Since 1954

Where Members Are Owners

Since 1954, America's Credit Union has served military members and the South Puget Sound as a not-for-profit financial institution. No shareholders, no distant headquarters. Just members, and a mission: your success.

Become a Member Read Our Story
American flag backlit at sunset
1954
Founded at Fort Lewis
13
South Sound Branches
$600K+
Raised by the Turkey Shoot
700+
Volunteer Hours in 2024
Our Heritage

From Fort Lewis, Forward

Our story starts before our charter, on the post that gave us our name. Every chapter since has been written by our members.

1917

Before the Charter, the Post

Pierce County voters approved a $2 million bond to secure roughly 70,000 acres, and Camp Lewis rose in 90 days: 1,757 buildings and 422 other structures. Renamed Fort Lewis in 1927, the post built the community we would one day serve.

1954

Founded as Fort Lewis Federal Credit Union

Fort Lewis Federal Credit Union was chartered on post to serve military members and their families: a not-for-profit cooperative owned by its members, with earnings returned as better rates instead of shareholder profit.

1979

A Summer Job on the Mail Route

A 17-year-old named Ken Leonard joined as a summer mail courier. Carrying paper between departments showed him the whole operation, and he stayed, earning a business degree in evening classes along the way.

Read Ken's Story
1980s

Expanded to Civilians

Opened membership to all South Puget Sound residents, growing our community impact and member base significantly.

1993

The Mail Courier Becomes CEO

Ken Leonard was named chief executive officer, fourteen years after his first day sorting mail. His tenure grew the network from one branch to thirteen and added business, mortgage, online banking, and remote deposit services.

Meet the Maverick
1996-97

Financing Meets the Parking Lot

Twenty-two on-site car-sale events with six local dealership groups put dealers, vehicles, and financing in one place: $7.792 million in member lending and 694 vehicles, the largest single event in October 1997.

2000

Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament

Launched our signature charity golf tournament at Eagle's Pride Golf Course on JBLM, raising over $600,000 lifetime for local charities.

2003

Becoming America's Credit Union

The NCUA certified our name change from Fort Lewis Community Federal Credit Union to America's Credit Union, A Federal Credit Union, on February 5, 2003. A name sized to the membership we serve, with our Fort Lewis roots staying put.

2009

Giving on the Record

A $20,000 contribution to Fort Lewis Charities, captured in the archive alongside ongoing support for Santa's Castle, Fisher House, the Sergeants Major Association, and military families across JBLM.

2019

ACU Foundation Chartered

Established our 501(c)(3) foundation to enhance the lives of military members and South Sound residents through charitable giving.

Today

America's Credit Union

Recognized as a Forbes Best In-State Credit Union in 2024, 2025, and 2026, three years running, serving thousands of members with innovative financial solutions.

Our Purpose

Empowering our members, including military, families, and local community to achieve real financial strength and brighter futures.

Our Values

Obsessed with member success. Only the Greatest possibilities.

Our aspirations: To be known as the greatest place to bank and the greatest place to work, built to last for generations.

Only the Greatest

The Four Ps Behind Everything We Do

One framework guides ACU from the board room to the branch floor. Four pillars, working together.

P.01

Purpose

Why we exist: to empower members, military families, and the South Sound community toward real financial strength and brighter futures. It anchors every decision, especially in change.

P.02

Possibilities

Where we grow: new products, better delivery, and deeper member relationships, chosen because members need them, not because someone else offers them.

P.03

Performance

How we deliver: execution, accountability, and measurable outcomes that keep the credit union strong enough to serve for generations.

P.04

People

Who makes it real: culture, leadership, and capability decide whether any of this works, so we build all three on purpose.

Purpose without performance creates risk. Performance without purpose erodes trust. Possibilities without people fail. People without clarity lose focus.

What We Stand For

The Commitments Behind Every Decision

Member-owned means your deposits fuel local lending and community investment, not shareholder payouts. These commitments guide how we work.

Members First

Every member is an owner, so every decision starts with what serves members best, not what maximizes a quarterly return.

Military Roots

We were founded at Fort Lewis in 1954 to serve military families, and serving the JBLM community remains central to who we are.

Not-for-Profit by Design

As a not-for-profit credit union, earnings go back to members and the community instead of out to shareholders.

Local Decisions

Decisions are made here in the South Puget Sound by people who live here, not routed to a headquarters in another state.

Community Investment

Through the ACU Foundation, the Turkey Shoot, and 700+ volunteer hours in 2024, we put real dollars and real time into local causes.

Long-Term Thinking

Seventy years of steady, member-focused growth, from one base credit union in 1954 to 13 South Sound locations today.

Recognition

Credibility You Can Verify

Independent analysts, industry associations, and Visa itself have recognized ACU's strength, service, and security.

Forbes Best In-State

Named one of the best credit unions in Washington state by Forbes in 2024, 2025, and 2026, honoring our commitment to member service.

BauerFinancial 5-Star

BauerFinancial consistently rates ACU with 5-star stability and strength, demonstrating our financial security.

Federal CU of the Year

Named Federal Credit Union of the Year in 2005 by the National Association of Federally-Chartered Credit Unions (NAFCU).

Raddon Crystal Award

Awarded the Raddon Crystal Performance Award for excellence in financial performance and member service.

Lowest Fraud Rate

Visa recognizes ACU for maintaining one of the lowest fraud rates in the industry, protecting member assets.

Member Trust Leader

Consistently ranked among credit unions members trust most for their financial wellbeing and personalized service.

See All Awards
Giving Back

The ACU Foundation

Chartered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019 (Tax ID 37-1918275), the America's Credit Union Foundation enhances the lives of military members and South Puget Sound residents through strategic charitable giving and volunteer service.

2024 Foundation Grants and Donations

Santa's Castle Fisher House Foundation Lewis-McChord Spouses Club Honor Foundation Military Saves Initiative South Puget Sound Youth Programs Homeless Veteran Support Services
Explore the Foundation
$40K+
2024 Donations Distributed
700+
Volunteer Hours
2019
501(c)(3) Chartered
37-1918275
Registered Nonprofit Tax ID
2000
Tournament Established
$600K+
Raised Lifetime
25
Anniversary Celebrated in 2025
JBLM
Eagle's Pride Golf Course
Community Leadership

The Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament

Established in 2000, ACU's signature charity golf tournament is held annually at Eagle's Pride Golf Course on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It has become a beloved JBLM tradition, bringing military leaders and community members together for a cause.

  • Over $600,000 raised lifetime for local charities
  • Supports JBLM-related military families, Fisher House, and community organizations
  • Celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025
About the Turkey Shoot
Partners in Service

The Networks and Causes We Stand With

From the nationwide banking networks members use every day to the community organizations we serve alongside on and around JBLM.

CO-OP ATM Network Shared Branching Network ACU Financial Services ACU Foundation Fisher House Travis Manion Foundation Santa's Castle Community Club of Lewis-McChord Madigan Foundation The Honor Foundation Dollars for Scholars Together! Thurston County
Join Our Team

Do Work That Matters Here

ACU is a Forbes Best In-State Credit Union 2026, and we are always looking for talented people to join our growing team.

Forbes Recognition

Recognized as a Forbes Best In-State Credit Union in 2024, 2025, and 2026, a reflection of the team behind every member interaction.

Competitive Benefits

Generous PTO, 11 paid holidays, 401(k) with 6% match, and comprehensive health coverage.

Mortgage Discounts

Special financing rates and mortgage programs for employees and their families.

Family-First Culture

Parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and work-life balance built into how we operate.

Professional Development

Continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and clear career advancement paths.

Mission-Driven Work

Be part of a team dedicated to serving the military community and strengthening the South Sound.

Our employees are the heart of our organization. We invest in their growth, value their contributions, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

See Open Positions
Latest News

News From ACU

Financial tips, community updates, and the latest from around the credit union.

How to Join a Credit Union→ Smarter Way to Manage Purchases→
All News Annual Reports
★★★★★
“I love being a member of ACU. The member service at each branch is exceptionally people friendly. They offer more checking and savings options than traditional banks.”
Jordan K.
Lakewood Branch
Common Questions

About ACU FAQ

Answers to the questions people ask most about who we are and how to join.

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, not by shareholders. Every member of America's Credit Union is an owner. Earnings are returned to members through better rates, lower fees, and community investment rather than paid out to distant investors.
America's Credit Union was founded in 1954 as Fort Lewis Federal Credit Union, established to serve military members and their families on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). In the 1980s, membership opened to all South Puget Sound residents.
ACU serves military members and their families connected to Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as residents of the South Puget Sound. Membership is open to many. Visit the Become a Member page or any branch to confirm eligibility and open your account.
The America's Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit chartered in 2019, Tax ID 37-1918275. It enhances the lives of military members and South Puget Sound residents through charitable giving and volunteer service, distributing over $40,000 in donations in 2024.
The Turkey Shoot is ACU's signature charity golf tournament, held annually since 2000 at Eagle's Pride Golf Course on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It has raised over $600,000 lifetime for JBLM-related military families, Fisher House, and community organizations, and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025.
Joining takes minutes. Apply online through the Become a Member page, call 253-964-3113, or visit any of ACU's South Sound branches. Once your membership savings account is open, you are a member-owner with access to every ACU product and service.

Disclosures

America's Credit Union is a federally chartered, not-for-profit credit union insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per ownership category. The America's Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tax ID 37-1918275; donations may be tax deductible, consult your tax advisor. Membership required for products and services. NMLS #449181. Equal Housing Lender.

Seventy Years In, We Are Just Getting Started

Become a member-owner and be part of the next chapter. Joining takes minutes.

Become a Member Visit a Branch
Browse

More from Our Story

ACU Foundation→ Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament→ Annual Reports→ Awards→ Ken Leonard→ Employment→ News From America's Credit Union→ ACU Newsletter→