U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union
| Company type | Credit union |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | October 8, 1935 |
| Founder |
|
Key people | Timothy L. Anderson (President and CEO) |
| Products | Savings, checking accounts, consumer loans, mortgage loans, credit cards |
| Total assets |  US$1.6 billion (2024) |
| Members | 52,488 (June 2025) |
Number of employees | 156 (June 2025) |
| Website | ussfcu |
The United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) is a federally insured credit union based in Alexandria, Virginia. Established in 1935 amidst the hardships of the Great Depression, USSFCU originally catered exclusively to employees of the United States Senate. Today, it serves over 140 select employee groups within the Washington metropolitan area.
Origins (1935)
The credit union was founded on October 8, 1935, by nine Senate staff members who pooled $45 to provide reliable financial services tailored to the Senate workforce. The founding members were Charles E. Alden, Mack D. Chestnutt, Blaine S. Hollimon Jr., William E. Howard, Harry E. Cain, Edwin L. Swope, J. M. Henderson, D. Roland Potter, and Morris Sheppard. The minimum deposit to open an account was set at $5 and continues to this day.
Expansion in early years
Initially housed within the Russell Senate Office Building, USSFCU broadened its membership eligibility to include personnel from the Architect of the Capitol and the Supreme Court of the United States. In October 1983, operations were relocated to the newly constructed Hart Senate Office Building. By its 50th year in 1985, USSFCU’s membership had grown beyond 15,000 individuals.
Rebranding and consolidation
The organization adopted the name United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in 1990 to reflect its evolving identity. Growth was further propelled by strategic mergers:
- In 1992, USSFCU combined with Government Accountability Office (GAO) Federal Credit Union, incorporating an additional 2,700 members and inaugurating a second branch at the GAO Building.
- Subsequent consolidations with District of Columbia Unemployment Federal Credit Union (DCUFCU) and American Trucking Association Federal Credit Union (ATAFCU) expanded its service area and member base significantly.
Recent achievements
By the year 2000—marking its 65th anniversary—USSFCU’s assets had reached $204 million while membership exceeded 28,000. Membership climbed past 32,000 by 2015 with assets topping $550 million. The credit union surpassed $1 billion in assets in 2020.
Since Timothy L. Anderson assumed leadership as President and CEO in 2019, USSFCU's assets have increased to $1.6 billion as of 2024. As of June 2025, it employs 156 individuals and supports a membership of 52,488 across four branch locations.
Headquarters
In September 2021, USSFCU inaugurated its new main office and premier branch located in Alexandria, Virginia's Braddock Station district. This facility, designated the Bertie H. Bowman Building, pays tribute to the longest-tenured U.S. Senate staff member and a distinguished USSFCU board participant.
Services and membership
USSFCU functions as a member-driven, not-for-profit credit union providing a range of financial products including savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, consumer and vehicle loans, mortgage financing, home equity borrowing options, and student lending services.
Membership eligibility
Catering to individuals connected with the Senate and Capitol Hill communities along with various select employee groups throughout the Washington, D.C. region, USSFCU presents more than 140 ways to qualify for membership. This includes personnel working for government bodies and affiliated entities.
Awards and recognition
- USA Today Top Workplace for 2024 and 2025
- 2024 Culture Excellence Award for Inclusion and Belonging from USA Today
- Credit Union Mortgage Association (CUMA) Titanium Award in 2024
- VMware ACE Award in 2021 recognizing business innovation through technology
- Bankrate.com’s 5-Star Rating
- Positioned at #79 among the Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions by DepositAccounts.com
Community involvement
USSFCU is deeply committed to community engagement and charitable efforts. It has been a longstanding sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Race, which has generated over $11 million since 2002 benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
In 2025, the USSFCU Foundation was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity aimed at enhancing financial education, wellness initiatives, and inclusivity within the greater D.C. metropolitan area.