Question 1

What is CenturyFirst FCU?

Accepted Answer

CenturyFirst FCU is a full-service, not-for-profit federal credit union headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. With over $140 million in assets and serving more than 16,000 members, the credit union specializes in serving the University of Southern Mississippi community, local educational institutions, and residents of Forrest, Lamar, Jones, and Hinds counties. As a member-owned cooperative financial institution, CenturyFirst FCU holds a low-income designation from the NCUA, reflecting its commitment to serving underserved communities.

The credit union operates two branch locations and provides comprehensive financial services including share accounts, consumer lending, and digital banking solutions.

Question 2

When was CenturyFirst FCU founded?

Accepted Answer

CenturyFirst FCU was founded in 1956 as a federal credit union with a primary focus on serving the educational community. The credit union was established with a "multiple common bond - primarily educational" membership type, initially created to serve employees and students associated with the University of Southern Mississippi and related educational institutions.

Over nearly seven decades, the credit union has evolved from its educational roots to serve a broader community base while maintaining its strong connection to USM and other educational sponsors.

Question 3

Where is CenturyFirst FCU headquartered?

Accepted Answer

CenturyFirst FCU is headquartered at 3318 Hardy Street in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The main office operates Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Hattiesburg, located in southeast Mississippi, serves as the home of the University of Southern Mississippi and is a regional hub for education and healthcare.

Question 4

Where does CenturyFirst FCU operate?

Accepted Answer

CenturyFirst FCU operates two branch locations in Mississippi. The main branch is located in Hattiesburg at 3318 Hardy Street, and a second branch is located in Olive Branch at 8279 Frontage Road, operating Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The credit union's field of membership includes persons who live, work, worship, or attend school in most of Forrest, Lamar, Jones, and Hinds counties in Mississippi. Additionally, membership is available to employees and students of the University of Southern Mississippi (including all campus locations), employees of numerous local businesses and organizations, William Carey University staff and students, Hattiesburg Public Schools employees, and various other select employer groups.

Through the CO-OP Shared Branching network, members can access over 55 branches in Mississippi and more than 4,900 shared branches nationwide, significantly expanding their service reach beyond the physical branch footprint.

Question 5

What services does CenturyFirst FCU offer?

Accepted Answer

CenturyFirst FCU provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services. Share accounts (savings) require a minimum $25 deposit to establish membership, while checking accounts are available with no monthly fees. The credit union offers auto loans with rates as low as 6.25% APR for up to 36 months, along with personal loans, credit cards, home equity loans, and mortgage products.

Members can access their accounts through multiple digital channels including the CenturyFirst Mobile Banking App available for iOS and Android devices, which features mobile check deposit, bill pay, funds transfers, account alerts, and biometric authentication. Online banking provides 24/7 account access with electronic bill payment services, while the Teller Phone 24 Audio Response system (601-963-3555 or toll-free 877-261-0244) allows members to check balances and transfer funds.

The credit union provides debit cards with the SecurLOCK EQUIP mobile app, allowing cardholders to turn cards on and off, set geographic restrictions, establish transaction limits, and receive real-time alerts. Members have access to the CU 24 ATM Network with over 300,000 ATM terminals nationwide, including more than 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the Credit Union 24 CU HERE program.

Question 6

What makes CenturyFirst FCU unique?

Accepted Answer

CenturyFirst FCU distinguishes itself through its strong educational heritage and expansive access network. The credit union maintains deep ties to the University of Southern Mississippi, serving current and former students, faculty, staff, and alumni association members, creating a lifetime membership opportunity for the entire Golden Eagle community.

The credit union holds an NCUA low-income designation, demonstrating its commitment to serving underserved populations and expanding financial access in the communities it serves. This designation also provides the credit union with enhanced regulatory flexibilities to better serve its membership.

With over 4,900 shared branch locations nationwide and access to more than 300,000 ATMs, CenturyFirst FCU offers members a service footprint that rivals much larger financial institutions. Members can conduct transactions at shared branches across all 50 states, making it convenient for students, alumni, and members who travel or relocate.

The credit union's member-ownership structure means members have voting rights to elect volunteer directors at the annual shareholder meeting, ensuring democratic governance. Leadership is provided by President & CEO John S. Harmond and a dedicated team focused on competitive rates, low fees, and personalized service.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is CenturyFirst FCU?

Accepted Answer

CenturyFirst FCU is a federal credit union chartered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) in 1956 under charter number 24668. As a federally chartered credit union, it operates as a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members and regulated by the NCUA.

Member deposits are federally insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. The credit union operates with a multiple common bond membership structure, primarily serving educational institutions and community members in specific Mississippi counties.

The cooperative structure means that members are both owners and customers, with all profits returned to members through competitive rates, lower fees, enhanced services, and improved dividends rather than being distributed to external shareholders.

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