Canyon View Credit Union Review: Checking, Savings, Loans, and Eligibility

Canyon View Credit Union Overview

Canyon View Credit Union—formerly known as UFirst Credit Union and University First Credit Union—was founded in 1956 by a group of University of Utah professors under the name University Federal Credit Union. Its original purpose was to serve Utah’s university community. Over the years, it has evolved and expanded its services to support a broader audience.

In July 2022, the institution adopted the name UFirst Credit Union, reflecting its reach beyond the university community and a stronger member-first focus. In 2025, the organization changed its name again to Canyon View Credit Union to reflect its growth across Utah and to better distinguish its brand after years of name confusion and litigation involving Utah First Credit Union.

Expansion

In 2004, Canyon View Credit Union expanded its field of membership to include anyone who lives, works, studies, worships, or volunteers in Salt Lake County, plus the immediate family members of people who qualify.

In 2020, it expanded its field of membership again to include Davis, Utah, Wasatch, Summit, and Tooele counties.

As the credit union expanded beyond its university roots, its branding also evolved. After adopting the UFirst Credit Union name in 2022, the institution became involved in a trademark dispute and litigation with Utah First Credit Union over similarities between the two names and resulting market confusion. In 2025, UFirst rebranded as Canyon View Credit Union, helping distinguish the institution more clearly while reflecting its broader Utah presence and continued growth.

In August 2026, Canyon View closed its longtime University of Utah Campus Store branch after about 70 years of serving the campus community. The closure marked the end of one of the credit union’s longest-running physical ties to the university where it was founded.

Despite its expansion, Canyon View continues to emphasize its community-based identity and its historical ties to the University of Utah.

Canyon Credit Union Products and Services

Canyon View Credit Union offers both personal and business banking services, including everyday deposit accounts like checking and savings, plus longer-term options like certificate accounts.

On the lending side, it provides a wide range of borrowing options, including auto loans, mortgages, personal loans, and student lending, along with other consumer and business loan products.

For access and convenience, Canyon View highlights a nationwide surcharge-free ATM network with 30,000+ locations, a switch kit to help you move your banking, and financial counseling to support member goals.

Canyon View Credit Union occasionally offers bonuses and promotional offers for checking accounts, business banking, credit cards, and other products. See our Canyon View Credit Union Bonuses and Promotions page for current offers.

Canyon View Credit Union Checking Accounts

Rewards Checking

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Key benefit: Earn points with qualifying activity, including $1,000–$3,500 in direct deposits or 25–50 qualifying Visa debit and/or credit transactions of $5+ each
• Other features: Get paid up to 2 days early

Dividends Checking

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Key benefit: Earns monthly dividends with tiered rates
• Other features: $0 standard box of checks annually, free cashier’s checks and money orders, 24/7 online banking, and get paid up to 2 days early

Simply Spend Checking

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Key benefit: $0 overdraft fees and $0 NSF fees
• Other features: Instant-issue Visa debit card, 24/7 online banking, and get paid up to 2 days early

Canyon View Credit Union Savings Accounts

High Yield Savings

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Key benefit: Earns a higher dividend rate than traditional savings when monthly activity requirements are met
• Requirements: $1,000+ in qualifying direct deposits and 25+ qualifying debit and/or credit transactions of $5+ per month
• Other features: One High Yield Savings account per account; if requirements are not met, Primary Savings rates apply

Primary Savings

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum balance: $10 required for membership
• Key benefit: Earns dividends on your full balance
• Other features: Serves as your primary membership savings account

Secondary Savings

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Key benefit: Earns dividends on your full balance
• Other features: Useful for saving toward separate goals like a home, car, or vacation

Educational Savings

• Monthly fee: $0
• Contribution limit: Up to $2,000/year per child
• Key benefit: Dividends grow tax-deferred
• Withdrawals: Can be tax-free for qualified education expenses
• Other features: Contributions can generally continue until the child reaches age 18

IRA (Traditional & Roth)

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $500
• Account types: Traditional IRA and Roth IRA
• Key benefit: Earns dividends on your full balance
• Other features: IRA Accumulator option has $0 minimum requirement

Christmas Club

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Key benefit: Earns dividends on your full balance
• Distribution: Money is distributed the Friday after Thanksgiving to checking, savings, or by check
• Early withdrawal: Account closes if an early withdrawal is made

Canyon View Credit Union Certificate Accounts

Certificate accounts are a CD-style way to save where you choose a term and earn dividends, with NCUA-insured deposit protection. Canyon View offers certificates that let you keep adding money, withdraw limited funds, or bump your rate once if rates rise.

Add-On Certificate

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $10
• Term: 3–60 months
• Key benefit: Add deposits during the term
• Maximum aggregate balance: $250,000

12-Month Access Share Certificate

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $500
• Minimum balance: $100
• Key benefit: 1 penalty-free withdrawal per calendar quarter
• Other withdrawals: Additional withdrawals may trigger a dividend penalty

One-Time Bump Share Certificate

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $500
• Term: 6 months–5 years
• Key benefit: 1 one-time rate bump during the term
• At maturity: Renews into a Regular Certificate unless withdrawn during the 7-day grace period

Regular Share Certificate

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum to open: $500
• Term: 3–60 months
• Key benefit: Fixed dividend rate for the term selected
• Insurance: Federally insured by the NCUA

Canyon View Credit Union Credit Cards

Before choosing a card, here are the Visa Card Benefits that apply across Canyon View’s Visa credit cards:

Visa Card Benefits

• Instant issuance: In-branch replacement for eligible lost or damaged cards
• Cell phone coverage: Cell phone replacement insurance when you pay your monthly phone bill with the card
• Rental coverage: Auto rental collision damage coverage for eligible rentals
• Travel coverage: Travel accident insurance with $250,000 coverage when you pay your fare with the card
• Card network: Visa

Crimson Rewards VISA® Credit Card

A rewards credit card that earns points on every purchase, with higher earning in select categories including gas, travel, restaurants, groceries, and University of Utah purchases.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None
• Intro offer: Not offered
• Rewards: 5x UofU Campus Store and UofU tuition, 4x gas stations, 3x warehouse stores and qualifying travel, 2x restaurants and grocery stores, 1x on everything else; points expire after 60 months
• Other perks: Points can be redeemed for gift cards, travel rebates, cash, experiences, fuel, and more

Student Rewards VISA® Credit Card

A student-focused rewards credit card that uses the same rewards structure as Crimson Rewards.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None
• Intro offer: Not offered
• Rewards: 5x UofU Campus Store and UofU tuition, 4x gas stations, 3x warehouse stores and qualifying travel, 2x restaurants and grocery stores, 1x on everything else
• Other perks: Credit limits up to $4,000

Crimson VISA® Credit Card

A straightforward Visa credit card option built for simple everyday use without rewards points.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None
• Intro offer: Not offered
• Rewards: None
• Other perks: Stable-rate structure and simple terms

Secured VISA® Credit Card

A secured Visa credit card designed to help build or rebuild credit.

• Annual fee: $0
• Welcome bonus: None
• Intro offer: Not offered
• Rewards: None
• Other perks: Secured at 125% of the credit line

Canyon View Credit Union Loans

Auto Loans

Auto loans are designed for financing new and used vehicle purchases, with refinancing options also available.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Loans

RV loans cover financing for motorhomes, campers, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, travel trailers, and other recreational vehicles.

Signature Loans

Signature loans are unsecured personal loans that can be used for flexible needs like debt consolidation, repairs, medical costs, major purchases, or other expenses.

e-Cash Instant Loans

e-Cash instant loans are small-dollar loans for quick access to funds, with amounts from $200–$2,000, a $20 application fee, and no credit check required.

Student Lending

Student lending supports higher-education costs and is offered through LendKey.

Savings-Secured Loans

Savings-secured loans are backed by your savings or a certificate balance, often used for lower-risk borrowing and credit building.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Loans

IVF loans are designed to finance fertility treatment costs by spreading a larger expense into monthly payments.

Overdraft Line of Credit

An overdraft line of credit helps cover transactions when a checking account drops below $0 by automatically transferring funds from an approved credit line.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan lets eligible homeowners borrow against the equity in their home for major expenses.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC provides a revolving line of credit backed by home equity for flexible borrowing and short-term expenses.

Mortgages

First-Time Homebuyer Loans

Mortgage options designed to help first-time buyers navigate the homebuying process and finance a primary residence.

Home Refinancing

Refinance options that can be used to adjust your loan terms, lower monthly payments, or change how your mortgage is structured.

Construction Loans

Financing for building a new home, typically structured to cover the build and transition into longer-term financing.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

Mortgage options that start with a lower introductory rate and can adjust over time based on the loan terms.

Condo Loans

Financing options for condominium properties, designed to account for condo-specific approval requirements.

Short-Term Mortgages

Shorter-term mortgage options that help pay off a home faster compared to a traditional long-term mortgage.

Jumbo Loans

Higher-balance mortgages for loan amounts that exceed conventional conforming limits.

FHA Loans

Government-backed mortgage options built for accessibility, often used by buyers with smaller down payments.

VA Loans

Mortgage options for eligible veterans, service members, and qualifying military families.

Lot Loans

Financing for purchasing residential land before building a home.

Home Equity Loan (Second Mortgage)

A lump-sum loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built in their home with predictable monthly payments.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A revolving line of credit that uses home equity, often used for flexible borrowing over time.

Reverse Mortgages

A mortgage option for older homeowners designed to convert home equity into available cash under specific eligibility rules.

Canyon View Credit Union Business Checking Accounts

Canyon View Credit Union offers two business checking accounts: Basic Business Checking for businesses with lower transaction activity, and Business Money Market Checking for established businesses with higher cash flow and transaction volume.

Basic Business Checking

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum balance: $0
• Transactions: 200 free transactions per month, then $0.15 per transaction
• Key benefit: Earn rewards on eligible debit card purchases
• Other features: Round-Up savings and cash/coin handling; cash handling fee is 0.05% after the first $10,000 per month

Business Money Market Checking

• Monthly fee: $10
• Minimum balance: $0
• Transactions: $0.10 per transaction
• Key benefit: Earns tiered dividends on the full account balance
• Other features: Rewards on eligible debit card purchases, Round-Up savings, and cash/coin handling; cash handling fee is 0.03% after the first $10,000 per month

Who Can Join Canyon View Credit Union?

You may be eligible for membership if you meet 1 of the options below:

1: Residency, Work, School, Worship, or Volunteering
You live, work, study, worship, or volunteer in Salt Lake, Davis, Summit, Tooele, Wasatch, or Utah County.

2: Family Membership
You have an immediate family member who is already a member of Canyon View Credit Union or who is eligible for membership. Immediate family members include:

• Spouse
• Child
• Sibling
• Parent
• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• Stepparents
• Stepchildren
• Stepsiblings
• Adoptive relationships

To become a member, an eligible applicant must open a Primary Savings Account and deposit at least $10. For the most current membership details, check Canyon View’s membership information or contact customer service by phone or at a branch.

Conclusion

Canyon View Credit Union was founded in 1956 by a group of University of Utah professors under the name University of Utah Credit Union, originally created to serve Utah’s university community. Over time, it expanded beyond those roots as its membership base grew across the Wasatch Front.

In 2004, it broadened its field of membership to include people who live, work, study, worship, or volunteer in Salt Lake County, plus immediate family members. In 2020, it expanded its field of membership again to include Davis, Utah, Wasatch, Summit, and Tooele counties. In July 2022, it adopted the name UFirst Credit Union to reflect wider accessibility and a member-first focus. After a period of public confusion and litigation involving Utah First Credit Union, it rebranded again in 2025 as Canyon View Credit Union to better distinguish the credit union as it continued growing across Utah.

Today, Canyon View serves 100,000+ members through a network of branches across Utah and offers a full range of financial products, including checking and savings accounts, certificate accounts, mortgages, personal and auto loans, and credit cards for individuals and businesses.

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Disclaimer:
This page is not affiliated with, maintained by, or sponsored by Canyon View 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 Canyon View Credit Union.