Question 1

What is Century Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Century Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri. With over $170 million in assets and more than 9,300 members, it serves residents and workers across St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Jefferson County, and Franklin County. The credit union specializes in providing competitive rates on loans and deposits, along with innovative savings products designed to benefit members at every life stage.

Originally founded to serve employees of a single chemical plant, Century has evolved into a full-service financial cooperative known for its exceptional member service and community focus.

Question 2

When was Century Credit Union founded?

Accepted Answer

Century Credit Union was founded on April 2, 1954, when the State of Missouri approved its charter under then-Secretary of State Walter H. Toberman. The credit union was established by employees of National Lead Company (NALCO), a chemical plant in Lemay, Missouri, who recognized the need for a not-for-profit financial institution to serve production and maintenance workers.

Bob Hood, managing director of the Missouri Credit Union League and former NALCO employee, helped establish the credit union alongside Charles Pingleton and others. Seven founding members each deposited $5 to launch the institution, originally named Local 1744 Credit Union. In 1964, it became NALCO Credit Union, and in 1997, after merging with First American Credit Union, it adopted the name Century Credit Union.

Question 3

Where is Century Credit Union headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Century Credit Union is headquartered at 1540 Lemay Ferry Road in Saint Louis, Missouri. The credit union has occupied this location, known as the Metropolitan Building, since May 1981. Around 2014, Century expanded its headquarters by purchasing an adjacent property, demolishing the existing structure, and adding a drive-up facility, parking lot, and new wing on the north side of the building.

Question 4

Where does Century Credit Union operate?

Accepted Answer

Century Credit Union operates primarily in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. The credit union maintains two physical branches: its headquarters in Saint Louis and a second branch in Arnold, Missouri, located at 3920 Jeffco Boulevard.

The credit union's field of membership includes people who live or work in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Jefferson County, and Franklin County, Missouri. Additionally, individuals who work for one of 49 select employee groups within its field of membership are eligible to join. Family members of current members are also eligible for membership.

Century transitioned from a single-sponsor occupational charter to a community-based model, beginning in 1978 when it started serving two ZIP codes (63125 and 63129) after the National Lead plant closed.

Question 5

What services does Century Credit Union offer?

Accepted Answer

Century Credit Union provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services, including:

Deposit Accounts: Share savings accounts (including youth savings with 10% APY and teen CDs with competitive rates), checking accounts with no monthly fees, money market accounts, Christmas Club accounts paying 5.09% APY, and certificates of deposit.

Lending Services: Personal loans, auto loans, home equity loans with no closing costs and 100% financing available, mortgage loans with as little as 5% down and no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) required, and Credit Builder Loans for members building or improving credit history. The credit union charges no prepayment penalties on loans.

Credit Cards: Visa credit cards with no balance transfer or cash advance fees, along with rewards programs.

Digital Banking: Mobile banking app with mobile check deposit, online banking with 24/7 account access, bill pay service, person-to-person payments through Zelle, account alerts, and card management features including the ability to turn cards on/off for security.

Special Features: Quick Stash program that rounds up debit card purchases and deposits the change into a high-interest savings account, debit cards with cash-back rewards, and access to over 70 shared branches and 250+ ATMs in the St. Louis area, plus thousands nationwide.

Question 6

What makes Century Credit Union unique?

Accepted Answer

Century Credit Union distinguishes itself through several notable characteristics:

Exceptional Rates and Value: As a not-for-profit cooperative, Century consistently offers some of the lowest loan rates and highest deposit rates both locally and nationally. The credit union features youth savings accounts paying 10% APY and Christmas Club accounts paying 5.09% APY—rates rarely found at traditional banks.

Innovative Products: Century offers unique programs like Quick Stash, which automatically rounds up debit card purchases and deposits the change into high-yield savings, helping members save effortlessly. The credit union also provides no-PMI mortgages with just 5% down and home equity loans with 100% financing and zero closing costs.

Financial Strength and Stability: Century has maintained a 5-star "Superior" rating from BauerFinancial every quarter since December 31, 1994, demonstrating exceptional financial stability over three decades.

Community Recognition: Century has been named a finalist for Best Credit Union in St. Louis (2024 and 2025) and won Best Credit Union in Jefferson County (2025). The credit union also received finalist recognition for Best Mortgage (2025).

Rich History: With over 70 years of continuous service since 1954, Century has deep roots in the St. Louis community and maintains strong commitment to its founding cooperative principles of people helping people.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Century Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Century Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union regulated by the State of Missouri and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). It operates under a community charter, which allows it to serve members within defined geographic boundaries rather than being restricted to a single employer or association.

As a member-owned financial cooperative, Century operates on a not-for-profit basis. Members are also owners, and the credit union is governed by a volunteer board of directors elected by the membership. This cooperative structure enables Century to return profits to members through competitive rates, minimal fees, and enhanced services rather than distributing dividends to external stockholders.

Membership requires individuals to either live or work within the credit union's service area (St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Jefferson County, or Franklin County), work for one of its 49 select employee groups, or be a family member of a current member. The principle of "once a member, always a member" applies—members retain their membership even if they move outside the service area or change employers.

Century Credit Union

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About Century Credit Union in the United States