Desert Financial Credit Union
| Company type | Credit union |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Headquarters | Phoenix , United States |
Area served | Arizona (Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, Cochise (online banking), La Paz (online banking), Mohave (online banking), Navajo (online banking), Pima (online banking), Yuma (online banking)) |
| Products | Savings and checking accounts, certificates of deposit, IRAs, home equity loans, mortgage loans, business loans, credit cards, vehicle and watercraft loans, direct deposit services, money market accounts, online and mobile banking, estate planning services |
| Website | desertfinancial |
Desert Financial Credit Union is a credit union based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a network of more than 50 branches and ATMs throughout Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai counties, as well as serving members across the entire state of Arizona. The institution holds federal insurance through the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) and is overseen by the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions for its state-chartered operations. As of 2025, Desert Financial stands as the largest locally based credit union in Arizona, managing assets nearing $9 billion and catering to nearly half a million members.
History
Founded in 1939 under the name Arizona Educational Association (A.E.A.) #1 Federal Credit Union, the organization initially focused on serving educators. In 1972, it adopted the name Desert Schools Federal Credit Union to better represent its target demographic. By 1996, the credit union broadened its charter to include three counties within Arizona and eliminated occupational requirements for membership. The institution transitioned to a statewide charter in 2020.
The credit union rebranded as Desert Financial Credit Union in 2018 to emphasize that its membership was no longer limited to education professionals. This rebranding effort featured a local Super Bowl LII advertisement starring Phoenix native Alice Cooper, utilizing his band’s 1972 hit "School's Out" to enhance brand awareness.
Membership
Serving approximately 500,000 members, Desert Financial extends eligibility to those residing, working, worshiping, or attending school in various Arizona counties:
- Coconino
- Gila
- Maricopa
- Pinal
- Yavapai
- Cochise (limited to online banking)
- La Paz (limited to online banking)
- Mohave (limited to online banking)
- Navajo (limited to online banking)
- Pima (limited to online banking)
- Yuma (limited to online banking)
Additionally, family members of current or eligible participants may qualify for membership.
Services
The credit union provides an extensive selection of financial products and services, which include:
- Savings and checking accounts
- Certificates of deposit
- IRAs
- Home equity loans
- Mortgage loans
- Business loan options
- Consumer and business platinum, bonus, and bonus rewards plus Visa credit cards
- Loans for vehicles and watercraft
- Direct deposit services
- Money market accounts
- Online and mobile banking platforms
- Estate planning services such as wills and trusts
Community Involvement and Partnerships
Annually, Desert Financial contributes roughly $5 million to charitable organizations within the community, with staff actively participating in volunteer efforts. The organization established the Desert Financial Foundation in 2018 as its dedicated nonprofit entity.
In 2019, Desert Financial acquired naming rights for the arena at Arizona State University, renaming it the Desert Financial Arena. By 2024, it was designated ASU’s official retail banking partner.
Expanding its footprint in Northern Arizona, Desert Financial became the official banking partner for NAU Athletics and NAU Alumni in 2024 and inaugurated a branch inside the NAU University Union in 2025.
In 2024, the credit union signed a multi-year agreement as the "Official Banking Partner of the Arizona Cardinals," continuing a partnership that has lasted two decades. This collaboration features exclusive Cardinals-themed debit card designs and sponsorship involvement with the team’s training camp.