Majority of business members now start online as onboarding times drop from days to minutes

RIVERDALE, Utah (Nov. 21, 2025) — America First Credit Union (AFCU) today announced strong early results from its new digital business account platform, which lets small business owners open and fund accounts in minutes instead of days.

Developed in partnership with Loquat, Inc., the platform simplifies how entrepreneurs and local organizations begin banking with America First. Applicants can now complete the process entirely online, through the AFCU mobile app, or at any of the credit union’s 116 branches across six states. Within the first month, online business banking applications increased by 400 percent.

“Our business members have told us they need tools that move as quickly as they do,” said Kimberli Green, vice president of Business Services at America First Credit Union. “This new experience gives them flexibility to start and finish their account setup wherever they are — on a phone, a laptop, or in-branch — without sacrificing the personal service that sets us apart.”

Early feedback from both members and employees has been overwhelmingly positive, citing faster approvals, easier document uploads, and improved transparency throughout the process. Some applicants have completed the entire process in as little as five minutes.

“Something that used to take days can now be done in under five minutes,” one AFCU business services employee said of the new application process. Members agreed, with one saying, “The online app was the easiest I’ve ever filled out.”

The digital expansion supports AFCU’s broader commitment to helping small businesses access financial services that save time and increase convenience. The platform supports a variety of business types, including sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits, and integrates advanced verification tools for secure onboarding.

“Our collaboration with America First Credit Union shows how smart technology can simplify even the most complex banking workflows,” said Zarina Tsomaeva, CEO at Loquat. “By combining intuitive design with advanced verification tools, we are helping business owners get up and running faster and with greater confidence—removing the slow manual processes that have held the industry back. We are grateful for our partnership with America First and look forward to supporting their efforts in bringing efficient automated services to their business members.”

America First Credit Union provides business members with digital tools, lending solutions, and personalized service designed to simplify operations and support long-term growth. The digital expansion reflects the credit union’s commitment to helping businesses access financial services that save time and increase convenience. The platform supports a variety of business sizes and structures — such as sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships and corporations — and integrates verification tools for secure onboarding. Business owners can learn more online.

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About America First Credit Union

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah and has 116 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $23 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

About Loquat

Loquat Inc. is a fintech innovator enabling banks and credit unions to offer smart consumer and business banking solutions to their customers and members. The platform provides seamless KYC/KYB, fast onboarding; virtual cards; automated lending; an integrated portal for fraud detection, compliance monitoring, workflows, and analytics (CALM); a proprietary Loquat IQ AI solution utilizing FI data for strategic insights with interactive chat and continuous learning to enhance performance.

To learn more about Loquat, visit: www.loquatinc.io

Media Contact:
Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

Funding supports 18 partners across six states as shutdown impacts linger and families wait for restored SNAP benefits.

RIVERDALE, Utah (Nov. 19, 2025) — America First Credit Union (AFCU) is committing $1 million in emergency charitable funding to food banks and community partners responding to unprecedented demand following the federal shutdown.

The support will help organizations across the states the credit union serves address immediate food needs as families wait for furlough back pay and delayed SNAP benefits.

Food pantries throughout Utah and neighboring states have reported record lines, depleted shelves and a surge in first-time visitors — including thousands of federal employees who missed multiple paychecks during the shutdown.

“The shutdown has passed but the need has not,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “Responding to community challenges is central to who we are as an organization. We’re moving rapidly to answer those needs and especially to support the military servicemembers and public servants who have been with us since America First was founded.”

In addition to food assistance, the credit union has provided more than $2 million in zero-upfront-interest furlough loans to federal employees since October.

The $1 million in food assistance will be distributed to long-standing partner food banks and other organizations across the Southwest. In Utah, support will go to Cathedral of the Madeleine Good Samaritan Program, Catholic Community Services of Utah, The Christmas Box International, For The Kids, Lantern House, The Road Home, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry, Utah Food Bank and YCC of Northern Utah.

In Arizona, funding will be provided to Crisis Child Center of Arizona and United Food Bank. In Nevada, support will go to Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Three Square Food Bank and Safe Nest. Additional recipients include Roadrunner Food Bank in New Mexico, the Idaho Food Bank and the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County in California.

Numerous hunger-relief organizations have indicated that recovery will take time as federal and state employees work through backlogs and households recover from weeks without income.

“Families will start seeing paychecks and benefits again soon, but the financial strain won’t disappear overnight,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the America First Charitable Foundation. “Food banks and those they serve will continue feeling the pressure for months. We want to make sure they have the resources they need to help people get back on their feet.”

This rapid-response funding aligns with AFCU’s long-standing commitment to supporting community stability. Through its charitable foundation, the credit union partners with hundreds of nonprofits that provide food, housing, crisis support and essential services to members and their communities across the Southwest.

AFCU has already delivered funds to most of these recipient organizations, and will continue to do so in the coming days.

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About America First Credit Union

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah and has 116 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $23 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

Media Contact:

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

Backpack Bonanza runs through August 10 — join us in making a difference

RIVERDALE, Utah – July 25, 2025 – The America First Charitable Foundation Backpack Bonanza is in full swing, and there’s still time to help students in need gear up for the school year. Now through Aug. 10, employees, members, and anyone who would like to are invited to donate new school supplies at any of the credit union’s branches, or contribute funds as part of this annual back-to-school giving campaign.

The foundation’s goal is to collect and donate more than 1,500 fully stocked backpacks to young students in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah — an increase of 50 percent over the 2024 goal.

“As we work closely with community partners throughout the Western U.S., it’s clear there’s significant need as the school year approaches,” said Amber Greenwell, Director of Community Outreach and the Charitable Foundation at America First Credit Union. “If every AFCU employee contributed $5, we could reach our goal. But we also know our members care deeply about our communities and together, we can help thousands of kids start school with the essential supplies they need to be successful.”

There are specific items that are needed to fill the backpacks, as well as several ways to donate:

Drop Off School Supplies

Donated items can be brought to any America First branch. Needed items include:

• Backpacks
• Paper and notebooks
• Binders and folders
• Crayons, colored pencils, markers
• Glue sticks, rulers, scissors, highlighters
• Pencil boxes and other classroom supplies

Make a Monetary Donation

• Members can use their AFCU mobile app or online banking to transfer funds to Savings account #5502281 (last name: AFCU)
• When donating at a branch, use “backpack” in the description field
• Community members can contribute through an online donation portal

All donations will help supply students in partner schools and youth organizations across the six-state AFCU footprint. In 2024, donations from employees, members, and the community helped the foundation exceed its target — and with continued support, AFCU aims to do it again in 2025.

To learn more or to donate online, visit americafirst.com/community.

America First and God’s Garage continue tradition of partnering and giving together

After 15 years of quietly helping others, Dora Rubio thought she was headed to a lunch meeting with her boss. Instead, when she arrived at the America First Credit Union campus in Riverdale, Rubio was handed the keys to a reliable, freshly detailed Toyota.

Rubio, a bilingual victim advocate at the YCC Family Crisis Center in Ogden, has spent more than a decade supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. But recently, she found herself without a working vehicle after her transmission gave out.

On June 25, America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation and Utah-based nonprofit God’s Garage surprised her with a car as part of their ongoing partnership. This is the fourth vehicle gifted through the collaboration.

“This gift is going to help me so much,” Rubio said at the event. “It’s going to help me feel confident — like I can be a mom, I can be there for my children, and I can be there for my community.”

Rubio had no idea she had been nominated for the program until she arrived and saw a crowd waiting. The surprise, coordinated in partnership with her employer, brought plenty of tears — and a lot of joy.

“This opportunity just brings back that hope,” she said. “I’m just so happy and so grateful that I can be there for those who need me.”

The story was covered by the Standard-Examiner and KSL-TV, as well as Fox13 and KSL NewsRadio.

God’s Garage, which started in a single repair bay six years ago, now operates out of six bays in Ogden and gives away nearly one vehicle a week to women in need. Volunteer mechanics accept donated cars, fix them up, and hand them off — no strings attached.

“We know we can’t solve every problem,” said God’s Garage leader Jimi Pitts. “But we saw a need — single moms without transportation — and we knew we could do something about that.”

AFCU’s donation of the 2017 Corolla made this particular giveaway possible. It’s part of the credit union’s broader commitment to community, which includes supporting causes through its Charitable Foundation’s four focus areas: Kids First, Community First, Education First, and Service First.

“We’re humbled to be part of something that provides not just a car, but hope,” said Amber Greenwell, executive director of the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “This kind of support can truly change a life.”

After the keys were handed over, Dora and the crowd shared a light lunch — and plenty of hugs. The team at God’s Garage encourages anyone with a vehicle to donate, no matter its condition. And for those wanting to get involved, God’s Garage Utah and the America First Creditable Foundation always welcome contributions, volunteers and other support to — as Rubio put it, help “Good things happen.”

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

ABOUT GOD’S GARAGE

We are a group of people who want to help others. God’s Garage was born out of the needs we saw around us, as some of our single ladies, widows, and wives of deployed military are struggling to make ends meet. Through donated cars and parts, we are able to bridge troubled times in so many people’s lives. We don’t charge anything for labor and try to help with parts as we can. We also give vehicles away to those in need. The future is bright for God’s Garage. We are looking forward to the future, as we train people to help others, and are anticipating becoming a full-time venture, with mechanics working every day. Learn more at godsgarageutah.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606
dcnellis@americafirst.com

Event to be held at America First Center in Henderson

HENDERSON, Nev. (June 17, 2025) – America First Credit Union, the Official Credit Union for Hockey in Las Vegas, is inviting its Henderson Silver Knights debit cardholders to a free private skate on Friday, June 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at America First Center in Henderson.

Cardholders can bring up to three guests to join in the fun. To participate, members simply need to present their physical Silver Knights debit card at check-in to receive free skate rentals for the session.

“This event is our way of thanking our members and giving Silver Knights fans a unique way to enjoy their summer,” said Tammy Gallegos, Chief Marketing and Strategic Engagement Officer at America First Credit Union. “We love creating opportunities that bring our members closer to the community and to the sport they love.”

The Silver Knights debit card is accepted almost anywhere in the world, has Card Guard® security and mobile wallet compatibility. Members interested in forging their own Silver Knights debit card can use America First Credit Union’s free Picture Perfect® tool online.

Silver Knights debit cardholders enjoy exclusive perks throughout the year, including:

• Free skate rentals at America First Center
• 30% discount on tickets to select Silver Knights games
• 10% discount on merchandise at team stores
• Access to the Apothecary, an exclusive event-level lounge at all home games
• 20% off stays at U.S.-based Foley Entertainment Group hotel properties.
• 20% discount at Foley Family Wines & Spirits

“Since extending our relationship with America First Credit Union in August 2023, they have been a tremendous partner for our team, our fans, and for the growth of hockey in the Vegas Valley,” said Silver Knights Chief Business Officer Gabe Mirabelli. “They have offered wonderful benefits to Silver Knights fans, and now they are offering Henderson a fun way to beat the summer heat this month.”

America First Credit Union is the presenting sponsor of the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights and Henderson Jr. Silver Knights youth hockey programs. They also continue to support educators in Las Vegas with the Game Changers program, recognizing a new teacher every month during the season for their positive impact in the classroom and in the lives of their students.

For more information regarding the free members’ skate on June 28^th, please contact Andrew Calandro at (317) 410-1992.

ABOUT THE HENDERSON SILVER KNIGHTS

The Henderson Silver Knights are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Silver Knights are owned in part by Bill Foley and his family and operated by the Foley Entertainment Group. The Silver Knights play their home games at Lee’s Family Forum, a state-of-the-art arena in Henderson, NV. For the latest news and information on the Silver Knights visit hendersonsilverknights.com and follow the team on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 86 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable, and most progressive credit unions in the country. As Utah’s largest credit union, it has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 115 locations and is the sixth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $22 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1.5 million members.

AFCU takes home six ADDY Awards and ten Diamond Awards, including Best of Show

SALT LAKE CITY – May 7, 2025 – America First Credit Union earned top honors at two major marketing competitions, receiving “Best of Show” at both America’s Credit Unions’ Diamond Awards in San Antonio, Texas, and the American Advertising Federation of Utah’s ADDY Awards in Sandy, Utah. The Diamond Awards, which recognize excellence in credit union marketing, and the ADDYs, which honor achievements in marketing across industries, are considered among the highest accolades in their respective fields. In total, America First received ten Diamond Awards and six gold ADDY awards.

“Our team is focused on connecting with members and the communities we serve in meaningful ways — whether through humor, storytelling or shared values,” said Zach Winegar, SVP of marketing for America First Credit Union. “These awards are a reflection of the creativity and collaboration across our team and our commitment to being effective in driving growth for the benefit of our members. The fact that two independent judging panels in two independent competitions recognized the power of our messages demonstrates that these campaigns speak to the public at large.”

America First Credit Union submitted several campaign and individual projects across several categories. Its breakout entry was the “Get Your Money Working” campaign, which received significant recognition and was the recipient of Best of Show at both the ADDY and Diamond Awards.

America First Credit Union’s advertising campaigns are unique in that they are developed and executed entirely in-house by the AFCU marketing team, which includes full video production and graphic design crews.

“Producing our campaigns in-house allows us to move quickly, stay authentic to our brand and create work that truly resonates with our members,” said Kyle Curtis, VP of marketing at America First Credit Union. “It also gives us the freedom to experiment, take creative risks and push our ideas further with each campaign.”

America’s Credit Unions (formerly CUNA) have held the Diamond Awards for over 30 years, and it is considered the most prestigious marketing competition for the credit union industry. The ADDY Awards is the advertising industry’s largest creative competition. With six gold awards at the state level, America First Credit Union is now eligible for the district and national ADDY Award competitions.

America First Credit Union was recognized for the following entries:

“Get Your Money Working” Campaign

Diamond Awards for Best of Show; Best in Category – Use of Humor; Best of Category – Cutting Edge; Brand Awareness; and Video Commercial – Single or Series

ADDY Awards (Gold) for Best of Show; Integrated Media Campaign; Animation, Special Effects, or Motion Graphics; Computer Generated Imagery; Regional/National Television Commercial Campaign; and Social Media Campaign

This commercial series, which was recognized as the top entry across all categories by both American Advertising Federation and America’s Credit Unions, uses humor to depict people encouraging their money to do a bit more for them, reflecting a central message of helping members “do more with [their] money.

Utah Hockey Club Official Credit Union Ad
Diamond Award for Video Commercial – Single or Series

This commercial features Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller of the Utah Hockey Club talking about how change can be an exciting thing, especially with America First Credit Union to help you through it.

Father’s Day Video
Diamond Award for Video Non-Commercial – Single

This social media video honors fathers through heartfelt messages from children and adults, recognizing everyday acts of care, featuring real America First Credit Union employees and members.

Keyonte George “Financial Assist” Jazz Fan Campaign
Diamond Award for Audience Specific Marketing

In this social media ad series, Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George delivers surprise “financial assists” to families during everyday moments like breakfast or movie night.

Team Debit Card Campaign
Diamond Award for Community Partnerships & Relations, Endorsements, or NIL Efforts

This campaign highlights America First Credit Union’s exclusive team-themed debit cards through videos celebrating its partnerships with the Utah Jazz, Utah Hockey Club and Las Vegas Raiders.

Care-a-Lot Logo
Diamond Award for Logos

This logo was redesigned to renew engagement with America First Credit Union’s longstanding Care-a-Lot employee assistance program and reflects both legacy and connection.

The marketing initiatives of America First Credit Union exist to drive growth and thereby increase the institution’s ability to fulfill and support the mission to provide personal financial services of a superior quality to members.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86^th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $22 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Dave Nellis
America First Credit Union
801.827.8606

dcnellis@americafirst.com