Our Community Credit Union

What Our Community Credit Union does

Our Community Credit Union (OURCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Shelton, Washington, originally chartered on December 3, 1941 as Simpson Employees Federal Credit Union to serve loggers denied banking services by local institutions. After 85 years of operation, the credit union has grown to approximately $630 million in assets serving more than 34,000 members across Washington State through eight branch locations spanning Mason, Grays Harbor, Thurston, and King Counties, supplemented by a digital banking platform (online, iOS/Android mobile, SMS text banking, and remote deposit capture) and access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs via the CULIANCE Network. Its product portfolio spans the full retail banking stack: deposit products (savings, checking tiers including a 6.00% APY Sky High Yield account, certificates, IRAs), consumer lending (auto, RV, boat, motorcycle, ATV, personal, home improvement, land), home financing (mortgages, HELOC, home improvement), Visa debit and credit cards, and a small business banking line.

The credit union operates under a cooperative ownership model with no external shareholders; earnings are reinvested into member rates, fees, and community programs, with governance exercised by a volunteer member-elected board. Revenue mechanics are typical for a credit union: net interest income on the loan portfolio is the primary driver, augmented by deposit and service fees (overdraft, ATM, wire, monthly maintenance on Elevation/Summit checking), credit card interest and fees, and ancillary income from insurance (CUNA Mutual Trustage) and merchant partnerships. Distribution combines a physical branch and drive-thru footprint with a self-serve digital channel stack built primarily on third-party providers (Harland Financial Services for online banking, Softek for the mobile app, Check Free for bill pay, PayPal for P2P transfers). Marketing leans heavily on community engagement: classroom financial literacy programs, the Bite of Reality simulation in partnership with the GoWest Credit Union Foundation, an annual scholarship program ($50,000 distributed to local high school seniors), and broader community investment totaling $1.04 million via a 2024 FHLB Member Impact Fund partnership. In January 2025 the organization entered a leadership transition with CEO Ryan Drake's departure, Bert Fisher's return as Interim CEO, and COO Stephanie Steen serving as Interim President while a permanent CEO search concluded with an appointment announced in May 2025.

Name

Our Community Credit Union

Legal name

Our Community Credit Union

Website

https://ourcu.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Our Community Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1941, serving more than 34,000 Washington State residents and businesses through eight branches and a digital banking platform offering deposits, consumer and home lending, credit cards, and small business services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213), Credit Unions (522130)

SIC

Personal Credit Institutions (6141)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment) (FSAKAAAL)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending
• Credit union deposits
• Home loan financing
• Digital banking

Headquarters

HQ city

Shelton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Loans: Primary revenue stream from interest charged on various loan products including auto loans, personal loans, mortgages, HELOC, land loans, RV loans, and credit cards. Rates vary based on creditworthiness and loan type.
2. Deposit Account Fees: Various fee income from deposit accounts including overdraft fees, ATM fees, insufficient funds fees, and monthly maintenance fees for certain checking accounts (Elevation Checking $7/month, Summit Checking $8/month)
3. Service Fees: Fees for services such as wire transfers, official checks, stop payments, and other banking services
4. Credit Card Fees: Interest charges and fees associated with Visa credit card products (Platinum and Classic cards with 11.50%-12.50% APR)
5. Home Equity Line Fees: Document preparation fees ($800) and government fees ($80) for HELOC products

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Our Community Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that provides consumer and small business banking services to Washington State residents. Its core offerings include deposit accounts (savings, checking, Sky High Yield, IRA/certificates), consumer loans (auto, RV, boat, motorcycle, ATV, personal, land, home improvement, mortgage, HELOC), Visa credit and debit cards, and digital banking channels (mobile app, online banking, text banking, remote deposit, bill pay, and P2P transfers). It serves members through eight branch locations plus digital channels, with earnings reinvested into lower rates, lower fees, and community programs.

Product overview

Our Community Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through both traditional branch banking and digital channels. The core banking platform includes Digital Banking (online and mobile banking via iOS/Android apps), Text Banking, and Remote Deposit Capture for account access and transactions. Deposit products encompass Savings Accounts, Checking Accounts (Elevation and Summit tiers), the Sky High Yield Account (up to 6.00% APY with qualifications), IRA/Certificates with Bump options, and the Launch Savings Certificate for youth. The credit card portfolio includes Visa Debit and Credit Cards (Platinum and Classic tiers) with balance transfer promotions. Lending products span Auto Loans, RV Loans, Boat Loans, Motorcycle Loans, ATV Loans, Signature/Personal Loans (including Summer Bucks Loans), Home Improvement Loans, Land Loans, Mortgage Loans, and Home Equity Lines of Credit. Additional services include Bill Pay, Instant Payments, Send Money (via PayPal), Skip-A-Payment, Trustage Insurance, Financial Calculators, KOFE financial education, VestedProtectionBlog fraud education, Scholarship Programs, and Community Financial Literacy programs. Business banking services are also available. The institution serves members across Washington State through eight branch locations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Digital Banking Online and mobile banking platform providing 24/7 account access, fund transfers between accounts and external accounts, balance inquiries, transaction history, and loan account information. Available via web and mobile apps for iOS and Android.
• Mobile Banking App Native mobile application for iOS and Android enabling account access, transfers, Remote Deposit Capture, and banking transactions on the go.
• Text Banking SMS-based banking service allowing members to check balances, view transaction history, and manage accounts by sending text commands to 28640.
• Bill Pay Online bill payment service integrated with the Digital Banking platform.
• Remote Deposit Capture Mobile check deposit service allowing members to scan and deposit checks remotely via the mobile app.
• Instant Payments Real-time payment option for immediate fund transfers.
• Send Money (PayPal) P2P money transfer service powered by PayPal, integrated into mobile banking. Allows sending money to another person via email or cell phone. Limits: $1,000/day, $10,000/month.
• Savings Accounts Basic savings accounts with tiered dividend rates based on average daily balance for personal members.
• Sky High Yield Account High-yield savings account with up to 6.00% APY. Requires monthly qualifications including 12 debit card transactions, one mobile banking login, eStatements, and direct deposit of $500+.
• Checking Accounts Personal checking account options including Elevation Checking ($7 monthly fee) and Summit Checking ($8 monthly fee, waived with $2,000 minimum daily balance).
• IRA/Certificates Individual Retirement Accounts and share certificates with terms from 6 months to 4 years. Bump certificates available for 6-month, 9-month, 1-year, and 2-year terms allowing one-time rate increase.
• Launch Savings Certificate Youth savings certificate for ages 0-17 with $500 minimum deposit to earn APY.
• Visa Debit Card Debit card for everyday purchases with access to CULIANCE Network ATMs nationwide.
• Visa Credit Cards Credit card products including Platinum (11.50% APR) and Classic (12.50% APR) tiers. Features 2% cash back on balance transfers, no annual fee, and 25-day grace period.
• Auto Loans Vehicle financing for new and used automobiles with terms up to 84 months. Rates starting at 5.24% APR. Extended terms and high mileage may increase rates.
• Recreational Vehicle (RV) Loans RV financing up to $100,000 with terms up to 120 months. Rates starting at 6.49% APR. No RVs older than model year 2008.
• Boat Loans Marine vessel financing up to 120 months based on credit score. No boats over 30 feet. No moored boats allowed.
• Motorcycle Loans Motorcycle financing up to 84 months based on credit score.
• ATV Loans All-terrain vehicle financing up to 7-year terms.
• Signature/Personal Loans Unsecured personal loans up to 60 months. Rates from 8.49% APR. Includes Summer Bucks Loans with 9.95% APR, $500-$2,500, 12-month term.
• Home Improvement Loans Secured loans up to $20,000 for Program 1 (min credit score 700+) or $10,000 for Program 2 (min credit score 650-699). Maximum term 120 months.
• Land Loans Land purchase financing up to 75% LTV with 15-year terms. Rates from 8.00% APR (760+ credit score). Maximum loan amount $400k. 1% origination fee plus closing costs.
• Mortgage Loans Home mortgage financing through dedicated mortgage specialists. Accessible via separate mortgage portal at mortgages.ourcu.com.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Variable rate HELOC up to $200,000 (first mortgage) or $150,000 (second mortgage). Variable rates based on Prime Rate with floors. Fixed rate option also available with 5-year draw/10-year repayment.
• Business Accounts Business banking accounts and services for business members across Washington State.
• Trustage Insurance Insurance products offered through partnership with CUNA Mutual Trustage program.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 10% capital ratio vs 7% federal requirement
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration15 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des MoinesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 November 2024OURCU partnered with FHLB Des Moines through the Member Impact Fund program, a matching grant program providing $3 for every $1 donated. OURCU submitted seven applications for local organizations and all were approved, resulting in $1,039,200 total community investment through FHLB match and OURCU contributions.
• GoWest Credit Union FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to facilitate BITE OF REALITY financial literacy program for local teens. The interactive app-based simulation teaches real-life money challenges and is provided free to schools.
• Peninsula Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoth credit unions in Mason County each received $1.83 million in CDFI Rapid Response Program grants from U.S. Treasury to respond to COVID-19 economic challenges in underserved communities. Collaborative approach to serving communities.
• Simpson Logging CompanyminorOthersOriginal founding employer group in 1941 when Simpson employees were denied banking services from local banks. Created Simpson Employees Federal Credit Union.
• Local Mason County OrganizationscoreOthersSeven local organizations funded through FHLB partnership including: Mason County Sheriff's Office, City of Shelton Police Dept., Summit Pacific Medical Foundation, Mason General Hospital Foundation, Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center, LOVE INC of Mason County, YMCA South Sound.
• Financial Advisors and Insurance CompaniesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint marketing partners for financial products and services as disclosed in privacy policy.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU): BECU is the largest credit union in Washington State with over $25B in assets and 1.4M+ members. As a Washington-based community credit union offering deposits, consumer lending, mortgages, and digital banking, BECU is the most relevant direct peer for OURCU, though operating at significantly greater scale.
• Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU): WSECU is a Washington State-chartered credit union serving state employees and residents with full-service banking including loans, deposits, mortgages, and digital banking. Directly comparable in geographic focus (WA) and member-based cooperative structure.
• Sound Credit Union: Sound Credit Union is a Washington-based community credit union with $2B+ in assets, serving the Puget Sound region with similar deposit, lending, and digital banking products. Comparable in operating model and Washington geographic focus to OURCU.
• Kitsap Credit Union: Kitsap Credit Union is a community credit union serving the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State with comparable deposit and lending products. Similar community-based, member-owned operating model in the same Pacific Northwest geography.
• TwinStar Credit Union: TwinStar Credit Union is a Pacific Northwest community credit union serving Washington and Oregon with comparable deposit, lending, and digital banking services. Similar asset size range and member-based cooperative model.
• Peninsula Credit Union: Peninsula Credit Union is a Washington-based community credit union in Mason County that received a parallel CDFI Rapid Response Program grant alongside OURCU. Directly comparable in geography, asset size range, and community-focused mission.
• Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU): STCU is a Washington-based community credit union with $4B+ in assets serving eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Comparable in community-focused mission, full-service banking offerings, and Washington State geographic base.
• Fibre Federal Credit Union: Fibre Federal Credit Union is a Pacific Northwest community credit union serving Washington and Oregon with comparable deposit, consumer lending, and digital banking products. Similar asset size range and community credit union operating model.

Broad incumbents

• Alliant Credit Union: Alliant Credit Union is a large national digital-first credit union with $15B+ in assets offering high-yield deposits and consumer lending nationwide. Comparable product set (high-yield savings, consumer loans, credit cards) but operates at much larger scale and without OURCU's geographic branch focus.
• KeyBank: KeyBank is a regional commercial bank with significant Washington State branch presence offering deposits, mortgages, consumer loans, and small business banking. Comparable product offerings and Pacific Northwest geographic overlap, but as a large incumbent bank rather than a community credit union.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ourcommunitycreditunion1261
• Facebookfacebook.com/ourcu
• Instagraminstagram.com/ourcommunitycreditunion/?hl=en
• Xx.com/OurCommunityCU

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Our Community Credit Union