Wright-Patt Credit Union
| Company type | Credit union |
|---|---|
| Industry | Financial services |
| Founded | 1932 in Fairborn, Ohio, United States |
| Headquarters | Beavercreek , United States |
Area served | Miami Valley Region, Greater Dayton Area, Cincinnati, Columbus, Ohio |
| Products | Savings accounts, checking accounts, consumer loans, certificates of deposit, small business financing, auto loans, mortgage lending, student loans, credit cards, lines of credit, health savings accounts (HSAs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), direct deposit via ACH transfers, telephone banking, online and mobile banking, remote deposit |
| Website | www |
Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) is a credit union based in the United States, with its main office located in Beavercreek, Ohio. Initially established in Fairborn, Ohio, the organization moved its headquarters to Beavercreek in 2014. Operating under a state charter, WPCU holds the distinction of being Ohio's largest credit union owned by its members and is ranked among the top 50 nationwide. By 2022, it had accumulated assets exceeding $7.1 billion and served a membership base of over 446,000 individuals. Deposits at WPCU are federally protected up to $250,000 through insurance provided by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
History
WPCU was created in 1932 during the economic hardships of the Great Depression by federal employees working at Wright Field, now known as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Its founding purpose was to address the financial requirements of that community. Over time, it expanded to become the largest member-owned credit union in Ohio and one of the most significant across the country, catering to members from diverse employer groups and communities. The credit union has experienced several renamings that reflect its growth and changing identity:
- 1932 – F.E.U. Local 148 Credit Union
- 1948 – Wright Field Credit Union
- 1951 – Dayton Federal Employees Credit Union
- 1962 – Wright-Patt Credit Union
Membership
Membership eligibility for Wright-Patt Credit Union (WPCU) is confined to individuals within its specified common bond, primarily serving Ohio's Miami Valley Region in the Greater Dayton Area and certain additional locations. Those qualified for membership include:
- Individuals residing, employed, attending school, or participating in worship within designated Ohio counties such as Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Licking, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Preble, Union, and Warren.
- Both military and civilian personnel affiliated with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB).
- Military members located within a 14-county region surrounding Fairborn where credit union services are unavailable.
- Retired military and civilian employees of the U.S. Government.
- Government workers near WPAFB who lack access to credit union services at their workplace.
- Students, faculty, staff, and alumni association members of Wright State University.
- Selected groups associated through employment or geographic connection.
- Relatives of individuals who meet eligibility criteria.
Organization
As a state-chartered institution headquartered in Ohio and insured federally by the NCUA, WPCU is overseen by a volunteer board elected from among its members. The credit union owns myCUmortgage, LLC—a subsidiary functioning as a credit union service organization (CUSO)—which allows WPCU to offer a wider array of financial products beyond standard credit union services.
Services
Wright-Patt Credit Union delivers an extensive suite of financial offerings including savings accounts (shares), checking accounts, consumer loans, certificates of deposit, small business financing, auto loans, mortgage lending, student loans, credit cards, lines of credit, health savings accounts (HSAs), individual retirement accounts (IRAs), direct deposit via ACH transfers, telephone banking services, online and mobile banking platforms, as well as remote deposit capabilities. Members obtain ownership status by opening a share savings account with a minimum deposit of $5. These financial products and services align with WPCU’s cooperative business model centered on member ownership and mutual financial benefit.
Member Centers and ATM Availability
By 2022, Wright-Patt Credit Union maintained 34 member service centers located throughout the Greater Dayton region, as well as in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. To broaden its accessibility, the credit union collaborates with ATM networks including Alliance One, CO-OP Network, and STAR, providing members with convenient access to ATMs that often involve minimal or no fees. Furthermore, WPCU utilizes the Shared Service Center network (CU Service Centers), allowing members to perform financial transactions at participating credit unions nationwide, thereby increasing convenience and extending its service reach.
Accolades
- Achieved the position of #3 Most Convenient Credit Union in the U.S. in 2018 according to MagnifyMoney
- Awarded Best Bank in Ohio for the years 2017–2018 by Money.com
- Regularly listed among the Top 10 Best Mobile Apps in the U.S. by MagnifyMoney from 2015 through 2017
- Recognized as the #1 Best Ohio Credit Union in 2019 by Forbes
- Honored with the 2020 Gold Fee Lender - Dayton-Kettering, OH distinction from OriginationData
- Named Best Customer Service Business in 2021 by Dayton Business Journal