Alliant Credit Union

The story of Alliant Credit Union is a journey of transformation, from a humble beginning serving a specific group of workers to a leading national, all-digital financial institution. Its origins trace back to October 26, 1935, when a small group of United Airlines employees envisioned a cooperative financial entity dedicated to its members. They founded the United Airlines Employees' Credit Union with a simple yet powerful mission: to provide a safe place for savings and offer loans at fair and reasonable rates. In its first year, the credit union grew to 146 members with just over $5,000 in assets, a testament to the trust and community spirit it was built upon. For decades, it steadily served the employees of United Airlines and their families, gradually expanding its services and reach within this community.

A pivotal moment in its history arrived in 2003 when the institution rebranded as Alliant Credit Union. This change marked a significant strategic shift, opening its membership to a much broader audience beyond the airline industry. This evolution was a precursor to another major transformation. Recognizing the changing needs of its members and the rise of digital technology, Alliant began a gradual transition towards becoming a fully digital credit union starting in 2014. As members increasingly adopted online and mobile banking, the reliance on physical branches diminished. This digital-first approach culminated in 2020 when Alliant closed its remaining branches, becoming a completely online institution. Today, Alliant stands as one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with over 900,000 members and more than $19 billion in assets. It has boldly disrupted traditional banking norms, focusing on providing exceptional value through high deposit rates, low loan rates, and a seamless digital experience, all while maintaining its foundational, member-first philosophy.