people helping peopleour history: from local roots to nationwide
United Federal Credit Union was founded in 1949, by community members who believed in helping one another achieve financial success. From our earliest beginnings in Michigan to serving communities across Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond, United Federal Credit Union’s story has been shaped by a simple belief: when people help people, communities grow stronger. Through more than eight decades of growth and change, we’ve expanded our reach while staying focused on what matters most—helping our Members build brighter financial futures and supporting the communities we call home. Explore the milestones that have defined our journey and discover how United has continued to grow while staying true to the values that started it all.
our story, milestone by milestone
From a small credit union founded by local employees to a growing organization serving communities across the country, every chapter of our story has been guided by a commitment to our Members. Explore the milestones, achievements, and defining moments that helped shape United into who we are today.
Key moments in United's growth. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between milestones; each selection reveals its full description.
1949
Founded as Nineteen Hundred Employees Federal Credit Union by five employees at the Whirlpool manufacturing plant in southwest Michigan.
2006
First Resource Federal Credit Union merges with Buchanan, Michigan-based United Federal Credit Union (formerly Buchanan Clark Employee Credit Union). The United Federal Credit Union name is retained for the combined institution.
2006 (second milestone)
United's branch footprint now includes Arkansas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio.
2009
United acquires Clearstar Financial Credit Union in Reno, Nevada.
2018
United opens branches in South Bend/Mishawaka, Indiana.
2021
United acquires Edgewater Bank in Southwest Michigan.
2024
United merges with GOLD Credit Union in Allentown, Pennsylvania — the partnership that shapes United's footprint today.
1939
Buchanan Clark Employee Credit Union — eventually United Federal Credit Union — is founded in Buchanan, Michigan.
1949
Nineteen Hundred Employees Federal Credit Union — eventually First Resource Credit Union — is founded in Benton Harbor, Michigan, at Whirlpool Corporation.
2006
First Resource Federal Credit Union merges with United Federal Credit Union. The name United Federal Credit Union is retained for the combined institution.
2006 (second milestone)
United's branch footprint now includes Arkansas, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio.
2009
United acquires Clearstar Financial Credit Union in Reno, Nevada.
2018
United opens branches in South Bend/Mishawaka, Indiana.
2021
United acquires Edgewater Bank in Southwest Michigan.
2024
United merges with GOLD Credit Union in Allentown, Pennsylvania — the partnership that shapes United's footprint today.
personal and business banking designed around you
United offers a full range of personal and business banking solutions — plus the tools to grow and protect what you have.
recognized for doing it the right way
BauerFinancial 5-Star Superior
-Star Superior for 28 consecutive years
One of the nation's leading independent bank and credit union rating organizations has rated United 5-Star Superior for 28 consecutive years — a reflection of the financial responsibility behind every rate and fee we set.
Top 100 Inspiring Places to Work
Recognized by Inspiring Workplaces Group highlighting the United's ongoing investment in workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership development.
Committed to the places we serve
Our employees live, work, and volunteer in the communities we serve — supporting local schools, nonprofits, small businesses, and community organizations.
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, United returns value to Members through competitive rates, fewer fees, personalized service, and ongoing investment in the communities we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
United Federal Credit Union (United) is a member-owned financial cooperative that has been serving Members since 1949. Headquartered in St. Joseph, Michigan, United provides personal banking, business banking, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, savings accounts, investment services, and financial wellness resources. Today, more than 190,000 Members across multiple states trust United for their financial needs.
Unlike traditional banks, United Federal Credit Union is owned by its Members, not shareholders. As a not-for-profit financial institution, United focuses on returning value to Members through competitive rates, fewer fees, personalized service, and investments in the communities it serves. Every decision is guided by the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
Membership at United Federal Credit Union is available to individuals, families, and employees who meet eligibility requirements. United partners with more than 900 employers and serves communities throughout Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Prospective Members can visit a branch or explore membership options online to determine eligibility.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment in branch or phone call, or open an account today.
United Federal Credit Union offers a full range of financial services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates, auto loans, mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, business banking, credit cards, online banking, mobile banking, and wealth management services. Whether you're opening your first account, buying a home, or growing a business, United provides solutions designed to help you achieve your financial goals.
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Yes. United Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Eligible deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured credit union, for each account ownership category. This insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.
United Federal Credit Union is headquartered in St. Joseph, Michigan. United’s corporate headquarters is located at 150 Hilltop Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Today, United operates nearly 40 branches across seven states while maintaining its commitment to locally focused service.
United Federal Credit Union traces its history back to 1939, as Buchanan Clark Employee Credit Union. United Federal Credit Union was founded in 1949 in St. Joseph, Michigan, by five employees of the Whirlpool manufacturing plant. Originally established as Nineteen Hundred Employees Federal Credit Union, United has grown into a financial institution serving more than 190,000 Members across the United States. For more than 75 years, United has remained committed to helping Members and communities achieve financial success.
United Federal Credit Union serves more than 190,000 Members and manages over $4 billion in assets. With nearly 40 branches across seven states, United combines the resources of a large financial institution with the personalized service and community involvement of a member-owned credit union.
United Federal Credit Union operates nearly 40 branch locations across seven states: Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Members can also access participating shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through United’s network partnerships, making it convenient to manage their finances beyond their local branch.
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment in branch or phone call, or open an account today.
United Federal Credit Union is owned by its Members rather than outside shareholders. As a member-owned financial cooperative, United operates under the oversight of a member-elected board of directors. This ownership structure allows United to focus on providing value to Members through competitive financial products, personalized service, and community involvement.