Although operated cooperatively, the not-for-profit status of credit unions should not be confused with the non-profit status charities have. Because one thing's for sure: Credit unions make money. Learn how credit unions are able to make money and pass on benefits to members. How Credit Unions Make Money As financial institutions, credit unions generate what's considered a profit in economic terms -- which is needed to create a surplus in order to continue to operate and generate further profit for their members. The…