Associated Credit Union

What Associated Credit Union does

Associated Credit Union (ACU) is a state-chartered, member-owned credit union founded in 1930 and headquartered at 6251 Crooked Creek Road, Peachtree Corners, Georgia. The institution operates 18 physical branches and 25 Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) across the Metro Atlanta, North Georgia, and Augusta regions, and reports assets exceeding $2.2 billion. ACU is regulated by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), with member deposits insured up to $250,000.

ACU delivers a full-service retail and small-business banking platform, including savings and checking products, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, home equity lines, personal loans, student loans, recreational vehicle loans, and business loans. Business loans above $300,000 are originated through a partnership with Credit Union Business Services, LLC (CUBS). The digital banking stack includes the ACU Mobile App, ACU Wallet, and a 24/7 online banking platform that integrates MeridianLink for loan applications, Zelle for person-to-person payments, Apple Pay/Samsung Pay/Google Pay for contactless transactions, Autobooks for business invoicing, and TurboTax for tax preparation. Member acquisition is driven by employer partnership branches (Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Warner Bros. Discovery, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, IRS, VA Medical Center), community engagement, and brand partnerships including NIL deals with University of Georgia athletes.

ACU generates revenue primarily through net interest income (the spread between interest earned on loans and interest paid on deposits), supplemented by transaction fees (online/phone loan payment processing, money orders, official checks, safe deposit boxes), insurance product referral fees, and referral income from the LPL Financial / MEMBERS Financial Services retirement and investment partnership. As a not-for-profit cooperative, ACU reinvests earnings into member benefits such as the PRO$PER high-yield checking (3.50% APY) and CU $aveMore savings (4.00% APY on first $500), competitive loan rates, and lower fees relative to for-profit banks. The credit union also operates ACU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable entity established in 2009.

Name

Associated Credit Union

Legal name

Associated Credit Union

Website

https://acuonline.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Associated Credit Union is a Georgia-based, member-owned credit union founded in 1930 that provides retail and small-business banking, consumer and commercial lending, and digital financial services to over $2.2 billion in assets across 18 branches and 25 ITMs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking (Credit Union)

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213), Depository Credit Intermediation (5221), Credit Card Issuing (522210)

SIC

Personal Credit Institutions (6141), Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (6035)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus) (FSABAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Credit Cards & Revolving Credit (FSABAAAC), Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment) (FSAKAAAL)

Keywords

• Credit union services
• Consumer lending
• Retail banking
• Mortgage loans
• Business banking

Headquarters

HQ city

Peachtree City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices20 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Loans: ACU earns interest income from various loan products including auto loans, mortgage loans, home equity loans/lines, credit cards, personal loans, student loans, recreational vehicle loans, and business loans. Interest rates vary by product and creditworthiness.
2. Fee-based Services: The credit union generates fee income from various services including online loan payment processing ($1.95 per transaction), phone payment processing ($13.00 per transaction), money orders, safe deposit boxes, official checks, Visa gift card purchases, and various account service fees.
3. Deposit-based Revenue: ACU uses member deposits to fund loans and generates revenue through the spread between interest earned on loans and interest paid on deposits. Savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit are core deposit products.
4. Financial Services Referral Fees: ACU partners with LPL Financial through MEMBERS Financial Services for retirement and investment services. The credit union receives referral fees for directing members to these investment services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Associated Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative providing deposit products (savings, checking, money market, CDs, IRAs), consumer and business lending (auto, mortgage, home equity, personal, student, recreational vehicle, credit cards, and commercial loans), and digital banking services (online banking, mobile apps, mobile deposit, Zelle, text banking). The institution also offers merchant services, financial planning through MEMBERS Financial Services/LPL Financial, insurance products, and educational resources. Membership is granted through employer partnership programs or community eligibility across Georgia, with mortgage lending extended into Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Product overview

Associated Credit Union (ACU) operates as a full-service financial institution offering a comprehensive suite of banking and lending products. The core banking platform encompasses Personal Banking (savings, checking, online services) and Business Banking (business savings, checking, online services, merchant services). The lending portfolio includes Auto Loans with ACU AutoMall car-buying service, Credit Cards (Visa PRO$PER Signature and Visa Platinum), Home Loans including mortgages and Home Equity products (with No Closing Cost HELOC), Personal Loans, Student Loans, Recreational Vehicle Loans, and Business Loans through CUBS partnership. Digital banking services include Online Banking, ACU Wallet Mobile App, ACU Business Mobile App, PRO$PER PAY, Bill Pay, Mobile Deposit, Mobile Payment (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay), Text Message Banking, Money Management, eStatements, and Transfers. Additional services include AutoMall vehicle purchasing, ACH Origination and Autobooks for business, financial planning through MEMBERS Financial Services/LPL Financial, financial education resources, calculators, insurance products, Visa Gift Cards and Reloadable Cards, ACU Foundation community initiatives, and Ronald K. Ford Memorial Scholarship. The institution serves members across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee through 18 branch locations and 25 ITMs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PRO$PER Checking: A high-yield Checking Account product offering competitive rates for members.
• PRO$PER Savings
• Autobooks

Products and services

• Personal Banking Comprehensive personal banking suite offered to ACU members including savings accounts, checking accounts, online services, credit cards, and other personal banking services such as safe deposit boxes, notary services, and wire transfers. Available to Georgia residents who join as members.
• Business Banking Business banking solutions for small businesses and non-profits including business checking (Basic, Growth, Non-Profit variants), business savings, business money market, business CDs, ACH origination, Autobooks invoicing, and merchant services via FiTech by Deluxe. Business loans under $300K are direct; larger facilities are referred to CUBS.
• Savings Accounts Deposit products including Share Account, PRO$PER Savings, CU $aveMore (4.00% APY on first $500 with requirements), Holiday Club, Money Market, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Safari Savings Club, IRAs, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and Trust Accounts. Available to ACU members.
• Checking Accounts Personal checking account options including PRO$PER Checking (3.50% APY high-yield), Associated Checking (value-added), Simple Checking (free basic), Health Savings Account (HSA), and Lend-A-Hand Checking. PRO$PER pays 3.50% APY on balances $0-$24,999 when active direct deposit or eStatement requirements are met.
• Business Checking Accounts Business checking options including Business Checking Basic for small businesses, Business Checking Growth for growing businesses, and Non-Profit Checking for non-profit entities. Designed for Georgia-based small businesses and non-profits needing operating accounts.
• Business Savings Accounts Business savings products including Primary Business Share, Business Savings, Business Money Market, and Business Certificate of Deposits (CDs). For small businesses and non-profit members requiring business deposit accumulation.
• Online Banking Digital banking platform accessible 24/7 providing account access, money management, financial tools, TurboTax integration, ACH origination (for business), Autobooks (for business), Zelle, and bill pay. Available to all ACU members.
• ACU Wallet Mobile App iOS/Android mobile banking application supporting mobile deposit, Zelle P2P, bill pay, transfers, eStatements, account management, mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay), and money management. Available to ACU personal banking members.
• ACU Mobile App (Business) Business-focused mobile banking application enabling business members to access accounts, initiate ACH payments to vendors/employees, view transactions, and manage treasury functions on the go. For ACU small business members.
• Auto Loans Comprehensive auto financing including new and used vehicle purchases, refinancing, lease buyouts, and title loans. Rates from 4.00%-15.00% APR for 2026-2023 vehicles (up to 84 months); minimum loan amount $5,000; No Payments for 60 Days on qualifying loans. Available to ACU members in Georgia and surrounding areas.
• ACU AutoMall Vehicle shopping and financing service combining a vehicle search platform with ACU financing. Provides vehicle search, loan approval, and door-to-door delivery with dedicated vehicle experts, plus 0.25% APR discount on AutoMall purchases. For ACU members shopping for vehicles.
• Credit Cards Visa credit card products including PRO$PER Signature Credit Card and Visa Platinum Credit Card with low fixed rates, no annual fees, and ScoreCard Rewards on purchases. Available to ACU members.
• Home Loans (Mortgages) Mortgage products including purchase loans, refinancing, VA and FHA loans, and home equity options (HELOC). Available in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. For members purchasing or refinancing primary residences.
• No Closing Cost HELOC Home Equity Line of Credit with no closing costs (up to $400 credit at closing). For debt consolidation, home improvements, or financial cushion. Available to members in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
• Personal Loans Personal financing options including unsecured personal loans (7.00%-15.00% APR for up to 48 months), personal lines of credit (18.00% APR), share-secured loans (6.00%-8.00% APR), and CD-secured loans. Loan amounts from $500 to $30,000. Available to ACU members.
• Student Loans Private student loan program provided through partnership with Student Choice covering undergraduate and graduate funding. One application covers the entire college journey with the ability to request additional funds in future years without reapplying. Features competitive rates and no origination fees. Available to ACU members and their families.
• Recreational Vehicle Loans Financing for boats (new and used 1-7 years), recreational vehicles (1-7 years), campers (1-2 years), and motorcycles (new and used 1-6 years). Available to ACU members.
• Business Loans Commercial real estate loans, business acquisition loans, SBA loans, and equipment financing provided through partnership with Credit Union Business Services, LLC (CUBS). Minimum loan amount of $300,000. For Georgia-based businesses needing commercial financing.
• Merchant Services Business payment processing services provided through FiTech by Deluxe, including point-of-sale solutions and credit/debit card acceptance. For ACU small business members seeking merchant services.
• Retirement and Investing Services Retirement and investment services offered through partnership with LPL Financial / MEMBERS Financial Services, including IRA accounts, Coverdell ESAs, retirement planning, investment advisory services, and financial planning seminars delivered through licensed representatives. Available to ACU members.
• Insurance Products Insurance offerings including Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP), Depreciation Protection (DPW), Loan Payment Protection, Connect 2 Protect, TruStage Auto & Home Insurance, TruStage Life Insurance, AD&D, Hospital Accident Insurance, and Humana Dental & Vision. Available to ACU members and borrowers.

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Credit Union Business Services, LLC (CUBS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACU has collaborated with CUBS, a Credit Union Service Organization, to offer business loans. CUBS specializes in commercial real estate loans, SBA loans, business acquisition financing, and large business loans (minimum $300,000). This partnership allows ACU to serve business members needing larger commercial lending facilities that ACU doesn't directly offer.
• LPL Financial / MEMBERS Financial ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACU partners with LPL Financial through MEMBERS Financial Services to provide retirement and investment services to members. LPL Financial is a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer. The partnership enables ACU to offer retirement planning, investment advisory services, and financial planning seminars to members through licensed representatives.
• FiTech by DeluxecoreTechnology or IntegrationACU has partnered with FiTech by Deluxe for merchant services, providing business members with payment processing and point-of-sale solutions. This enables ACU to offer comprehensive business banking services including merchant services to small business members.
• Student ChoicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACU partners with Student Choice for private student lending solutions. Student Choice provides an innovative line-of-credit product that allows students to fund their entire college journey (undergraduate or graduate) with one application, with the ability to request additional funds in future years without reapplying.
• AutobookscoreTechnology or IntegrationAutobooks is integrated with ACU's business online banking services, providing business members with invoicing, payment collection, and accounting tools. This helps small businesses manage their finances and get paid faster through an integrated banking experience.
• Co-op Credit UnioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorACU participates in the Co-op Credit Union shared branch network, providing members with access to branch services at other credit unions nationwide. This extends ACU's physical service reach beyond its own branch locations.
• Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google PaycoreTechnology or IntegrationACU supports mobile payment options including Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, allowing members to make contactless payments using their ACU debit and credit cards through their mobile devices.
• ZellecoreTechnology or IntegrationACU offers Zelle person-to-person payment integration within its online and mobile banking platforms, allowing members to send and receive money quickly and securely to friends and family.
• Member Companies (Employer Partners)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorACU partners with employers including Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Warner Bros. Discovery, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, IRS, and VA Medical Center to offer banking benefits to employees. Some partners have dedicated on-site ACU branches. This employer partnership model helps ACU reach new members through workplace banking.
• University of Georgia Athletics (NIL)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerACU has Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) partnerships with University of Georgia athletes Gunner Stockton (Quarterback), Lawson Luckie (Tight End), and Sole and Sanna Frederick (Olympians). These partnerships serve as brand ambassadors targeting young adult members and sports fans.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• CDC Federal Credit Union: Atlanta-based CDC-focused credit union offering similar member-company employer-group acquisition and community-banking services, comparable to ACU's employer partnership model.
• LGE Community Credit Union: Marietta, Georgia credit union serving the northwest Atlanta suburbs, with overlapping employer partnership and consumer lending strategies; competes with ACU branches in Cobb County.
• Coosa Valley Credit Union: Rome, Georgia-based cooperative institution with a similar community-credit-union business model, operating north of ACU's footprint and providing comparable share draft accounts, consumer lending, and employer partnership programs.

Broad incumbents

• Alliant Credit Union: Large national digital-first credit union with similar high-yield checking and savings products, competing for ACU's digitally engaged members on rate and digital UX without a regional branch requirement.
• VyStar Credit Union: Southeast-headquartered credit union offering full deposit, mortgage, and wealth products with regional presence including Georgia; bigger scale and digital capability make it a competing incumbent for members in ACU's footprint.
• Navy Federal Credit Union: The largest U.S. credit union by assets, serving military-affiliated members nationally through shared branching and digital channels; competes with ACU for military-adjacent segments (e.g., Dobbins ARB) while dwarfing it in scale.

Direct peers

• State Employees Credit Union (SECU): While North Carolina-based, SECU operates a comparable member-owned, full-service model with employer-affiliated membership, and competes for multi-state mortgage and HELOC business across ACU's six-state lending footprint.
• Delta Community Credit Union: Georgia-headquartered credit union also serving the Metro Atlanta market, offering full personal and business banking products and competing directly for the same employer-group and retail depositor base as ACU.
• Georgia's Own Credit Union: Atlanta-area credit union with a similar regional retail and business banking focus, competing for employer partnerships, deposit growth, and mortgage origination in the same Georgia counties as ACU.
• Emory Alliance Credit Union: Atlanta-based member-owned credit union offering a comparable product set (deposits, auto loans, mortgages, business banking) to Georgia residents and small businesses.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/associatedcu
• Facebookfacebook.com/associatedcu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/associatedcu
• Instagraminstagram.com/associatedcu

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Associated Credit Union