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About Us

About Us

Since the humble beginnings in 1983, FAFCU now operates 6 branches thanks to our excellent member service and mobile banking options. Here are a few reasons why you'll love banking with us!

                             

Excellent Member Service

Our mission is to provide our members with quality financial services, giving special attention to their individual needs so they can reach their goals faster. You'll love our friendly staff, mobile banking options, and great rates. But don't take our word for it, hear what our members are saying!

a group of seven Forest Area Federal Credit Union standing in a row and smiling.
a group on Forest Area Federal Credit Union employees pose for a picture at the ground breaking for a new branch location. All are wearing hard hats and the sign reads "Coming Soon".

     

Growing with You Since 1983.

We've come a long way since 1983.

Take a trip through the past using tabbed timeline to see how we got where we are today. Plus, check out our field of membership to see if you're eligible to become a member.

     

We Love Our Communities

As a member-owned financial institution, we truly encompass the "people, helping people" philosophy and it shows!

We are committed to going above and beyond a traditional financial institution.

Plus, our staff is actively involved in our communities and loves giving back any way they can. Learn more about our community involvement.

Two employees of Forest Area Federal Credit Union pose with a group of school aged children in their classroom. Everyone is smiling.


 

Our Story

Since our humble beginnings in 1983, FAFCU now operates 6 branches in NW Michigan thanks to the commitment to our members, our passion for what we do, and our focus on integrating technology into our member experience. Click the tabs to take a stroll through the FAFCU timeline!

 

Ground Breaking Ceremony For
the Cadillac Branch

  administrative building picture

In May of 2024, we broke ground on our new Cadillac branch.

Moved into new HQ in Fife Lake

administrative building picture

In November 2023, the administrative staff moved into the brand new HQ building on US 131 in Fife Lake.

Ground Breaking Ceremony For
New Administrative Building

  administrative building picture

We broke ground on our new administrative building

Evergreen Launches

Evergreen logo

Our online banking platform called "Evergreen" launches.

Mesick Branch Opened

  Outside picture of the Mesick branch of Forest Area Federal Credit Union

We opened our first branch office in Mesick in 2019.

 

Manton Branch Moved

  outside image of the Manton branch of Forest Area Federal Credit Union

We moved the location of our Manton Branch in 2019.

 

Lake City Branch Opened

  outside image of the Lake City branch of Forest Area Federal Credit Union

We opened our first branch office in Lake City, Michigan in 2019.

 

Kalkaska North Branch Opened

  outside image of the Kalkaska branch of Forest Area Federal Credit Union

We opened our second branch in Kalkaska, Michigan in 2016.

Kingsley Branch Moved

  outside image of the Kingsley branch of Forest Area Federal Credit Union

 

The Kingsley branch relocated to the current spot on the east side of town.

Manton Branch Opened

We opened our first branch office in Manton, Michigan in 2001.

Kingsley Branch Opened

We opened our first branch in Kingsley in 1997.

Fife Lake Branch Moved Again

  outside image of the Fife Lake branch of Forest Area Federal Credit Union

In December 1993, the office was moved once again, this time to its current location at 638 Boyd St. in Fife Lake.

Kalkaska South Branch Opened

We opened our first branch in Kalkaska, Michigan in 1987.

Fife Lake Branch Moved

In January 1985, the office was moved to the original bank building in Fife Lake next to Kimball's Market.

FAFCU Was Organized

  outside image of a branch of Forest Area Federal Credit Union.

The original office of the credit union was located at Larr’s Sporting Goods in Fife Lake, MI, until such time that an alternate location could be found. At the end of the first month of business, Forest Area FCU had a total asset size of $4,049.42 and expenses for the month of $10.00. At the end of 1983, just a few months later, assets had risen to $105,320.89! Serving a membership of just 147 people, total expenses for 1983 were $286.36, while net income was $615.92.

Field of Membership

Our field of membership as a Community Chartered Credit Union is as follows: The field of membership shall be limited to having the following common bond: Persons who live, work, worship, or attend school in and businesses and other legal entities located in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Mackinac, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, or Wexford Counties, Michigan.

   Map of Michigan USA showing new counties included in field of membership

Also eligible are spouses of persons who died while within the field of membership of this credit union, employees of this credit union, volunteers in the community, members of their immediate family or household and organizations of such persons.