America First Credit Union: Utah’s Largest Credit Union

America First Credit Union Overview

History and Growth

On March 16, 1939, a group of 59 coworkers gathered at the Newhouse Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union was established.

On June 23, 1947, the credit union relocated to Ogden, Utah. The move, combined with continued membership growth, helped expand the institution beyond its original Fort Douglas employee base.

By 1962, the credit union had become the largest credit union in Utah, serving nearly 12,000 members and holding more than $5 million in assets.

Over time, America First Credit Union expanded across Utah and into neighboring states. In addition to its Utah branch network, the credit union also operates 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

Read the full America First Classic Checking review.

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

• Required account to join America First Credit Union
• Deposit and withdraw funds at any time
• $1 minimum balance to keep the account open
• $0 monthly maintenance fee

Money Market Savings

• Higher dividend rates than standard savings
• Quick access to funds
• $0 minimum balance requirement
• Tiered dividends based on balance

Health Savings

• For qualified medical expenses
• Tax-advantaged savings structure
• $0 monthly fees
• $0 minimum balance requirement

Wedding Savings

• Designed for couples to receive gifted funds
• Contributions from friends and family
• Funds usable for any shared financial goal
• No usage restrictions on withdrawals

Dedicated Savings

• Ideal for goal-based savings (vacations, events)
• Automatic deposit options available
• $0 minimum opening deposit
• $10 automatic monthly deposit

Youth Savings

• Available for members under 26 years old
• Teaches long-term saving habits
• Tiered dividend structure
• Easy account access

Student Savings

• Exclusive to student-age members
• Higher dividend potential than standard savings
• Tiered dividends based on balance
• 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

mericaFirst.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

Loans

America First Credit Union offers several personal lending options designed for flexible borrowing, debt consolidation, secured lending, and emergency financial needs.

Certificate Secured Loans

Certificate Secured Loans allow members to borrow against their America First certificates while keeping their savings invested.

• Secured by certificate balances
• Lower rates than many unsecured loans
• Fixed payment structure
• Savings remain on deposit

Debt Consolidation Loans

Debt Consolidation Loans are designed to combine multiple debts into a single monthly payment structure.

• Combines multiple debts into one loan
• Simplified monthly payments
• Fixed repayment structure
• Designed for debt management

Personal Line of Credit

Personal Lines of Credit provide flexible access to funds for ongoing or unexpected expenses.

• Revolving credit structure
• Borrow funds as needed
• Interest charged only on used balances
• Flexible borrowing access

Personal Loans

Personal Loans provide fixed-term financing for a variety of personal expenses and financial needs.

• Fixed loan amounts and terms
• Predictable monthly payments
• Unsecured borrowing option
• Designed for general expenses

Share-Secured Loans

Share-Secured Loans allow members to borrow against funds held in their America First share accounts.

• Secured by savings balances
• Lower rates than unsecured loans
• Savings remain on deposit
• Can help build credit history

Mortgages

America First Credit Union offers mortgage products for home purchases, refinancing, construction financing, and specialized borrowing needs.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs

First-Time Homebuyer Programs are designed to help eligible buyers purchase their first home with financing options tailored toward new homeowners.

• Designed for first-time buyers
• Home purchase financing
• Competitive loan structures
• Buyer-focused mortgage options

100% No PMI Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

This mortgage program offers full financing without private mortgage insurance during the initial loan structure period.

• 100% financing option
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Adjustable-rate structure
• Initial fixed-rate period

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

Fixed-Rate Mortgages provide stable interest rates and predictable monthly payments throughout the life of the loan.

• Fixed interest rate structure
• Predictable monthly payments
• Multiple term options
• Long-term payment stability

Conventional Purchase & Refinance Loans

Conventional loans are designed for home purchases and refinancing for borrowers who meet standard lending qualifications.

• Purchase and refinance options
• Conventional loan structure
• Competitive mortgage rates
• Multiple property financing uses

Government Loan Programs (FHA & VA)

Government-backed mortgage programs are designed for eligible borrowers seeking alternative qualification structures.

• FHA loan options
• VA loan programs
• Government-backed financing
• Flexible qualification structures

Construction & Land Loans

Construction and Land Loans help finance land purchases and custom home construction projects.

• Land purchase financing
• Construction financing options
• Designed for custom home projects
• Build-focused lending structure

Jumbo Loans

Jumbo Loans are designed for higher-value property financing that exceeds conventional loan limits.

• Higher loan amount limits
• Designed for larger properties
• Non-conforming loan structure
• Competitive jumbo financing

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages offer lower introductory rates that later adjust based on market conditions.

• Lower initial interest rates
• Adjustable-rate structure
• Introductory fixed-rate period
• Designed for shorter-term ownership scenarios

Who Can Become a Member of America First Credit Union?

americafirst.com | Membership

Below are some of the eligibility criteria to become a member of America First Credit Union in Utah and eligible surrounding areas:

• 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 Utah’s food industry
• Be an employee or member of a Select Employer Group (SEG) or affiliated association
• Be an immediate family or household member of an existing member
• Be the spouse of a deceased member within the field of membership
• Be an existing member of America First Credit Union
• Be an employee of America First Credit Union or one of its subsidiaries

Meeting any of these eligibility requirements may qualify you to apply for membership and access America First Credit Union’s financial products and services.

Conclusion

Founded in 1939 as the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union, America First Credit Union has grown into the largest credit union in Utah and one of the largest credit unions in the United States.

Today, the credit union serves members across Utah and neighboring states through a large branch network, digital banking tools, consumer lending, mortgages, credit cards, and business banking services. Its product lineup includes checking and savings accounts, certificates, personal loans, auto loans, and mortgage programs designed for a wide range of financial needs.

With a long history in Utah and a broad statewide presence, America First remains one of the most recognized credit union options for Utah residents comparing local financial institutions.

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.