Dupaco members Jason and Cara Benn, with sons Griffin (right) and Landin, settle into their new home in Peosta, Iowa. (M. Blondin/Dupaco photo)
Can you buy a home in another state with a credit union?
Updated Sept. 26, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. CT
Moving to a new state often raises a big question for credit union members: Can I keep my credit union if I’m no longer local? And when it comes time to buy a home in a new state, many people wonder whether their credit union can still help.
For longtime Dupaco Credit Union members Cara and Jason Benn, the answer was a resounding yes.
Their story shows how Shared Branching, online and mobile banking, and support from their credit union helped them buy homes both in Arizona and back in Iowa.
Can you use your credit union if you move to another state?
Yes—you don’t have to give up your Dupaco membership just because you move.
That was welcome news for the Benn family when they relocated from the tri-state area to Arizona.
“The credit union is friendly, communicates with you and is easygoing,” Cara said. “When we moved to Arizona, we left our banking accounts with Dupaco, because we knew there was shared branching and online banking.”
Through the CO-OP Shared Branch network, Dupaco members have access to more than 5,600 participating branches nationwide—including locations in Arizona. That made it simple for the family to stay connected to their credit union.
Find your closest shared branch >
Buying a home in another state with your credit union
After settling into life in Arizona, the family decided it was time to buy a home. Even though they were hundreds of miles away, Dupaco was able to guide them through the homebuying process.
The family connected with Dupaco’s Tressa Pergande, who worked with them from start to finish.
“The whole experience was great all around,” Cara said.
Returning home: A new homebuying journey
Life later brought the family back to Iowa. And once again, they turned to Dupaco for help buying their next home.
“Tressa knew what I was looking for and what I needed. And she was always quick to answer every question I had along the way,” Cara said.
This time, the Benns purchased a house in Peosta, Iowa.
“I had only spoken with Tressa on the phone before then,” Cara said. “It was very nice to get to meet her in person.”
Beyond homebuying: Everyday support
Since their move back, the family experienced another way to stay connected with their credit union.
Dupaco regularly visits Cara’s workplace to bring the credit union experience to members where they are. Cara said Dupaco’s workplace visits make it easy for her to ask quick money- and account-related questions during her workday.
“I know Dupaco will be there for us whenever we need them,” she said.
