Question 1

What is Affinity Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Affinity Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, serving members across 14 counties in central Iowa. With approximately $149 million in assets and over 12,600 members, Affinity operates as a community-focused financial cooperative dedicated to serving working families and individuals.

The credit union emphasizes its mission of "Building Better Lives" by offering accessible financial services with competitive rates and minimal fees. Originally founded to serve factory workers, Affinity has evolved into a full-service financial institution while maintaining its blue-collar roots and commitment to financial inclusion.

Question 2

When was Affinity Credit Union founded?

Accepted Answer

Affinity Credit Union was founded on January 1, 1949, as USW Local 310 Credit Union (later known as 310 Credit Union). The credit union was established by United Steelworkers union members working at the Firestone tire plant in Des Moines.

In its earliest days, a lunch pail was carried around the factory floor to collect member savings and facilitate loans to fellow workers. This grassroots beginning reflected the cooperative principle of "workers helping workers" to provide financial resources for families and build financial stability within the industrial workforce.

Over its 75-year history, the credit union expanded its field of membership beyond the original Firestone plant employees, eventually adopting the name Affinity Credit Union to reflect its broader community mission.

Question 3

Where is Affinity Credit Union headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Affinity Credit Union is headquartered at 475 NW Hoffman Lane in Des Moines, Iowa. The main office location remains less than half a mile from the original Firestone tire plant where the credit union was founded, symbolizing its connection to its working-class heritage.

The facility features remodeled offices and careful landscaping, with historical photos of the Firestone plant displayed throughout the building as a tribute to the credit union's founding story.

Question 4

Where does Affinity Credit Union operate?

Accepted Answer

Affinity Credit Union operates two branch locations, both within Des Moines, Iowa. The main office is located at 475 NW Hoffman Lane, and the South branch is at 1700 E Army Post Road.

The credit union serves members across 14 counties in central Iowa. While physical branches are limited to Des Moines, members benefit from access to over 5,600 shared branch locations nationwide through the CO-OP Shared Branch network and thousands of surcharge-free ATMs through SHAZAM's Privileged Status Network.

Membership is available to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the credit union's designated service area, as well as immediate family members and households of current members.

Question 5

What services does Affinity Credit Union offer?

Accepted Answer

Affinity Credit Union offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services designed for working families and individuals. Deposit accounts include share savings accounts, checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements, and share certificates with competitive rates.

Lending services encompass auto loans (rates as low as 5.34%), personal loans, mortgage loans serviced in-house, credit cards (rates as low as 11.90%), and various consumer loans including micro loans and credit builder programs. The credit union also provides indirect auto lending, business loans, and participation loans.

Digital banking services include online banking, mobile banking apps for iOS and Android devices, mobile check deposit, bill payment services, account-to-account transfers, e-statements, and text message banking. Members can authenticate using biometric features like Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint recognition.

Additional services include financial counseling, financial education programs, loan protection benefits, overdraft protection options, and scholarship programs for high school students. The credit union also offers bilingual services to better serve diverse community members.

Question 6

What makes Affinity Credit Union unique?

Accepted Answer

Affinity Credit Union distinguishes itself through its deep commitment to serving working families and low-income communities. Over 50% of its members live in low-income areas, and the credit union maintains a low-income designation from NCUA, reflecting its dedication to financial inclusion.

The credit union's founding story—using a lunch pail carried on the factory floor to collect savings and make loans—remains central to its identity and mission. This blue-collar heritage informs the institution's focus on accessibility, minimal fees, and member-first service.

Affinity has earned over 2,000 five-star Google reviews, with members consistently praising personalized service where staff know customers by name. The credit union operates on a cooperative model where members are owners, and profits are returned through better rates and fewer fees rather than distributed to outside shareholders.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of Affinity's operations. Staff volunteers contribute hundreds of hours annually to local organizations, and the credit union awards scholarships to local high school seniors. The institution partners with community organizations like the Iowa Food Bank to address broader community health and wellbeing needs beyond traditional financial services.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Affinity Credit Union?

Accepted Answer

Affinity Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union, operating under Iowa state regulations while maintaining federal deposit insurance through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). As charter number 62829, it is classified as a federally insured state-chartered credit union.

As a member-owned financial cooperative, Affinity operates on democratic principles where each member has equal voting rights regardless of account balance. Members elect a volunteer board of directors from within the membership to govern the credit union and set strategic direction.

The cooperative structure means the credit union exists to serve member needs rather than maximize profits for external shareholders. Earnings are returned to members through competitive loan rates, higher savings dividends, and lower fees. Membership requires maintaining a $5 share account, representing each member's ownership stake in the cooperative.

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About Affinity Credit Union in the United States