Achieve Credit Union

What Achieve Credit Union does

Achieve Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, founded on February 21, 1958, by 39 teachers at Midview High School as Midview Credit Union. It serves individuals and small businesses across four Ohio counties — Lorain, Cuyahoga, Erie, and Medina — under a field-of-membership open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in those counties. Following the 2014 merger with Lorain School Employees Credit Union and a 2020 rebrand from SELCCU, the institution now operates three branches (Elyria flagship, Lorain on Oberlin Avenue, and LaGrange in Sentinel Square) with over $160 million in assets, more than 11,000 members, and 40+ employees.

The product suite spans core consumer and business banking — Basic and Secure Checking, Share Savings, Money Market, IRAs, Share Certificates, the Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card at 8.90% APR, vehicle loans at 4.75% APR, home equity loans/HELOC at 5.50% APR, personal loans at 8.95% APR, mortgages via the myCUmortgage partnership, Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loans, and Member Plus CUSO/Achieve Wealth Management services — supported by iOS/Android mobile apps, online banking (Achieve Anywhere), SecurLOCK Equip card controls, Save Your Change round-up savings, eZCard servicing, and CO-OP network access to 5,000+ shared branches and 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Loan protection add-ons (debt protection, GAP insurance, extended service contracts) flow through CUNA Mutual Group.

Revenue mechanics are those of a standard cooperative depository institution: net interest income from loans and deposits is the primary stream, supplemented by account and transaction fees, interchange income (with a portion recycled through the Community Impact Program), and fees from the wealth-management subsidiary. Member eligibility requires a $5 minimum share account; deposits are insured to $500,000 per account through American Share Insurance ($250K primary) and Excess Share Insurance ($250K excess). Distribution runs through three physical branches, digital channels, the CO-OP shared-branching network, and a community-engagement flywheel of 39 annual financial literacy workshops, 65+ community events, and a $70,000+ philanthropic pledge to nearly 30 local organizations.

Name

Achieve Credit Union

Legal name

Achieve Credit Union

Website

https://achievecu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Achieve Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1958, serving individuals and small businesses across Ohio's Lorain, Cuyahoga, Erie, and Medina Counties through three branches, digital banking, and the CO-OP shared branching network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213), Credit Unions (522130)

SIC

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (6035)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Employer/Occupational Credit Unions (FSABAEAB)

Keywords

• Community banking
• Consumer lending
• Deposit accounts
• Credit union services
• Wealth management

Headquarters

HQ city

Elyria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Loans: Primary revenue stream from auto loans, home equity loans, personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards. Competitive rates offered as low as 4.75% APR for vehicles, 5.50% APR for home equity, 8.90% APR for credit cards, and 8.95% APR for personal loans.
2. Deposit Account Fees and Charges: Fees from various account services including overdraft protection, ATM usage at non-network ATMs, and wire transfers. Share savings accounts provide a stable deposit base for lending activities.
3. Interchange Income: Revenue generated from member debit and credit card transactions. A portion of interchange fees is donated back to the community through the Community Impact Program.
4. Wealth Management Services: Financial planning and investment services offered through Achieve Wealth Management subsidiary (formerly Member Plus CUSO).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Achieve Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that provides consumer and small business banking products, including checking and savings accounts (Basic Checking, Secure Checking, Share Savings, Money Market, IRAs, Share Certificates), lending products (vehicle loans, home equity loans and HELOC, personal loans, mortgages via myCUmortgage, business loans), and a Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card. Members access services through three physical branches in Elyria, Lorain, and LaGrange, Ohio, complemented by online and mobile banking platforms, the CO-OP shared branching network, and complementary offerings such as Achieve Wealth Management, loan protection products, and free financial literacy programs.

Product overview

Achieve Credit Union is a member-owned, community-focused financial institution serving Lorain, Cuyahoga, Erie, and Medina Counties in Ohio. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of banking and lending products centered around its core Digital Banking platform. Consumer banking includes checking accounts (Basic Checking, Secure Checking), savings products (Share Savings, Money Market, IRAs, Share Certificates), and credit products (Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card). Lending services encompass vehicle loans, home equity products, personal loans, mortgages (via myCUmortgage partnership), and business loans. Value-added services include Debt Protection, GAP Insurance, Extended Service Contracts, Save Your Change automated savings, Bill Pay, and Achieve Wealth Management. The credit union differentiates through member-focused financial education programs, scholarships, and community impact initiatives, with digital access provided through online and mobile banking applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Digital Banking (Online and Mobile) Online and mobile banking platform providing 24/7 account access, balance viewing, transaction history, remote check deposits, bill pay, and SecurLOCK credit card controls. Available via web and native iOS and Android applications for Achieve Credit Union members.
• Basic Checking Standard checking account for daily banking needs with essential features for individual members of Achieve Credit Union.
• Secure Checking Checking account with enhanced fraud protection features for individual members seeking added security on everyday banking.
• Share Savings Account Base share savings account establishing credit union membership, with a $5 minimum opening deposit and $5 required to maintain membership.
• Money Market Account Savings account offering higher dividend rates than regular savings, requiring higher minimum balances with check-writing restrictions.
• Share Certificates Term deposit accounts with guaranteed returns. 6-month term at 3.75% APY with $500 minimum deposit and terms available from 6 to 30 months. Early withdrawal penalty of up to 3 months dividends.
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Traditional and Roth IRA options for tax-advantaged retirement savings offered to members.
• Vehicle Loans Auto, motorcycle, and recreational vehicle financing at 4.75% APR covering cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, motorcycles, motorhomes, campers, boats, jet skis, ATVs, and snowmobiles. No prepayment penalties.
• Home Equity Loans and HELOC Home equity loans with fixed rates and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) with variable rates based on prime, starting at 5.50% APR, for renovations, debt consolidation, or other borrowing needs.
• Personal Loans Unsecured personal loans at 8.95% APR for various needs including unexpected bills, vacations, or major purchases. No prepayment penalties.
• Mortgages Home purchase and refinance mortgages offered through partnership with myCUmortgage, including fixed-rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) products with terms up to 30 years.
• Visa Platinum Rewards Credit Card Credit card with 8.90% APR for credit scores 700+, no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, no cash advance fee, and ScoreCard Rewards points program.
• Business Deposits Business checking and savings accounts designed for business members in the credit union's service area.
• Business Loans Commercial lending products for business members, including commercial loans and lines of credit.
• Share Secured Loans Loans secured by existing savings, Money Market, or Share Certificate balances for building credit history at lower interest rates.
• Student Loans (Smart Option Student Loans) Smart Option Student Loans by Sallie Mae for undergraduate, graduate studies, or career training at non-degree granting schools, bridging gaps between federal loan funds and education costs.
• Gift and Travel Cards Visa-branded gift and travel cards for gifting purposes or travel transactions with security and flexibility.
• Achieve Wealth Management Financial planning and wealth management services for members, offered through the wholly-owned Member Plus CUSO subsidiary (now operating as Achieve Wealth Management).
• Debt Protection Credit life and disability insurance covering loan payments during involuntary unemployment, disability, or death, with optional Life Plus extension covering accidental dismemberment, terminal illness, and hospitalization.
• GAP Insurance Guaranteed Asset Protection bridging the gap between insurance payout and loan balance if a vehicle is declared a total loss. Includes up to $1,000 additional benefit.
• Extended Service Contract Vehicle extended warranty covering mechanical breakdowns, towing, roadside service, and rental coverage with nationwide protection.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2025 was the most financially sound year in Achieve Credit Union's history with strong net income, healthy capital ratio, and continued growth in loans and deposits.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 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

Integration6 records

AI capability1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and key.

• Deda SphereminorOthers · 29 October 2025Leading credit union technology partner that presents the annual People-First Award recognizing credit unions for innovation rooted in empathy.
• myCUmortgagecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for home purchase mortgage products. Offers fixed-rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) with terms up to 30 years through the myCUmortgage platform.
• Sallie MaecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides Smart Option Student Loans for undergraduate and graduate studies or career training at non-degree granting schools. Helps bridge the gap between federal loan funds and education costs.
• American Share Insurance (ASI)coreOthersPrimary deposit insurer providing $250,000 of coverage per account. ASI is the nation's largest private deposit insurer, owned by credit unions. Achieve CU must adhere to rigorous underwriting standards and provide monthly financial statements.
• Excess Share Insurance (ESI)coreOthersExcess deposit insurance provider offering additional $250,000 of coverage, bringing total protection to $500,000 per account. ESI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Share Insurance.
• CO-OP Financial ServicescoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides the shared branching network (5,000+ locations) and surcharge-free ATM network (30,000+ ATMs) accessible to Achieve CU members nationwide.
• The Neighborhood AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner for Christmas for Caring program. Achieve CU members and employees donated household supplies, children's clothing, and games, filling 10 family care baskets for families in need.
• Valor Home Lorain CountykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans services organization. Annual Wreath Display and Auction fundraiser raised $600 in 2023 (up from $400 in 2022) to support homeless veterans.
• United Way of Lorain CountykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity impact partner. OverAchievers employee group held on-site 'Fill The Bus' school supply donation day at the Elyria branch.
• Community Resource Services Avon LakekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal social services organization. OverAchievers employee volunteers participated in 3 Pantry Plus program events in 2024.
• Genesis HousekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerDomestic violence shelter and crisis care organization. Featured community partner for crisis care and recovery impact area.
• Lorain County Safe HarborkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCrisis care organization. OverAchievers are regulars at the annual Pajama Party fundraiser benefiting the Genesis House shelter.
• Blessing HousekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's crisis care organization. Supported through the Crisis Care & Recovery impact area of the Community Impact Program.
• Elyria Community PartnershipkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity engagement organization focused on bringing communities together. Featured partner for community engagement impact area.
• Horizon Science Academy of LorainkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal school. Partnered for College and Career Fair and teacher gift card program. Supported with financial literacy sessions through LCCC's Bridges to Success program.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Connexus Credit Union: Community credit union with a strong digital banking platform, competitive deposit and loan rates, and national membership eligibility. Comparable to Achieve CU's product set but with broader geographic reach via digital channels.
• Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU): Digital-first credit union with strong online and mobile banking capabilities, high-yield deposits, and consumer loan products. Comparable product set to Achieve CU but with much greater digital sophistication.

Direct peers

• Directions Credit Union: Ohio-based community credit union serving members across multiple Northeast Ohio counties with a similar suite of deposit, lending, and digital banking products. Comparable in scale, charter structure, and member-owned cooperative model to Achieve CU.
• First Federal Lakewood: Northeast Ohio community savings institution operating in the same geographic market (Cuyahoga County) as Achieve CU with overlapping deposit, mortgage, and consumer loan offerings. Comparable community focus and retail member base.
• SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union: California-based credit union founded by and serving school employees — directly comparable origin story to Achieve CU (founded in 1958 by Midview teachers). Demonstrates how an educator-origin cooperative can scale into a large community-focused institution.
• PSECU (Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union): State-affiliated employee-origin credit union offering deposits, consumer loans, mortgages, and digital banking. Directly comparable to Achieve CU in its employer-affiliated charter origin and member-focused operating model.

Broad incumbents

• Telhio Credit Union: Larger Ohio-headquartered credit union offering the same deposit, lending, and digital banking suite as Achieve CU but operating at broader geographic scale. Useful benchmark for product mix and digital capabilities.
• Lake Michigan Credit Union: Large community credit union recognized for technology-forward digital banking and competitive member rates. Useful aspirational peer for what scaled-up community credit unions can deliver on UX and product.
• Kemba Financial Credit Union: Ohio-based credit union with a comparable consumer and small-business product set, including vehicle loans, mortgages, and digital banking. Larger asset base provides a useful scale comparator for unit economics.
• Bethpage Federal Credit Union: Large community-focused credit union with a broad product suite including mortgages, consumer loans, and business banking. Comparable member-owned cooperative structure but operating at meaningfully larger scale than Achieve CU.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/achievecu58
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@AchieveCU
• Facebookfacebook.com/achievecu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/achieve-credit-union
• Instagraminstagram.com/achievecu58

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 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 Achieve Credit Union