American 1 Credit Union

What American 1 Credit Union does

American 1 Credit Union is a federally insured, member-owned cooperative financial institution headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, founded in 1950 as Jackson Co-Op Federal Credit Union and operating under the Community 1 Cooperative umbrella (established 1945). The institution serves more than 65,000 members across 18 full-service branch locations spanning six Michigan counties — Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Calhoun, and Wayne — supplemented by a mobile branch/ATM deployed for community events, a 24/7 contact center, and digital banking accessible via web and native iOS/Android applications. Its member base is distributed across individual consumers, first-time auto buyers, credit-builders, small businesses registered in Michigan, and seniors, with the consumer segment as the dominant core.

The product suite covers deposit products (True Savings, Members Choice, Money Market, Share Certificates, IRAs, HSAs, Youth and Club accounts), checking accounts (Simplicity, Fresh Start second-chance, Premier, Silver Advantage, Freedom+), an indirect-retail-leaning lending book anchored by auto loans at 4.99% APR and extending through personal, home equity, recreational, mobility, and credit-builder loans, plus credit cards (Rewards, Secured) and small-business credit up to $50,000. Protection products — GAP, Mechanical Breakdown Protection, Life Coverage, and Injury & Illness — are underwritten and commission-bearing, and an affiliate ecosystem (TruStage insurance, VPI Pet, Trust & Will, LMCUR Powersports) layers member discounts across insurance, estate planning, and recreational-vehicle purchases. Technology is built on a third-party core (Jack Henry SymApp for membership and loan origination), a Savvy Money credit-score integration, and a modern mobile app rated 4.8 stars with 10K+ Google Play downloads; the A1CU Ride Finder car-shopping tool launched in 2026 represents the first member-facing digital origination channel.

Revenue is generated primarily through net interest income from the loan portfolio at yields stated between 4.99% and 18.00% APR, funded by deposit costs ranging from 0.10% APY on primary savings to 3.50% APY on multi-year share certificates, and secondarily through account and service fees ($25 NSF/overdraft, $5 paper statements, $10 domestic wires, $50 garnishment processing), debit/credit interchange, protection-product commissions, and affiliate referral revenue. Distribution is omnichannel but community-anchored: physical branches are the primary acquisition vehicle, supplemented by the contact center, online and mobile self-service, a Refer-a-Friend program, and a Skip-a-Pay loyalty feature that converts a $25 fee into half-funded scholarship contributions — economically tying member retention to community giving.

Name

American 1 Credit Union

Legal name

American 1 Credit Union

Website

https://american1cu.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Short description

American 1 Credit Union is a member-owned, federally insured cooperative founded in 1950 and headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, serving more than 65,000 members across 18 branches in six Michigan counties with deposits, consumer and small-business lending, credit cards, and digital banking.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retail Banking

NAICS

Credit Unions (52213)

SIC

Personal Credit Institutions (6141)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industry

Public Sector & Municipal Credit Unions (FSABAEAK)

Keywords

• Retail banking services
• Consumer lending
• Credit union services
• Savings and checking
• Small business banking

Headquarters

HQ city

Jackson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 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 from Loans: Primary revenue source from auto loans, personal loans, home equity loans, credit cards, and business loans. Rates include 4.99% APR for new/used autos, 10% APR for personal loans, 7.5% APR for 10-year home equity loans, and variable credit card rates starting at 6.74% plus index
2. Interest Income from Credit Cards: Revenue from Visa credit card balances including purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers. Variable APR ranges from 12.24% to 18.00% depending on credit score and Prime Rate
3. Account and Service Fees: Monthly service fees, overdraft/NSF fees ($25), courtesy pay fees ($25), wire transfer fees, stop payment fees, paper statement fees, check printing fees, and various account maintenance charges
4. Savings and Investment Products: Dividend earnings on savings accounts, share certificates, and IRA products. Primary savings accounts earn 0.10% APY; share certificates range from 0.35% APY (30-day) to 3.50% APY (1-2 year terms)
5. Protection Products: Commission revenue from GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection), Life Coverage, Injury & Illness Protection, and Mechanical Breakdown Protection products offered alongside loans
6. Partner Program Commissions: Revenue from member discount partnerships including TruStage insurance, VPI pet insurance, Trust & Will estate planning, tax preparation services, and Powersports/RV/Boat buying programs

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

American 1 Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative providing personal and small business banking products to over 65,000 members across Michigan. Its core offerings include savings accounts, checking accounts, consumer loans (auto, personal, home equity, recreational, mobility), credit cards, small business lending up to $50,000, and loan protection products (GAP, Life, Injury & Illness, MBP). Digital services include a mobile app, online banking, and the A1CU Ride Finder car-shopping tool, supported by 18 branches and a 24/7 contact center.

Product overview

American 1 Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through a unified credit union platform. Their core offerings include multiple savings and checking account types (True Savings, Youth Accounts, Club Accounts, Simplicity Checking, Fresh Start Checking, Premier Checking, Silver Advantage Checking, Freedom+), consumer and business lending products (Auto Loans, Personal Loans, Mobility & Ability Loans, Recreational Loans, Home Equity Loans, Fresh Start Loans, Small Business Loans), credit cards (Rewards Card, Secured Credit Card), and protection products (GAP, Injury & Illness, Life Coverage, Mechanical Breakdown Protection). The platform is complemented by digital banking services (Online Banking with mobile app), the A1CU Ride Finder car-shopping tool, Plan Membership for personalized lending, Skip-a-Pay flexibility, and member benefit programs including discounts and scholarships. The Fresh Start program specifically targets members rebuilding credit, offering multiple pathways including secured cards, credit builder loans, and second-chance checking.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Community 1 Cooperative: The overarching organization of American 1 Credit Union, established in 1945 as Jackson Co-Op Services. A community co-op providing discounts and services to members including banner printing, marketing services, tax service discounts, TruStage Insurance discounts, and American 1 Credit Union membership. Today serves more than 151,000 members.

Products and services

• True Savings Account

Quantifiable outcome

• 75+ years of service to Michigan communities since 1950
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Junior Achievement of MichiganminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Community Fair sponsor supporting financial literacy and youth education programs.
• Consumers EnergyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 June 2026Community Fair sponsor and local utility partnership.
• Michigan Theatre of JacksoncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 May 2024$200,000 naming rights agreement allowing American 1 branding. Partnership enabled Michigan Theatre to restore historic marquee sign above the theatre, preserving 1930s architectural significance. Located in downtown Jackson.
• Talons Out Honor FlightminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2024$10,000 donation partnership to fly U.S. veterans to Washington D.C. to see their war memorials free of charge. Since 2013, Talons Out has flown over 1,000 veterans. Donation accepted at all American 1 branches through Donate Local program.
• Community 1 CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2023Parent organization of American 1 Credit Union. Established as Jackson Co-Op Services in 1945; American 1 began in 1950 as Jackson Co-Op Federal Credit Union. Community 1 provides discounts and services to 151,000+ members including banner printing, marketing services, tax service discounts, insurance discounts, and credit union membership.
• Jackson Public Schools Laundry ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2023$2,000 donation to provide clean clothing to Jackson Public Schools students and athletic teams, teaching life skills and building classroom confidence. Program has helped students since 2019.
• Jackson County Office of the SheriffminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2023$25,000 donation to K-9 Program for tracking missing persons, suspect pursuits, and narcotics detection including fentanyl. Partnership includes monthly Fraud Fighter roundtable discussions with Sheriff's Office and local nonprofits.
• Lean Rocket LabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2023Sponsorship partnership hosting Lean Rocket LOCAL Event at American 1 Event Center. Event supports small business development with mentorship, grants, and educational programming for first-time business owners. American 1 provides venue and sponsorship.
• Polly's Country MarketminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 February 2023Original Chelsea branch location operating inside Polly's Country Market grocery store before second standalone Chelsea branch opened in summer 2023.
• Henry Ford Jackson HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 December 2022Partnership supporting Henry Ford Hospice Home through Lights of Love fundraiser. Henry Ford Hospice Home is the only residence for end-of-life care in Jackson County, providing compassionate care regardless of ability to pay.
• TRUE Community Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 November 2022Partnership with TRUE Community Credit Union to support Henry Ford Jackson Hospital's Lights of Love hospice fundraiser. Both credit unions previously co-hosted the Hit 'em Fore Hospice Golf Benefit raising over $500K for 22 years. Joint commitment to community healthcare support.
• LMCUR PowersportsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPowersports, RV & Boat Buying Program providing members special access to savings on motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, jet skis, boats, golf carts. Plus 20% off parts, service, gear, and accessories.
• TruStageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAuto Insurance Program partnership offering TruStage car insurance with potential member discounts. Insurance offered through TruStage Insurance Agency, LLC.
• VPI Pet InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet insurance partnership offering 5% group discount on base medical plans for American 1 members with continuous coverage.
• Trust & WillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEstate planning partnership offering members 20% off any estate plan. Protects family and secures future through trust and will services.
• Michigan Credit Union FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrant funding for A1CU Community Fair event. Foundation supports credit union initiatives across Michigan.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/american1cu
• Facebookfacebook.com/american1creditunion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american1creditunion
• Instagraminstagram.com/american1cu

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 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 American 1 Credit Union