Premier America Credit Union ($3.4B, Chatsworth, CA) strives to foster financial inclusivity and wellness in its suburban Los Angeles communities. When the closure of a mega bank branch on the campus of California State University, Northridge, created a gap in financial services, the credit union stepped in with a new space and tailored solutions to tap into the university’s significant first-generation student population and improve financial inclusion for college students.
As the official credit union of CSUN, Premier American opened a vibrant campus branch designed to be a welcoming space for students to learn and connect. There, credit union staffers help visitors open checking and savings accounts, apply for loans, and generally learn about personal or business finances. The credit union also launched a BankOn-certified checking account that doesn’t charge fees or overdraft, and it accepts alternative forms of identification so international students may access banking services.
Within its first year, the initiative exceeded expectations, with membership growth five times higher than projected and CSUN’s branch becoming the third busiest among all Premier America locations. This success has driven further outreach efforts, including financial literacy programs, community partnerships, and digital learning via TikTok.
In this webinar, Marcy Francisco, senior vice president and chief experience officer at Premier America, shares how the institution’s on-campus efforts have improved financial inclusion for college students while increasing membership among the surrounding diverse, underserved communities. The credit union’s thoughtful approach not only supports immediate financial needs but also aims to build lifelong relationships with members.