America First Credit Union
| Company type | Credit union |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | March 16, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Headquarters | Riverdale , United States |
Area served | Utah, Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California |
| Products | Banking, mortgage loans, Small Business Administration loans |
| Website | www |
America First Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union based in Riverdale, Utah, United States. It stands as the fifth largest credit union nationwide by membership and ranks seventh by total assets.
Description
Operating 124 branch locations, America First serves a membership exceeding one million individuals and holds assets surpassing USD 19.35 billion. It is part of the CO-OP Network, granting members access to nearly 30,000 ATMs across the country without fees.
Membership is available to those who live, work, attend school, worship, conduct business, or volunteer within specified counties in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Additionally, people residing within a 12-mile radius of Mesquite, Nevada qualify for membership. Immediate family members or those living in the same household as current members are also eligible. Employment within the food industry and participation in associated organizations in Utah further extend eligibility criteria.
History
Established on March 16, 1939, at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, Utah, America First Credit Union began with 59 members from the National Federation of Federal Employees, Local No. 650. Originally named Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union, it relocated to the Utah General Distribution Depot in Ogden in 1947 and adopted the name Federal Employees Credit Union. By 1960, its membership included personnel from five federal facilities such as Hill Air Force Base and the Internal Revenue Service Building. In 1984, reflecting its expanded state-chartered membership scope, it changed its name to America First Credit Union and opened membership to the general public.
In 1994, America First launched competitive mortgage products that featured no fees for first mortgage refinancing and offered interest rate discounts linked to automatic payments and loan-to-value ratios. Due to legal and regulatory limitations imposed in 1998 on its membership and business lending activities, the credit union secured a federal charter in 2003. This change facilitated growth and led to the opening of a branch in Summit County in 2004.
The credit union broadened its business offerings by introducing Small Business Administration loan programs in 2005. In 2007, it demonstrated support for military personnel through programs such as Operation Best Wishes. On August 12, 2009, America First expanded its footprint by acquiring Community One Federal Credit Union of Las Vegas after its closure by the National Credit Union Administration.
Subsequent expansion included mergers with Altier Credit Union of Arizona in June 2018—extending services into Maricopa County—and City Center Credit Union of Utah County in November 2019. On June 12, 2024, it further grew by merging with California’s 1st Valley Credit Union, incorporating San Bernardino County into its membership area. Additionally, March 2022 marked the opening of America First’s inaugural New Mexico branch following authorization to serve multiple counties and cities within that state.
Technology
In 1999, America First Credit Union operated using Novell's NetWare system. By 2001, it had launched wireless banking capabilities through technology provided by SensCom Inc.. In 2006, the credit union implemented Oracle Corporation's Siebel Branch Teller software to automate check processing at teller stations, thereby improving transaction speed and accuracy.
Field of membership
The National Credit Union Administration authorizes America First Credit Union to serve individuals who live, work, run businesses, worship, volunteer, or attend school within the following locations:
| State | Areas | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Counties: Maricopa, Mohave
Additional Locations: Page, Pima, St. Johns |
|
| California | Counties: San Bernardino | |
| Idaho | Counties: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Boise, Canyon, Caribou, Clark, Elmore, Franklin, Gem, Jefferson, Madison, Owyhee, Power | |
| Nevada | Counties: Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Esmeralda, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Nye, Storey, Washoe
Additional Locations: Carson City |
|
| New Mexico | Counties: Bernalillo, Chaveso, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, Quay, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance, Valencia | |
| Oregon | Counties: Malheur | |
| Utah | Counties: Cache, Davis, Iron, Juab, Rich, Salt Lake, Utah, Washington, Weber | Eligibility also extends to owners and employees within Utah's food industry and their affiliated businesses. |
See also
- America First Event Center, an indoor arena at Southern Utah University sponsored by the credit union
- America First Field, a soccer stadium located in Sandy near Salt Lake City supported by the credit union
- America First Center in Henderson, the practice facility for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League, situated in Henderson Nevada