Membership
The Most Distinguished Performer's Union in the World
Screen Actors Guild is the most distinguished performer’s union in the world. Our members are experienced professionals who require certain standards of working conditions, compensation and benefits. Membership is often a major milestone in an actor’s career; every SAG card issued symbolizes success and solidarity with a community of 120,000 talented and accomplished artists worldwide.
Giving You the Tools
In addition to negotiating and enforcing contracts for professional performers, Screen Actors Guild also offers members the tools to navigate the industry and expand their craft along the way. From the workshops of the SAG conservatory to resources for young actors, the Guild protects and enhances members’ quality of life on and off set.
Join the Screen Actors Guild
Performers are eligible to join Screen Actors Guild after working on a SAG film in a principal role, gaining "Taft Hartley" status 15 days after the first day of work - or meeting background entry requirements. Find out if you're eligible now!
New Screen Actors Guild members are now eligible for low-interest rate initiation fee loans when joining the Guild.
SAG Initiation Fee Loan from the member-owned AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union lets you make up to 24 monthly payments with interest rates discounted .50% from standard Credit Union loan rates. You can also get an additional .50% discount when you set up an automatic monthly payment from a Credit Union account.
For example, on a $2,335 loan amount and 24 month term with a fixed rate based on creditworthiness (including automatic payment discount), payment amounts will be:
$107.67 / month with 9.90% APR fixed (A Credit Rating)
$109.85 / month with 11.90% APR fixed (B Credit Rating)
$113.15 / month with 14.90% APR fixed (C Credit Rating)
A SAG Initiation Fee Loan is also available to current members who are assessed a difference of initiation fee. This may result when working in an area where the initiation fee is higher than the amount previously paid, as described on the back of the SAG Membership Application.
Applying Is Easy
To qualify for a SAG Initiation Fee Loan, you need to join or be a member in good standing of the AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union. It’s fast and easy to apply simultaneously for a SAG Initiation Fee Loan and Credit Union membership online at aftrasagfcu.org. You can also send an email to loans@aftrasagfcu.org, fax a request to (818) 260-9485, or call (800) 826-6946 for more information.
They Do the Work, You Get the Benefit
A check to cover your initiation fee and the first semi-annual basic dues payment will be made payable from AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union to Screen Actors Guild within 72 hours — faster if needed!
The Small Print
This is a fixed rate loan. Your interest rate and corresponding annual percentage rate (APR) will be based on your creditworthiness. Not all applicants will qualify for the best rate of 9.90% APR. The APR on the loan is .50% higher without Automatic Payment, which for the 9.90% APR example would be 10.40% APR. The maximum loan term is 24 months. Maximum loan amount is $2,500. Monthly payments are required. Loan disbursement checks are made payable to the Screen Actors Guild. Minors are not eligible for this program, however parents or guardians of Coogan kids may qualify for membership and can apply for a personal loan through ASFCU.
SAG members in good standing are eligible to apply for this loan product through AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union with the exception of individuals who reside in New York who are not existing members of the ASFCU. Such individuals may inquire about loan products from Actors Federal Credit Union at (212) 869-8926; outside NYC: (800) 2- ACTORS (800-222-8677).
