credit union membership for many Americans. Credit unions, which are cooperative financial institutions traditionally serving individuals with a common bond, have partnered with the ACC to expand their membership base.

Anthony Demangone, chief membership and engagement officer for America's Credit Unions, emphasizes this synergy: "Credit unions are the original consumer protectors. Like the American Consumer Council, credit unions and America's Credit Unions focus on consumer advocacy and protection. This partnership is another layer to assist members in fostering financial health and well-being."

Through these partnerships, the ACC enables individuals who may not otherwise qualify for credit union membership to access the benefits of these financial institutions. This collaboration has proven particularly beneficial for consumers seeking attractive interest rates on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs).

Benefits of ACC Membership

Joining the American Consumer Council comes with a host of advantages:

Access to Credit Union Membership: Perhaps the most significant benefit, ACC membership often qualifies individuals for credit union membership, opening doors to better financial products and services.

Financial Education: The ACC offers free personal finance and estate planning workshops, enhancing members' financial literacy.

Consumer Newsletter: Members receive a monthly newsletter keeping them informed about consumer issues and financial trends.

Recognition Programs: The ACC administers the Friend of the Consumer Award for consumer-friendly businesses and the Green C Certification program for eco-friendly enterprises.

Financial Planning Resources: The organization provides financial literacy and planning workshops, video series, and financial education for teens, available to both members and the public.

How to Join the ACC and Access Credit Union Membership

Joining the ACC and gaining access to credit union membership is a straightforward process. Many credit unions partner with the ACC to streamline the membership process:

Simultaneous Application: Often, individuals can apply for both ACC and credit union membership at the same time.

Fee Coverage: In many cases, credit unions cover the $15 lifetime ACC membership fee for new members.

Independent Joining: Alternatively, individuals can join the ACC separately by visiting the council's website and paying a $15 individual lifetime membership fee or a $75 business membership fee.

The Impact of ACC and Credit Union Partnerships

The collaboration between the ACC and credit unions has had a significant impact on the financial landscape. As of June 2023, over 140 million people were members of the 4,689 credit unions in the U.S., controlling 9.9% of deposits at U.S. financial institutions.

This partnership has allowed credit unions to extend their reach beyond traditional membership qualifications. For example, Amplify Credit Union in Austin, Texas, partners with the ACC's Texas affiliate to offer membership to individuals who might not otherwise qualify based on geographic or employment criteria.

The Broader Role of Consumer Organizations

The American Consumer Council is part of a larger ecosystem of consumer organizations that play a crucial role in protecting consumer interests and supporting consumer protection laws. By joining organizations like the ACC, consumers can:

  • Enhance their financial knowledge
  • Gain access to beneficial financial products and services
  • Contribute to a collective voice advocating for consumer rights
  • Stay informed about important consumer issues and trends

The American Consumer Council stands as a beacon for consumer advocacy, financial literacy, and access to beneficial financial services. Through its partnerships with credit unions and its commitment to consumer education, the ACC empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions and access better financial products.

As consumers navigate an increasingly complex financial world, organizations like the ACC play a vital role in ensuring that their interests are protected and their financial well-being is prioritized. Whether you're seeking credit union membership, looking to improve your financial literacy, or simply want to be part of a community dedicated to consumer rights, the American Consumer Council offers a pathway to financial empowerment and consumer protection.


Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 18, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

Hong Kong’s follow-on fundraising surge poised to continue, say top bankers

While global IPO markets remain tentative, Hong Kong has quietly engineered a pivot: the action isn’t at the IPO bell—it’s what comes after....

Finance Malaysia
Image Credits: Open Privilege
FinanceJuly 18, 2025 at 9:00:00 AM

Ringgit upside potential hinges on structural conviction

The ringgit isn’t rallying on fundamentals. And that’s the point. For all the talk of undervaluation and eventual mean reversion, Malaysia’s currency sits...

Finance United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 17, 2025 at 12:00:00 PM

Fed expected to maintain interest rates as inflation remains above 2% target

The Federal Reserve’s July 2025 decision to hold interest rates steady was expected by most market participants—but its implications stretch far beyond short-term...

Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 16, 2025 at 11:30:00 AM

Asian currency moves reflect Fed rate cut doubts

Asian currencies may be consolidating—but this quiet is deceptive. With the US Federal Reserve signaling fewer rate cuts than markets anticipated, Asia’s room...

Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 15, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Hong Kong financial services rebound reveals strategic adaptation

While the broader Hong Kong economy remains sluggish, one sector is outperforming all expectations: financial services. This rebound is not a surprise to...

Finance United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 15, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

Wall Street earnings outlook signals a cautious capital rebalancing

US equities closed with modest gains as investors awaited upcoming corporate earnings and key economic data. But this isn’t a case of “market...

Finance Malaysia
Image Credits: Open Privilege
FinanceJuly 14, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Ringgit strengthens as US tariff plans stir global repricing

The ringgit’s early-week strengthening against the US dollar may look modest at first glance—but its underlying message is far from benign. The US...

Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 11, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

Asian currencies slip despite broader risk-on mood

The contrast couldn’t be sharper. Global equities are climbing on risk-on sentiment. Yet across Asia, currencies from the Korean won to the Malaysian...

Finance United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 10, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

What Fed division on interest rate cuts signals for capital strategy

The Federal Reserve’s internal divide over the timing and rationale for rate cuts is no longer a footnote—it’s a strategic signal in its...

Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 10, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

China deflation and tariff policy standoff rattles Hong Kong markets

At first glance, Hong Kong’s markets appear calm. The Hang Seng Index dipped less than 0.1% by mid-morning Thursday, and the tech-heavy subindex...

Finance World
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 9, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

Asian currencies steady amid renewed U.S. tariff risk

The mild but consistent consolidation of key Asian currencies—ranging from the Thai baht to the South Korean won—is beginning to reflect more than...

Finance Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
FinanceJuly 9, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Bursa market activity slows in anticipation of OPR decision

Trading across Bursa Malaysia was notably subdued this week, with volumes thinning and sectors drifting into quiet stasis. On paper, the lull appears...

Load More