At our essence, we are "people helping people," a phrase that distinguishes credit unions from other financial institutions. As a not-for-profit financial co-op, we focus on our members, not investors, and our profits are passed back to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest rates on deposit accounts and fewer fees and charges.
The 1st Advantage Difference
Being a 1st Advantage member means you have a voice in how we conduct business. When you open a Share Savings account with us, that entitles you to a share of 1st Advantage and gives you a vote when it comes to appointing our voluntary board members and addressing other credit union business.
Our dedication to members extends to our surrounding communities because we're all neighbors with a vested interest in where we live. For us, that means providing financial products and services that help you get ahead, while volunteering our time and resources to civic organizations and nonprofits that share our mission to improve life for each other.
When you deposit your money with us, your funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, meaning we're financially sound and ready to serve you through every phase and opportunity in life.
Be part of something special. Join 1st Advantage and see how we can put you on the road to financial freedom.
Our Promise
We will work together to secure a real advantage for you and your family.
Our History
"How can we start a credit union?" This was the discussion on a hot August day in 1951. A group of civilian employees at Fort Eustis discussed the need to eliminate the high interest rates of "loan sharks" that preyed on the employees at Fort Eustis. An agreement was reached, application made, and on September 20, 1951, the charter (No. 7448) of the Fort Eustis Federal Credit Union was approved.
The elected treasurer carried the approximate $500, collected initially from the original charter members, in a cigar box together with the account register. Loans were made to any civilian employee of Fort Eustis without a credit check, solely on trust. This promising beginning epitomized the credit union motto, "People helping people."
1st Advantage Federal Credit Union, formerly Fort Eustis Federal Credit Union, has grown from a cigar box with $500 to an organization with assets totaling more than $800 million and over 70,0000 members located around the world.
5-Star Rating
We're proud to have earned BauerFinancial Inc.’s (BFI) 5-Star Rating, an honor reserved for credit unions that receive an excellent or superior rating for 11 consecutive quarters.
The rating is based on capital level, asset quality, profitability, loan delinquencies, reserves and regulatory compliance. In short, this award means we're your safe and secure financial institution, and we'll continue to be the most trusted provider of financial services in our local community.