Peach State Federal Credit Union
Who We Are
Originally founded in 1961 as Gwinnett Teachers Credit Union, Peach State currently serves 70,000+ members throughout Georgia and South Carolina. In 2012, the Board of Directors voted to change the credit union’s name to Peach State Federal Credit Union to better reflect our membership base. Learn more about membership at Peach State.
In the video, you can hear about the history of Peach State from the families of two of our founding members, several long-time Board members, our first full-time employee, and our President/CEO, Marshall Boutwell.
Our Mission
As a financial cooperative, it is our mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our member-owners.
LOCAL CREDIT UNION • GUIDING VALUES
Our Core Values
- Commitment
- Community
- Education
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Passion
- Respect
- Service
- Teamwork
- Trust
We Created Our Own Foundation For
Meaningful Community Impact
The Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is supported by our C.A.R.E.S. Visa Debit Card program as well as contributions from outside donors. For every purchase made with a Peach State Visa Debit Card, Peach State will donate a nickel to the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, which supports non-profits, school systems, and the arts in the communities within our footprint.1
1 $0.05 per transaction of Peach State Federal Credit Union’s merchant interchange income from our Visa Debit Card program is used to benefit the communities we serve. Peach State will determine where/how funds are disbursed. This does not affect members’ accounts, nor will any member information be disclosed. You will not incur any additional fees or charges from this program. Merchant interchange income is derived from fees that a merchant pays to accept credit/debit card payments. The C.A.R.E.S. program may or may not apply to ATM transactions, certain commercial transactions, or other transactions not processed by Visa.
Member Testimonials
I have been with Peach State since 1993 and never had one issue. Very friendly and helpful!
- Dennis B.
PEACH STATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION CERTIFICATION
Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
Peach State is proud to have been certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which recognizes our support for underserved communities.
CDFIs are dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help disadvantaged people and underserved communities to join the economic mainstream. Learn more about how we do this.
We Believe In Transparency
We are proud of our credit union and believe that each and every member-owner should have full access to our latest financial information and annual report.
The Credit Union Difference
Credit unions are committed to service and have been since their beginning in 1852. The credit union concept is a simple one: People working together and pooling their savings to create a valuable credit resource not otherwise available to them.
These guiding principles of the early credit union movement are still alive today. Credit unions may look like banks in many ways, but their primary purpose – service to members – hasn’t changed. Part of this service is taking credit union profits in excess of expenses and reserves, and returning them to members. This is done in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings rates and lower fees. It’s what makes credit unions different and sets them apart from other financial institutions. It’s what makes a member more than just a customer. Credit unions are people helping people.
Credit Unions vs. Banks
Although banks and credit unions have similar offerings, there are important characteristics that set them apart. Understanding the differences can help you make the best decisions for you and your family.
Philosophy vs. Business Model
Credit Union
Bank
Member-Owners vs. Customers
Credit Union
Bank
Stewardship vs. Management
Credit Union
Bank
Purpose vs. Objective
Credit Union
Bank
Tax Exempt vs. Taxation
Credit Union
Bank
The Credit Union Cooperative Principles
- Democratic Control: One member, one vote.
- Open Membership: Membership fosters community.
- Non-discrimination: All are welcome at a credit union.
- Distribution to Members: Profits are returned to member-owners, not stockholders.
- Building Financial Stability: Credit unions are reliable and build their reserves to ensure continued service to members.
- Service to Members: Credit union services are intended to improve the economic and social well-being of members.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Credit unions cooperate with each other to best serve the interest of their members and communities.
- Social Responsibility: Credit unions seek to bring about human and social development. 1/3 of American credit unions are designated low-income.
- Ongoing Education: Credit unions provide financial literacy education to help enrich the lives of members.