TBA Credit Union

What TBA Credit Union does

TBA Credit Union is a member-owned, NCUA-insured financial cooperative headquartered at 630 East Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan, serving over 20,000 members across a five-county service area (Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau). Founded in 1955 as the Traverse City Board of Education Employees Credit Union, the institution was renamed TBA Education Credit Union in 1967 and adopted its current name in January 2004. TBA operates two physical branches plus 24/7 Interactive Teller Machines and offers a full-service retail banking franchise spanning deposit products (checking, savings, Money Market, IRA, HSA, Share Certificates), consumer and commercial lending (mortgages, home equity, auto, boat/RV, motorcycle, consumer, student, and Michigan Saves energy-efficiency loans), and a VISA credit card portfolio including a Scorecard Rewards program.

Distribution combines branch banking, a native iOS/Android mobile app, online banking (It'sMe247 for personal and BizLink247 for business), video chat appointments, phone/text/chat service center, and the Co-Op ATM network (30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide) plus Xtend shared branching. Investment and retirement planning services are delivered through an LPL Financial partnership staffed by an in-house financial advisor. Educational programming (Student-Run Credit Union branches in 15 schools, Reality Fairs, classroom curricula, workshops, and Lunch & Learns) is a distinctive programmatic pillar, anchored by the quarterly 'You Join. We Give.' nonprofit donation program tied to new member account openings.

Revenue is generated primarily through net interest income on the diversified loan portfolio, supplemented by deposit account fees (overdraft lines, wire transfers, skip-payment options), credit card interchange and interest income, and fee-sharing from the LPL wealth management partnership. Member benefits are emphasized over profit distribution: the credit union reports $1,005,575 in member savings through refinancing and free checking in 2025, 26 consecutive years of BauerFinancial 5-star recognition, and three consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Awards (2021-2023), reflecting institutional priorities centered on community, financial literacy, and member retention rather than aggressive expansion.

Name

TBA Credit Union

Legal name

TBA Credit Union

Website

https://tbacu.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1955

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

TBA Credit Union is a member-owned NCUA-insured financial cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, serving over 20,000 members across a five-county Northern Michigan service area with full-service retail banking, consumer and commercial lending, wealth services through LPL Financial, and a network of student-run credit union branches in 15 local schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Traverse City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Loans: Primary revenue stream from auto loans, mortgages, home equity loans, credit cards, personal loans, and business loans. Interest rates vary by product type, with auto loans as low as 5.50% APR and credit cards at 12.15% APR.
2. Deposit Account Fees and Services: Fee income from various account services including overdraft protection (CYA Line at 16.90% APR), wire transfers, skip payment options, and other account services.
3. Credit Card Revenue: Revenue from VISA credit card transactions including interest charges on balances and transaction fees.
4. Investment and Insurance Services: Partnership with LPL Financial for investment services, retirement planning, and financial advisory services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

TBA Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative that delivers consumer and small-business banking, lending, and investment products to Northern Michigan residents. Its core offerings include checking and savings accounts, IRAs, HSAs and share certificates; mortgages, home equity, and consumer/auto/boat/RV/motorcycle loans; VISA credit and gift cards; investment and retirement planning through an LPL Financial partnership; and a youth banking program (Money Magic Club, iTeens). Members are served via two Traverse City branches, a mobile app, online banking, video chat, ITMs, and the Co-Op ATM and Xtend shared-branching networks.

Product overview

TBA Credit Union operates as a traditional credit union offering a comprehensive suite of financial products organized across personal banking, business banking, lending, and digital services. The core product portfolio includes checking and savings accounts (with Money Market and IRA options), Share Certificates with competitive CD rates, Health Savings Accounts, and youth accounts (Money Magic Club for ages 0-12 and iTeens for ages 13-17). Lending products span mortgages, home equity products, auto loans, boat/RV loans, motorcycle/ATV loans, consumer loans, student loans, and Michigan Saves energy efficiency loans, along with VISA credit and gift cards. Digital banking services include a native mobile app for iOS/Android with mobile deposit and MoneyMap budgeting tools, plus online banking through It'sMe247 with bill pay capabilities. Educational offerings form a distinct pillar: the Student-Run Credit Union Program operates in 15 school branches, the Reality Fair provides interactive budgeting experience, and Workshops/Lunch & Learns cover financial topics. Investment services are offered through an LPL Financial partnership. The institution also participates in CO-OP ATM and Xtend Shared Branching networks for extended access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Money Magic Club: Youth savings program for ages 0-12 with $5 minimum balance, passbook rewards, birthday celebrations, and automatic enrollment in iTeens at age 13.
• iTeens
• Scorecard Rewards

Products and services

• Checking Accounts Personal and business checking accounts offered to TBACU members, including the Cash Reward Checking tier that pays 5.00% APY on balances of $1–$10,000, plus Money Market and free-checking options.
• Savings Accounts Personal savings accounts with tiered APYs (0.05% under $1,000 to 0.10% at $10,000+) plus Regular Savings and specialized savings products for members.
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) Traditional and Roth IRA accounts, plus Tax Deferred Compensation (TDC) accounts for school employees, offered with competitive rates to members.
• Share Certificates (CDs) Certificate of Deposit products with terms of 6 to 60 months, a local-CD-rate-matching program, and APYs up to 3.75% with direct deposit (3.45% APY on the 12-month tier per disclosed rate sheet).
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) HSA accounts for members with high-deductible health plans, paying 0.10% APY with no monthly service fees.
• Money Magic Club Youth Account Youth savings account for children ages 0–12 with a $5 minimum balance, no monthly fees, a passbook reward system, birthday celebrations with PLINKO prizes, and automatic enrollment into iTeens at age 13.
• iTeens Account Banking account for teenagers ages 13–17, providing access to a first debit card and introduction to financial management tools.
• Mortgages Conventional fixed-rate mortgages with 10-, 15-, and 30-year terms for purchase of primary residences; home equity loans and home equity lines of credit also available to members.
• Auto Loans New, used, and classic vehicle financing with rates as low as 5.50% APR (5.25% with direct deposit) for 2021+ vehicles and extended terms for qualified borrowers.
• Boat and RV Loans Financing for boats and recreational vehicles with rates starting at 6.25% APR for 2023+ models and terms up to 180 months for larger amounts.
• Motorcycle and ATV Loans Loans for motorcycles and ATVs with rates from 7.25% APR for 2016+ models.
• Consumer Loans Personal loans including unsecured personal loans, Ultraline personal lines of credit, Cover Your Account (CYA) lines at 16.90% APR, and bike loans with rates starting at 9.75% APR.
• Student Loans Education financing options for members, including refinancing opportunities and partnerships with LMCRU for tax preparation services.
• Michigan Saves Loan Energy-efficiency home-improvement loan offered in partnership with Michigan Saves, financing energy-efficient upgrades for Michigan residents.
• VISA Credit Cards Credit card products with rates as low as 12.15% APR, featuring the Scorecard Rewards program and mobile-wallet compatibility, for TBACU members.
• VISA Gift and Travel Cards Prepaid VISA gift cards and travel cards available for purchase by members at TBA Credit Union branch locations.
• Mobile Banking App Native mobile banking application for iOS and Android providing account access, mobile deposit, bill pay, account transfers, card controls, the MoneyMap budgeting tool, and multifactor authentication.
• Online Banking (It'sMe247) Web-based personal banking platform It'sMe247 offering account management, bill pay with Pay Anyone, eStatements, Quick Transfers, MoneyMap budgeting, and comprehensive account controls.
• Business Online Banking (BizLink247) Web-based business banking platform BizLink247 offering business account management and online banking services for small-business members.
• Business Banking Accounts Business checking, deposit, and cash-management accounts for local Northern Michigan small businesses, alongside commercial loans and merchant services.
• Investment and Retirement Services Financial advisory and retirement planning services offered through LPL Financial and Financial Advisor Andrew Maniaci, including personal investment services, business investment services, IRAs, and broader financial planning for members.
• Video Chat Appointment Service Remote video appointment service allowing members to meet with TBACU representatives via video conference for account services and consultations; supports Windows 10+, Mac OS 14+, Android 12+, and iOS 16.4+.
• Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) Live teller-assisted ATMs providing 24/7 access to transactions with human assistance during extended hours, including drive-thru ITMs at TBACU branches.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members saved $1,005,575 in 2025 through refinancing and free checking
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Father Fred FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2026Q2 2026 nonprofit partner for 'You Join. We Give.' program. When members open accounts, TBA CU donates $10 to support Father Fred Foundation's food pantry, clothing, and financial assistance programs for neighbors in need.
• Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Q1 2026 'You Join. We Give.' partner. Received $4,220 in donations from new memberships, funding essential programs that strengthen families and individuals across Northern Michigan.
• Michigan SavescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to offer Michigan Saves Loan for energy efficiency improvements. Provides financing solutions for Michigan residents making homes more energy-efficient.
• LPL Financial / TBA Investment ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides investment services and retirement planning through Financial Advisor Andrew Maniaci. Offers personal investment services, business investment services, and financial planning.
• Co-Op Credit UnioncoreTechnology or IntegrationATM network partnership providing members access to over 30,000 CO-OP ATMs nationwide with over 20 locations in Traverse City area.
• Xtend Shared BranchingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShared branching network allowing members to conduct transactions at partner credit union branches nationwide.
• Paul Bunyan Chapter of Credit UnionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional chapter of 12 credit unions (4Front CU, Traverse Catholic FCU, Filer CU, Forest Area FCU, Frankfort FCU, Manistee FCU, Mason County School Employees CU, Northwest Consumers FCU, Safe Harbor CU, St. Francis X FCU, TBACU, Wexford Community CU) participating in volunteer challenges.
• Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual donations to support TCAPS Student Support Network, student-run credit union program in schools, Reality Fairs, classroom presentations, and school supply drives.
• Marshall and Bruce Law Firm, P.C.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for complimentary Wills & Trusts Workshop offered to members and community members.
• Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real EstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint community blood drive partnership.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: Large educator-focused credit union and one of the largest in the U.S. Although California-based and far larger, it shares TBA Credit Union's educator-origin DNA and educator-tailored products (checking, scholarships, classroom grants), making it a benchmark for educator-segment growth potential.

Broad incumbents

• Consumers Cooperative Credit Union: Larger Michigan-based credit union serving a broader statewide membership with a similar community-cooperative model. While much larger in scale, it offers the same core deposit, lending, mortgage, and digital banking product set as TBA Credit Union.

Direct peers

• Forest Area Federal Credit Union: Northern Michigan community credit union and Paul Bunyan Chapter peer. Comparable community cooperative model with similar deposit and consumer loan products serving a rural Michigan membership base.
• Wexford Community Credit Union: Michigan community credit union in the same Paul Bunyan Chapter as TBA Credit Union. Directly comparable small-scale regional cooperative offering deposits, consumer loans, mortgages, and digital banking to Northern Michigan members.
• 4Front Credit Union: Michigan community credit union and fellow Paul Bunyan Chapter member alongside TBA Credit Union. Comparable in size, regional Michigan footprint, and full-service community banking model, including consumer lending, deposits, and shared community focus.
• Northwest Consumers Federal Credit Union: Traverse City-area community credit union and Paul Bunyan Chapter peer. Closest geographic overlap to TBA Credit Union, with comparable member base, product mix, and community-focused cooperative structure.
• Filer Credit Union: Michigan community credit union in the Paul Bunyan Chapter alongside TBA Credit Union. Comparable community cooperative with overlapping deposit, lending, and digital service offerings to Northern Michigan residents.
• Safe Harbor Financial Credit Union: Northern Michigan community credit union in the same Paul Bunyan Chapter as TBA Credit Union. Comparable member-driven, community-focused model with similar deposit, lending, and digital banking product breadth serving a similar geographic market.
• Frankfort Community Federal Credit Union: Northern Michigan community credit union in the Paul Bunyan Chapter. Directly comparable small community cooperative serving Michigan residents with similar deposit, loan, and digital banking offerings.
• Manistee Federal Credit Union: Michigan community credit union within the Paul Bunyan Chapter alongside TBA Credit Union. Comparable in size, scope, and member-cooperative orientation, with consumer lending, deposits, and digital services focused on a similar Michigan region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tbacreditunion
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@tbacreditunion
• Facebookfacebook.com/tbacreditunion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tba-credit-union
• Instagraminstagram.com/tbacreditunion
• TikToktiktok.com/@tbacreditunion

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

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 TBA Credit Union