• No Supporting Secondary Body - Affiliation Cost to the Secondary Body is eliminated

• Restricted to sourcing capital from member through shares and loan

• Capital requirement for registration of a Thrift Society is minimal - less than that of Credit Unions

• Minimum financial operating standards for Credit Union does not apply to Thrift

• Supporting Secondary Body i.e. Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League (JCCUL) - higher affiliation cost

• Unrestricted ability to accept deposits from members

• Automatic availability of insurance facility  for loans and savings portfolio

• Accepted players within the Financial Sector

• Weaker capital base

• Smaller membership base

• Not as recognized within the Financial Sector

• Large start up capital required

• Bank-like concept in operations

• Erosion of uniqueness in operation i.e. Co-operative's concepts, principles and philosophy

• Competition from other entities within the financial sector, impacts negatively on operations of Credit Unions