Press Releases

America First Credit Union Opens 110th Utah Branch in Murray

Murray, UT – February 3, 2020– America First Credit Union (AFCU) is set to open a new branch on Feb. 3 inside Macey’s grocery store to serve as a convenient option for members and better serve the Murray community.

The new branch is located inside Macey’s at 5632 South 900 East, Murray, UT 84121. It will operate from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The leading, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch will be managed by Shannon Marshall, who has been part of the AFCU team for five years as a teller, receptionist, loan officer, assistant manager and market assistant manager.

The full-service, 555-square-foot branch includes one teller station, one loan office stations, a branch self-service kiosk, and an ATM inside the Macey’s that can be used anytime the grocery store is open.

“We are excited to make our services even more readily available to our members who visit the store,” said Marshall.
“We welcome the opportunity to serve shoppers that walk-in front of our in-store branch every week achieve their financial goals.”

AFCU members will be able to perform everyday financial transactions at this branch, including withdrawals and deposits, in addition to opening checking, savings, and loan products.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 132 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

America First Credit Union Cut Ribbon on Second Idaho Branch in Rexburg

Rexburg, ID – [January 28, 2020] – America First Credit Union (AFCU) celebrated the opening of a new branch in Rexburg with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, January 24. The member-owned credit union is doubling its footprint in the state with its other branch located in Boise. The new branch, which opened on Dec. 16, is located at 510 N 2nd E in Rexburg.

The leading, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch is managed by Andrew Hadlock who has been part of the AFCU team for three years as a teller, loan officer, lead teller and assistant manager.

“I love helping people work toward and meet their financial goals and better their financial well-being,” said Hadlock. “I’m excited to be able to work with the community of Rexburg.”

The full-service, 1,353-square-foot branch includes two teller stations, two loan office stations, a branch self-service kiosk and an external ATM on the front of the branch. The branch will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Photo: The 1,353-square-foot branch is AFCU’s second location in Idaho.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

America First Credit Union Announces Extended Partnership with Real Salt Lake

AFCU Becomes Official Credit Union of Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and Rio Tinto Stadium

OGDEN, Utah – (Tuesday, January 14, 2020) – America First Credit Union (AFCU) is proud to announce a long-term extension to its partnership with Real Salt Lake.  With the extension, America First Credit Union will become the Official Credit Union of Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and Rio Tinto Stadium, and will also have a significant partnership with the 2019 USL Championship title-winning Real Monarchs and the RSL Youth Development Academy.

The partnership extension will provide more exclusive America First Credit Union member-only benefits and connectivity with fans, and generate deeper, stronger and better market-wide promotions – including AFCU/Real Salt Lake and AFCU/Utah Royals FC co-branded credit and debit cards.  Building on a long-standing partnership between the club and AFCU that has seen numerous activations at Rio Tinto Stadium, including in the America First Credit Union Pavilion, the two Utah community leaders will now extend their relationship to include promotions with the America First Charitable Foundation and the RSL Youth Development Academy.

“America First Credit Union is always looking for ways to provide value to our members and enhance our communities and we’re thankful to be able to provide that through our partnership with Real Salt Lake,” said John B. Lund, AFCU President and CEO. “We’ll continue to invest in community members and organizations that support and inspire those in our community to secure their goals, both literally and financially.”

“America First Credit Union has long been a valued partner with Real Salt Lake and this extension and commitment not only broadens the spectrum of the relationship to include a wider array of activation possibilities, but also provides a much deeper connection between the RSL organization and AFCU,” Real Salt Lake Chief Business Officer Andrew Carroll said.  “America First Credit Union and its members have made a tremendous commitment in support of Utah’s soccer community for all men, women, boys and girls, which further demonstrates their special and comprehensive commitment to Utah’s community overall.”

Real Salt Lake finished the 2019 season third in the Western Conference at 16-13-5 (53 points) and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals for the second consecutive season.  RSL will open the 2020 season on the road against Orlando City SC on February 29 before returning to Rio Tinto Stadium for the home opener against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, March 7, at 12 p.m. MT.

About America First Credit Union
Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.7 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,071,000 members.

About Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake has been a staple in Utah communities since the club’s inaugural season in 2005.  Winners of the 2009 MLS Cup, RSL continues to impress on and off the field under Owner Dell Loy Hansen, regularly filling Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy and expanding into the inclusion of Utah Royals FC in the NWSL and Real Monarchs in the USL Championship.

 

America First Credit Union Opens Second Idaho Branch in Rexburg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Opens Second Idaho Branch in Rexburg

Rexburg, ID – December 16, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) is celebrating the opening of a new branch in Idaho on Monday with a new location in Rexburg. The member-owned credit union is doubling its footprint in the state with its other branch located in Boise. The new branch, opening on Dec. 16, is located at 510 N 2nd E in Rexburg.

The leading, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution branch will be managed by Andrew Hadlock who has been part of the AFCU team for three years as a teller, loan officer, lead teller and assistant manager.

“I love helping people work toward and meet their financial goals and better their financial well-being,” said Hadlock. “I’m excited to be able to work with the community of Rexburg.”

The full-service, 1,353-square-foot branch includes two teller stations, two loan office stations, a branch self-service kiosk and an external ATM on the front of the branch. The branch will be open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Saturday and Sunday.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

Nonprofits Receive $110,000 in Donations from America First Credit Union to Make Impact on Local Communities

For Immediate Release
December 12, 2019 

Nonprofits Receive $110,000 in Donations from America First Credit Union to Make Impact on Local Communities

 

Riverdale, Utah – To uplift the communities in which America First Credit Union (AFCU) is invested, the group donated $110,000 to 11 nonprofits serving Utah and Southern Nevada. As part of the credit union’s Community Assistance Program (CAP), the credit union recognized each of the nonprofits at an annual event celebrating nonprofits.

During the event, each organization was presented with a $10,000 check, which they will use to further their respective missions. The local nonprofits recognized include: Cathedral of Madeleine Good Samaritan Program, Catholic Community Services Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, Christmas Box International, Food & Care Coalition, For the Kids, Safe Nest Shelter, Lantern House, The Road Home, Three Square Food Bank, Your Community Connection of Northern Utah, and The Logan Family Center.

“We are grateful for our dedicated members whose contributions make these funds possible,” said Nicole Cypers, AFCU VP of public relations. “Our foundation will continue to uphold the philosophy of people helping people because it’s in our DNA.”

For the past 30 years, AFCU has donated to nonprofits. The purpose of the CAP program is to provide strategic financial support to some of the greatest community needs – job assistance, training, housing, food and medical services.

Nonprofits Receive $110,000 in Donations
Representatives from the eleven nonprofits serving Utah and Southern Nevada, accepted checks for $10,000.

AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 130 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

 

AFCU VP of Public Relations, Nicole Cypers Awards 90&9 with donation for $10,000.

America First Credit Union Donates $25,000 to Local Non-Profits

Riverdale, UT – November 26, 2019 – As part of its mission to enhance and improve local communities, America First Credit Union (AFCU) donated $25,000 to local nonprofits operating throughout Utah. The nonprofits included Operation Underground RailroadOgden Bicycle Collective and performing arts nonprofit, 90&9. In addition to a monetary donation, AFCU also donated 40 bikes, built by AFCU staff, to Ogden Bicycle Collective.

“All of these organizations have made a significant impact on our community here in Utah,” said Nicole Cypers, VP of Public Relations. “We are always looking for ways to improve the communities we live and work in, and these organizations work tirelessly to do just that.”

All three organizations have plans to put the donated funds to great use and make an impact within the community.

  • Operation Underground Railroad has slated the donation to be used to help its efforts to combat trafficking in Utah with the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force—a three-year relationship which resulted in 261 rescues and 197 arrests.
  • 90&9 will be using the $10,000 donation to host workshops for kids in treatment centers as well as youth in refugee camps. They’ll also be hosting workshops to prepare for its show “Fighter,” which will begin in March.
  • Ogden Bicycle Collective will use the donated bikes for their holiday bike giveaway. The money donated will be used to purchase bike parts and tools as well as bikes for adults to use to as transportation to and from work.

“Thanks to America First’s generosity, we are able to make our show, ‘Fighter,’ possible again,” said Darla Day, from 90&9. “Fighter,” a show written by Day and her husband, is a story of a phoenix rising from the ashes which helps facilitate conversations about mental health, depression and suicide in a hopeful way.

“There is power in the arts,” said Day. “Being able to express anger, depression, hurt and other heavy emotions through art is empowering. We’re trying to show kids there are healthy ways to deal with their anxieties and hardships, and it’s working. We can’t even begin to express our gratitude toward America First for their kindness and support in what we are trying to do for these kids.”

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Bicycle Donation

Bicycle Donation

America First Credit Union Donates $25,000 to Local Non-Profits

America First Credit Union Donates $25,000 to Local Non-Profits

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 130 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

 

America First Credit Union Releases 2020 Calendar Featuring Member-Commissioned Photos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Releases 2020 Calendar Featuring Member-Commissioned Photos

Fox

Photo: Tsai Yueh-Ting’s photo was one of 13 out of 2,400 photos chosen to be featured in AFCU’s 2020 wildlife-themed calendar. More photos can be viewed here.

Riverdale, UT – November 19, 2019 – America First Credit Union (AFCU) released its 2020 calendar unveiling this year’s theme of wildlife. The photography for the calendar was commissioned through a social media contest where more than 2,400 people submitted photos. Of those, 13 were selected to be featured as the cover and monthly photos for the upcoming year. The photos are also available as an option for members to use as a background on their America First Visa® credit or debit card.

“It’s truly an honor to be selected for the America First Calendar,” said Kelsey Cain, one of the featured photographers. “It’s exciting to be a part of a patriotic celebration of our country. I’m proud to add my eagle image to the calendar as the embodiment of American pride, strength and patriotism for all to enjoy.”

People were able to vote for their favorite of the submitted photos through AFCU’s. Three finalists were selected through voting community voting, with the first-place winner receiving a $500 giftcard.

The free calendars are available at all America First Credit Union branches.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 130 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

 

America First Credit Union Escorts Two Local Veteran on Honor Flight to DC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Escorts Two Local Veteran on Honor Flight to DC

America First Escorts Two Local Veterans

Photo: Matt Dice, America First Credit Union (AFCU) Durango branch manager and Deborah Murphy, AFCU market manager of the Craig branch pose with Ralph Reggans and Richard Wellington. Dice and Murphy escorted the veterans on their honor flight to Washington, D.C. They were part of a larger group of veterans and guardians who escorted WWII Veterans, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans to the memorials in Washington, D.C. More photos/videos can be viewed here.

LAS VEGAS – November 12, 2019 – An 84-year-old combat engineer and 84-year-old electrician were two of 22 veterans to receive a hero’s welcome upon their return from a trip to Washington, D.C., with Honor Flight of Southern Nevada. They were escorted by Matt Dice, America First Credit Union (AFCU) Durango branch manager and Deborah Murphy, AFCU market manager of the Craig branch.

“It’s a true honor and privilege to escort Mr. Reggans, who has done so much for our country, on this Honor Flight experience,” said Dice. “Witnessing the group’s emotions at the veterans’ memorials is moving. I am grateful America First Credit Union supported and invested in this memorable journey. America First Credit Union will continue to support programs that honor our veterans and the service that they provided to our country.”

Upon arrival, Honor Flight of Southern Nevada hosted a reception at the McCarran airport for family members, friends and the community to greet the veterans.

AFCU and HFSN have had a relationship in the past, sending four total guardians and, on this mission, AFCU is the only organization to send two guardians.

HFSN flies veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War on all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to experience — among other landmarks and tourist destinations — the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps/Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

HFSN would not be successful without the dedicated help provided by volunteers and donors. Assistance is needed in many areas, including office/clerical, fundraising, trip planning and guardians. Visit honorflightsouthernnevada.org to learn more. The next flight is April 17-19, 2020.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 129 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

 

America First Credit Union Donates 22,225 Pounds of Food to Utah and Nevada Agencies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

America First Credit Union Donates 22,225 Pounds of Food to Utah and Nevada Agencies

America First Food Donations
Photo: AFCU employees donated more than 10,500 items of the 22,225 pound donation to local agencies. More photos can be viewed here.

Riverdale, UT – November 6, 2019 – On Wednesday, America First Credit Union (AFCU) delivered more than 17,500 pounds of donated food to the Utah Food Bank. An additional 4,725 pounds of food was donated to other agencies including Southern Nevada’s Three Square and Northern Utah’s Catholic Community Services.

The donated nonperishable food items were collected during the credit union’s 15th annual food drive and AFCU also donated $5,000 worth of turkeys. Adding this year’s donations to the total, employees and members have donated more than 209,000 pounds of food to Utah and Southern Nevada families over the 15 years.

“For our 15th annual food drive, we hoped to collect more than 15,000 pounds of food,” said Nicole Cypers, AFCU VP of Public Relations. “Thanks to our wonderful employees and members, we were able to surpass that number and collect more than 22,000 pounds of food for families in our communities.”

The food donated to the Utah Food Bank and other agencies will be sorted by volunteers and distributed to families in need across Utah and Southern Nevada.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 130 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nicole Cypers
America First Credit Union
801.827.8655
ncypers@americafirst.com

Kelsey Richardson
R&R Partners
801.913.9454
Kelsey.richardson@rrpartners.com

 

AFCU Provides Tips on How to Avoid Being Haunted By Credit Card Debt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFCU Provides Tips on How to Avoid Being Haunted By Credit Card Debt

Riverdale, UT – Oct 17, 2019 – Ghosts and ghouls may not be the only thing haunting this Halloween. Poor financial decisions, including credit card debt, may also be rising from the grave. Utahns/Nevadans have an average credit card balance of $5,961/$6,401 and during the upcoming holiday season will rack up an average of $1,054 in additional debt.

“It’s easy to become buried by credit card debt and the thought of clawing your way out can be paralyzing for many,” said America First Credit Union vice president of credit, Susan Chadwick. “One of the best things you can do to take the first step in getting rid of debt is to have a mindset change. Focus on the positive reasons you want to get out of debt whether it’s to be less stressed, improve your credit score so you’re able to buy a new home or car, or achieving financial freedom.”

While there is no one best practice for banishing credit card debt, these pay-down tips and strategies can help cast away debt:

  1. Pay off the balance with the highest APR first – Look at each balance and interest rates for each card, and whichever has the highest annual percentage rate (APR) is the one that should be focused on first while still making minimum payments on other cards. Once that card is entirely paid off, move on to the one that has the next highest APR.
  2. Pay off the card with the lowest balance first – Another strategy that people can take is increasing payments on the credit card with the lowest balance while continuing to make the minimum payment on other cards. It’s quicker and easier to pay a $500 balance down to zero than a $2,500 balance. And it feels good to pay a credit card bill in full, no matter what the balance was to begin with.
  3. Consolidate your debt to a single card or loan – By consolidating credit card debt to a single card or a debt consolidation loan, there will only be a single payment each month rather than four or five. While all the debt has been transferred to one place, it doesn’t mean it went away. Be sure to still focus on paying this debt off, so it’s a good idea to pay more than the minimum due each month.
  4. Consult with a financial advisor – A financial advisor can help examine incoming and outgoing expenses. They can help determine a personalized plan that can help determine which strategy will be most effective as well as establish a workable, realistic budget and savings plan.

To learn more financial tips, watch AFCU’s video series, FUNDamentals, at americafirst.com/learn. Topics include good versus bad spending, loan basics and demystifying mortgages.

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Proudly celebrating 80 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the 9th largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $11.5 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,062,000 members.