FAQs

Yes. You must choose an investment term of 1, 3, or 5 years and an interest rate of 0, 1 or 2% interest. Your interest rate is independent of your investment term.

2% is the maximum return we offer. We believe that 2% is a sustainable return that allows us to charge fair and responsible interest rates to our partners.

No. Like other financial investments, your Oikocredit investment earns a return. If you chose to invest at a 1 or 2% rate of return, Oikocredit USA will send you a 1099 in January of each year to report income on your taxes.

You will not receive a 1099 if your investment earns less than $10 per year. 

If you invest by check ($250 or more) your investment is called a Definitive Community Note. At the time you invest, you have the option of selecting a term of 1, 3, or 5 years. Interest is paid annually on a 365 day calendar.

If you invest via Microplace ($20 to $1000) your investment is called an Online Community Note and interest is paid quarterly directly to your PayPal or bank account. Beginning 90 days before maturity of the Note, you may receive a notice giving you the option to reinvest the funds, or having the funds returned to you.

No. Your investment becomes available to redeem when it matures. Given the nature of our investments and the projects we are funding, we are unable to redeem investments before maturity.

Yes, you may add to your investment at any time. To add funds to your investment, simply fill out the form and send a check to PO Box 66383, Washington, DC 20035.

After you invest with Oikocredit USA, you will receive an account statement and confirmation of investment. 45 days before your investment anniversary, you will receive an options letter inquiring as to your instructions for your interest earned (you may redeem it, reinvest it with your principal, or donate it to Oikocredit). 45 days before your investment maturity, you will receive an options letter inquiring as to your instructions for both your interest earned and your principal. In addition, you will receive Oikocredit USA’s quarterly e-newsletter, our twice-yearly mailing, and invitations to webinars or events in your area.

Please contact Oikocredit USA for more information at usa@oikocredit.org or (202) 728-4140.

In Oikocredit's 35+ year history as an investment vehicle, we have never defaulted on paying our investors. Oikocredit takes risk management very seriously and employs a number of methods to protect your investment, including rigorous due diligence, diversification, hedging funds, and keeping ample cash on reserve. Please read the prospectus carefully and consult a professional advisor for legal or tax advice.