Our Zuck Rd. Branch & drive-thru will be closed Saturday, July 18th - Tuesday, July 21st. Please plan accordingly & thank you for your patience as we pave the way for a smoother banking experience! Remember, members can use the credit union’s other eight locations and online services for their banking needs. Check our Faceback page for updates.
Erie FCU celebrates over nine decades of principled stewardship in service to our members. The journey traces back to 1934, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit Union Act, laying the foundation for the federal credit union system. Erie Federal Credit Union was born on June 13, 1936—just seven years following the stock market crash of October 1929 that gave rise to the Great Depression. Our institution was founded upon a simple promise: to provide fair and equitable credit and promote thrift through a member owned, not-for-profit, financial cooperative to the benefit of its members.
Original charter application signed by founders 6/10/36
In 1936, federal credit unions required approval from the Farm Credit Administration—led at the time by Governor William I. “Bill” Myers (who served from November 1933 to September 1938)—to be officially recognized. That approval established Erie FCU’s official birthday as June 13, 1936.
Guided by a deep commitment to the “people helping people” philosophy, the original founders laid the foundation for what is now Erie Federal Credit Union:
Founding member - JoAnna Connell - was a distinguished Erie English teacher who served for more than 43 years; JoAnna Connell Elementary School was named in her honor in 1958.
The credit union’s story began when ten visionary educators listed above gathered at the Ford Hotel to charter a solution for themselves, their families, and their colleagues. Beginning with an initial collection of just $50, these founders established the Erie School Employees Federal Credit Union, which later became Erie Federal Credit Union. In its earliest days, the cooperative was a modest collective of only 46 members, with $241 in total deposits. The credit union’s first official headquarters was a humble room on the second floor of the Public Library located at 27 South Park Row, shared with the Erie School District. The first office was served the membership until 1973, when the first Erie FCU branch office was built on East 38th Street.
Erie FCU's first office
From its humble beginning as the Erie School Employees Federal Credit Union, Erie FCU has grown to become the largest credit union in Northwest PA. Since 1936, Erie FCU has proudly stood beside you with valuable financial solutions that help hardworking families thrive.
On May 2, 2003, Erie FCU was granted a Community Charter, which allowed the credit union to open up membership to those who lived, worked, worshiped or attended school in Erie County, PA. Four years later in 2007, Erie FCU was approved to expand its community charter to include Crawford County, PA as well.
It has been stated that the fastest way to achieve success is to first help others succeed. Erie FCU is committed to helping build strong communities and making a positive impact where they live and work. Their community outreach initiatives, led by the efforts of staff volunteers as part of Erie FCU’s #TeamAOK, delivered on this promise by supporting various events throughout the year. Erie FCU’s outreach efforts have been recognized numerous times for their community service locally, regionally and nationally.
Glenwood Facility
Today, the credit union has 9 locations, including its corporate headquarters at the former Glenwood Elementary School, and over 81,000 members. Erie FCU provides a broad array of financial products and services to their membership located throughout Erie and Crawford Counties. But Erie FCU’s story actually began more than nine decades ago, when credit unions first started to take shape in the United States.
Erie FCU is owned by their members, not shareholders and is “for people, not profit”. As a member, you’re not a customer or a number. Erie FCU's focus is on serving you and your family with exceptional financial products while providing "five star" member service. Experience the credit union difference today!
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