Arizona Financial's 90th Anniversary
Celebrating nine decades of community impact & people helping people.
Pictured clockwise from top left: Shannon (42 years of service), Lisa (40 years), Pat (36 years), Renae (38 years)
Built for Members,
Growing with Purpose
Our story began in 1936 with a simple premise: people helping people. From the start, our purpose has been to make affordable financial services available to working people and families – and that vision still guides the decisions we make today.
Arizona Financial is different by design. As a member-owned credit union, we don’t exist to maximize profits for stockholders. We exist to deliver value to our members.
Our excess earnings are returned to members in the form of better rates on loans and deposits, lower fees, and enhanced services like Loyalty Rewards & Relationship Discounts.
From humble beginnings, we’ve grown from a small, local credit union into a full‑service financial institution serving over 180,000 consumers and small business owners across Arizona.
We continue to invest in our communities in meaningful ways, like awarding over $800,000 in community grants and launching the Arizona Financial Foundation.
Timeline: 90 Years of Milestones
Take a scroll through our history – see how we’ve grown, adapted, and built lasting relationships across Arizona. From our founding days to our transformation from Arizona Federal to Arizona Financial in 2022, every milestone is a testament to the dedication of our members and the commitment of our team.
Established as the Phoenix City Employees’ Credit Union
19 employees staff the entire credit union. Average loan amount: $1,021
Credit union grows to 11,000 members strong and $14 million in assets
Share Drafts (checking accounts) introduced as new payment option
Our first Automated Teller Machines (ATM) made available to members
Arizona Federal forms with merger of Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale & Chandler employee credit unions
City of Glendale Employees FCU joins Arizona Federal
Arizona Federal surpasses $50 million in assets
Visa® Check Cards (debit cards) first offered to members
Arizona Federal processes its one millionth member transaction
Merger with Western Horizons FCU (former Western Horizon's HQ and Mesa Stapley branch pictured)
Arizona Financial serves 75,000 members, grows to $270 million in assets
C.U. Online PC banking introduced, requires software installation from 3.5 inch floppy disk
Arizona Federal launches first website, free download of C.U. Online available
Credit union moves into newly constructed (and current) headquarters on 44th Street & Van Buren in Phoenix
Credit union grows to 150,000 members, $1 billion in assets
Expanded field of membership approved: Maricopa & Pinal counties and City of Tucson
New credit card launches: no annual fee, no cash advance fee, no balance transfer fee (just like today!)
Arizona Federal completes historic giveback of $10 million in surplus earnings to members
Member hardships from housing crash and unemployment result in over $400 million in loan losses
Arizona Federal emerges from Great Recession, introduces "Power of Us!"
First credit union acquisition of a bank in Arizona, commercial & residential lending made available to members
Credit union gains naming rights to Arizona Federal (Financial) Theatre in downtown Phoenix
Local Causes debit card giveback established, over $800,000 in community grants awarded since 2020
Arizona Federal becomes Arizona Financial, reflecting change from federal to state credit union charter
New charter expands field of membership to serve majority of Arizona
Horizon Community Bank acquisition, new branches in Lake Havasu, Fort Mohave, Kingman, Parker & Quartzsite
Creation of Arizona Financial Foundation to increase community giveback & impact
180,000 members strong, $3.9 billion in assets, 690 employees
New member giveback programs introduced: Loyalty Rewards & Relationship Discounts
Thank you to our members for 90 years of trust. It's an honor to serve you!
Powered by People Who Care
Our mission comes to life through our employees – many with decades of service and deep community roots. Their dedication builds trust, strengthens relationships, and shapes the experience members feel every day.
People helping people isn’t just our history – it’s how we show up.
Innovation Built Around Members
Our history runs deep – but our focus is forward.
We continue to invest in digital tools, secure technology, and smarter processes to make managing your money simpler, safer, and more intuitive.
Whether you choose in‑branch conversations, digital connections, or both, your experience is designed to feel seamless and personal.
Committed to Community
Community is at the core of Arizona Financial.
Through our community grants program and Arizona Financial Foundation, we invest in local nonprofits, support meaningful causes, and partner with organizations that strengthen Arizona – today and for generations to come.
Join the Celebration!
Whether you've been with us for decades or are just getting started, you're part of our story.
Thank you for 90 years of trust! We are honored to serve you today and inspired by what we will continue to build together.
Watch for special events, giveaways and more throughout the year!