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HomeFinancial CodeDiv. 5Ch. 1Art. 2§ 14050 Credit Union Name Protection

§ 14050 Credit Union Name Protection

Financial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 14050 Credit Union Name Protection

This law says you can’t use the words “credit union” in a business or group name unless you’re officially allowed to by the credit‑union regulators.

Key Takeaways

  • •Only credit unions, or nonprofit groups formed by credit unions or their employees, may put “credit union” in their name.
  • •Anyone else who uses “credit union” in a name can be charged with a misdemeanor.
  • •The rule is meant to stop people from pretending they’re a credit union when they’re not.

Example

A new bakery decides to call itself “Happy Credit Union Bakery” even though it has nothing to do with any credit union.

Because the bakery isn’t an authorized credit union or a nonprofit group created by credit unions or their employees, the law treats that name as a misdemeanor – the bakery could be fined or face criminal charges.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 14050 Credit Union Name Protection

The use by any person, other than those authorized by this division, of any name or title which contains the phrase “credit union,” is a misdemeanor. Nonprofit associations, which are formed for the mutual benefit and protection of credit unions, by credit unions organized under this division, or under the provisions of the statutes of the United States applicable to credit unions or any nonprofit association formed for the mutual benefit and protection of credit union employees by bona fide employees of credit unions, may use the phrase “credit union” in the name or title designating any such association. (Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 112.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

credit unionmisdemeanornonprofit associationsmutual benefit and protection

Related Statutes

  • § 14051 Credit Union False Statements
  • § 14052 Credit Union Corporate Powers
  • § 100001 Debt Collection Licensing Requirements
  • § 119 Bank Definition Exclusions
  • § 14001.1 Credit Union Applicability Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Financial Code. Section 14050.
View Official Source