Question 1

What is USC Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union is a community-focused, not-for-profit federal credit union serving over 73,000 members with approximately $708 million in assets. Originally established to serve University of Southern California employees, the credit union has expanded its membership to include anyone living, working, worshipping, or attending school in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California.

As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and the largest Los Angeles-based Minority Depository Institution (MDI) credit union, USC Credit Union is dedicated to promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved communities.

Question 2

When was USC Credit Union founded?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union was founded in 1973 by a small group of visionary University of Southern California employees. The founding members shared a unified goal: to provide high-quality financial services that promote the financial well-being of their community.

What started as a modest cooperative has grown over nearly 50 years to serve not only USC staff, faculty, students, and alumni, but also their families and the surrounding communities throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Question 3

Where is USC Credit Union headquartered?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The credit union maintains its mailing address at PO Box 512718, Los Angeles, CA 90051.

As a Los Angeles-based institution, USC Credit Union maintains deep roots in Southern California and is committed to serving the diverse communities throughout the region.

Question 4

Where does USC Credit Union operate?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union operates throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County, California. The credit union maintains four convenient branch locations:
• University Village Branch - 3096 South McClintock Ave, Los Angeles
• Campus Center Branch - 3601 Trousdale Pkwy, USC Student Union Building, Los Angeles
• Health Science Campus Branch - 1969 Zonal Avenue, Seaver Residence Hall, Los Angeles
• Flower Street Branch - 3720 S Flower Street, Los Angeles

Members also have access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide (including all Citibank ATMs) and more than 5,000 shared branch locations through the CO-OP network.

Question 5

What services does USC Credit Union offer?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services designed to meet diverse member needs:

Deposit Accounts: Multiple checking account options (Student Checking, Cardinal Checking, Gold Checking, Trojan Checking), savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and money market accounts with competitive rates up to 3.55% APY.

Lending Services: Personal loans, auto loans, home mortgages, credit cards, and specialized lending programs including ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) lending for immigrant communities. The credit union also offers clean energy loans to support environmental sustainability.

Digital Banking: Full-featured online and mobile banking platforms available in both English and Spanish, allowing 24/7 account access, mobile check deposit, and account management.

Wealth Management: Financial planning resources and investment services to help members build long-term financial security.

Financial Education: Free bilingual financial literacy programs, workshops, and educational resources covering topics from credit building to homeownership.

Question 6

What makes USC Credit Union unique?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union distinguishes itself through its exceptional commitment to financial inclusion and community development. The credit union holds several prestigious designations that reflect its mission:

Juntos Avanzamos Designation: USC Credit Union is the only Los Angeles-based credit union with this national recognition from Inclusiv, highlighting its commitment to serving Latino and immigrant communities. The credit union employs bilingual staff, accepts alternative identification (including Matrícula Consular Mexicana), and provides culturally relevant financial services.

CDFI Certification: As one of only 350 CDFI-certified credit unions nationwide, USC Credit Union is dedicated to expanding economic opportunity in underserved communities through affordable financial products and services.

Minority Depository Institution: USC Credit Union is the largest Los Angeles-based MDI credit union, actively working to narrow the wealth divide and promote generational wealth building in communities of color.

The credit union offers second-chance checking accounts, accepts ITIN in lieu of Social Security numbers, and provides financial services regardless of immigration status. With bilingual services throughout its operations and Spanish-language versions of all digital platforms, USC Credit Union ensures accessibility for diverse communities.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is USC Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union is a federal credit union chartered under federal regulations and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). As a federally insured credit union, member deposits are protected up to $250,000.

Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, USC Credit Union is owned by its members, not shareholders. This cooperative structure means that surplus funds are returned to members through higher dividend rates on savings, lower interest rates on loans, reduced fees, and enhanced products and services.

Membership is open to current USC employees, faculty, staff, and students; USC alumni; anyone living, working, worshipping, or attending school in Los Angeles County or Orange County; employees of select partner organizations (including Woodbury University and AltaMed); and immediate family members or household members of existing members. A minimum deposit of $10 is required to join ($1 minimum deposit plus a $9 one-time membership fee).

Question 8

What community impact initiatives does USC Credit Union support?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union demonstrates remarkable commitment to community development through multiple initiatives and partnerships. The USC Credit Union Community Foundation actively supports local communities, recently partnering with LA County DEO to distribute $80,000 in wildfire relief assistance to 80 families affected by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires.

The credit union created the Allied Impact Fund in response to COVID-19, partnering with USC Civic Engagement, Citibank, and Ally Bank to provide financial assistance to individuals, families, and businesses not served by traditional support systems. This fund offers microgrants to grassroots organizations including The RightWay Foundation, Proyecto Pastoral, T.R.U.S.T South LA, and CARECEN.

As a member of the South Los Angeles CDFI Consortium, USC Credit Union collaborates with fellow community development financial institutions to financially empower South Los Angeles residents through coordinated efforts in financial literacy, credit building, and access to affordable financial services.

Question 9

What recognition has USC Credit Union leadership received?

Accepted Answer

USC Credit Union's President and CEO, Gary J. Perez, received the prestigious Leo H. Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025, the highest recognition from the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. This award recognizes individuals who embody the cooperative spirit of "people helping people" and have made exceptional contributions to the credit union movement.

The award ceremony took place at the REACH 2025 conference in October, where credit union professionals, advocates, and partners gathered to celebrate innovation, leadership, and service across the industry. This recognition reflects USC Credit Union's leadership in promoting financial inclusion and community development throughout Southern California.

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