America First Credit Union Overview
America First Credit Union is a member-owned credit union headquartered in Riverdale (Ogden), Utah. Founded in 1939, it began as the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union in Salt Lake City, serving civilian employees of the Fort Douglas military base.
Over time, the institution expanded its field of membership, rebranded as America First Federal Credit Union, and grew to become the largest credit union in Utah, as well as one of the largest in the United States.
America First Credit Union Customer Service.
1-800-999-3961
1-877-AFCU-HOY (Español)
Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT
Saturdays
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. MT
Cities with America First Credit Union branches in Utah:
American Fork, Bountiful, Brigham City, Cedar City, Centerville, Clearfield, Clinton, Draper, Farmington, Heber City, Herriman, Hill Air Force Base, Hurricane, Hyrum, Kaysville, Kearns, Layton, Lehi, Logan, Marriott-Slaterville, Midvale, Murray, Nephi, North Ogden, North Salt Lake, Ogden, Orem, Park City, Payson, Plain City, Pleasant Grove, Providence, Provo, Riverdale, Riverton, Roy, Salt Lake City, Sandy, Santa Clara, Santaquin, Saratoga Springs, Smithfield, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, Spanish Fork, Springville, St George, Taylorsville, Tooele, Vineyard, West Jordan, West Point, West Valley, West Valley City.
Expansion
On March 16, 1939, a group of 59 coworkers gathered at the Newhouse Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. From this meeting, the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union was established.
On June 23, 1947, the credit union relocated to Ogden, Utah. This move away from Fort Douglas, combined with a growing membership base, led the institution to adopt the name Federal Employees Credit Union.
By 1962, the credit union had become the largest credit union in Utah, serving nearly 12,000 members and holding more than five million dollars in assets.
Over time, America First Credit Union expanded its reach to serve a broader range of members across Utah and neighboring areas. In addition to operating throughout Utah, America First Credit Union also established branches in Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Products and Services
America First Credit Union offers financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. The products it offers include checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, mortgages, and online and mobile banking services.
Checking Accounts
AmericaFirst.com | Checking
America First Credit Union offers different checking account options to meet the financial needs of its members. These checking accounts are designed to provide convenient access to funds and a range of banking services.
Classic Checking
- $0 monthly maintenance fee
- $0 minimum balance requirement
- Free online and mobile banking
- $0 ATM surcharge at eligible ATMs
Premium Checking
- $6 monthly maintenance fee
- Identity theft protection included
- Mobile phone protection included
- Exclusive discounts and added perks
Money Market Checking
- Higher dividend rates than standard checking
- Immediate access to funds
- Minimum opening balance required
- Tiered dividends based on average daily balance
Savings Accounts
AmericaFirst.com | Savings
Share Savings
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Required account to join America First Credit Union
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Deposit and withdraw funds at any time
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$1 minimum balance to keep the account open
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$0 monthly maintenance fee
Money Market Savings
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Higher dividend rates than standard savings
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Quick access to funds
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$0 minimum balance requirement
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Tiered dividends based on balance
Health Savings
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For qualified medical expenses
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Tax-advantaged savings structure
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$0 monthly fees
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$0 minimum balance requirement
Wedding Savings
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Designed for couples to receive gifted funds
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Contributions from friends and family
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Funds usable for any shared financial goal
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No usage restrictions on withdrawals
Dedicated Savings
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Ideal for goal-based savings (vacations, events)
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Automatic deposit options available
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$0 minimum opening deposit
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$10 automatic monthly deposit
Youth Savings
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Available for members under 26 years old
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Teaches long-term saving habits
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Tiered dividend structure
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Easy account access
Student Savings
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Exclusive to student-age members
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Higher dividend potential than standard savings
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Tiered dividends based on balance
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Convenient access to funds
Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Below is an overview of the certificates of deposit (CDs) offered by America First Credit Union:
Regular Certificates
- Competitive rates with terms from 3 months to 5 years
- $500 minimum opening deposit
- Automatic renewal available
- Dividends can be deposited into savings, checking, money market accounts, or reinvested
IRA Certificates
- Designed for members nearing retirement
- Competitive rates with bump-rate and automatic renewal options
- Terms range from 3 months to 5 years
- Tax-advantaged retirement savings structure
Bump-Rate Certificates
- One-time rate increase allowed during the term
- $500 minimum opening deposit
- Terms from 3 months to 5 years
- Automatic renewal and flexible dividend payment options
Bump-Rate CDs
- One-time rate increase allowed during the term
- $500 minimum opening deposit
- Terms from 3 months to 5 years
- Automatic renewal and flexible dividend payment options
Flexible Certificates
- High rates with penalty-free access to a portion of funds each quarter
- $500 minimum opening deposit
- 12-month term
- Automatic renewal and optional monthly additional deposits
Ladder Certificates
- Designed to maximize returns while maintaining access to funds
- Certificate terms ranging from 1 to 5 years
- $500 minimum opening deposit
- Automatic renewal available
Each CD option offers distinct features and benefits, allowing America First Credit Union members to choose the certificate that best aligns with their financial goals. For more detailed information, members should contact America First Credit Union customer service.
Credit Cards
AmericaFirst.com | Credit Cards
Visa Classic Credit Card
- $0 annual fee
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases
- Credit limit up to $5,000
- Earn points with every purchase
Visa Signature Credit Card
- $0 annual fee and $0 balance transfer fee
- 1%–1.5% cash back, depending on card terms
- 0% APR for the first 6 months
- Earn points redeemable for cash back or rewards
Visa Platinum Credit Card
- $0 annual fee
- Lower interest rates than other credit cards
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases
- $0 balance transfer fee
Secured Visa Credit Card
- $0 annual fee
- Credit limits starting at $500
- Designed to help build or rebuild credit
- Secured by funds held in a savings account
Real Salt Lake Credit Card
- $0 annual fee
- Team-branded card for Real Salt Lake fans
- Cash back, low-rate, or rewards options available
- Supports the team with every purchase
Personal Loans
Certificate Secured Loans
- Affordable loans secured by America First certificates
- Lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans
- Fixed payment structure
- Certificate remains on deposit during the loan term
Debt Consolidation Loans
- Combine multiple debts into one loan
- Single monthly payment
- Simplifies debt management
- May offer lower overall interest costs
Personal Line of Credit
- Flexible access to funds as needed
- Designed for unexpected expenses or emergencies
- Interest charged only on amounts used
- Revolving credit structure
Personal Loans
- Financing for a wide range of personal needs
- Fixed loan amounts and terms
- Predictable monthly payments
- No collateral required
Share-Secured Loans
- Loans secured by an America First Share account
- Lower rates than unsecured personal loans
- Share funds remain on deposit
- Helps build or strengthen credit history
Mortgages
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
- Financing options available for first-time homebuyers
- Designed to support initial home purchases
- Competitive loan structures
100% No PMI Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
- 100% financing with no private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Initial rate stability for the first 5 years
- Adjustable rate after the initial period
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
- Fixed interest rate for the life of the loan
- Predictable monthly payments
- Available in multiple loan terms
Conventional Purchase & Refinance Loans
- Competitive rates and borrower-friendly terms
- Requires good credit history
- Higher down payment typically required
- Available for purchase and refinancing
Government Loan Programs (FHA & VA)
- Government-backed mortgage options
- FHA loans for qualified buyers
- VA loans for eligible service members and veterans
- Flexible qualification requirements
Construction & Land Loans
- Financing to purchase land and build custom homes
- Covers land acquisition and construction costs
- Designed for custom or new-build projects
Jumbo Loans
- Designed for higher-priced properties
- Non-conforming loan structures
- Competitive jumbo rates
- Suitable for larger loan amounts
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
- Lower initial interest rates
- Rates adjust after a set introductory period
- Ideal for shorter-term homeowners
Who Can Become a Member of America First Credit Union?
AmericaFirst.com | Membership
Below is a list of eligibility criteria to become a member of America First Federal Credit Union in Utah:
- Live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Salt Lake, Utah, or Juab counties in Utah
- Reside in eligible areas of Cache, Davis, Iron, Rich, Washington, or Weber counties in Utah
- Be an owner, employee, or vendor involved in the food industry in Utah
- Be an employee or member of a Select Employer Group (SEG) or an affiliated association
- Be an immediate family or household member of an existing member, or otherwise qualify for membership
- Be the spouse of a deceased member within the field of membership
- Be an existing member of America First Federal Credit Union
- Be an employee of America First Federal Credit Union or one of its subsidiaries
Meeting any of these criteria qualifies you to apply for membership with America First Federal Credit Union and access its financial services and member benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, America First Credit Union, founded in 1939 as the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union, has evolved into one of the largest and most successful credit unions in the United States, serving more than 1.3 million members.
With financial products and services that include checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, credit cards, and a wide range of personal and mortgage loans, America First provides flexible financial solutions. These offerings are designed to meet the needs of individual members, families, and businesses.
Disclaimer:
This page is not affiliated with, maintained by, or sponsored by America First Credit Union. The information provided in this overview may be outdated or inaccurate after the publication date. UtahFi does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the content. The logo is a registered trademark of America First Credit Union.
