What Wauna Credit Union does

Wauna Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned cooperative credit union founded on March 16, 1967, originally as the C.Z. Zellerbach Wauna Federal Credit Union serving employees of the Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill. Headquartered in Clatskanie, Oregon, it operates seven branches across Clatsop, Columbia, and Western Washington Counties in Oregon, and Pacific County in Washington, serving 26,781 members with a staff of 51-100. The institution delivers a full retail and small-business banking platform spanning personal and business checking, savings, money market, certificates, IRAs, HSAs, and youth accounts; lending products including auto, recreational, mortgage, home equity/HELOC, personal loans, EZ$ short-term loans, and VISA credit cards; and commercial banking with checking, lending, merchant services (Clover, CloverFlex, SwipeSimple), and a specialized cannabis business banking vertical.

Name

Wauna Credit Union

Legal name

Wauna Credit Union

Website

https://waunafcu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1967

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Wauna Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned cooperative credit union serving 26,781 members across seven Oregon and Washington branches with retail, small-business, and cannabis banking, plus lending and digital services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking / Credit Union Services

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213)

SIC

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (6035), Mortgage Bankers & Loan Correspondents (6162)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Employer/Occupational Credit Unions (FSABAEAB)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending products
• Credit union services
• Business banking solutions
• Mortgage lending services

Headquarters

HQ city

Clatskanie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Loan Interest Income: Primary revenue from interest earned on lending products including auto loans, mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, recreational/RV loans, business loans, and credit cards. Interest rates vary by product with promotional rates as low as 4.79% APR for auto loans with relationship pricing.
2. Deposit Account Fees: Fees from various account services including overdraft/NSF fees ($35), account research ($50/hour), dormant account fees ($10/month after 12 months inactivity), wire transfers ($20 domestic, $55 international), and paper statement fees ($3/month effective April 2026).
3. Service Fees: Fees for services such as safe deposit boxes ($35-$100 annually), cashier's checks ($5), rush card replacement ($50), skip-a-payment ($40), stop payments ($10), and legal process fees ($150).
4. Credit Card Fees: Revenue from credit card usage including interest charges on revolving balances (APR as low as 12.65% for Rewards, 14.90% for Platinum) and balance transfer fees.
5. NCUA Insurance Premium: As a federally insured credit union, membership fees and share account minimums ($5 par value) contribute to operational funding. Federally insured through NCUA up to $250,000.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Wauna Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative providing full-service retail and commercial banking. It offers personal and business deposit accounts, consumer and commercial loans, mortgages, credit cards, insurance through its Cascade Crest subsidiary, and investment services via Pineview Wealth Group, distributed through seven branches, virtual teller video banking, mobile and online platforms.

Product overview

Wauna Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through a platform of personal banking, business banking, lending, and digital banking channels. Personal checking includes Simply Free, Easy Interest, 50+ Interest, and High Interest tiers. Savings offerings encompass Basic Savings, Certificate Accounts, Elite+ Money Market, and Youth Savings with Jump Start and Certificate options. Long-term savings include Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs plus Health Savings Accounts. Business banking features Simply Free Business Checking, Business Interest Checking, Business Savings, Business Money Market, Business Certificates, Cannabis Business Solutions, Merchant Solutions, and the Employee Benefits Suite. Lending products include Auto Loans, Recreational/RV/Toys Loans, Lifestyle Loans, EZ$ Loans, Personal Lines of Credit, Rewards and Platinum VISA Credit Cards, Mortgage Loans, Home Equity Loans/HELOCs, and comprehensive Business Lending. Digital banking is delivered through Mobile Banking App, Online Banking, eStatements, Virtual Teller video banking, and Mobile Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). Value-added services include EnFact fraud monitoring, Investment Services through Pineview Wealth Group, Insurance through Cascade Crest Insurance, Zogo gamified financial education, Money Management budgeting tools, BALANCE Financial Fitness Program, Financial Calculators, and Annual Scholarship Programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cascade Crest Insurance: A fully owned subsidiary of Wauna Credit Union offering insurance products through multiple insurance providers, providing tailored policies for members.
• BALANCE Financial Fitness Program
• Zogo Financial Education
• Wauna CU Mobile App
• WaunaCU Now Video Chat
• Wauna Car
• Jump Start Youth Savings Account

Products and services

• Simply Free Checking
• Easy Interest Checking Interest-bearing personal checking account with no monthly service charge that earns dividends when members maintain monthly direct deposits or automatic payments; targets balance-holding individual members.
• 50+ Interest Checking Interest-bearing checking account free for members age 50 and older, including a free box of standard checks annually and competitive dividend rates on balances.
• High Interest Checking Premium high-yield interest checking with the credit union's most competitive dividend rates; requires a $1,500 minimum monthly balance to avoid a $6 monthly service charge and targets members seeking maximum checking returns.
• Basic Savings Account Foundational savings account earning dividends on balances of $100 or more, with $0 monthly fee, fund transfers, direct deposit eligibility, and access via online and mobile banking; federally insured through NCUA.
• Certificate Accounts Term deposit accounts with guaranteed fixed dividend rates, terms from 3 to 60 months, low minimum initial deposits, daily compounding dividends paid monthly; designed for risk-averse savers seeking guaranteed returns.
• Elite+ Money Market Account High-yield money market savings account with tiered dividend rates, limited check-writing (3 checks/month) and up to 6 monthly transfers, with daily compounding and monthly dividend payments.
• Jump Start Youth Savings Account Savings account for members ages 18 and younger with no minimum to open, high yield on the first $500, competitive dividends on remaining balance, and a piggy bank upon opening.
• Youth Certificate Accounts Certificate accounts for youth savers with $500 minimum opening balance and fixed dividend rates for terms from 3 to 60 months, providing guaranteed returns for educational savings goals.
• Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) Tax-advantaged education savings account for K-12 and college expenses covering tuition, books, uniforms, and qualified education costs with tax-free growth.
• Traditional IRA Pre-tax individual retirement account reducing taxable income with tax-deferred growth; withdrawals taxed as ordinary income in retirement; contribution limits up to $7,500 ($8,600 if age 50+).
• Roth IRA Retirement account funded with after-tax dollars providing tax-free earnings and qualified withdrawals in retirement, suitable for members expecting higher future tax brackets.
• SEP IRA Simplified Employee Pension IRA for self-employed individuals and small business owners with tax-deductible employer contributions up to 25% of compensation or $72,000.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with high-deductible health plans offering tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free qualified medical withdrawals with annual rollover and investment options.
• Auto Loans Vehicle financing for new and used automobiles, including pre-approval, refinancing, and first-time buyer options, with competitive interest rates, tailored repayment plans, GAP coverage, and Mechanical Repair Coverage add-ons.
• Recreational / RV / Toys Loans Financing for recreational vehicles including boats, motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, travel trailers, horse trailers, and campers, with lower interest rates and repayment terms up to 180 months for select loans.
• Lifestyle Loan Flexible unsecured personal loan for diverse purposes including medical procedures, home improvements, education, weddings, vacations, and debt consolidation, with competitive rates and predictable monthly payments.
• EZ$ Loan $1,100 short-term loan with no underwriting required for fast funding within hours, repaid over 12 monthly payments of approximately $92 each with a $90 prepaid finance charge instead of interest.
• Personal Line of Credit Revolving personal credit line providing flexible access to funds as needed for unpredictable financial needs, with borrowing only what is required when required.
• Rewards VISA Credit Card Cash-rewards credit card earning merchandise and travel rewards on everyday purchases with $0 annual fee, 2.99% introductory APR for 6 months on purchases, easy balance transfers, and mobile wallet compatibility.
• Platinum VISA Credit Card Low-rate VISA credit card with regular APR as low as 14.90% on revolving balances and $0 annual fee, best for members prioritizing rate savings over rewards.
• Mortgage Loans Home financing including first mortgages, new construction, bare land, investment properties, refinancing, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans with fixed and variable-rate options and local decision-making.
• Home Equity Loans Lump-sum loans using home equity as collateral with fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments, available up to 100% CLTV, for larger one-time expenses such as renovations or debt consolidation.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Revolving credit line against home equity with flexible access to funds as needed, variable rate with a 5-year draw period and 15-year term, paying interest only on the amount used.
• Commercial Vehicle & Equipment Loans Business financing for company vehicles, machinery, and tools to maintain productivity and smooth operations for local businesses.
• Commercial VISA Credit Card Business credit card for managing day-to-day expenses with flexible purchasing, cash flow management, no loan origination or balance transfer fees, real-time account monitoring, and Tap to Pay support.
• Commercial Real Estate Loan Business lending for purchasing, building, or refinancing owner-occupied commercial properties to expand business footprint or upgrade existing spaces.
• Investment Real Estate Loan Financing for 1-4 unit residential rental properties for investors seeking to grow their real estate investment portfolio.
• Commercial Line of Credit Revolving credit facility for managing business cash flow, covering short-term expenses, or taking advantage of new business opportunities.
• Simply Free Business Checking Fee-free business checking account with unlimited monthly transactions, no minimum balance, best for businesses with variable cash flow.
• Business Interest Checking Interest-bearing business checking with dividends on balances and a $6 monthly fee if balance falls below $5,000, best for businesses with steady cash flow maintaining higher balances.
• Business Savings Account Business savings account with free automatic transfers, $0 withdrawal fees, and sub-accounts for streamlined money management.
• Business Money Market Accounts Tiered dividend-earning business money market savings with no penalties on withdrawals over $100, where higher balances earn higher dividend rates.
• Business Certificate Accounts Term deposit accounts for business cash reserves with guaranteed fixed returns and a wide selection of term lengths.
• Cannabis Business Solutions Specialized compliant banking services for cannabis-related businesses including deposit accounts, night drop, free business online and mobile banking with deposit, ACH/wire services, free bill pay, employee accounts, and a pathway to commercial lending, available in Clatskanie, Columbia, and Western Washington Counties, Oregon.
• Merchant Solutions Payment processing services for small businesses including point-of-sale systems (Clover), mobile processing (CloverFlex, SwipeSimple), gift card and loyalty programs, and online store support.
• Employee Benefits Suite Comprehensive employee benefits package for businesses including business checking, merchant services, payroll, insurance through Cascade Crest, Health Savings Accounts, and financial wellness education; employee perks include 1% vehicle loan rebate, 0% balance transfer rate, certificate rate boosts, and free financial seminars.
• Cascade Crest Insurance Insurance services offered through Wauna CU's wholly owned subsidiary, working with multiple insurance providers to offer tailored auto, home, life, and other coverage policies for members.
• Pineview Wealth Group Investment Services Financial planning and investment services through partnership with Pineview Wealth Group and LPL Financial for pre-retirees, retirees, and legacy planners, including securities, advisory services, and insurance products.

Quantifiable outcome

• 26,781 members served across 7 branches
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration19 records

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cascade Crest InsurancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFully owned subsidiary of Wauna Credit Union providing insurance services. Represents multiple insurance companies to offer tailored policies. Acts as insurance advisors helping members make informed decisions about coverage. Available to help members throughout the entire process and in their time of need.
• Pineview Wealth GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial planning partner offering complete lineup of financial planning tools and investment services through LPL Financial. Works with pre-retirees, retirees, and legacy planners. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (registered investment advisor and broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC).
• ZogominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGamified financial education app turning money topics into interactive lessons. Members earn coins for completing modules that can be converted to gift cards and charitable donations through Wauna CU's marketplace. Access code WCU1967 required.
• BALANCEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree money management website partner offering resources for debt management, retirement planning, financial planning, housing, spending, and saving. Provides counseling services, learning modules, podcasts, and free credit report review. Accessible at waunafcu.bebalanced.org.
• GrooveCar (Wauna Car)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAuto shopping service through partnership providing vehicle reviews, Kelly Blue Book trade-in values, free CarFax reports, vehicle comparisons, and access to preferred dealers. Available through waunafcu.groovecar.com.
• CO-OP Credit UnionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorATM network partnership providing access to 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide for Wauna CU members. Locator available at co-opcreditunions.org/locator/.
• NCUA (National Credit Union Administration)coreOthersFederal regulatory agency insuring member deposits up to $250,000. Provides oversight and examination of credit union operations. Backs deposits with full faith and credit of the United States Government.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Oregon State Credit Union: Oregon-focused community credit union headquartered in Corvallis serving state employees, students, and community members. Comparable community credit union model with broader Oregon footprint and larger membership base.
• OnPoint Community Credit Union: Largest Oregon-based credit union headquartered in Portland, serving ~500K members across the Portland metro and statewide. Comparable as a Pacific NW community credit union with similar full-service personal/business banking, mortgage, and investment offerings — but at materially larger scale than Wauna.
• SELCO Community Credit Union: Oregon-based community credit union headquartered in Eugene serving members statewide. Comparable Oregon community credit union with broader geographic coverage but similar full-service personal, business, and mortgage offerings.

Direct peers

• Advantis Credit Union: Portland-headquartered community credit union serving Oregon and SW Washington with consumer, mortgage, and business banking products. Similar size tier and Pacific NW community focus; offers similar digital capabilities including mobile and online banking.
• iQ Credit Union: Washington-state community credit union headquartered in Vancouver, WA serving Southwest Washington and Portland metro. Directly comparable to Wauna in size, Pacific NW footprint, full-service personal/business banking, and community-led GTM motion.
• Columbia Credit Union: Washington-state community credit union serving Southwest Washington and Portland metro, with overlapping geography into Pacific County. Closest geographic peer to Wauna's WA service area with similar size, branch network, and consumer/business product mix.
• Unitus Community Credit Union: Portland-metro based community credit union serving Oregon and SW Washington with full-service personal, business, and mortgage products. Directly comparable in scale and Pacific NW community credit union positioning.
• Rivermark Community Credit Union: Oregon-based community credit union headquartered in Beaverton serving Portland metro with full-service personal and business banking, mortgage, and investment services. Comparable size and Oregon community focus with similar member-owned cooperative structure.

Others

• Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union: Corporate credit union providing liquidity, correspondent banking, and technology services to natural-person credit unions including community CUs like Wauna. Not a direct competitor but a key infrastructure counterparty supporting Wauna's back-office and treasury operations.

Regional players

• Sound Credit Union: Washington-state community credit union headquartered in Tacoma serving Western Washington with consumer, mortgage, and business banking. Comparable Pacific NW cooperative structure and similar size tier, though serving different sub-region than Wauna.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/WaunaCreditUnion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wauna-federal-credit-union
• Instagraminstagram.com/waunacu/?hl=en
• Xx.com/WaunaCU

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

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 Wauna Credit Union