Our History

The First Pioneers Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1949 by the employees of AT&T. As part of a movement that had started in the late 19th century. These forward looking people saw an opportunity to provide for individual thrift, mutual savings and access to low cost loans. The whole financial industry was regulated. Running a credit union meant pooling common savings through payroll deduction, then lending it to members. Pricing of loans and savings was relatively simple: you paid 6% on savings and charged 12% on loans.

Over the years, First Pioneers Federal Credit Union first added paid staff, then it added paid part time management, then full time management. At first, savings and loans were all that was offered here. But soon the financial environment changed. Loan and savings rates were deregulated. The membership asked for checking accounts and this service was added. Then came CD's, IRA's, credit cards, ATM/debit cards and now First Pioneers Federal Credit Union is truly a full service financial institution.

With the court ordered break up of AT & T in the mid-'80's, the Board of Directors wisely anticipated the impact of communications deregulation to the local telephone company and to its Credit Union. Lafayette Woodworks was the first of many new non-telephone SEG's and they were soon followed by the addition of Stuller Settings, now our largest single employer group.

If you are reading this, you are probably a member. If you are a member, we invite you to make full use of your membership. Use the products, use the services....this is YOUR Credit Union.