International Credit Union Day

October 18, 2018, will mark the 70th anniversary of International Credit Union Day. This year’s theme is “Find Your Platinum Lining.” It combines the traditional gift of platinum for 70th anniversaries with a play on the saying “every cloud has a silver lining.”

Credit unions all over the world will be celebrating the history and the success of the “People-not-Profit” philosophy. This year’s theme emphasizes the credit union movement’s loyalty to its members and its mission to provide them financial support and guidance.

The movement began in the 1840s as a democratic consumer cooperative by weavers in Rochdale, England. Frustrated by bankers who denied them loans simply because they weren’t wealthy, the weavers and workers decided to pool their incomes and loan money to each other. In time, this cooperation put each member on solid financial ground and encouraged their own businesses to flourish.

The need for equitable financial institutions grew and, in 1971, the World Council of Credit Unions, Inc. (WOCCU) was created to help establish and maintain viable credit union movements. It has become the leading voice for advocacy and governance on behalf of the international credit union community.

Today, over 235 million people are served by credit unions in 109 countries and 6 continents.

We’re happy you are celebrating with us today!

The Interior Federal Credit Union Story

We were founded in 1935 by a group of DOI employees who wanted their own Credit Union for all employees, volunteers, and their families.  A charter request was submitted to the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration), which was approved, and the Department of the Interior Federal Credit Union was established.  The original branch was set up in the Main Interior Building in Washington, DC, and later a second branch was opened in the U.S. Geological Survey building in Reston, VA.  These two buildings housed a majority of the DOI employees at the time. 

Because so many DOI employees were deployed throughout the country, the credit union sought to expand its charter to cover employees outside of the DC Metropolitan area.  We invested in advanced technology to offer online and mobile services to reach members no matter where they lived or worked, at any time.   Today, after 83 years in business, we continue to offer savings to our members just as we did in 1935.  

In August of this year, we reached a milestone of $200 Million in Assets--16 months ahead of schedule.  We attribute this success to good oversight of our members’ resources by our Board, solid partnerships with our product/service and technology vendors, and dedicated employees whose desire is to live out our mission of “providing excellent service to our members and meet their diverse and changing financial needs and interests.”

Our members-only benefits include: 

  • SOME OF THE BEST RATES IN THE COUNTRY
  • Discounts on home, auto, and life/AD&D insurance
  • Discounts on filing taxes and on realtor services when selling/buying a home
  • Discounts on car buying services and car rentals
  • Discounts on loans when combining certain products/services
  • Discounts through Love My Credit Union Rewards which includes Sprint, ADT, etc.
  • Member Rewards on our Credit Card and ShopSPOT Rewards on both Credit & Debit Cards
  • Nickel Back Rewards with our Debit Card (5 cents back on every signature transaction)

*If you (or someone you know) isn’t a member, find out how you can enjoy all that membership has to offer at interiorfcu.org.