ACT 1st Federal Credit Union

What ACT 1st Federal Credit Union does

ACT 1st Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned credit union founded in 1950 and headquartered in LaVale/Cumberland, Maryland, serving individual consumers and small businesses across six counties in western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania through three physical branches and a digital-first delivery layer. Its core product set spans share/savings accounts, money market accounts, share certificates, IRAs, and the Advantage Plus Cash Checking account (up to 3.299% APY on balances up to $10,000 with behavioral qualifiers), alongside a lending book that includes new and used auto loans (from 2.99% APR), a First Time Car Buyer Program, mortgages and HELOCs (variable APR as low as 6.50%) originated via Credit Union Mortgage, student loans and refinancing via Student Choice, personal loans (unsecured and share/certificate-secured), and VISA consumer and business credit cards through Elan Financial Services.

The technology backbone is the Advantage Plus Online & Mobile Banking platform (iOS/Android), which integrates remote deposit capture, e-statements, online bill pay, customizable account alerts, remote card deactivation/reactivation via CardValet, mobile wallet support for Apple/Google/Samsung Pay, 3D Secure one-time passcode authentication for debit transactions, SavvyMoney credit monitoring, and FraudScout/CyberScout identity protection. Members reach the institution through three branches (LaVale MD, Cumberland MD, Romney WV), 24/7 phone banking, 78,000+ surcharge-free ATMs via MoneyPass and Allpoint, and a 25+ dealer indirect auto lending network across MD/PA/WV. Revenue is generated primarily through net interest spread on consumer loans, fee income (overdraft/courtesy pay, $25-$50 loan skip-payment, wire transfer, ATM surcharge pass-through, check ordering, $2.50 loan payment convenience fees via iTransact), interchange on debit/credit card transactions, and affiliate commissions from insurance partners TruStage, AFLAC, and Global Life-American Income Division, plus referrals to wealth management (Credit Union Wealth Group), student lending (Student Choice), and identity protection (FraudScout). The institution is regulated by the NCUA, holds NMLS #654273 for mortgage lending, and is federally insured up to $250,000 per account holder.

Name

ACT 1st Federal Credit Union

Legal name

ACT 1st Federal Credit Union

Website

https://act1stfcu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ACT 1st Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned credit union serving individual consumers and small businesses across western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania with retail deposits, consumer lending, mortgages, HELOCs, digital banking, and partner-distributed insurance, wealth, and identity-protection products.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213), Credit Unions (522130), Credit Card Issuing (522210)

SIC

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (6035), Personal Credit Institutions (6141)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment) (FSAKAAAL), Credit Cards & Revolving Credit (FSABAAAC)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Credit union lending
• Consumer deposits
• Mortgage and auto loans
• Digital banking

Headquarters

HQ city

Cumberland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Interest Income: Primary revenue from interest rate spreads on consumer loans including auto loans, mortgages, HELOCs, personal loans, credit cards, and student loans
2. Fee Income: Various fees including loan skip payment fees ($25-$50), overdraft/courtesy pay, ATM surcharges from external networks, wire transfer fees, and check ordering
3. Interchange Revenue: Earns interchange fees on debit and credit card transactions processed through the network
4. Insurance Products: Commissions from TruStage insurance (life, auto, home, AD&D), AFLAC supplemental insurance, identity protection (FraudScout), and Global Life AD&D benefits offered to members

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ACT 1st Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned not-for-profit credit union providing consumer banking services including checking, savings, money market, share certificates, IRAs, and youth/club accounts, along with consumer loans (auto, mortgage, HELOC, student, personal, share-secured) and VISA consumer and business credit cards. Distribution is through three branches in western Maryland and eastern West Virginia, a digital banking platform (Advantage Plus online and mobile), an indirect auto lending network of 25+ dealerships, partner-distributed insurance and wealth services, and a 78,000+ ATM network via MoneyPass and Allpoint.

Product overview

ACT 1st Federal Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through a digital banking platform (Advantage Plus Online & Mobile Banking) integrated with branch and ATM services. The core offerings include checking accounts (Advantage Plus Cash Checking with up to 3.299% APY and Share Draft Account), savings accounts (Traditional Share, Money Market, Share Certificates, IRA accounts, and Club Accounts), and youth savings programs. Lending products span auto loans (including First Time Car Buyer Program), mortgages and home equity loans (through Credit Union Mortgage partnership), HELOCs, student loans (through Student Choice), personal loans (unsecured and secured options), and credit cards (VISA Consumer and Business). Digital services include mobile deposit, bill pay, e-statements, account alerts, remote card control, and mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). Insurance offerings are provided through partnerships with TruStage, AFLAC, and Global Life-American Income Division. Additional services include wealth management (Credit Union Wealth Group), financial counseling (GreenPath Financial Wellness), credit monitoring (SavvyMoney), identity protection (FraudScout), GAP coverage, mechanical repair coverage, loan payment skip program, UChoose Rewards debit card program, and financial education workshops.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Advantage Plus Online & Mobile Banking Digital banking platform providing 24/7 member access to account management, fund transfers, bill payment, loan applications, e-statements, mobile deposit, account alerts, remote card control, and mobile wallet integration. Available to all ACT 1st FCU members via web browser and iOS/Android mobile apps.
• Advantage Plus Cash Checking Interest-bearing checking account paying up to 3.299% APY on balances up to $10,000 when monthly qualifiers are met, with ATM fee refunds up to $25/month. Requires E-Statements, online banking, direct deposit, ACH withdrawal, and 10 debit card transactions per month.
• Share Draft Personal Checking Basic checking account with no minimum balance requirements, free online banking, mobile deposit, and complimentary checks for members 55 and older.
• Traditional Share Savings Account Basic savings account with $5 minimum opening deposit, paying 0.050% APY, NCUA insured up to $250,000, and accessible via online and mobile banking.
• Money Maker Money Market Account Tiered-interest money market savings account requiring $2,500 minimum deposit, with APY scaling from 0.250% to 0.954% based on balance tier, and a $10 monthly fee unless average balance requirements are maintained.
• Share Certificates Credit-union equivalent of certificates of deposit with terms from 6 to 60 months, paying APYs from 2.250% to 3.750%, requiring a $500 minimum opening deposit and offering guaranteed interest rates.
• Traditional IRA Tax-deferred retirement savings account with potential tax-deductible contributions and multiple withdrawal options for members building retirement savings.
• Club Accounts (Christmas, Summer, Vacation) Specialized purpose-driven savings accounts: Christmas Club (funds available by October 1), Summer Savings (for 10-month payroll school employees, distributed in July/August), and Vacation Club (funds available by June 1).
• Youth Savings Accounts Savings accounts for children ages 0-17 with $5 minimum deposit, requiring a parent or guardian as joint owner, and offering Dr. Seuss book rewards for deposits as a financial literacy incentive.
• Auto Loans New, used, and refinanced vehicle financing with rates varying by vehicle year, term, and credit score (new auto APRs from 2.99% to 4.74%; used auto APRs from 3.24% to 7.24%). Includes indirect lending through a 25+ dealer network across MD, PA, and WV.
• First Time Car Buyer Loan Program Specialized auto loan for borrowers with no established credit history, requiring no co-signer, offering flexible terms and free credit score education to help first-time buyers build credit.
• Mortgages and Home Equity Loans Real estate lending including first mortgages (purchase, refinance, rate locks, fixed and ARM options) delivered through the Credit Union Mortgage (CUMortgage) partnership, plus first and second lien home equity loans.
• HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) Revolving line of credit secured by home equity, $10,000 minimum, up to 80% LTV, with a 7-year draw period and 10-year repayment period, variable APR as low as 6.50%.
• Student Choice Student Loans Private student lending offered through the Student Choice partnership, with flexible repayment, in-school deferment, zero origination fees, and competitive rates for students at accredited U.S. universities.
• Student Loan Refinance Student loan refinancing through Student Choice enabling consolidation of federal and private student loans up to $75,000 with 5-, 10-, and 15-year repayment options.
• Personal Loans Unsecured and secured personal loans for debt consolidation, emergencies, and purchases, with APRs from 9.99% to 11.00% based on term and amount, and Share Secured and Certificate Secured options at lower rates.
• VISA Consumer Credit Cards Personal VISA credit cards with mobile payment capability, flexible purchasing power, and zero fraud liability protection, serviced through Elan Financial Services.
• VISA Business Credit Cards Business VISA credit cards available in low-rate, cash-back, or flexible rewards variants, with free online expense reporting and no fee for additional employee cards.
• ATM/Debit Mastercard Mastercard-branded debit cards functioning as ATM cards and accepted at millions of point-of-sale locations, with surcharge-free access through MoneyPass and Allpoint networks covering 78,000+ ATMs nationwide.
• UChoose Rewards Debit card rewards program earning 1 point per $2 on signature transactions and 1 point per $4 on PIN transactions, with points redeemable for merchandise, gift cards, and travel.
• Wealth Management Services Personalized financial planning and investment management provided by SEC-registered advisor Evan Kulak through the Credit Union Wealth Group, offered to all members with no commissions and a fee-only structure.
• TruStage Insurance Life, auto, home, renters, condo, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance products offered at exclusive member rates through the TruStage credit-union insurance partnership.
• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance

Quantifiable outcome

• Advantage Plus Cash Checking rewards up to 3.299% APY on balances up to $10,000
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration22 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GreenPath Financial WellnesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrusted nonprofit partner providing free financial counseling, debt management, housing services, credit report review, and student loan counseling. NFCC and HUD-certified counselors available to all members. Includes educational webinars on homebuying, mental/financial health, and financial counseling.
• TruStage InsurancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 80 years of credit union insurance experience offering life, auto, home, and AD&D coverage at exclusive member rates. Products designed specifically for credit union members with easy application and reliable claims support.
• AFLACminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplemental insurance products including cancer protection, accident/sickness disability, hospital ICU, and prescription cards offered through local representatives meeting members at their convenience.
• Global Life - American Income DivisionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProvides $3,000 AD&D benefit to all members at no cost. Optional AIL Plus program offers discounts on dental, prescriptions, vision, telemedicine, and chiropractic care.
• Credit Union Wealth GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSEC-registered investment advisor providing personalized wealth management, financial planning, and investment management. Advisor Evan Kulak offers services to all members with no commissions or hidden fees.
• Student ChoiceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent loan and refinance solutions offering flexible repayment, in-school deferment, zero origination fees, and competitive rates for students at accredited U.S. universities.
• Credit Union Mortgage (CUMortgage)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFirst mortgage services including purchase, refinance, rate locks, and various loan options (fixed/ARM). Provides loan consultant and pre-qualification tools through dedicated mortgage center.
• Kenny's Hope for Childhood CancerminorGTM or Marketing Partner2024 community fundraiser beneficiary. ACT 1st FCU organized raffles and cornhole tournament raising funds and community awareness for pediatric cancer support.
• MoneyPasscoreTechnology or IntegrationSurcharge-free ATM network providing members access to 78,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide through credit union network partnership.
• Allpoint NetworkcoreTechnology or IntegrationSurcharge-free ATM network providing members access to 78,000+ fee-free ATMs at retail locations nationwide.
• Indirect Dealer NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor25+ approved auto dealerships across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia including Timbrook, Weimer, Altoona Honda, Nelson Auto Sales and others enabling point-of-sale financing.
• Love My Credit Union RewardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMember discount program offering savings on TurboTax, H&R Block, Trust & Will, and other products and services.
• 2024 Cornhole Tournament SponsorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsors supporting Kenny's Hope fundraiser including ACS, UPMC Western Maryland, TimBrook Kia, and others providing financial and promotional support.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Ally Bank: Digital-first national bank with high-yield savings and full consumer lending; competes for ACT 1st FCU's primary banking relationship from members who relocate outside the regional footprint.
• PenFed Credit Union: Large national credit union with broad consumer and auto lending products; competes with ACT 1st FCU especially in auto loan rates and digital experience for relocating members.
• Navy Federal Credit Union: Largest U.S. credit union with national digital reach; competes for ACT 1st FCU's mobile and relocated members through superior rates, larger ATM network, and richer product portfolio.

Direct peers

• Point Breeze Credit Union: Maryland-based community credit union operating with similar size, branch footprint, and full-suite consumer banking and lending offerings to ACT 1st FCU.
• APGFCU (Aberdeen Proving Ground Federal Credit Union): Federal credit union chartered in Maryland with a comparable multi-branch community-banking model, overlapping lending products (auto, mortgage, HELOC, credit cards) and similar NCUA regulatory framework.
• Freedom Federal Credit Union: Maryland-area federal credit union serving a defined community membership with similar deposit and lending products; direct competitor for community-banking relationships in the broader Maryland region.
• WEPCO Federal Credit Union: Regional federal credit union explicitly cited as part of ACT 1st FCU's shared ATM network; overlapping West Virginia / panhandle membership and similar community-cooperative operating model.
• SECU (Maryland State Employees Credit Union): Large Maryland-headquartered credit union sharing a regional ATM network with ACT 1st FCU; comparable community-based cooperative model serving Maryland members with full banking and lending products.
• Educational Systems Federal Credit Union: Maryland-headquartered federal credit union with community-banking focus and comparable product mix including checking, savings, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards.
• First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union: Community-chartered credit union operating in western Maryland / WV / PA tri-state region with branch network and lending products closely comparable to ACT 1st FCU's footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ACTFCU
• Facebookfacebook.com/act1stfcu.org

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 ACT 1st Federal Credit Union