Family First Federal Credit Union

What Family First Federal Credit Union does

Family First Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned credit cooperative headquartered in Great Falls, Montana, operating from a single branch at 2901 11th Avenue South. Founded in 1956 as Deaconess Federal Credit Union by a group of Deaconess Hospital employees, the institution has served the Great Falls community for over 70 years. Its field of membership is restricted to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Cascade, Teton, Choteau, Pondera, and Judith Basin Counties, and it is federally insured by the NCUSIF under NCUA oversight.

The credit union delivers a standard retail banking product set across deposits, consumer lending, and card services. Deposit products include Basics, Plus, Select, Preferred, and Business checking accounts, Share Savings with up to 99 sub-accounts, Christmas Club accounts, and Share Certificates (6-month to 3-year terms). Lending products include vehicle loans (new/used cars and trucks, recreational vehicles), personal unsecured loans, share-secured loans, other secured loans, overdraft lines of credit, home equity lines of credit, and second mortgages, with first-lien mortgages originated through a September 2025 partnership with First Class Mortgage. Card products include a VISA credit card at 12.90% APR and free debit/ATM cards. Technology infrastructure is built on the CU*Northwest core processing platform, delivering ItsMe247 online banking, EasyPay bill pay, a mobile-responsive banking site, and CUTalk 24-hour telephone banking. Members access over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the CO-OP credit union network.

Revenue is generated primarily through net interest income on the consumer loan portfolio (vehicle, RV, personal, home equity, mortgage) and transaction fees (NSF/overdraft at $30 per item, domestic wire transfers at $20, international wires at $60, money orders at $2, card replacement, and dormant account fees). Deposits fund the loan book, with share savings paying 0.10% APY and Christmas Club 0.15% APY. The institution operates a community-led go-to-market model reliant on its 70-year local brand, in-branch service, and word-of-mouth referrals within the five-county membership area, with no disclosed marketing spend or external customer acquisition channels.

Name

Family First Federal Credit Union

Legal name

Family First Federal Credit Union

Website

https://familyfirstfcu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Family First Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered, member-owned community credit union in Great Falls, Montana, serving five Montana counties with retail checking, savings, consumer loans, mortgages, and digital banking since 1956.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Banking (Credit Union)

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213), Credit Unions (522130), Depository Credit Intermediation (5221), Sales Financing (522220)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Bank & Credit Union Personal Loans (Unsecured Installment) (FSAKAAAL), Cooperative Banks (Member-Owned Commercial/Retail) (FSABAEAF)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending products
• Credit union services
• Share savings accounts
• Community banking

Headquarters

HQ city

Great Falls

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Loans: Primary revenue source from interest charged on vehicle loans, recreational vehicle loans, mortgage loans, home equity loans, personal loans, credit cards, and other lending products. Rates vary by product type and creditworthiness.
2. Fee Income: Various service fees including overdraft/NSF fees ($30), wire transfer fees ($20 domestic, $60 international), money orders ($2), check orders, ATM fees, dormant account fees, card replacement fees, and other banking service charges.
3. Share Savings Deposits: Members maintain savings accounts and share certificates. The credit union pays dividends on savings at competitive rates (0.10% APY on share savings) and uses these deposits to fund loans.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Family First Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides consumer banking products and services including tiered checking accounts, share savings accounts, share certificates, vehicle and recreational vehicle loans, personal and share-secured loans, home equity lines of credit, 2nd mortgages, first mortgages via First Class Mortgage partnership, a VISA credit card, free debit and ATM cards, and digital banking through online, mobile, and telephone channels. It serves individuals, small businesses, and seniors within its field of membership across five Montana counties, with deposits federally insured by NCUSIF and operations centered on its Great Falls branch and CO-OP shared network.

Product overview

Family First Federal Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through a multi-channel delivery system. The core offerings include multiple checking account tiers (Basics, Plus, Select, Preferred, Business), savings accounts with secondary sub-account options, and term Share Certificates. Lending products span vehicle loans (new/used cars and trucks, recreational vehicles), real estate financing (first mortgages via First Class Mortgage partnership, home equity lines, 2nd mortgages), and personal lending (unsecured loans, share-secured loans). Card products include VISA credit cards and free debit/ATM cards with CO-OP network surcharge-free access. Digital banking services include ItsMe247 online banking, CUTalk phone banking, and mobile banking with EasyPay bill payment. Additional services encompass wire transfers, money orders, gift cards, and savings bond redemptions. The credit union also provides overdraft protection through Privilege Pay and Overdraft Lines of Credit. Services are delivered through branches in Great Falls, Montana, drive-through banking, and extensive ATM networks, with no monthly service charges on most accounts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Checking Accounts Tiered checking account offerings including Basics Checking (free without ATM access), Plus Checking (members 60+ with direct deposit, free checks and debit card), Select Checking (ATM card access), Preferred Checking (debit card with Privilege Pay after 6 months), and Business Accounts. No monthly service charge and no minimum balance on standard tiers.
• Savings Accounts Share/Savings account serves as basic membership account with $25 minimum opening balance, 0.10% APY monthly dividends, and instant access. Includes Secondary Savings sub-accounts (up to 99) for specialized savings goals.
• Christmas Club Accounts Seasonal savings account paying 0.15% APY with automatic transfer to regular shares on the first business day of November. Maximum monthly deposit of $250; account closes if withdrawal is taken between November 1 and the following October 31.
• Share Certificates Term deposit accounts available in 6-month ($500 minimum, 0.05% APY), 1-year ($1,000 minimum, 0.10% APY), 2-year ($1,000 minimum, 0.15% APY), and 3-year ($1,000 minimum, 0.20% APY) terms with fixed rates through maturity and penalties for early withdrawal.
• Vehicle Loans Financing for new or used cars and trucks up to 72 months at rates as low as 3.99% APR, with pre-approval available and NADA valuation provided for trade-ins. Eligible vehicles must be no older than 2007 with less than 150,000 miles.
• Recreational Vehicle Loans Loans for motor homes, travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers, boats, personal watercraft, motorcycles, ATVs, and snowcraft, available for purchase, refinancing, or borrowing on owned units. Rates as low as 6.34% APR for up to 72 months; units must be no older than 20 years.
• VISA Credit Card Credit card processed through the VISA network with a 12.90% APR fixed rate, no annual fee, 25-day grace period on purchases, cash advances at the same rate as regular charges, no hidden fees, and local payment address and support.
• Personal Loans Unsecured signature loans based on credit history and income, with rates as low as 8.49% APR for up to 48 months for qualified borrowers. Usable for vehicles, vacations, appliances, furniture, debt consolidation, and home improvements.
• Share Secured Loans Loans secured by the borrower's savings account balance; the secured amount is frozen at the loan amount while dividends continue to accrue. 4.90% APR for terms up to 5 years; 5.90% APR for terms over 5 to 10 years. Popular for credit building.
• Other Secured Loans Collateral-secured loans using items with unique serial numbers such as high-end electronics or musical instruments; collateral must be new with identifiable serial numbers.
• Overdraft Line of Credit Revolving line of credit linked to the member's checking account that advances funds in $100 increments when balances are insufficient, with $300-$500 limits, 16.00% APR, $50 minimum monthly payment when balance exists, and no fee for advances.
• Home Equity Line of Credit Variable-rate revolving credit line using home equity as collateral over a 5-year draw period, with maximum credit approximately 80% of home value minus existing mortgages. Rate changes quarterly based on the 90-day Treasury Bill (7.00% current variable rate).
• 2nd Mortgage Fixed-rate loans up to $100,000 for home improvements, college tuition, or debt consolidation, with repayment terms up to 15 years (60, 120, or 180 months). Limited to principal residence; combined mortgages capped at 80% of home value.
• Mortgage Loans Home purchase and refinancing mortgage products delivered through a partnership with First Class Mortgage, combining Family First's personal member service with dedicated mortgage expertise.
• Free Debit Cards Free FFFCU debit card usable at any VISA-accepting merchant and at ATMs, with surcharge-free access at over 30,000 CO-OP network ATMs nationwide. Transactions listed on monthly statements with date and merchant name.
• ATM Cards Cards providing 24/7 ATM access to savings or Select Checking, with surcharge-free usage at Family First FCU ATMs and CO-OP network ATMs.
• EasyPay Free E-Bill Pay Free online bill payment service accessed through ItsMe247 online banking, eliminating the need for stamps, envelopes, and mailing.
• Wire Transfers Outgoing domestic wires at $20 and international wires at $60, with no fee to receive wires. Funds transferred through the banking system for fast delivery.
• Money Orders Guaranteed payment money orders issued in any amount for $2 each; payment stoppage available only in limited circumstances.
• VISA Gift Cards Gift cards from $10 to $1,000 in various designs including seasonal options, usable at most VISA-accepting merchants including online.
• US Savings Bond Redemptions Redemption service for paper E or EE Series US Savings Bonds; new bond purchases only available through TreasuryDirect.gov.
• Privilege Pay Overdraft Protection Overdraft protection service that pays checks and ACH withdrawals when account balance is insufficient, with a $30 per-item fee. Dollar limits by account: $100 Basic/PLUS, $300 Select, $500 Preferred Checking. Members have 15 days to restore a positive balance.
• ItsMe247 Online Banking Free PC and mobile web banking platform providing 24/7 account access, e-Statements, loan applications, and bill payment through EasyPay.
• CUTalk Phone Banking Free 24-hour telephone banking service for account balance inquiries and fund transfers, accessible via toll-free 1-800-992-4328.
• Mobile Banking Mobile web banking application providing access to ItsMe247 features optimized for smartphone browsers, including mobile deposits; no special app download required.
• Credit Freeze Assistance Educational resources and member guidance for placing credit freezes with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to help protect against identity theft.
• Business Accounts Basic business checking accounts for sole proprietors, LLCs, S Corporations, and C Corporations owned by FFFCU members, supporting cash deposits and transaction processing needs.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• First Class MortgagecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 September 2025Family First Federal Credit Union has partnered with First Class Mortgage to offer mortgage products to members. The partnership brings mortgage expertise while maintaining the personal service members know from their credit union. Members can access home purchase loans, refinancing options, and mortgage guidance through the credit union's existing relationship.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Regional players

• Opportunity Bank of Montana: Montana-based community bank offering consumer and small business banking, mortgages, and digital services. Comparable regional competitor to FFFCU, particularly in deposit and loan products in rural Montana.
• Mountain West Credit Union: Credit union serving Montana and surrounding states with checking, savings, loans, and digital banking. Comparable in cooperative model and product set, operating at a slightly larger regional scale than FFFCU.

Broad incumbents

• Stockman Bank: Montana-based regional bank with a strong Great Falls presence offering consumer and commercial banking, mortgages, and wealth services. Competes with FFFCU for member deposits and consumer loans, but is a much larger for-profit bank.
• First Interstate Bank: Montana-headquartered regional commercial bank with branches across the state, including Great Falls. Competes with FFFCU for local consumer deposits and loans, but operates as a for-profit bank with broader commercial and wealth services.

Direct peers

• Three Rivers Credit Union: Community-chartered federal credit union operating in rural Montana with consumer lending, deposits, and shared branching. Highly comparable in scale, governance model, and member-owned cooperative structure.
• Valley Credit Union: Montana-based community credit union serving a defined geographic membership with checking, savings, vehicle loans, and mortgages. Similar in scale and member-owned cooperative model to Family First FCU.
• Rocky Mountain Credit Union: Montana-headquartered community credit union serving members across multiple counties with checking, savings, vehicle loans, mortgages, and digital banking. Closely comparable in scale, geographic focus, and product mix to FFFCU.
• Missoula Federal Credit Union: Montana-based community credit union offering checking, savings, vehicle loans, mortgages, and digital banking to consumer members. Comparable to FFFCU in cooperative structure and core retail banking focus, though somewhat larger in scale.
• Whitefish Credit Union: Montana-based community credit union serving Flathead and surrounding counties, offering a similar full suite of consumer loans, deposit accounts, mortgages, and digital banking. Directly comparable in membership-based cooperative model and rural Montana footprint.

Others

• CU*Northwest: Core banking and digital platform provider (CUSO) that supplies FFFCU's online banking, bill pay, and phone banking infrastructure. Not a competitor, but a key technology partner whose roadmap directly shapes FFFCU's digital capabilities.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance3 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 Family First Federal Credit Union