Student-run credit union branches allow interns to gain hands-on experience while providing their peers and school staff with convenient access to financial services. According to the NCUA, 339 federally insured credit unions reported they have in-school branches as of August.

These in-school branches tend to share some common features. The interns, typically juniors and seniors, are usually selected from a banking class through a resume and interview process and receive training from the credit union. Additionally, the branches are generally open during school lunch hours and a teacher and credit union employee are always present to supervise the interns, who do not have access to account balances or transaction histories.

But beyond those basic traits, the branch's operation often depends on the environment in which it is housed.