We are headquartered locally, led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing our community, and we have committed to invest at least 10% of our Net Income each year to our community through supporting local nonprofits, grants, scholarships, and more. That's why you can rest assured that when you bank with us, your money stays here — where it matters. We are truly the place where people bank for good.

We invite any person, business, or legal entity who lives, works (or regularly conducts business in), worships, or attends school in our service area to open an account today.

We serve the following localities in the Commonwealth of Virginia:

Albemarle County, Alleghany County, Amherst County, Appomattox County, Augusta County, Bath County, Bedford County, Bland County, Botetourt County, Buckingham County, Buena Vista City, parts of Campbell County, parts of Charlotte County, Charlottesville City, Covington City, Craig County, Floyd County, Franklin County, Giles County, Highland County, Lexington City, Lynchburg City, Montgomery County, Nelson County, parts of Patrick County, Pulaski County, Radford City, Roanoke County, Rockbridge County, Salem City, Staunton City, and Waynesboro City.

Yes. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the independent agency that administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). Like the FDIC's Deposit Insurance Fund, the NCUSIF is a federal insurance fund backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. The NCUSIF insures member savings in federally insured credit unions, which account for about 98 percent of all credit unions in the United States - including Freedom First. The NCUSIF covers the balance of each member’s account, dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000, including principal and posted dividends through the date of the failure.

The NCUA's Share Insurance Estimator lets consumers, credit unions, and their members know how its share insurance rules apply to member share accounts—what's insured and what portion (if any) exceeds coverage limits.

Of course! We have branches throughout the Roanoke and New River Valleys and are in the process of expanding our brick-and-mortar branches throughout our service area, but we also have robust digital tools that allow you to open accounts and bank from anywhere. You can open an account on our main website www.freedomfirst.com.

Credit unions are not-for-profit — so their number one concern is helping the people they serve. But the benefits of credit unions don't stop there. Fewer fees, great rates, and local decision-making on loans are just a few of the ways being part of Freedom First benefits our members every day.

According to the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), the credit union motto is “Not for profit, not for charity, but for service.” Only credit unions are organized entirely for service—and not for profit.

Additionally, credit unions provide a level of service that consumers can’t find elsewhere. All consumers, whether or not they are members, benefit from credit unions in the marketplace. Credit union competition helps keep prices lower among other financial service providers. Credit unions provide quality services, fair rates and fees, and dependable advice and information. These are the foundations of “the credit union difference.”

CDFI stands for Community Development Financial Institution, and it is a special designation from the U.S. Treasury. This designation ensures that we put the community first by serving people who cannot access services at most banks, all while fostering economic growth by financing the local businesses you know and love.

CDFIs share a common goal of expanding economic opportunity in low-income communities by providing access to financial products and services for local residents and businesses. CDFIs can be banks, credit unions, loan funds, microloan funds, or venture capital providers. CDFIs are helping families finance their first homes, supporting community residents starting businesses, and investing in local health centers, schools, or community centers. CDFIs strive to foster economic opportunity and revitalize neighborhoods.

Yes, we are always looking for community-minded talent to join our team! Please visit www.freedomfirst.com/careers to see all of our open positions and apply online.