About USSFCU

About USSFCU

On October 8, 1935, at the height of the Great Depression, nine United States Senate employees; Chas E. Alden, Mack D. Chestnutt, Blaine Hollimon Jr., William E. Howard, Harry E. Cain, Edwin L. Swope, J.M. Henderson, D. Ronald Potter and Morris Sheppard, pooled their resources and chartered the United States Senate Employees Federal Credit Union with $45.00 to provide quality financial services to workers throughout the Senate.

Initially operating out of an office in the Russell Senate Office Building, United States Senate Employees Federal Credit Union enjoyed decades of continuous membership and revenue growth. By the time of its 50th Anniversary in 1985 and the institution would serve over 15,000 members.

In the following years, a name change to United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in 1990 and mergers with three other federal credit unions — the Government Accountability Office Federal Credit Union (GAOFCU), the District of Columbia Unemployment Federal Credit Union (DCUFCU), and American Trucking Association Federal Credit Union (ATAFCU) — helped USSFCU achieve dramatic growth into the new century.

In fact, by the time of its 65th Anniversary in 2000, USSFCU assets had reached $204 million and its membership stood at over 28,000.

Today, after decades of strategic planning and growth, USSFCU strives to continually introduce innovative new products and services, including user-friendly checking accounts and online banking services, to meet our members’ evolving needs in an era of rapid technological change.

We’re proud of USSFCU’s more than 80 years of professional service and look forward to helping our members achieve their goals for decades to come.

A Timeline of Continuous Growth

1935 – On October 8, 1935, nine United States Senate employees officially chartered the United States Senate Employees Federal Credit Union. For its first several decades the institution would operate out of the Russell Senate Office Building, named after Senator Richard B. Russell, who represented the State of Georgia in the Senate from 1933 to 1971.

1970 – USSEFCU exceeds $3 million in assets.

1974 – USSEFCU exceeds $10 million in assets.

1984 – To accommodate its continued growth, USSEFCU relocates from its office in the Russell Senate Office Building to the newly opened Hart Senate Office Building, which is named after Senator Philip Hart of Michigan, who during his 17-year Senate career was known as the “Conscience of the Senate”.

1985 – As USSEFCU celebrates its 50th Anniversary and membership has grown to over 15,000. 

1986 – USSEFCU exceeds $50 million in assets.

1990 – United States Senate Employees Federal Credit Union Board, in order to help set the stage for future expansion, formally approves a name change to the United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU).

1992 – The USSFCU Board approves a merger with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Federal Credit Union, adding 2,700 new USSFCU members and enabling the opening of a second full-service USSFCU branch in the GAO Building at 441 G Street NW. 

1992 – USSFCU exceeds $100 million in assets.

1993 – USSFCU opens a new operations center in Alexandria, Virginia.

2000 – USSFCU celebrates its 65th Anniversary as assets reach $204 million and membership surges past 28,000.

2002 – USSFCU’s third branch opens in Alexandria, VA.

2002 – After a significant investment, USSFCU launches online banking.

2003 – USSFCU exceeds $300 million in assets.

2005 – A new call center and business continuity facility opens in Central Virginia to support USSFCU’s member services and to serve as a backup operations center in the event of a natural disaster.

2008 – USSFCU exceeds $400 million in assets.

2010 – USSFCU celebrates its 75th Anniversary.

2011 – USSFCU exceeds $500 million in assets.

2012 – USSFCU relaunches its online banking platform and is now able to offer members even more innovative online banking services. 

2015 – As USSFCU celebrates its 80th Anniversary, the credit union has grown to serve more than 32,000 members and manage over $550 million in assets.

2016 – USSFCU exceeds $600 million in assets.

2017 – Upgraded to a new and improved website—offering enhanced user-friendly capabilities and updated Online Banking features.

2017 – Implemented early ACH posting, allowing members access to their direct deposit funds up two (2) days early.

2017 – Donated a total of $50,000 to food banks and shelters in the Washington, DC and Virginia areas.

2017 – Introduced the Bump Rate Certificate—an exciting new savings product that allows members the opportunity to bump up to a higher earning rate during the term of the certificate.

2017 - Launched Member Business Services—providing a line of financial products designed especially for businesses and nonprofit organizations.

2017 – Ended the year with a special thank you to our members—distributing a total of $165,000 in special dividends ($5) to all qualified members throughout the 2017 Holiday season.

2018 – Started the new year by raising rates on all savings products, making USSFCU a national leader in deposit rates.

2018 – Visa® Instant Issue: Debit and Credit Cards that can now be printed instantly—allowing members to leave any USSFCU branch with a ready to use, fully functioning account in just minutes.

2018 – Received a 5-Star Rating with Bankrate.com and ranked #79 in the Top 200 Healthiest Credit Unions in the Nation with DepositAccounts.com by Lending Tree.

2018 – Grew to a total of $715 million in Total Assets—a USSFCU milestone.

Members' Voice Testimonials

I feel my money is safe, the service has always been top-notch and we've found it easy to use even though I probably haven't set foot in one of the branches in five years. Joining the credit union is one of the smartest things I've done.

- Richard · Washington, D.C.

USSFCU has been my first banking option for over 40 years - no fee atms - my grands are now members of the credit union and value their credit union membership also.

- Dennis · Washington, D.C.

USSFCU staff continues to be the best and always has my best interest.

- Mia · Brandywine, MD

The USSFCU has been an important part of my financial situation and has provided outstanding service.

- John · Reston, VA

Every experience with USSFCU has been extremely good right from the start. Our main account with USSFCU is a HELOC with zero over prime rate, which is almost unheard of. The customer service has always been excellent. And when we asked for a temporary payment break to navigate and reorient professionally due to the sudden and temporary financial im...

- Katie · Carlsbad, CA

I've always been treated very professionally and the person caring for my financial needs always listened to me and helped me in a way that was not stressful and beneficial to me.

- Rochelle · Washington, D.C.

USSFCU has never failed us in its' role of being the best bank ever. All the personnel are professional, friendly, efficient and have more than earned our trust, appreciation and admiration. We admire the way they are constantly evaluating, adapting and growing their services for the benefit of its' members. We are very grateful to have had this im...

- Penelope · Copper Hill, VA

Magnificent people, great help during the hard times.

- Ramy · Salt Lake, Utah

I've been banking here for over 20 years it's the best customer service. Credit card interest rates don't gouge at USSFCU. It's a wonderful place to bank.

- Craig · Alexandria, VA

Very personable, solution based and takes an interest in your situation.

- Reno · Temecula, CA

Unfailing service by dedicated staff. I feel that USSFCU has my back. Staff has gone to bat for me whenever needed. I'm not aware on any mistake or inconvenience in my 30 years of membership. Excellent long term leadership, continuity and service by board.

- Lawrence · Darnestown, MD

Easy to become a member and superb customer support. I dealt with two different USSFCU representatives and they were fantastic. I was able to reach them immediately or if they were tied up they contacted me as soon as they became available. They helped me open an IRA and answered any and all questions with great attitudes and professionalism. They ...

- Adrienne · Wethersfield, CT

The credit union provides relatively good services and the security updates to the system are noticeable.

- Ophelia · Alexandria, VA

It took a matter of minutes to open the account and purchase a CD. The credit union that I have done business with for about 40 years took more than a week to close a joint account and transfer the funds to a new account when my husband died.

- Linda · Powder Springs, GA

Outstanding online and mobile banking services. Professional, Courteous, knowledgeable responsive staff!

- Michael · Crofton, MD

I am very satisfied to belong to this institution and whenever I need support it is good to know that I count on you.

- Salvador · Waldorf, MD

This credit union is the best, I love the customer service and you can?t beat the interest rates. And I?m happy to be a member of this great credit union.

- James · Locust Grove, GA

Great staff helping all the time. Just a very well run company always good service.

- Charles · Alexandria

Always good service, especially when I telephone in. I have another credit union where, every time I call in, I have to wait a considerable amount of time before reaching a representative. When I worked on the Hill, it always was a pleasurable experience coming to the credit union office, whether to make a deposit or apply for a loan.

- Charles · Takoma Park, MD

Customer service via the phone is very helpful and easy to accomplish requests.

- Clarke · Alexandria, VA

Care about their clients and concerned about making sure they have the best rates and packages.

- George · Cape Coral, FL

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