About 1st Advantage
Our roots run deep in the communityIt’s your Advantage
A Credit Union Invested in Your Financial Wellness
1st Advantage, formerly Fort Eustis Federal Credit Union, has grown from a cigar box with $500 to an organization with assets totaling more than $1 billion and over 70,000 members located around the world.
The 1st Advantage Difference
As a financial co-op, we give the power to our members, which means you have a voice in how we conduct business.
Your voice is heard
When you open a Share Savings account with us, you’re entitled to a share of 1st Advantage. You’re also given a vote when it comes to appointing our voluntary board members and addressing other credit union business.
Community comes first
Our dedication to members extends to our surrounding communities because we’re all members 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.
Your well-being is protected
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.
Our Promise
We will work together to secure a real advantage for you and your family.
We Give Our Profits Back to You
Our profits are passed back to our members in the form of…
Lower Loan Rates
Unlike big banks, our profits go towards making our loan options more affordable for you and your family.
Higher Dividend Rates
As a 1st Advantage member, you get the reap the rewards with higher returns on deposit accounts.
Fewer Fees
As a member, you’ll never have to pay extra fees or for account maintenance like you would at a bigger bank.
Our History
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 instead of investors.
“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.”
Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP) Participant
1st Advantage is a proud participant of the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). We are committed to helping Veterans, beneficiaries, survivors, and caregivers gain access to the financial products, services, and support they need. We are committed to ensure all VA beneficiaries are able to open a low-to-no-cost checking account when they bring a direct deposit to 1st Advantage.
Credit Union Events
See what’s happening at 1st Advantage and in your community.
1st Advantage Hosts Baby Shower for 50 Expectant Military Moms
1st Advantage Hosts Medal of Honor Day Celebration Dinner to Honor Retired U.S. Army Captain
