America First Credit Union: Utah’s Largest Credit Union

America First Credit Union Overview

America First Credit Union is the largest credit union in Utah and one of the largest credit unions in the United States. Headquartered in Riverdale near Ogden, Utah, the credit union serves members across Utah and neighboring states through branch banking, digital banking services, consumer lending, mortgages, and business financial products.

Founded in 1939 as the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union in Salt Lake City, the institution has grown from a small employee credit union into one of the most recognized financial institutions in Utah.

Comparing options? Check our guide Best Credit Unions in Utah or compare America First vs Mountain America.

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 a wide range of financial products for members across Utah and neighboring states, including everyday banking, savings, credit cards, loans, mortgages, and business services.

Members can use America First for basic checking and savings needs, longer-term savings through certificates, everyday purchases through Visa credit cards, and major borrowing needs such as auto loans, personal loans, home loans, and business financing.

America First Credit Union also occasionally offers bonuses, promotional rates, and member deals tied to its banking products. For current offers, see our America First Credit Union Bonuses and Promotions page.

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

• Monthly maintenance fee: $0
• Minimum balance requirement: $0
• Key benefit: Simple everyday checking with digital banking access
• Best for: Members who want a basic personal checking account without extra account requirements

Read the full America First Classic Checking review.

Premium Checking

Premium Checking is designed for members who want a checking account with added protections, service benefits, and relationship-style perks beyond a basic everyday account.

• Monthly maintenance fee: $6
• Key benefit: Added features such as identity theft protection, mobile phone protection, and exclusive discounts
• Account style: Enhanced personal checking
• Best for: Members who want extra benefits bundled into their checking account

Money Market Checking

Money Market Checking combines checking access with higher dividend potential for members who keep larger balances in the account.

• Dividend structure: Tiered dividends based on average daily balance
• Key benefit: Higher dividend potential than standard checking
• Account access: Immediate access to funds
• Best for: Members who want checking access while keeping a larger balance in the account

Savings Accounts

AmericaFirst.com | Savings

Share Savings

Share Savings is the basic membership savings account required to join America First Credit Union.

• Membership requirement: Required to establish membership
• Minimum balance to keep open: $1
• Key benefit: Basic savings access for America First members
• Best for: Members opening their first account with America First Credit Union

Money Market Savings

Money Market Savings is designed for members who want higher dividend potential while still keeping access to their funds.

• Dividend structure: Tiered dividends based on balance
• Key benefit: Higher dividend potential than standard savings
• Account access: Quick access to funds
• Best for: Members who keep larger savings balances

Health Savings

Health Savings is designed for members who want a tax-advantaged way to save for qualified medical expenses.

• Account type: Health Savings Account
• Key benefit: Tax-advantaged savings for eligible healthcare costs
• Monthly fee: $0
• Best for: Members with qualifying high-deductible health plans

Wedding Savings

Wedding Savings is a dedicated account designed for couples who want to receive gifted funds and save toward wedding-related or shared financial goals.

• Account purpose: Wedding and shared-goal savings
• Key benefit: Contributions from friends and family
• Usage: Funds can be used for shared financial goals
• Best for: Couples planning a wedding or major shared expense

Dedicated Savings

Dedicated Savings helps members separate money for specific goals such as vacations, events, emergencies, or planned expenses.

• Account purpose: Goal-based savings
• Key benefit: Separate savings organization
• Deposit options: Automatic deposits available
• Best for: Members saving for specific short-term or long-term goals

Youth Savings

Youth Savings is designed for younger members who are learning how to save and manage money over time.

• Age focus: Members under 26
• Key benefit: Encourages long-term saving habits
• Dividend structure: Tiered dividends may apply
• Best for: Younger members building savings habits

Student Savings

Student Savings is designed for student-age members who want a savings account tailored to younger savers.

• Member focus: Student-age members
• Key benefit: Higher dividend potential than standard savings
• Dividend structure: Tiered dividends based on balance
• Best for: Students who want a savings option connected to their America First membership

Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

America First Credit Union offers certificates for members who want fixed-term savings options, retirement-focused savings, or more flexible certificate structures.

Regular Certificates

Regular Certificates are fixed-term savings products designed for members who want predictable dividend earnings over a set period.

• Terms: Available from 3 months to 5 years
• Minimum opening deposit: $500
• Key benefit: Predictable fixed-term savings
• Best for: Members who want a traditional certificate option

IRA Certificates

IRA Certificates are designed for members who want to use certificates as part of a retirement savings strategy.

• Account type: Retirement certificate
• Terms: Available from 3 months to 5 years
• Key benefit: Tax-advantaged retirement savings structure
• Best for: Members saving for retirement through an IRA

Bump-Rate Certificates

Bump-Rate Certificates allow members to request a one-time rate increase during the certificate term if rates move higher.

• Rate feature: One-time bump-rate option
• Minimum opening deposit: $500
• Terms: Available from 3 months to 5 years
• Key benefit: Flexibility if certificate rates increase
• Best for: Members who want fixed-term savings with one opportunity to adjust the rate

Flexible Certificates

Flexible Certificates are designed for members who want certificate-level savings with more access and contribution flexibility than a traditional certificate.

• Term: 12 months
• Minimum opening deposit: $500
• Key benefit: Limited penalty-free access to funds
• Best for: Members who want a certificate with more flexibility

Ladder Certificates

Ladder Certificates are designed for members who want to spread savings across multiple certificate terms.

• Structure: Certificate terms ranging from 1 to 5 years
• Minimum opening deposit: $500
• Key benefit: Helps balance access and long-term savings
• Best for: Members building a certificate ladder strategy

Credit Cards

mericaFirst.com | Credit Cards

Visa Classic Credit Card

Visa Classic Credit Card is America First’s standard Visa credit card option, with versions focused on rewards, 1% cash back, or a lower standard rate.

Best for: Members who want a simple everyday credit card with either rewards, cash back, or a lower-rate structure.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None listed
• Intro offer: No introductory or teaser rates on the low-rate Classic version
• Rewards: Classic options include Rewards, 1% Cash Back, and Low Rate versions
• Other perks: Spending limit up to $5,000, Picture Perfect card design, auto rental insurance, and travel accident insurance

Visa Signature Credit Card

Visa Signature Credit Card is designed for members who want stronger cash back potential and Visa Signature-level benefits.

Best for: Members who want higher cash back potential on everyday purchases.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None listed
• Intro offer: 0% intro APR offer may be available on eligible new Visa credit cards
• Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with rebates deposited quarterly
• Other perks: Visa Signature benefits, worldwide acceptance, rewards redemption options, and digital account management

Visa Platinum Credit Card

Visa Platinum Credit Card is designed for members who want either a lower-rate card or a Platinum rewards option.

Best for: Members who want a lower-rate credit card or a Platinum rewards card.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None listed
• Intro offer: Interest-free payments for the first 6 months on new Visa Platinum low-rate cards
• Rewards: Platinum options include Low Rate and Rewards versions
• Other perks: No balance-transfer fees, rewards redemption options, and additional spending flexibility

Secured Visa Credit Card

Secured Visa Credit Card is designed for members who want to build or rebuild credit with a card secured by funds held in a savings account.

Best for: Members building or rebuilding credit.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None listed
• Intro offer: None listed
• Rewards: Not the main focus; this card is primarily designed for credit building
• Other perks: Low-rate structure, Visa purchasing access, and an opportunity to build or rebuild credit history

Real Salt Lake Credit Card

Real Salt Lake Credit Card is a team-branded America First Visa card designed for Real Salt Lake fans who want a card connected to the club.

Best for: Members who want an America First card with Real Salt Lake branding.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None listed
• Intro offer: None listed
• Rewards: Available card structures may include cash back, rewards, or low-rate options
• Other perks: Real Salt Lake card design, Visa acceptance, and America First card servicing

Loans

America First Credit Union offers personal lending options for members who need flexible financing, debt consolidation, secured borrowing, or access to funds for unexpected expenses.

Certificate Secured Loans

Certificate Secured Loans allow members to borrow against an America First certificate while keeping the certificate funds on deposit.

• Loan type: Secured personal loan
• Collateral: America First certificate balance
• Key benefit: Lets members access funds without closing the certificate
• Best for: Members who want to borrow against certificate savings instead of using an unsecured loan

Debt Consolidation Loans

Debt Consolidation Loans are designed to combine multiple debts into one loan with a single monthly payment.

• Loan type: Personal debt consolidation
• Use case: Credit cards, personal debts, or other eligible balances
• Key benefit: Simplifies repayment into one payment
• Best for: Members who want a clearer payoff structure for existing debt

Personal Line of Credit

Personal Line of Credit gives members revolving access to funds that can be used when needed.

• Loan type: Revolving credit line
• Use case: Emergencies, overdraft protection, or flexible expenses
• Key benefit: Borrow only what you need when you need it
• Best for: Members who want flexible access instead of a fixed lump-sum loan

Personal Loans

Personal Loans provide fixed-term financing for general expenses, planned purchases, or unexpected costs.

• Loan type: Unsecured personal loan
• Use case: General personal expenses
• Key benefit: Fixed loan amount with predictable repayment
• Best for: Members who want a lump-sum loan without using collateral

Share-Secured Loans

Share-Secured Loans allow members to borrow against funds held in an America First share savings account.

• Loan type: Secured personal loan
• Collateral: Share savings balance
• Key benefit: Lets members keep savings on deposit while borrowing against the balance
• Best for: Members who want a secured loan option that may also help build credit history

Mortgages

America First Credit Union offers mortgage products for members buying a home, refinancing an existing mortgage, building a home, purchasing land, or financing a higher-value property.

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.

• Loan type: Home purchase mortgage
• Use case: First-time home purchase
• Key benefit: Buyer-focused mortgage options for members entering homeownership
• Best for: Members buying their first home

100% No PMI Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

100% No PMI Adjustable-Rate Mortgage offers eligible borrowers full financing without private mortgage insurance during the initial loan structure period.

• Loan type: Adjustable-rate mortgage
• Use case: Home purchase with full financing
• Key benefit: 100% financing with no private mortgage insurance
• Best for: Eligible borrowers who want a low-down-payment mortgage option

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

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

• Loan type: Fixed-rate mortgage
• Use case: Home purchase or refinance
• Key benefit: Predictable long-term payment structure
• Best for: Members who want payment stability over the life of the mortgage

Conventional Purchase & Refinance Loans

Conventional Purchase & Refinance Loans are designed for borrowers who meet standard lending qualifications and want a traditional mortgage structure.

• Loan type: Conventional mortgage
• Use case: Home purchase or mortgage refinance
• Key benefit: Standard mortgage option for qualified borrowers
• Best for: Members with strong credit and traditional home-financing needs

Government Loan Programs (FHA & VA)

Government Loan Programs include FHA and VA mortgage options for eligible borrowers who may qualify through government-backed lending structures.

• Loan type: Government-backed mortgage
• Use case: Home purchase or refinance
• Key benefit: Flexible qualification options for eligible borrowers
• Best for: FHA-eligible buyers or eligible service members, veterans, and qualifying military families

Construction & Land Loans

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

• Loan type: Construction or land financing
• Use case: Buying land or building a custom home
• Key benefit: Financing designed around new construction timelines
• Best for: Members planning to build instead of buying an existing home

Jumbo Loans

Jumbo Loans are designed for higher-value properties that exceed standard conforming loan limits.

• Loan type: Jumbo mortgage
• Use case: Higher-priced home financing
• Key benefit: Larger loan amounts for qualifying borrowers
• Best for: Members purchasing or refinancing higher-value properties

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages offer an introductory fixed-rate period before the rate adjusts based on the loan terms and market conditions.

• Loan type: Adjustable-rate mortgage
• Use case: Home purchase or refinance
• Key benefit: Lower initial rate potential compared with some fixed-rate options
• Best for: Members who may sell, refinance, or pay down the loan before later rate adjustments

Business Banking

America First Credit Union offers business banking products for small businesses, nonprofits, and larger companies that need checking, savings, payment tools, credit cards, or financing.

Business Checking

Business Checking options are designed for companies that need a dedicated account for deposits, payments, debit card access, and day-to-day money management.

• Account options: Basic Business Checking, Premier Business Checking, and High-Yield Business Checking
• Use case: Managing business deposits, payments, and operating expenses
• Key benefit: Multiple checking structures for different transaction levels and balance needs
• Best for: Business owners who want a dedicated credit union checking account

Business Savings and Certificates

Business Savings and Certificates give businesses a way to separate reserves, save for future needs, or place excess cash into longer-term savings options.

• Account options: Business savings, business money market-style options, and business certificates
• Use case: Emergency reserves, tax savings, equipment funds, or longer-term business savings
• Key benefit: Helps businesses separate operating cash from savings goals
• Best for: Businesses that want to organize cash beyond a checking account

Business Visa Credit Cards

Business Visa Credit Cards help business owners manage purchases, employee spending, and recurring expenses.

• Card type: Business credit card
• Use case: Business purchases, travel, supplies, and vendor payments
• Key benefit: Expense management with rewards potential
• Best for: Businesses that want a credit card connected to their America First business relationship

Merchant Services

Merchant Services help businesses accept credit and debit card payments from customers.

• Service type: Payment processing and point-of-sale tools
• Use case: Accepting customer payments in person or through business payment systems
• Key benefit: Payment acceptance support through America First’s merchant services options
• Best for: Retailers, restaurants, service businesses, and other companies that accept card payments

Business Loans

Business Loans are designed for companies that need financing for operations, growth, equipment, real estate, or other business needs.

• Loan options: Business loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, and commercial real estate financing
• Use case: Working capital, equipment, expansion, or property financing
• Key benefit: Multiple financing options for different business stages and borrowing needs
• Best for: Businesses that need access to capital through a local credit union

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.