Originally founded in 1938 as Utica Teachers Federal Credit Union, we were born out of necessity to provide financial services for educators in our area. In the midst of the Depression, teachers found it difficult to secure credit and get through the summer months. Eleven teachers applied to the National Credit Union Administration for a credit union charter and Utica Teachers FCU was born.
As the years passed, we served more employee groups and added more product and service lines. In 1992, we changed our name to First Source Federal Credit Union to better reflect our broader membership.
The culture at First Source is unique. We believe we create value by taking good care of our employees, who in turn provide best-in-class service to our members and community. Through this philosophy, we have successfully grown and maintained strong financial footings. People tell us all the time that they “feel something different” when they bank with us or engage with us in the community. We are proud to have won “Best Credit Union” and “Best Places to Work” for several years in a row, and we receive consistent member and employee satisfaction survey ratings in the top percentile.
Today, First Source operates six branch locations across Central New York, along with a full-service Member Care Center. Members have access to a comprehensive range of personal and business banking products and services, insurance options, and multiple convenient access channels, such as online and mobile banking, Interactive ATMs, phone banking, video engagement, and in-person service. Members also enjoy access to more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
What sets us apart from other financial institutions is our approach to doing business and our unique lending philosophy.
As a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, we serve more than 60,000 members. We are deeply committed to helping members achieve their financial goals by taking a thoughtful, personalized approach to every interaction, ensuring time to look at the bigger financial and personal picture before offering the best solution for their particular need.
We also believe in giving back to the communities we serve. Through financial contributions, employee volunteerism, and free financial education programs, we actively support local schools, non-profits businesses, programs and clubs.
As we continue to expand our services and adopt new technologies, we remain focused on delivering personal, trusted service and being a reliable financial partner today and in the future.