Question 1

What is Top Tier Federal Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Top Tier Federal Credit Union is a community-focused federal credit union headquartered in Clarion, Pennsylvania. With over 16,900 members and approximately $243 million in assets, the credit union serves 13 counties across northwestern Pennsylvania. Originally founded to serve employees of a single manufacturing plant, Top Tier has evolved into a full-service financial cooperative recognized by Callahan and Associates as the #1 credit union in Pennsylvania for Return to the Member in its asset class. The credit union has also earned the prestigious 10x Credit Union designation, placing it in the top 1% of credit unions nationwide for balanced results and member service.

Question 2

When was Top Tier Federal Credit Union founded?

Accepted Answer

Top Tier Federal Credit Union was founded on February 20, 1940, when the Farm Credit Administration granted approval for charter number 3655. Nine employees of the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Clarion acted as incorporators, signing the organization certificate on February 6, 1940.

The credit union officially organized on February 21, 1940, when members assembled at the Ross Memorial Library to establish Clarion Onized Federal Credit Union. Starting with just nine members and $100 in assets, the credit union was created to serve the financial needs of Owens-Illinois employees.

In 1972, the credit union expanded membership opportunities to include employees of other area businesses, moving beyond its single-employer focus. A 1985 merger with Gateway Knox FCU in Marienville further broadened its reach. The institution shortened its name to Clarion Federal Credit Union in 2010, and on August 1, 2022, officially adopted the name Top Tier Federal Credit Union to reflect its expanded geographic reach and commitment to modernization.

Question 3

Where is Top Tier Federal Credit Union headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Top Tier Federal Credit Union is headquartered at 144 Holiday Inn Road in Clarion, Pennsylvania. The credit union moved to this modern facility in June 2010 after outgrowing its previous Wood Street location.

The original office was located in the lower level of the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant Clubhouse, with a branch eventually built on Wood Street near the plant. In August 2024, the credit union purchased the former Klingensmith's Healthcare Building in Clarion for future expansion, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to growth and enhanced member service.

Question 4

Where does Top Tier Federal Credit Union operate?

Accepted Answer

Top Tier Federal Credit Union operates across 13 counties in northwestern Pennsylvania. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or regularly conducts business in Clarion, Jefferson, Forest, Venango, Butler, Armstrong, Mercer, Crawford, Warren, McKean, Elk, Indiana, or Clearfield Counties.

The credit union expanded its charter from four counties to 13 counties in 2021. It currently operates five branches: the main office in Clarion (opened June 2010), Brookville (opened May 2015), Cranberry (opened October 2020), Butler (opened November 2023), and Hermitage (scheduled to open Fall 2025). This strategic expansion reflects the credit union's commitment to serving a broader geographic area while maintaining its community-focused approach.

Question 5

What services does Top Tier Federal Credit Union offer?

Accepted Answer

Top Tier Federal Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services. Deposit accounts include share savings accounts, checking accounts, term certificates, IRAs, Christmas club accounts, vacation club accounts, youth accounts, and business accounts. A minimum $5 deposit is required to open a membership account.

Lending services encompass auto loans (new and used vehicles), home equity loans and lines of credit, residential mortgages, recreational vehicle loans, and personal loans. The credit union emphasizes competitive rates and fast turnaround times, with dedicated mortgage loan officers available to guide members through the entire mortgage process.

Digital banking services include online banking, a highly-rated mobile app available on iOS and Android, mobile deposit capture (individual checks up to $5,000), digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), bill pay with no monthly or per-transaction fees, e-statements, and customizable account alerts for balance notifications, overdraft warnings, and debit card usage. Members can lock and unlock their debit cards directly through the mobile app for enhanced security.

Additional member services include free annual financial health checkups, financial literacy programs, Credit Union Days for local businesses (providing workplace financial education at no cost to employers), and access to shared branch networks and ATMs.

Question 6

What makes Top Tier Federal Credit Union unique?

Accepted Answer

Top Tier Federal Credit Union distinguishes itself through exceptional member returns and recognition for performance excellence. Over the past 10 years, the credit union has returned $3.4 million to members, with $450,000 distributed in 2025 alone—the highest annual payout in the institution's history. This member dividend program rewards members based on active debit card usage, direct deposits, e-statement enrollment, deposit balances, and loan activity.

The credit union has earned prestigious industry recognition, including being named the #1 credit union in Pennsylvania for Return to the Member in its asset class by Callahan and Associates. It has also achieved 10x Credit Union designation, placing it in the top 1% of credit unions nationwide for delivering balanced, consistent results.

Top Tier demonstrates strong commitment to financial education and community engagement. The credit union offers free annual financial health checkups to all members and conducts Credit Union Days—workplace financial education sessions provided at no cost to local businesses. CEO Mark Lauer emphasizes the institution's focus on member financial well-being rather than shareholder profits, stating that the member-centric approach translates into lower fees, lower loan rates, and higher returns on savings products.

The credit union's impressive financial performance includes a 14.11% growth in total assets year-over-year, 10.85% loan growth, and 14.31% deposit growth, demonstrating strong member confidence and robust organizational health.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Top Tier Federal Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Top Tier Federal Credit Union is a federal credit union chartered and regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) under charter number 3655. As a federal credit union, it operates as a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned democratically by its members.

The credit union follows the cooperative principle of "people helping people," where members are both customers and owners. Membership requires maintaining a $5 share deposit, and members have voting rights in credit union governance. Unlike traditional banks that operate for shareholder profit, Top Tier returns surplus earnings to members through dividends, competitive rates, and lower fees.

The institution's deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), providing the same level of protection as FDIC insurance at banks. The credit union is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the membership, ensuring democratic control and member-focused decision-making.

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