F&A History
From humble beginnings to a trusted financial partner serving the next generation of employees who keep the LA County area safe and running.
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Member-Owned, Member-Focused Since 1936
Chartered in 1936, during the challenging years of the Great Depression, a small group of Los Angeles County employees from the Forestry, Fire, and Agricultural Departments pooled their resources to create a financial cooperative, starting with just $26 in assets.
Today, that modest beginning has flourished into one of Southern California’s largest and most successful credit unions, with nearly $3 billion in assets serving more than 45,000 members. The F&A in our name honors our service to the LA County Fire Department and Agriculture Weights and Measures. Membership has expanded to include employees and their families associated with municipalities throughout Los Angeles County, but our founding principle remains unchanged: To ensure our members receive caring, personal service along with exceptional value.
The F&A Difference
Why bank with F&A? As a federally insured, not-for-profit financial cooperative, we exist to serve our members' needs. While traditional banks divvy out earnings to external stockholders, as one of the most efficient and financially sound credit unions in the country, F&A passes those earnings to you through exceptional rates, lower fees, and personalized service. There are no gimmicks, just great rates.
F&A has grown significantly since that opening day, but our commitment to the hardworking people who help keep LA running has never been stronger. Our story is one of growth, but more importantly, one of unwavering dedication to the financial well-being of our members.
Interested in how you can become part of F&A’s story? Check your eligibility for membership.
Your Credit Union, Your Voice
As a member, you're also an owner with a voice in how we operate. Our Board of Directors consists entirely of your peers — member-elected volunteers who understand your needs because they share them. This structure ensures that we remain accountable to those we serve.
And since we're members ourselves, it's not just our mission but in our personal interest to uphold our commitment to our values. This shared ownership creates a financial institution truly designed around your needs — rather than profit margins.
Experience the difference banking with a credit union can make. Check your eligibility for membership.
FAQs
How do I become a member of F&A Credit Union?
To become a member, determine if you are eligible, then submit an application. Check your eligibility for membership.
Who is on the Board of Directors?
A list of our volunteer Board of Directors is publicly available on this website.
Service
We put our members first. Period
At F&A Credit Union, you're never just an account number. We understand your unique financial needs, creating experiences where you feel valued and understood. Unlike banks serving anonymous stockholders, we put your needs first — anticipating them and consistently exceeding your expectations. That's the member-owned difference.
