Why a Credit Union?

Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that exist to serve their members. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits, make loans and provide a wide array of other financial services. But as member-owned and cooperative institutions, credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates.

MEMBER-OWNED

  • YOU ARE MORE THAN A MEMBER, YOU ARE PART OWNER. Credit unions are owned and controlled by the people, or members, who use their services.
  • YOUR VOTE COUNTS. A volunteer board of directors is elected by members to manage a credit union.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Credit unions operate to promote the well-being of their members. Profits made by credit unions are returned back to members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings rates and lower loan rates.

MEMBERSHIP

Members of a credit union share a common bond, also known as the credit union’s “field of membership.”

Who May Join Bethlehem 1st FCU?

Employees of the following organizations (and their families*) are eligible for membership in the Bethlehem 1st Federal Credit Union:

*Once you become a Credit Union member, you can invite your family members to join. Your entire family including your spouse, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, stepchildren, stepparents, stepsibilings, and adopted children can all become Bethlehem 1st FCU members. You’re welcome to remain a credit union member for life, regardless of whether you change jobs, move, or retire.

Educational Institutions

  • Allentown (PA) Diocese Schools
  • Bethlehem (PA) Area Board of School Directors
  • Bethlehem (PA) Area School District
  • Bethlehem (PA) Area Vocational-Technical School
  • Bethlehem (PA) Christian School
  • Bethlehem Catholic High School
  • Lehigh University
  • Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School
  • Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
  • Lehigh Valley Christian High School
  • Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School
  • Moravian Academy
  • Moravian College
  • Moravian Theological Seminary

Municipalities

  • Bethlehem City
  • Bethlehem Township
  • Fountain Hill Borough
  • Freemansburg Borough
  • Hanover Township (Northampton County)
  • Hellertown Borough

Public Offices

  • Bethlehem Housing Authority
  • Bethlehem Parking Authority
  • Bethlehem Public Library

Service Organizations

  • American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • Bethlehem YMCA
  • Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem (PA)
  • Center for Vision Loss
  • Community Action Committee of LV
  • Da Vinci Science Center
  • Easter Seals Society
  • Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers
  • Sayre Child Center
  • South Bethlehem Historical Society
  • Sungard
  • VIA of the Lehigh Valley
  • YWCA of Bethlehem

Student Groups

  • Bethlehem (PA) Area Vocational-Technical School Continuing Ed Students
  • Bethlehem (PA) Area Vocational-Technical School Students
  • Bethlehem Catholic High School Students
  • Freedom High School Students
  • Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School Students
  • Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts Students
  • Liberty High School Students
  • Moravian College Students