Investors in the bank will share a £9 million dividend - with the firm turning a larger profit this year, despite the credit crunch.
Customers of the Co-operative Group are to share a £8.9 million dividend, £2 million higher than for the same period last year.
The co-operative society announced that members will receive the sum based on the profits made in the six months ending in June. Over that period, 2.1 million customers used their membership cards to earn a right to the modern-day "divi".
Members gain access to a share of the Co-op's profits through points earned when using any of the group's services. Every £1 spent translates into one point, although customers of the financial services division of the company can earn points on insurance and mortgage packages.
This profit-sharing scheme is a new version of the "divi" scheme which was suspended in the 1970s due to running costs. The original paper system was based around a similar concept, with customers paying £1 to become members of the Co-op.
The new interim dividend is higher than for the same half-year period of 2007 and forms part of the group's plan to increase profits. A full-year dividend of £38.1 million was paid out in 2007.
Patrick Allen, director of marketing, at the Co-operative Group, said: "Although we are not immune to the general economic downturn, it is worth remembering that as a co-operative organisation it is our members who benefit from our financial achievements and no faceless City traders can speculate on our business."
Half of those set to receive the bonus this have elected to donate their share to charity.
