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About Us
USC Credit Union was founded in 1973 with a unified goal in mind: to provide high-quality financial services that promote the financial well-being of our members. What started as a small group of visionary USC employees with similar goals has grown to include all staff, faculty, students, alumni, our surrounding communities, and their family members. Today, we’re proud to continue to serve the unique needs of our nearly 80,000 member-owners.
With each phase of growth, USC Credit Union members have enjoyed responsible, personalized services that have adapted to their unique needs.
The same mission that inspired our founding members drives us today.
For People, Not For Profit
Financial wellness should be accessible to all. That’s why members, not shareholders, own USC Credit Union. Because we’re not-for-profit, any surplus funds are returned to our members as higher dividends, reduced loan interest and improvements to our products and services. That means we have great rates and lower fees.
Members also benefit from access to financial education resources developed exclusively for them. When someone joins USC Credit Union, they embark on a journey to financial wellness.
By the numbers
From our humble beginnings in 1973, USC Credit Union has grown into a modern financial institution, with 80,000 members and counting. Our assets exceed 785 million dollars and, as a cooperative with a non-profit model, we put them at the service of our members. Do you want a trustworthy financial partner? Talk to us today.
100%
of profits go back to members as fee-free services, lower loan rates and more “yes” answers
$1,965
Average annual savings for member households versus California banks
80,000 Member-Owners
Join Zulema, Nathan, Rahul, and thousands more members we know by name.
30,000
Free co-op ATMs & credit union service center branches nationwide
$785
million in assets
For People, Not For Profit: A History of USC Credit Union
1970s
In 1973, a small group of USC Facilities Maintenance Service (FMS) employees organizes USC Credit Union, determined to fulfill the financial needs overlooked by local commercial banks. A team of volunteers manages the new credit union, operating out of a tiny, rent-free office on the University Park campus. The first product offering consists of passbook savings accounts and small personal loans. As the credit union grows, they add share certificates and car loans.
Two years later, the university hires the credit union’s first staff.
We close out the decade, with the Board of Director’s diversification, by encouraging USC faculty and staff to join. With a fresh perspective, we begin to offer products and services to meet the needs of all USC employees.
1980s
USC Credit Union adds share savings, ATM services, unsecured loans with higher limits, and home equity loans. Assets grow from $2 million to $16 million. Meanwhile, we expand our university footprint by adding a branch at the Health Science Campus and moving the main branch to a larger University Park Campus building.
1990s
The credit union continues to flourish. We add full-time branches on both campuses and over-the-counter cash services, first trust deed loans, debit and credit cards, and 24-hour electronic access. Assets grow from $16 million to $35 million.
In 1997, USC Credit Union creates an accessible path to financial wellness for younger people by expanding its membership to USC students.
2000s
In 2001, the credit union reaches a milestone in financial inclusion— we convert our original federal charter to a state charter, opening membership to USC alumni and anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends classes in Los Angeles. We become the nation’s largest credit union originator of student loans, with more than $150 million in annual funding, only five years after introducing federally guaranteed student loans.
By 2008, Credit union growth stalls amid the recession, but we embody the strength of our surrounding communities during this period of slow growth and modest profitability.
2010s
Net income tops out at $3 million, marking the unofficial end of recession-era operations and positioning the credit union to return to a period of growth.
Today
USC Credit Union continues to evolve with our members. Products and services now include a full range of deposit and lending products; insurance and investment services; online and mobile banking; and financial education resources. With more than $750 million in assets and nearly 80,000 members, we are still going strong and promoting economic equity for our community.
Questions? Comments?
If you have a member complaint, an unresolved dispute or concerns relating to a trust or other fiduciary matter, please contact our independent volunteer oversight board.