HOUSTON , Texas–Wellby Financial Credit Union said it is paying out a $9 million special member dividend to mark its 65th anniversary, “commemorating a legacy built on financial strength, trusted service and the enduring power of the cooperative model.”
As a member-owned financial institution, Wellby said in a statement that it directs value back to the people who own it — its members, not shareholders — reinforcing its purpose to help people prosper.
“For six and a half decades, Wellby has grown side by side with our members, earning their trust as a partner in their journey toward financial prosperity,” President Marty Pell said in a statement. “This dividend reflects the deep connection we share and our commitment to ensuring that the benefits of our strong performance are returned to the people at the heart of our mission.”
‘Disciplined Stewardship’
Wellby’s Fiinancial said its ability to return nearly all of its 2025 earnings to member-owners demonstrates years of disciplined financial stewardship and intentional, member-first decision-making. With exceptional capital and liquidity positions, the credit union stands among the region’s healthiest financial institutions, enabling meaningful value to be returned to members who drive its success.
The credit union noted it recently received recognition from Forbes and Newsweek affirming its resilience and trusted leadership within the cooperative financial sector.
‘Prudent Decisions’
“Wellby’s financial strength reflects years of making prudent, member‑centered decisions,” said Pell in a statement. “This dividend is a powerful example of cooperative finance in action — returning value to our member‑owners today while maintaining the stability and strength needed for the future. It reinforces what makes credit unions uniquely capable of supporting long‑term member prosperity.”
About the 2026 Special Member Dividend
- Total Distribution: $8.8 million
- Who Receives It: Qualifying Wellby members in good standing
- How It’s Paid: Deposited directly into member accounts as a special member dividend
- Distribution Date: Feb. 13, 2026
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.
