JAY, Maine–OTIS Federal Credit Union has paid out more than three-quarters of a million dollars as part of its annual bonus dividend and interest refund program it calls the “OTIS Advantage.”
OTIS FCU said it distributed $788,735.23 to members through a 6% bonus dividend and interest refund, marking the 21st consecutive year it has shared its financial success with members.
Founded in April 1954 by 11 mill workers, the $288.3-million OTIS FCU said it was established to improve access to affordable loans at a time when traditional banking options were out of reach for many families. That cooperative, member-focused foundation continues to shape its mission today, it said, in serving more than 12,000 members across nine Maine counties.
How Bonus is Determined
OTIS FCU said the annual dividend and interest refund distributes profits based on members’ economic participation throughout the year. Members earn a bonus dividend based on the dividends received on savings, while borrowers earn an interest refund based on the interest paid on qualifying loans.
“Members who choose OTIS FCU for more of their financial needs share in a larger portion of the annual return,” the credit union said.
OTIS FCU said it has returned more than $8.8 million to its members over the past two decades through the OTIS Advantage program.
Community Support
Separately, OTIS Federal Credit Union said that during 2026 it contributed more than $60,000 to community organizations and causes across the nine counties it serves, while its team members actively volunteer their time at local events, school programs, fundraisers, and community initiatives.
Other Credit Unions With Payouts
As the CU daily reported earlier, other credit unions announcing bonus dividends and payouts include:
- Dearborn, Mich.-based DFCU Financial announced the distribution of$18.7 million in cash back to eligible members, marking 20 years of its Cash Back program. Since the program launched in 2006, DFCU Financial said it has returned more than $510 million to its members, “reinforcing its long-standing commitment to sharing success with the people it serves.”
- Parkersburg, W.V.-based West Virginia Central Credit Union paid a bonus dividend just over $993,000 to about 22,000 members. WVCCU said that unlike recent bonus dividends paid out, the owner dividend was distributed based on how long a member has banked with the credit union rather than account balances. For those who were members as of Dec. 31st, 2024, and prior received $48 and those who became members after received $12.50.
- Midland, Mich.-based Dow Credit Union said its 2025 Member Giveback is paying out more than $18 million. The payout is based on a 30% return of the additional interest paid to members with eligible deposits, 30% of the interest paid on eligible loans, and a 0.125% rebate based on net Visa debit card usage.
- In Elko, Nev., Elko Federal Credit Union said it is giving back in two ways: a $1 million Member Dividend paid directly to members, and a $200,000 Community Dividend that is dedicated to supporting local not-for-profit organizations. For members, the payout is: Approximately $457,000 share bonus dividend for qualified primary share account holders; Approximately $457,000 loan interest refund for members with qualifying loans; Approximately $86,000 to its EFCU Youth accounts.
- In Pasadena, Texas, the $1.25-billion Gulf Coast Educators FCU said it is distributing $2 million in loyalty bonuses to eligible members, to thank them for their continued trust and support. Following a successful 2025, the credit union said it deposited $2,016,665 directly into the accounts of 33,164 eligible members as part their Loyalty Bonus program. Individual bonuses ranged from $15 to $285, rewarding members for their everyday banking activity and long-term relationship with the credit union.
- In Wyandotte, Michigan., Michigan Legacy Credit Union, has announced its Patronage 365 dividend. According to CEO Carma Peters, Michigan Legacy opts to distribute its patronage dividends back to its members every day of the year in fee waivers (hence, Patronage 36’), based on the members’ participation with the credit union. The dividend increases as members increase their financial transaction activity. “Our staff educate members by informing them that the more they use their credit union, the less they pay in fees,” Peters said in a statement. “In 2025, Michigan Legacy waived a total of $319,275.00 in fees to members via patronage dividends – a number equal to 34% of Michigan Legacy Credit Union’s 2025 income, and one that reflects our role as a true financial cooperative.
- Phoenix-based Desert Financial Credit Union said its Member Giveback Bonus program will reward qualified members with a total of $16 million later this month. Over nearly a decade, Desert Financial reported it has awarded its members a total of $122 million in giveback bonuses. Qualifying members will receive an average giveback bonus of $88.11 this year.
- In Ohio, DoverPhila Federal Credit Union is reporting it has provided $2.6 million in year-end giveback to members and made additional community investments across Tuscarawas County. The $785-million credit union said the bonus marks the 31st consecutive year it has returned significant earnings to members and represents the largest member bonus dividend in its history. Including the bonus, DoverPhila said it returned $15.5 million in dividends during the year to members and the Tuscarawas County community, up from $13 million in 2024.
- Quincy, Ill.-based United Community Credit Union said it is paying out a Loyalty Bonus for the third consecutive year. The $127-million UCCU deposited more than $130,000 in interest rebates and bonus dividends directly into members’ savings accounts. The Loyalty Bonus was awarded to members who paid interest on personal, vehicle, and home loans, or who earned dividends during 2025.
