In the landscape of financial institutions, credit union offer a community-driven alternative to traditional banks, and America First Credit Union (AFCU) stands as one of the most prominent in the United States. With a history that spans over 85 years and a membership base of over a million people, AFCU is not just another local credit union—it’s a financial force in the western United States. But how well does it stack up for modern consumers in 2025?
In this in-depth review, we’ll explore America First Credit Union’s services, pros and cons, digital experience, customer service, membership eligibility, rates, and how it compares to other institutions. If you’re considering a switch from a big bank or joining a credit union for the first time, this review will help you determine if AFCU is the right fit.
1. Overview of America First Credit Union
Founded: 1939
Headquarters: Riverdale, Utah
Branches: Over 100 in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, and New Mexico
Assets: Over $18 billion
Members: 1.2 million+ (as of 2025)
AFCU is one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. It offers a full suite of financial products, from checking and savings accounts to mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and insurance. Though rooted in Utah, its services and digital offerings extend far beyond state lines.
2. History and Mission
America First Credit Union began in 1939 when a small group of people at the Fort Douglas military base in Utah pooled their money to create a cooperative financial institution. From those humble beginnings, AFCU grew steadily through the decades, expanding both geographically and digitally.
Its mission is clear: “To provide personal, convenient, and competitive financial services to our members.” AFCU aims to deliver low fees, attractive loan rates, and personalized service grounded in community values.
3. Membership Eligibility
One downside of some credit unions is their restrictive membership requirements. Fortunately, AFCU offers relatively broad eligibility. You can join if:
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You live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in qualifying areas of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and New Mexico.
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You’re a family member or reside in the same household as a current member.
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You’re employed by or affiliated with one of their partner organizations.
Membership is initiated by opening a share savings account with as little as $1.
4. Products and Services
AFCU provides a complete suite of financial services:
a. Checking and Savings Accounts
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Free Checking: No monthly fees or minimum balance.
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High-Yield Checking: Earns dividends when certain conditions (e.g., debit transactions, direct deposit) are met.
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Savings Accounts: Competitive interest, especially for Youth and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
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Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Fixed-term, fixed-rate savings options.
b. Loans
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Auto Loans: Among the lowest rates in the industry, with refinancing options available.
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Personal Loans: Unsecured loans with flexible terms.
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Home Loans: Mortgages, refinancing, and home equity lines of credit (HELOC).
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Student Loans: Through partnerships with third-party servicers.
c. Credit Cards
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Visa Platinum and Visa Signature: With competitive APRs and rewards programs.
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No annual fees, fraud protection, and contactless payment options.
d. Business Services
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AFCU supports small businesses with:
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Business checking and savings
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Commercial lending
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Business credit cards
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Merchant services
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e. Insurance and Investments
Through partnerships, AFCU offers:
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Auto and home insurance
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Life and health insurance
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Retirement planning and IRAs
5. Interest Rates and Fees
America First is known for offering competitive rates, particularly in the loan and credit card space. For example:
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Auto loan rates: As low as 5.49% APR (as of early 2025)
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Home loans: Starting at 6.75% APR, depending on credit
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CDs: Up to 4.50% APY for longer terms
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High-yield checking: Up to 2.00% APY if conditions are met
Fees are generally low or nonexistent for basic services:
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No monthly fees on standard checking
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Low overdraft fees compared to big banks
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No foreign transaction fees on some credit cards
6. Digital and Mobile Experience
AFCU has made significant investments in its digital infrastructure. The result is a sleek, reliable, and easy-to-use platform:
a. Mobile App
Available on both iOS and Android, the app offers:
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Mobile check deposit
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Biometric login (Face ID / Fingerprint)
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Card management (freeze/unfreeze)
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Transfers and bill pay
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Credit score monitoring
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Mobile wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
b. Online Banking
Includes all the mobile features, plus:
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Secure messaging
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Loan applications
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Account alerts
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Financial planning tools
While it doesn’t quite reach the seamlessness of top fintech apps, AFCU’s tech is above average among credit unions.
7. Customer Service
America First receives mixed but mostly positive feedback for its customer service.
Pros:
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In-branch service is friendly and personalized.
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Call center is responsive and typically resolves issues quickly.
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24/7 account access via automated phone and online.
Cons:
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Some users report long wait times during peak hours.
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Resolution of complex issues can take longer than with large national banks.
The credit union has a solid reputation for transparency, which helps offset occasional service delays.
8. Security and Trustworthiness
AFCU is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), meaning your deposits are insured up to $250,000.
They also employ robust cybersecurity measures:
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End-to-end encryption
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Two-factor authentication
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Real-time fraud alerts
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Secure card controls via app
No major data breaches have been reported in the past decade—a testament to their investment in secure infrastructure.
9. Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Competitive interest rates on loans and CDs
✅ Low fees or no fees on basic accounts
✅ Excellent auto loan and credit card products
✅ Highly rated mobile app
✅ Strong community focus and customer loyalty
Cons:
❌ Membership eligibility is still limited to certain regions
❌ Not as many branches as big banks
❌ Limited cash deposit options outside the region
❌ Business services less robust than national banks
10. How It Compares to Other Institutions
| Feature | America First CU | Chase Bank | Ally Bank (Online) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checking Account Fees | $0 | $12 (unless waived) | $0 |
| Auto Loan APR | From 5.49% | From 7.24% | N/A |
| CD APY (12 months) | Up to 4.50% | ~1.50% | ~4.00% |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.8 stars | 4.7 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Physical Branch Access | Regional | Nationwide | None (online only) |
| Membership Restrictions | Yes | No | No |
America First is ideal for those who want competitive rates with personalized service and are eligible for membership. While it can’t beat online banks in every digital area, it strikes a great balance between tech and human support.
Conclusion
Yes—if you qualify for membership, AFCU offers excellent value. Its mix of low fees, competitive loan rates, a surprisingly modern digital experience, and trustworthy customer service make it one of the best credit unions available in the western U.S.
Ideal for:
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People seeking auto loans or refinancing
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Those wanting a no-fee checking account
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Families looking for long-term banking relationships
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Small business owners needing basic services
Not ideal for:
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People living outside eligible regions
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Those needing extensive business banking
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Frequent international travelers needing global ATM access
If you’re frustrated with big-bank fees and impersonal service, AFCU could be the community-focused solution you’ve been looking for.