About Us

Avenir Financial is a not-for-profit financial institution that is locally owned and operated by its member/owners.

• 1942

  Founding

  The credit union was formed on April 21, 1942 to serve “employees of the Boards of Education of Public Schools in Yuma County, Arizona.” The credit union was named "#2" because, at that time, there already existed an AEA FCU #1 in Phoenix.

  The seven founding members pooled together $35 in deposits and signed the original charter, which was approved by the Farm Credit Administration on May 6, 1942.

• 1963

  Early Years

  In the early years the credit union was operated out of the home of the manager, but by 1963 the first official office was opened on 8th Street in Yuma. 

• 1970

  Growth

  Over the years the credit union continued to grow, hitting $1 million in assets by 1966 and topping the $2 million mark in 1970. The Credit Union’s field of membership continued to expand to include other members of the greater Yuma community through either merger or the addition of new Select Employee Groups. 

• 1981

  AEA FCU

  In 1981, AEA FCU #2 was able to drop the "#2" after the AEA FCU in Phoenix changed its name.

• 1997

  Community Charter

  In 1997 AEA’s Board of Directors applied for and was granted a community charter by the National Credit Union Administration. This opened up AEA membership to "all persons who live, worship, or attend school in, and businesses and other legal entities located in Yuma and La Paz Counties of Arizona." AEA Federal Credit Union has long been a hometown favorite in Yuma County and has been voted “Best of Yuma” by our members many times over the years and "South County's Best" for three years in a row!

• 2020

  Community Development Financial Institution

  Avenir Financial received certification by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

• 2023

  Avenir Financial Acquires West Valley National Bank

  Avenir Financial announced agreement to acquire West Valley National Bank, headquartered in Goodyear, Arizona.

• 2024

  AEA Federal Credit Union becomes Avenir Financial

  In 2024, AEA Federal Credit Union became Avenir Financial and operates four full service branches, with two in Yuma, AZ and one in Somerton, AZ and one in San Luis, AZ. From its humble beginning, with more than 33,000 members and over $300 million in assets, Avenir Financial continually strives to serve its members and the community in a manner which is socially responsible, fiscally sound and trustworthy.

•  

Join the Avenir Financial family today!

As a member-owned financial cooperative, at Avenir Financial you are part of something bigger than financial services—you're family!

Become a Member