Charter Application Introduction

This Federal Credit Union Charter Application Guide provides helpful information and recommendations for organizing groups to navigate the process of applying for a new federal credit union charter.

NCUA's CURE is responsible for the chartering process and issuing federal share insurance. If you have questions that are not answered in this Guide, please contact us at 703-518-1150 or at NewFCU@ncua.gov. You also may use this email address to request our assistance as you work through the application process.

This Guide provides general guidance and recommendations on submitting a successful federal credit union charter application. Each application is unique, and NCUA staff reviews all applications on their own merits under the relevant laws and regulations.

In some sections, the Guide cites or summarizes existing requirements of the application process, but it but does not create any new binding requirements or supersede any existing regulatory requirements, such as those in the agency’s Chartering and Field of Membership Manual or the Federal Credit Union Act. In instances where the Guide refers to regulatory requirements that apply to the chartering process, it will use words like “must.” Similarly, the Guide will use words like “should” or “may” when it refers to actions NCUA recommends.

NCUA encourages organizers to review the agency’s Chartering and Field of Membership Manual (NCUA regulations part 701, Appendix B), and the Federal Credit Union Act § 1753, Federal credit union organization, for information about specific requirements needed for issuance of a federal charter. Existing state-chartered credit unions that wish to convert to a federal charter should refer to Chapter 4, Charter Conversions, of the Chartering and Field of Membership Manual for the required application forms and procedures.

There are two methods of submitting a federal charter application to NCUA.

The recommended method is to use the agency’s Consumer Access Process and Reporting Information System (CAPRIS), which streamlines the process, allows agency staff to provide feedback as you work your way through it, and lets you complete the application and upload all supporting documentation securely.

The second method is completing and submitting the information or forms that are described in the Chartering and Field of Membership Manual by email at NewFCU@ncua.gov or through the U.S Mail service.

Last updated on March 30, 2026