Safe Harbor Credit Union
Safe Harbor Credit Union is a member-owned, NCUA-insured financial cooperative chartered in 1952 in Ludington, Michigan, serving residents and small businesses across the Ludington, Manistee, Pentwater, and Scottville area with Kasasa-branded checking and savings, consumer and business loans, and digital banking.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1952
- HeadquartersLudington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Safe Harbor Credit Union does
Safe Harbor Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative chartered in 1952 in Ludington, Michigan, originally by employees of the Dow Chemical Company's Ludington Plant. It serves individual members, small businesses, and youth across the Ludington, Manistee, Pentwater, and Scottville areas of Michigan, offering a full retail banking product suite: high-yield Kasasa-branded checking and savings (Cash Checking at 5.00% APY, Cash Back Checking at 4.00% cash back, Saver Account at 2.00% APY), tiered money market accounts, certificates of deposit with 6- to 60-month terms, IRAs, and standard share accounts. Lending products include new and used auto loans (5.75% APR), RV loans (6.25% APR), unsecured personal term loans (9.50% APR), personal lines of credit (10.50% APR), overdraft protection lines, HELOCs, fixed-rate home equity loans, private student loans, business loans, and Visa credit cards with ScoreCard Rewards. Business banking includes checking, a tiered business money market (up to 2.79% APY), health savings accounts, and merchant services.
The technology stack is predominantly partner-mediated: Kasasa delivers the rewards-based retail deposit products and Kasasa Loans; CO-OP Financial Services and Xtend provide the surcharge-free ATM network and shared branching footprint; CU*Talk supports the online banking interface; ScoreCard Rewards runs the Visa card loyalty program; GreenPath Financial Wellness delivers member counseling; and AudioEye certifies the website to WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility. Safe Harbor also supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for contactless transactions and provides free credit score and monitoring tools. Security relies on firewall protection, proprietary monitoring software, global security certificates, and secure administrative authentication.
The revenue model is the standard credit union net-interest-margin model: Safe Harbor earns the spread between interest received on loans (auto, RV, personal, mortgage, home equity, credit cards) and interest paid on deposits, supplemented by non-interest fee income (merchant services, protection products, and overdraft/line-of-credit interest up to 15.00% APR). Federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per depositor, Safe Harbor operates from a single physical branch in Ludington but extends its effective geographic reach through the CO-OP shared branch and ATM network. Members are acquired via community engagement (over 370 volunteer hours and $20,000+ in community fundraising reported in 2024), referrals, and the field-of-membership criteria that includes immediate family members and employees of partner organizations.
Safe Harbor Credit Union firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Safe Harbor Credit Union
- Legal name
- Safe Harbor Credit Union
- Website
- https://safeharborcu.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1952
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Safe Harbor Credit Union is a member-owned, NCUA-insured financial cooperative chartered in 1952 in Ludington, Michigan, serving residents and small businesses across the Ludington, Manistee, Pentwater, and Scottville area with Kasasa-branded checking and savings, consumer and business loans, and digital banking.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Safe Harbor Credit Union industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Retail Banking
- NAICS
- Credit Unions (52213), Credit Unions (522130), Depository Credit Intermediation (5221)
- SIC
- Personal Credit Institutions (6141), Finance Services (6199)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus) (FSABAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Employer/Occupational Credit Unions (FSABAEAB)
Keywords
Where Safe Harbor Credit Union is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ludington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Safe Harbor Credit Union business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Cash Checking with high-yield rewards |
| Freemium | Monthly | Cash Back Checking |
| Freemium | Monthly | Saver Account |
| Subscription | Monthly | Regular Shares Savings |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Tiered Money Market Accounts |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Business Tiered Money Market |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | High-Yield Time Deposit Certificates |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | IRA High Yield Accounts |
| Other | Monthly | Auto Loans |
| Other | Monthly | Unsecured/Signature Loans |
| Other | Monthly | Recreational Vehicle Loans |
| Other | Monthly | Credit Cards |
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Safe Harbor Credit Union product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Safe Harbor Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that offers personal and business deposit accounts (Kasasa-branded Cash Checking, Cash Back Checking, Saver, Share Draft, Regular Share, Money Market, Certificates of Deposit, IRAs, and HSAs), consumer and commercial loans (auto, RV, personal, student, HELOC, home equity, mortgages, overdraft protection), and Visa credit cards with ScoreCard Rewards. The institution serves members across Michigan through a branch in Ludington, digital and mobile banking, and CO-OP shared branching and surcharge-free ATM access nationwide.
Product overview
Safe Harbor Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services primarily serving members in Michigan, including personal and business checking and savings accounts, loans (auto, RV, personal, student, home equity, and mortgages), and credit cards. The product portfolio centers on Kasasa-branded checking and savings products (Cash Checking with up to 5.00% APY, Cash Back Checking, and Saver Account with up to 2.00% APY) for personal banking, complemented by tiered money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and IRAs for savings. The credit union also provides business banking services including merchant services, as well as a Member Advantage Program (MAP) loyalty rewards program. Digital banking, free credit score access, and financial planning tools round out the service offerings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Cash Checking (Kasasa) Free rewards-based personal checking account offering up to 5.00% APY on balances up to $15,000 when members meet monthly qualification requirements (at least 12 debit card purchases, e-Statements enrollment, and online banking login). Base rate of 0.05% APY applies when qualifications are not met. Minimum opening deposit $25. For Michigan individual members of Safe Harbor Credit Union.
- Cash Back Checking (Kasasa) Free personal checking account paying 4.00% cash back on debit card purchases when members meet monthly qualification requirements. Minimum opening deposit $25. For Michigan individual members of Safe Harbor Credit Union.
- Saver Account (Kasasa) Free high-yield savings account offering up to 2.00% APY on balances up to $100,000 for members with a linked qualifying Cash Checking or Cash Back Checking account. Minimum opening deposit $25. For Michigan individual members of Safe Harbor Credit Union.
- Share Draft Checking Standard personal checking account with no monthly fees. For credit union members seeking basic checking services without rewards qualification requirements.
- Regular Share Accounts Basic share savings account with a $5 minimum deposit and 0.05% APY. Required to establish member/owner status in the credit union. For Michigan members of Safe Harbor Credit Union.
- Youth Savings Accounts Savings accounts designed for children and young adults, with rewards for good grades. For young members of Safe Harbor Credit Union and their families.
- Christmas Club Accounts Seasonal savings account for holiday expenses, paying 0.10% APY with no minimum deposit. For credit union members setting aside funds for end-of-year expenses.
- Tiered Money Market Accounts Personal money market savings accounts with tiered interest rates: 0.75% APY for balances $2,000-$19,999, 1.01% APY for $20,000-$99,999, and 1.25% APY for $100,000+. For individual credit union members seeking higher-yield insured savings.
- High-Yield Time Deposit Accounts (Certificates of Deposit) Certificates of Deposit with terms from 6 to 60 months and corresponding APRs (6-month at 3.90% APR through 60-month at 3.00% APR), including JUMBO certificates with higher minimum deposits and slightly higher rates. Standard minimum $1,000; JUMBO minimum $25,000. For individual credit union members seeking fixed-term insured deposits.
- Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) Retirement savings accounts including Traditional, Roth, and Education IRAs with term lengths from 1 to 3 years and competitive rates (1-year IRA: 3.65% APR; 2-year: 3.15% APR; 3-year: 3.25% APR; $500 minimum deposit). For individual credit union members saving for retirement.
- Business Accounts Business checking and savings accounts with various features including merchant services. For small business owners within the credit union's field of membership.
- Business Tiered Money Market Account Business savings account with tiered interest rates: 2.02% APY for $5,000-$19,999.99, 2.27% APY for $20,000-$99,999.99, and 2.79% APY for $100,000+. For business members of Safe Harbor Credit Union.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Tax-advantaged accounts for medical expenses with 0.10% APY and $25 minimum deposit. For business members of Safe Harbor Credit Union who need HSA-qualified medical savings.
- Merchant Services Payment processing services enabling business members to accept card payments. For business members of Safe Harbor Credit Union.
- Auto Loans Vehicle financing for new and used automobiles with APRs as low as 5.75%, subject to creditworthiness. For individual credit union members needing auto financing.
- Recreational Vehicle (RV) Loans Loans for recreational vehicles with APRs as low as 6.25%. For individual credit union members seeking RV financing.
- Readi-loan (Kasasa) Quick personal loan product offered in partnership with Kasasa, providing flexible small-dollar lending solutions. For individual credit union members needing fast personal loans.
- Loans powered by Kasasa Flexible consumer lending solutions delivered via the Kasasa platform. For individual credit union members needing personal loan products.
- Private Student Loans Education financing for private students pursuing higher education. For credit union members and eligible students.
- Personal Term Loans Unsecured personal term loans with APRs as low as 9.50%. For individual credit union members needing unsecured personal financing.
- Personal Lines of Credit Revolving personal credit lines with APRs as low as 10.50%. For individual credit union members needing revolving credit access.
- Overdraft Protection Lines of Credit Share-draft lines of credit providing overdraft protection with APRs up to 15.00%. For individual credit union members wanting automated overdraft coverage.
- Visa Credit Cards Credit cards accepted on the Visa/Mastercard network offering ScoreCard Rewards with bonus points for every net dollar spent, redeemable for brand-name items and vacation getaways. For individual credit union members seeking a rewards credit card.
- Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) Revolving credit lines secured by the member's home equity. For credit union members needing access to home-equity-backed revolving credit.
- Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan Fixed-rate installment loans secured by the member's home equity. For credit union members needing a fixed-term, home-equity-secured loan.
- Business Loans Business lending products offered to business members within the credit union's field of membership.
- Digital Banking (Online and Mobile Banking) Free, secure online and mobile banking services supporting iOS and Android apps that allow members to manage accounts, conduct transactions, and pay bills anytime, anywhere. For all credit union members.
- Free Credit Score Free credit score, full credit report, and credit monitoring services for credit union members to track and manage their credit profile.
Quantifiable outcome
- $1,700,000 in POS Rewards, Interest Paid, and ATM Refunds returned to Members with Cash and Cash Back Checking
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Safe Harbor Credit Union
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Safe Harbor Credit Union technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
Feature4 records
Safe Harbor Credit Union partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- KasasacoreKasasa provides reward-based checking and savings account products including Cash Checking, Cash Back Checking, and The Saver. These products offer high-yield rewards and cash back to qualified members. The partnership also includes Kasasa Loans for flexible lending solutions.
- GreenPath Financial WellnesssupportingGreenPath provides free financial counseling services to Safe Harbor Credit Union members, offering assistance with debt management, budget building, and financial goal setting. This partnership supports member financial education and wellness.
- CO-OP Financial ServicescoreCO-OP provides surcharge-free ATM network access and shared branch services, enabling Safe Harbor members to access their accounts at thousands of locations nationwide without surcharges.
- VisacoreVisa provides credit card products through Safe Harbor Credit Union with ScoreCard Rewards. Members earn bonus points for every net dollar spent that can be redeemed for brand name items and vacation getaways.
- ScoreCard RewardssupportingScoreCard Rewards is the loyalty program associated with Safe Harbor's Visa credit cards, offering points redeemable for brand name items, vacation getaways, and more through the ScoreCard Rewards online portal.
- AudioEyesupportingAudioEye provides 3rd-party web accessibility testing and monitoring services, certifying that Safe Harbor's website conforms to WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility standards. The service includes automatic and manual testing with continuous monitoring.
- Love My Credit Union RewardssupportingLove My Credit Union Rewards offers exclusive deals to Safe Harbor members including Sprint cash rewards, TruStage auto/home insurance discounts, TurboTax discounts, and cash back from 1,500+ online retailers through Love to Shop.
- MastercardsupportingMastercard promotional offers available through Safe Harbor Credit Union for special financing and promotional rates on selected services.
- Xtend Shared BranchingsupportingXtend provides shared branching services allowing Safe Harbor members to conduct transactions at other credit union locations that are part of the Xtend network.
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Safe Harbor Credit Union competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DFCU Financial: Michigan-chartered credit union offering personal and business banking, loans, and digital services. Comparable in operating model (member-owned cooperative) and Michigan retail/SMB focus.
- Team One Credit Union: Michigan-based community credit union offering deposit, lending, and digital banking products. Closely matches Safe Harbor in size, scope, and community banking positioning.
- CASE Credit Union: Michigan community credit union (Lansing-area) providing personal and business banking, loans, and digital services. Comparable community-cooperative model and product portfolio.
- Lake Michigan Credit Union: Michigan-headquartered credit union offering consumer checking, savings, lending, and business banking with broad branch and digital channels. Direct peer serving the same Michigan retail and small-business market with a similar full-service product set.
- Frankenmuth Credit Union: Michigan community credit union with personal/business banking, mortgage, and investment services. Comparable in scale and product breadth to Safe Harbor's Michigan footprint.
- Genisys Credit Union: Michigan-based credit union serving individuals and businesses with checking, savings, loans, and credit cards. Similar cooperative structure and community-banking orientation.
- Consumers Credit Union: Michigan-based community credit union with Kasasa-style rewards checking, auto lending, mortgages, and business banking. Closely comparable product mix and target market to Safe Harbor's.
Broad incumbents
- Huntington National Bank: Large Michigan-headquartered commercial bank with consumer, small-business, and digital banking products. Competes with Safe Harbor in the same Michigan retail and SMB segments but at vastly greater scale.
- Michigan State University Federal Credit Union: Larger Michigan credit union with broad personal, business, and wealth services. Operates in the same state with an overlapping product set but at materially greater scale and digital maturity.
Regional players
- Lake Superior Community Credit Union: Upper Peninsula Michigan credit union offering community deposit and loan products. Comparable in scale and cooperative model, but serves a different Michigan region.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Safe Harbor Credit Union social profiles
Digital presenceSafe Harbor Credit Union compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Safe Harbor Credit Union financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Safe Harbor Credit Union leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Safe Harbor Credit Union funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Safe Harbor Credit Union M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Safe Harbor Credit Union
What does Safe Harbor Credit Union do?
Safe Harbor Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that offers personal and business deposit accounts (Kasasa-branded Cash Checking, Cash Back Checking, Saver, Share Draft, Regular Share, Money Market, Certificates of Deposit, IRAs, and HSAs), consumer and commercial loans (auto, RV, personal, student, HELOC, home equity, mortgages, overdraft protection), and Visa credit cards with ScoreCard Rewards. The institution serves members across Michigan through a branch in Ludington, digital and mobile banking, and CO-OP shared branching and surcharge-free ATM access nationwide.
Is Safe Harbor Credit Union a public or private company?
Safe Harbor Credit Union is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Safe Harbor Credit Union founded?
Safe Harbor Credit Union was founded in 1952. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Safe Harbor Credit Union based?
Safe Harbor Credit Union is headquartered in Ludington, United States, in the North America region.
Who are Safe Harbor Credit Union's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DFCU Financial, Team One Credit Union, CASE Credit Union, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Frankenmuth Credit Union, Genisys Credit Union and Consumers Credit Union. Broad incumbents are Huntington National Bank and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. Lake Superior Community Credit Union is listed as a regional player.
Does Safe Harbor Credit Union have an API?
No public API is recorded for Safe Harbor Credit Union.
What industry is Safe Harbor Credit Union in?
Safe Harbor Credit Union's product category is Retail Banking. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSABAEAA, Community Credit Unions (Retail/Consumer Focus), with a secondary code of FSABAEAB, Employer/Occupational Credit Unions. Its NAICS code is 52213 and its SIC code is 6141.