2026 Summer Possibilities
Ascend Federal Credit Union was founded in 1951 at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma with a sole mission: to serve. After 75 years, that mission remains the same today. The commitment to our purpose that began with eight members has allowed us to extend our reach to more than 265,000. Today, we remain committed to helping you, our members, become better financial stewards so you can navigate your financial journey with confidence.
Part of what differentiates us as a not-for-profit financial institution is the investment we put in the products and services that help our members thrive above maximizing shareholder profits. The well-being of our members is rooted in every decision we make and remains our top priority.
Our plan for how we serve you continues to evolve so we can meet your ever-changing needs more conveniently. We strive to provide you with a variety of options that allow you to choose your service preferences – whether it’s our app that’s available 24/7 or the friendly, informed team members in our branches, you always have an option for what works best for you. We’re also mindful about offering products that help you thrive financially, such as high-yield checking, certificate, and money market accounts. These accounts earn dividends on the money you put in them, giving you extra cash without any additional effort. Providing the right products to help you succeed and more accessibility will continue to be our focus as we move into the future.
I hope you enjoy this special 75th anniversary edition of Possibilities. We’ll look back at Ascend over the decades and share a little about what’s made us successful. At the root of it all is a commitment to serving you. That’s been our mission for the last 75 years, and it always will be.
Regards,
Matt Jernigan
President & CEO
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
All Ascend branches and offices will be closed on Saturday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
TAX-FREE WEEKEND
Tennessee tax-free weekend will take place Friday, July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 2. During this annual sales tax holiday, clothing, school supplies, and computers may be purchased tax-free. Certain restrictions apply. Visit tn.gov for more information.
SAFE DEPOSIT RENEWAL
Don’t forget, rental fees for all safe deposit boxes are due Sept. 1. The fee will be transferred automatically from your specified checking or savings account. If you have questions regarding the fee, please give us a call at 800-342-3086 before Sept. 1.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Members have the option to meet virtually with an Ascend Financial Services Officer. Visit ascend.org/schedule to book your appointment today.
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION
Be sure your contact information is up to date with Ascend. Update your information by opening the Ascend app and select Profile under the Settings drop-down menu.
How 75 years shaped our credit union.
Ascend Federal Credit Union began in a corner office on Arnold Air Force Base in 1951 with a simple mission: to serve. We may have outgrown that corner office, but we’ve remained committed to helping our members thrive during every step of their financial journey. Explore more at ascend.org/75th-anniversary.
From 1 branch to 28 – and counting.
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary at Ascend, we’re proud to reflect on a journey defined by growth and service to our members and communities. What began as a small group of just eight members working out of a corner office at Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma has grown into a thriving organization serving more than 265,000 members at 28 branches today.
From the very beginning, our commitment has been helping our members be successful financially while investing in the well-being of our local communities. That commitment continues to guide every decision we make, from the products and services we provide to the valuable partnerships we build with other like-minded organizations in our region.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue growing alongside our members and joining new communities. We recently opened our newest branch in Clarksville, Tennessee, expanding our ability to serve even more members where they live and work. The new branch is located at 588 Fire Station Road, and in addition to normal branch hours, drive-up teller service is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Our branches have always been an important part of the relationships we build with our members and communities. We’re excited to strengthen those connections and are grateful for those who have been part of our journey.
Personalized service, on your time.
Life doesn’t always follow a 9-to-5 routine, and your banking shouldn’t have to, either. That’s why Ascend makes it easy to access your money and manage your day-to-day finances on your terms.
Our Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) bring a full-service teller experience beyond traditional branch hours. Available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, our ITMs connect you to a live local teller who can help with deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, transfers, and more. It’s personalized service with added flexibility, helping you bank when it works best for your schedule.
Prefer to bank from home (or anywhere else)? Our mobile app makes it easy to check balances, deposit checks, transfer funds, pay bills, and stay on top of your finances 24/7. It’s banking that goes where you go.
At Ascend, the goal is simple: to remove barriers and make managing your money easier. With extended branch hours and an easy-to-use mobile app, you’re in control no matter where or when you bank.
Putting your membership to work.
One of the ways Ascend returns value to our members is through competitive rates designed to help your money go further. For 75 years, we’ve remained committed to helping our members become effective financial stewards, and that includes creating ways for you to consistently earn more. That’s why we have products designed to help you get the most out of your money.
High-Yield & Rewards Checking
Earn up to 3.04% APY1 on your account balance or rewards on qualifying purchases.24 With Ascend High-Yield and Rewards Checking, Certificate, and High-Yield Money Market accounts, you get real value just by opening an account.
Certificate Accounts
Lock in a higher dividend rate (as high as 4.15% APY1) than most savings accounts with a variety of term lengths.
High-Yield Money Market
Get a higher dividend rate (3.14% APY1) with easy access to your funds when you need them.
No matter if you’re looking to park your emergency funds or save for a major purchase — like a home — high-yield accounts from Ascend can help get you there. Visit ascend.org/accounts to get started today.
A legacy of helping members succeed.
Financial well-being looks different for everyone. Whether it’s improving your credit score, paying down debt, building savings, or preparing for a major life milestone, having access to the right resources can make all the difference.
As Ascend celebrates 75 years of serving members, we’re proud to continue providing tools, education, and personalized guidance that help individuals take control of their financial future. From free credit score monitoring and financial counseling to scholarships for local students, we’re committed to helping our communities thrive.
Making a Local Impact
At Ascend, we believe that when our communities thrive, so do our members. That’s why our impact extends beyond financial services. From classrooms to community events, Ascend team members are actively engaged in shaping our communities for the better.
MTSU Financial Literacy Month
Ascend is a proud annual presenting sponsor of Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) TN Financial Literacy Month campaign, organized by the Jones College of Business. This initiative brings students valuable opportunities to build real-world financial skills through engaging and interactive experiences. We’re grateful to partner with MTSU in delivering these meaningful experiences and supporting the next generation of financially confident leaders.
Rutherford Co. Chamber Business Before Hours
Ascend was excited to partner with United Way of South Central Tennessee to co-present a recent Rutherford County Chamber Business Before Hours networking event. Held at our Main Street–Murfreesboro branch, this gathering brought together local professionals for meaningful connections, collaboration, and conversation. Events like Business Before Hours reflect our commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening the networks that help our communities grow and succeed.
Celebrating our team, culture, and commitment to members.
Ascend is proud to be recognized both locally and nationally for our service, workplace culture, and leadership. These honors reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to our members and investing in the people and communities we serve.
Celebrating Excellence in Marketing
Ascend earned a Diamond Award from America’s Credit Unions for our Possibilities newsletter. This national recognition highlights outstanding marketing achievements across the credit union industry and highlights our focus on financial empowerment through engaging, meaningful communication.
Recognizing Leadership in Our Community
Tosha Price, Business Development Manager, was named to VIP Murfreesboro’s 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes young professionals making a significant impact through leadership, innovation, and community involvement.
Investing in Our People
Ascend was recognized as a 2026 Training MVP Award winner by Training Magazine, marking our 12th year receiving this national honor. This award highlights our dedication to employee development and ensuring our team has the knowledge and tools needed to serve members at the highest level.
National Recognition for Member Experience
Ascend was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions list for 2026. This distinction reflects the trust of our members and our continued focus on delivering a positive, reliable banking experience.
Each of these recognitions represents a direct reflection of the relationships we build, the service we provide, and the standards we set every day.