Telhio Credit Union

What Telhio Credit Union does

Telhio Credit Union is a federally chartered, not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 1934 to serve Columbus Telephone Company (later AT&T) employees and now open to any individual or business that lives, works, worships, or attends school in Central or Southwest Ohio. As of 2026 the institution serves 67,000–68,000 members, holds approximately $1.3 billion in total assets, and operates 12 physical branches across central and southwest Ohio alongside access to nearly 4,000 nationwide shared branching locations through the Co-op Shared Branch network. Its core product set spans consumer deposit accounts (Choice and Prime checking, Share Savings, Money Market, CDs at 3.75% APY for 24-month terms, HSAs, Ohio Homebuyer Plus Savings), consumer lending (mortgages, HELOCs starting at 6.25% APR promotional, auto loans starting at 4.49% APR, personal loans, credit cards including a 21-month ZERO+ intro product), and full business banking (business checking/savings, SBA 7(a) lending, treasury management, Buckeye Business Advantage financing).

Revenue is generated primarily through net interest income on the loan portfolio, supplemented by deposit-driven interest expense, fee-based income (loan origination/doc prep fees, wire transfers, overdraft protections, ATM fees), and referral revenue from partner-delivered insurance, wealth management, and identity protection products. The underlying technology stack consists of standard digital banking infrastructure — online and mobile banking with biometric authentication, digital wallet tap-to-pay support, and 128-bit SSL encryption — augmented by an integrated third-party financial wellness ecosystem that includes SavvyMoney (credit scoring/monitoring), Greenlight (kids' debit and financial literacy app), GreenPath (non-profit debt counseling and financial education), Silvur (retirement planning for members 50+), LegalShield (identity protection), and Insurance Aisle (multi-line insurance marketplace).

The go-to-market motion is community-embedded and multi-channel: Select Employer Group (SEG) partnerships drive employer-based acquisition, branch-based sales and financial wellness workshops drive local engagement, a Refer a Friend program offers up to $1,000/year in Visa gift cards, and open geographic eligibility broadens the addressable market beyond a single employer group. Telhio holds CDFI certification with $3.1 million in federal grant funding, is #1 SBA Lender among Ohio credit unions for nine consecutive years, and operates under NCUA federal insurance with combined private Excess Share Insurance providing up to $500,000 in deposit coverage.

Name

Telhio Credit Union

Legal name

Telhio Credit Union

Website

https://telhio.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1934

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Telhio Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned cooperative founded in 1934, serving 67,000–68,000 consumers, small businesses, and non-profits across Central and Southwest Ohio with $1.3 billion in assets, 12 branches, and full personal and business banking services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213), Savings Institutions and Other Depository Credit Intermediation (522180), Credit Card Issuing (522210), Nondepository Credit Intermediation (5222)

SIC

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (6035)

akta.pro primary industry

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

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending
• Small business lending
• SBA loan origination
• Community credit union

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Net Interest Income (Loan Portfolio): As a credit union, Telhio's primary revenue stream is net interest income earned on its loan portfolio, including auto loans, mortgages, home equity loans/lines, personal loans, business loans, and credit cards. Interest collected on these lending products minus interest paid on deposits constitutes the core earnings.
2. Deposit Interest Expense: Telhio pays interest on member deposits (checking, savings, money market, CDs). The spread between loan interest rates earned and deposit interest rates paid is the fundamental credit union economics model.
3. Fee-Based Income: The credit union generates fee income from various services including loan origination/processing fees (e.g., $175 doc prep fee on auto loans), certain account service fees, wire transfers, overdraft protections, and ATM usage at non-network ATMs. Some services also carry specific fees such as $15 for debit card loan payments by phone.
4. Insurance & Wealth Management Referrals: Telhio generates referral revenue through partnerships with insurance providers (home, auto, life, pet, travel, etc. via Insurance Aisle) and wealth management services, offering members access to these products through embedded referral pathways on its platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Telhio Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative offering deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market, CDs, HSAs), consumer and business lending (auto, mortgage, home equity, personal, SBA 7(a)), credit cards, insurance referrals, wealth management, and digital banking. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Central or Southwest Ohio, and the credit union serves members through 12 Ohio branches, a nationwide shared branching network, and online/mobile platforms.

Product overview

Telhio Credit Union operates as a full-service financial institution offering a comprehensive suite of banking products and services organized into personal banking, business banking, lending, and financial education categories. The core product architecture centers on deposit accounts (checking, savings, CDs, money market, HSA) and lending products (mortgages, home equity, auto, personal, and credit cards) for both consumer and business segments. Digital banking capabilities are provided through online and mobile platforms with integrated tools including Credit Score (SavvyMoney), Silvur retirement planning, Greenlight family finance management, and Tap by Telhio/BaZing member benefits. Insurance products are offered through a partner platform (Insurance Aisle), while wealth management and financial education services round out the ecosystem. Business services include specialized SBA lending (ranked #1 among Ohio credit unions), treasury management, and Buckeye Business Advantage commercial financing. The institution serves central and southwest Ohio with 12 branch locations and extensive shared branching network access.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Money Mammals: Youth savings program for children ages 11 and under, featuring interactive games, apps, videos, and rewards for saving.
• Adolescent$
• Silvur
• Greenlight
• Tap by Telhio
• BaZing
• Buckeye Business Advantage
• Money Mammals Kids Club

Products and services

• Choice Checking Personal checking account with BaZing savings benefits including local discounts on dining, travel, and shopping.
• Prime Checking Premium personal checking account with enhanced benefits and full access to Tap by Telhio app for everyday expense protection.
• Share Savings Account Basic savings account requiring $5 minimum deposit to establish credit union membership. Foundation account for all Telhio banking services.
• Money Market Account Savings account with competitive interest rates, combining savings accessibility with higher-yield returns.
• Certificates of Deposit (CD) Fixed-term savings with guaranteed returns. Currently offering 3.75% APY on 24-month CDs.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Tax-advantaged savings account for healthcare expenses, paired with HSA-eligible credit cards.
• Ohio Homebuyer Plus Savings Account Specialized savings account designed to help Ohio residents save for first home purchase with potential match incentives.
• Mortgage Loans Home purchase and refinancing loans for first-time buyers, new construction, and existing home owners. Includes conventional and FHA options.
• Home Equity Loans and HELOC Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and loans with terms ranging from 5 to 20 years. Rates as low as 6.25% APR with no closing costs on qualifying applications.
• Auto Loans Vehicle financing for new and used cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. Current rates as low as 4.49% APR for new vehicles. Refinance promotion offering 2% cash back up to $750.
• Personal Loans Unsecured loans for debt consolidation, large purchases, and personal expenses. Rates lower than most credit cards.
• Telhio Credit Cards Multiple card options including ZERO+ card with 0% introductory rate for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers. Options for rebuilding credit and earning rewards.
• Business Checking Commercial checking accounts with treasury management integration, designed for businesses of all sizes.
• Business Savings and Money Market Business deposit accounts with competitive interest rates for business reserves and growth capital.
• Business Lending Solutions Commercial loans including SBA 7(a) lending, commercial real estate financing, and working capital lines of credit.
• Buckeye Business Advantage Reduced-rate financing program specifically for Ohio small businesses, offering competitive commercial lending rates.
• Treasury Management Solutions Cash management services including merchant services, remote deposit capture, and wire transfers for business operations.
• Business Credit Cards Commercial credit cards with spending controls, rewards, and expense management features for business owners.
• Non-Profit Banking Specialized banking services designed for non-profit organizations including churches, charities, and community organizations.
• Online and Mobile Banking Full-featured digital banking platform and native mobile app for iOS and Android with biometric authentication, mobile deposit, person-to-person payments, bill pay, and tap-to-pay support.
• Digital Wallet and Tap to Pay Contactless payment support via Visa tap-to-pay technology. Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay mobile wallets.
• Telhio Insurance Services Comprehensive insurance offerings through Insurance Aisle platform including personal (life, pet, travel, umbrella), property (home, condo, renters, flood), business (liability, workers comp, D&O), and vehicle (auto, motorcycle, boat, RV) insurance.
• Wealth Management Investment and financial planning services provided by dedicated advisors at all Telhio branch locations.
• ATMs and Shared Branching Access to 12 branch locations in Ohio plus nearly 4,000 shared branching locations nationwide through Co-op Shared Branch network.
• Youth Savings Account Savings accounts for minors requiring parent/guardian as joint owner. Currently offering $50 cash bonus for new accounts opened with promo code YOUTH50.
• Greenlight Debit Card and App Free financial app and debit card for kids, available to Telhio members with personal checking. Features include parental spending controls, chore management, allowance automation, savings goals, and educational games. Earns 2% rewards on savings.
• Silvur Retirement Planning Platform Retirement planning platform providing Social Security education, Medicare guidance, and comprehensive retirement planning tools. Free access for Telhio members age 50+.

Quantifiable outcome

• 44 SBA 7(a) loan approvals in FY2025, ranking 11th among ~150 lenders in the Columbus District
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

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

• Hockey & Hounds / The Fan 97.1 FMflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 April 2026A decade-long partnership (since 2016) where Telhio sponsors the Hockey & Hounds segment on The Fan 97.1 FM, hosted by Anthony Rothman. The segment features adoptable dogs from local shelters during Columbus Blue Jackets games. Telhio donated $7,280 in 2026 with Zach Werenski matching the contribution. Total donations of $74,880 over 10 years.
• Columbus Blue JacketsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 April 2026Sports team partnership through the Hockey & Hounds segment. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski participates as a regular guest on the segment and matches Telhio's annual donation to animal shelters.
• Rev1 VenturesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2026Telhio joined Rev1 Ventures as a Funding Partner, becoming the first credit union in Rev1's network of 40+ leading corporations committed to driving innovation. Rev1 Ventures is a Midwest venture studio partnering with SaaS/AI, deep tech, and life sciences startups. Telhio's partnership provides early insight into emerging technologies, supports startups creating jobs, and advances the Ohio innovation economy.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central OhiocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMeaningful local partnership supporting families through Ronald McDonald House. Telhio participates in Ohio State Fair events and other community engagement activities benefiting RMHC families.
• IMPACT Community ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership aimed at supporting families and uplifting youth through financial accessibility programs and community engagement in central Ohio.
• Greater Hamilton ChamberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business community partnership supporting growth and development in the Hamilton area of southwest Ohio.
• FACCES (Family, Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership prioritizing financial accessibility for all through community engagement with families, adolescents, and children in central Ohio.
• Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership highlighting the importance of financial education in schools and Telhio's mission to increase financial literacy that lasts into adulthood.
• GreenlightcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with Greenlight Financial Technology providing a free debit card and money management app for kids and teens. Telhio members with a personal checking account receive the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost. The app includes parental controls, spending notifications, allowance automation, and financial literacy games.
• GreenPath Financial WellnesscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with GreenPath, a non-profit financial wellness company, providing free money management, debt management, credit counseling, and financial education services to Telhio members. In 2024, GreenPath helped Telhio members repay $82,889 in consumer debt.
• SavvyMoneycoreTechnology or IntegrationProvider of the Credit Score tool embedded in Telhio's online and mobile banking platform, offering free FICO credit scores, daily monitoring with alerts, and personalized loan offers.
• SilvurcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership providing free retirement planning tools for members aged 50+, including Social Security guidance, Medicare understanding, retirement scoring, and personalized education tools. Available exclusively to members with a Choice or Prime checking account.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kemba Financial Credit Union: Columbus, Ohio-based credit union serving central Ohio with similar personal and business banking offerings. Direct geographic competitor in the Columbus market with overlapping branch presence and member base.
• Wright-Patt Credit Union: Ohio-based credit union headquartered in Beavercreek serving the Dayton/Wright-Patterson AFB area. Most direct geographic peer - both federally chartered Ohio credit unions competing for the same Ohio market, with Wright-Patt being larger in asset base.
• Bethpage Federal Credit Union: Long Island-based federal credit union with comparable asset size and full-service banking including SBA lending. Direct peer in the federal credit union space with similar member-owned model and business lending focus.
• Universal 1 Credit Union: Dayton, Ohio-based credit union serving the Miami Valley region. Direct peer in size, structure, and product mix, with similar SBA and consumer lending focus across the Ohio market.
• Alliant Credit Union: Illinois-based online-focused credit union with comparable asset size. Direct peer in the digital-native credit union space, competing for the same digitally-engaged members and offering similar savings/loan products nationally.
• Security Service Federal Credit Union: San Antonio, Texas-based federal credit union with similar asset size and broad consumer/business banking offerings. Comparable federally chartered member-owned cooperative with personal, mortgage, and business lending focus.
• Day Air Credit Union: Dayton, Ohio-based credit union founded in 1945 with similar asset size and full-service consumer/business banking. Comparable member-owned cooperative model serving Ohio communities, with overlapping southwest Ohio footprint.
• Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU): Massachusetts-based federal credit union with comparable asset size and full-service banking. Peer in the digital-first credit union space with strong online/mobile platforms and similar member-focused product strategy.
• Directions Credit Union: Ohio-headquartered community credit union serving central and northwest Ohio. Similar size, member-owned structure, and full-service banking including personal/business lending and SBA products competing for the same Ohio consumer and small business segments.

Broad incumbents

• Live Oak Bank: North Carolina-headquartered digital bank specializing in SBA lending, with significantly larger SBA loan volume than Telhio. Peer in the SBA 7(a) lending space where Telhio competes for small business loans in Ohio, and a benchmark for SBA-led credit union/bank growth strategies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/telhiocu
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCGFTs2CEozn5vYwX_quH3aw
• Facebookfacebook.com/TelhioCU
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/telhio-credit-union
• Instagraminstagram.com/telhiocu

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 Telhio Credit Union