Guardians Credit Union

What Guardians Credit Union does

Guardians Credit Union is a federally insured, not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1953 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. The institution serves members across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Miami-Dade counties through six owned branch locations, supplemented by access to over 5,000 credit union branches nationwide via the CO-OP Shared Branching network and the Culiance surcharge-free ATM network. Its membership base spans individual consumers (including first-time auto buyers, youth via the JV Kids Club, and members 50+ via the Good Life Club), small business owners, and — through its Safe Harbor of Florida division — licensed cannabis and hemp businesses, an underserved segment that most traditional banks decline to serve due to federal restrictions.

The product portfolio covers deposit products (Primary Savings, Money Market, Share Certificates, IRAs, Club Accounts), consumer lending (auto loans from 4.49% APR, RV/boat/motorcycle, personal loans, home equity, first mortgages via CUMA), credit cards (Exclusive Rewards, Smart Rewards, Simply, Achieve Secured), and business banking (Elite Business Advantage and Business Classic checking, vehicle and equipment loans, business credit cards, Clover-powered merchant services). The Guardians One digital platform provides mobile and online banking with Zelle P2P payments, mobile deposit, facial recognition login, real-time card controls, and a Velocity Solutions-powered debit rewards program. Retirement and investment services are delivered through an LPL Financial partnership.

Revenue is generated primarily through net interest income on the lending portfolio, deposit account and transaction fees (overdraft of $32-$38 per item, wire fees, monthly account fees such as the $15 Elite Business Advantage fee, ATM fees), interchange on credit and debit card transactions, merchant processing through Clover, and referral-based revenue from third-party partners (Sallie Mae student loans, LPL Financial, CUMA). Membership in the cooperative is acquired through a community-based model anchored in local service rather than mass-market advertising. The credit union employs 101-250 people and is led by a small named management team including a Business Services Manager and a Financial Professional affiliated with LPL Financial, with the Safe Harbor division staffed by BSACS-certified compliance specialists.

Name

Guardians Credit Union

Legal name

Guardians Credit Union

Website

https://guardianscu.coop

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Guardians Credit Union is a not-for-profit, NCUA-insured financial cooperative serving South Florida with deposit accounts, consumer and business lending, credit cards, merchant services, and a specialized cannabis banking division (Safe Harbor of Florida), distributed via six branches, a digital platform, and a 5,000-branch shared network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Credit Union Banking Services

NAICS

Credit Unions (522130)

SIC

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (6035)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Cooperative Banks (Member-Owned Commercial/Retail) (FSABAEAF)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending products
• Business banking services
• Cannabis banking solutions
• Savings and certificates

Headquarters

HQ city

West Palm Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Lending: Primary revenue stream from various loan products including auto loans, home loans, personal loans, credit cards, RV/boat/motorcycle loans, and business loans. Competitive APR rates offered ranging from 4.49% to 15.75% depending on product and creditworthiness.
2. Deposit Account Fees: Monthly service fees on certain accounts (e.g., $15 monthly fee for Elite Business Advantage), overdraft/Courtesy Pay fees ($32-$38 per use), ATM fees, and wire transfer fees.
3. Share Certificate and Savings Products: Certificate of deposit products with APY rates from 0.45% to 3.25%, money market accounts at 0.45% APY, and traditional savings at 0.30% APY.
4. Business Services Revenue: Merchant services through Clover POS system, business checking accounts, and business credit cards generating interchange and transaction fees.
5. Cannabis Banking Services: Banking services for cannabis and hemp businesses including business checking, savings, ACH deposits, wire transfers, remote deposit capture, credit cards, equipment financing, armored car services, and payment processing.
6. Protection Products: Mechanical breakdown insurance, GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection), Auto Deductible Reimbursement, and Payment Assurance loan protection products.
7. Third-Party Referral Revenue: Referral fees from partnerships including Sallie Mae student loans and LPL Financial investment/retirement services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Guardians Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that delivers deposit products (checking, savings, money market, share certificates, IRAs), consumer and business lending (auto, home equity, personal, RV/boat/motorcycle, equipment), credit cards, and merchant services to its members. It operates a specialized Safe Harbor of Florida division providing dedicated banking services to licensed cannabis and hemp businesses, including compliance-oriented cash management, ACH, wire transfers, remote deposit capture, and armored car support.

Product overview

Guardians Credit Union operates as a multi-service financial institution offering a comprehensive suite of banking and lending products organized into three primary divisions: Personal Banking, Business Banking, and Cannabis Banking (Safe Harbor of Florida). The core banking platform is Guardians One, encompassing online and mobile banking with integrated Zelle P2P payments, CU Bill Pay, and Guardians One Rewards debit card program. The personal banking arm covers deposit products (Primary Savings, Money Market, Share Certificates, IRAs, Club Accounts, JV Kids Club), credit cards (Exclusive Rewards, Smart Rewards, Simply, Achieve Secured), consumer lending (Auto Loans with First Time Buyer Program and Guardians Auto Connection, RV/Boat/Motorcycle Loans, Personal Loans, Home Equity Loans, Mortgages via CUMA), and convenience services (Overdraft Protection, Courtesy Pay, Skip-A-Pay, Shared Branching). The business division provides Elite Business Advantage and Business Classic checking, Business Savings, Vehicle and Equipment Loans, Business Mastercards, and Clover-powered Merchant Services. The cannabis division (Safe Harbor of Florida) offers specialized banking for cannabis and hemp businesses with dedicated Private Bankers. Retirement and financial advisory services are delivered through an LPL Financial partnership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Guardians One: Digital banking platform including Guardians One Mobile Banking, Guardians One Online Banking, Guardians One Rewards debit card program, and Guardians One Family of Credit Unions
• Safe Harbor of Florida

Products and services

• Elite Business Advantage A comprehensive business checking account at $15/month that includes Business Sense protections such as data breach solutions, legal services, small business monitoring, private WiFi, identity theft protection, telehealth, health discount savings, cell phone protection, InstaDeals, free debit card, no-fee Guardian/Presto ATM access, and free notary service. Built for South Florida small businesses wanting bundled protections and tools.
• Business Classic An easy-to-manage business checking account with no minimum to open, no monthly service fee, 50 free transactions per month (then $0.30 per item), and a $10,000 cash deposit limit (then $10 flat fee). Targeted at small businesses wanting a fee-transparent everyday operating account.
• Business Savings A business savings account offering competitive dividend rates, no monthly maintenance fees, 24/7 digital banking access, and federally insured deposits up to $250,000 by the NCUA. Targeted at South Florida small businesses seeking to earn yield on operating reserves.
• Business Advantage Rewards Mastercard A business Mastercard offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, no annual fee, and a 0% introductory rate for the first seven months. For South Florida SMBs seeking everyday cash-back rewards on business spend.
• Business ExpressLine Card A low-rate business Mastercard with a capital line of credit, 0% introductory rate on balance transfers for 14 months, and no annual fees. For SMBs prioritizing low interest over rewards.
• Business Vehicle Loans Business financing for new vehicle purchases or refinancing covering autos, boats, motorcycles, RVs, and equipment, with competitive rates (Automobile 5.95%, Motorcycle 7.25%, RV 6.75%, Boat 6.75%) and flexible terms. Built for South Florida small businesses with fleet, equipment, or commercial vehicle needs.
• Business Equipment Loans Tailored financing for purchasing or refinancing essential business equipment at 5.99% APR, with flexible terms, quick application, and support for various industries. Supports South Florida SMB capital expenditure.
• Merchant Services (Clover POS) A business management platform powered by Clover POS offering inventory and menu management, card/mobile/contactless payment acceptance, virtual dashboard, employee management, business reporting, marketing/loyalty support, and built-in security. For South Florida SMBs needing POS and merchant payment services.
• Auto Loans Consumer vehicle financing with rates as low as 4.49% APR, flexible repayment terms, rate discounts for ACH and protection coverage, the First Time Auto Buyer Program, complimentary CARFAX reports, and the Guardians Auto Connection car-buying assistance. For consumer members purchasing cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and ATVs.
• Guardians Auto Connection A no-fee, hassle-free car buying assistance service that helps members match vehicles to interests and budget, eliminates dealership negotiations, and helps find the best available price. Includes a complimentary CARFAX report ($39.99 value). For consumer members looking to purchase a vehicle.
• RV, Boat, and Motorcycle Loans Recreational vehicle financing for RVs, boats, motorcycles, jet skis, and ATVs at competitive rates (RV/Boat as low as 5.50% APR, Motorcycle/Jet Ski/ATV as low as 6.00% APR) with flexible terms and a 'Beat the Rate' refinancing incentive up to 1%. For consumer members purchasing recreational vehicles.
• Primary Savings A gateway savings account required for credit union membership with a $25 minimum deposit, quarterly dividends, and access to all member benefits and services. Required for all consumer members to establish membership ownership.
• Money Market Account A money market savings account offering a 0.45% APY at the standard tier (with the $1,000 minimum), up to three withdrawals per month, and higher earning potential than standard savings. For consumer members seeking higher yields with limited transaction flexibility.
• Share Certificates Fixed-rate savings certificates with terms from 6 to 60 months offering higher APYs than standard savings (range 0.45%-0.65% APY standard; special 3.25% APY promotion on 6-12 month terms with $10,000 minimum), flexible dividend options, and a $1,000 standard minimum. For consumer members seeking term savings with insured yields.
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts, including Traditional IRA (tax-deferred growth, potentially deductible contributions) and Roth IRA (tax-free qualified withdrawals). For consumer members planning for retirement.
• Club Accounts A suite of specialized savings accounts: Good Life Club (for members 50+, with free checks/money orders/cashier's checks), Holiday Club Account (no minimum, auto-transfer in November), and Vacation Club Account (no minimum, one penalty-free withdrawal per year). For consumer members wanting goal-based saving.
• JV Kids Club Savings A youth savings account for children under 12 designed to introduce financial concepts early, encouraging meaningful conversations about saving and responsible money management. Requires joint ownership with a parent/guardian. For families wanting early financial education.
• Savings Accounts (Personal) A core set of consumer savings products including Primary Savings (0.30% APY, $25 minimum), Holiday Club (0.30% APY), Vacation Club (0.30% APY), and Money Market ($1,000 minimum, 0.45% APY). For consumer members seeking insured deposit accounts.
• Personal Loans Personal financing for consumer members, including Signature Loans ($500-$50,000, up to 60-month terms, as low as 8.74% APR), Lines of Credit ($500-$50,000, as low as 7.25% APR), Credit Builder Loans, and Share Secured Loans for credit-building. Rates are 'as low as' based on creditworthiness.
• Home Equity Loan (Second Mortgage) A fixed Home Equity Loan / Second Mortgage offering one-time lump-sum funding up to $450,000 at a 6.50% rate / 6.75% APR, with flexible repayment terms up to 15 years and potential tax-deductible interest. For consumer members with home equity.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A revolving Home Equity Line of Credit with up to $450,000 in financing at a 6.50% APR variable rate tied to WSJ Prime, up to 80% CLTV, 5-year draw period and 15-year amortization, and lower introductory rates. For consumer members needing revolving access to home equity.
• Mortgages and Refinances (via CUMA) First mortgage products (purchase and refinance) provided via partnership with the Credit Union Mortgage Association (CUMA), offering competitive rates on fixed and adjustable-rate options, lower closing costs, programs for first-time homebuyers, and average closings under 30 days. For consumer members purchasing or refinancing a primary residence.
• Exclusive Rewards Mastercard A premium consumer credit card earning up to 2% cash back or 2X points on everyday purchases, with a $89 annual fee, 0% introductory rate for 7 months, and text-based fraud alerts. For consumers willing to pay an annual fee for stronger rewards.
• Smart Rewards Mastercard A no-annual-fee consumer credit card earning unlimited 1.5% cash back or 1.5X points on everyday purchases, with a 0% introductory rate for 7 months. For consumers wanting rewards without an annual fee.
• Simply Mastercard A low-rate consumer credit card with no rewards and no annual fee; lowest available APR of any Guardians consumer card, plus 0% introductory rate on balance transfers for 14 months. For consumers prioritizing rate over rewards.
• Achieve Secured Mastercard A secured credit card designed to build or rebuild credit history with no annual fees. For consumer members with limited credit history.
• Guardians One Mobile Banking A mobile banking app for iOS and Android enabling fund transfers, balance checks, mobile check deposit, real-time card alerts, transaction controls, card on/off, spending limits, merchant type controls, facial recognition login, and ATM/branch location finder. For consumer and business members self-serving on mobile.
• Guardians One Online Banking A free 24/7 online banking platform enabling account history viewing, balance checks, fund transfers, stop payments, password resets, e-Statements enrollment, and payment verification. For consumer and business members self-serving through a web browser.
• Guardians One Rewards (Debit Card Rewards) A free debit card rewards program powered by Velocity Solutions where members earn points on everyday purchases with their Guardians One Debit Card, redeemable for gifts at GuardiansOneRewards.com (100 points minimum), with bonus point offers and up to 50x points at participating retailers. For consumer members using the Guardians debit card.
• Safe Harbor of Florida (Cannabis Banking) A specialized cannabis and hemp banking division offering business checking and savings accounts, loan services, 24/7 account access, armored car services, dedicated Private Bankers, ACH deposits, wire transfers, remote deposit capture, credit cards, equipment financing, and payment processing. Serves Florida medical marijuana operators, hemp farmers, CBD retailers, equipment manufacturers, extraction companies, and ancillary businesses that traditional banks often decline.
• Retirement and Financial Services (via LPL Financial) Financial planning services offered through LPL Financial partnership including investment planning, life insurance, IRA rollover/transfer, retirement planning, fixed and variable annuities, mutual funds, and conservative investments. Contacts: Rick Hoel at (888) 441-0488. For consumer members seeking wealth and retirement advisory.
• Loan Protection Services A bundle of consumer loan protection products including Mechanical Breakdown coverage (with $0 deductibles, towing, lockout recovery, tire protection, rental reimbursement, trip interruption), Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) covering deficiency balances up to $50,000, Auto Deductible Reimbursement (ADR) covering up to $500 per loss unlimited times yearly, and Payment Assurance voluntary loan payment protection. For consumer members financing vehicles with the credit union.

Quantifiable outcome

• Save money on auto loans with rates as low as 4.49% APR and potential 1% rate reduction through refinancing
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

AI capability1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Safe Harbor FinancialcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry leaders providing superior financial services to cannabis and hemp-related companies. Safe Harbor Financial offers dedicated Private Bankers for each cannabis client, setting the bar for personal banking relationships in the cannabis space.
• CannabiziacminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember-based organization supporting cannabis professionals at every stage of growth through education, mentorship, and networking. Provides access to industry experts, funding resources, and business tools nationwide.
• Credit Union Mortgage Association, Inc. (CUMA)coreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership for first mortgage products including competitive rates on various mortgage options, fixed and adjustable-rate products, and programs designed to support first-time homebuyers. Average closing timelines under 30 days.
• LPL FinancialcoreTechnology or IntegrationRegistered broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC) providing investment and retirement services. Offers investment planning, life insurance, IRAs, fixed and variable annuities, mutual funds, and educational workshops through registered representatives.
• ClovercoreTechnology or IntegrationCustomizable point-of-sale (POS) system designed to simplify business operations. Provides inventory and menu management, card/mobile/contactless payments, virtual dashboard access, employee management, and detailed business reporting.
• Sallie MaecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent loan partnership providing undergraduate, graduate, and career training loan options. Competitive variable and fixed rates with no origination fee or prepayment penalty. Multiple repayment options for students.
• Safe Harbor of FloridacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA division of Guardians Credit Union dedicated to cannabis banking. Provides secure and reliable banking solutions for cannabis businesses including business checking, savings, ACH deposits, wire transfers, credit cards, equipment financing, and armored car services.
• CARFAXminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVehicle history report provider offering free CARFAX reports to members purchasing vehicles through Guardians Auto Connection, a savings of $39.99 per report.
• CO-OP Shared BranchingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShared branching network providing access to over 5,000 credit union branches nationwide. Allows members to conduct deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions at participating credit unions.
• CuliancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorATM network partner providing thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Guardians Credit Union ATM cards work at all Culiance network ATMs.
• Early Warning Services/ZellecoreTechnology or IntegrationP2P payment integration enabling fast, safe money transfers using email or mobile number. Available through mobile app and online banking with transfers typically in minutes.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Space Coast Credit Union: Florida-based credit union offering personal and business banking with comparable mobile/online platform and member-owned cooperative structure. Closely aligned product mix (auto loans, deposits, credit cards) and geographic focus on Florida.
• Suncoast Credit Union: One of the largest credit unions in Florida with deep personal and business banking product suites. Directly comparable to Guardians as a Florida-based, full-service community credit union competing in many of the same South Florida and Tampa Bay markets.
• Tropical Financial Credit Union: Florida-headquartered credit union with full-service personal and business banking. Operates with similar member-owned cooperative structure, branch and digital channels, and competes in overlapping South Florida geography.
• VyStar Credit Union: Florida-headquartered credit union with a similar full-service model (consumer lending, mortgages, business banking, digital channels). Direct regional peer competing for the same Florida member base, with overlapping branch and digital strategies.
• Tyndall Federal Credit Union: Federally chartered, Florida-based credit union offering personal and business banking. Closely matches Guardians' federal charter, member-owned model, and emphasis on community-based lending and deposit products.

Broad incumbents

• Alliant Credit Union: Large, digitally-led national credit union competing primarily on rates and low fees. Comparable product set (deposits, consumer loans, credit cards) and member-owned structure, but with a national online acquisition model and significantly greater scale than Guardians.
• Navy Federal Credit Union: Largest credit union in the U.S. with national membership, full-service consumer and business banking, and a much broader digital and branch footprint. Comparable as a federally insured, member-owned cooperative, but at a vastly different scale.
• PenFed Credit Union: Large national credit union offering competitive deposit, lending, and credit-card products with strong digital capabilities. Broadly comparable product set, but with significantly larger member base, asset pool, and geographic reach than Guardians.

Emerging players

• Safe Harbor Financial: Specialized cannabis and hemp banking services provider that is both a Guardians partner and a competitive platform for cannabis depository services. Directly comparable in the cannabis-banking vertical where Safe Harbor of Florida competes for the same client base.
• Maps Credit Union: Oregon-based credit union known for cannabis-business banking services, similar to Guardians' Safe Harbor of Florida. Comparable as a community credit union that has built a niche cannabis-banking vertical with specialized compliance infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/guardianscu
• Facebookfacebook.com/guardianscu
• Instagraminstagram.com/guardians_cu

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Guardians Credit Union