When it comes to managing your finances, choosing where to bank is one of the most important decisions you'll make. With more options available than ever before, you may wonder what sets a credit union apart. At Ascend, we believe that joining a credit union isn’t just about where you keep your money — it's about joining a community that puts your financial well-being first. Here's why becoming a credit union member might be the best financial move for you:

Member-Owned, Not-for-Profit
Unlike other financial institutions that may be driven by profit for shareholders, credit unions like Ascend are member-owned, not-for-profit organizations. This means any profits we make are reinvested back into the credit union or returned to our members in the form of lower loan rates, higher deposit rates, and a commitment to outstanding member service. When you join a credit union, you're not just a customer; you’re a member-owner, with a voice in how the credit union operates.

Personalized Service
One of the key differences between credit unions and larger financial institutions is the personalized experience you receive. At Ascend, our focus is on building strong, lasting relationships with our members. Our team takes the time to understand your financial goals, offering tailored advice to help you succeed. Whether you're applying for your first auto loan or planning for retirement, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.

Community Focus
Credit unions are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. For instance, Ascend was founded in 1951 in Tullahoma, Tennessee to serve military members at Arnold Air Force Base. Since then, we’ve grown to 245,000 members across Middle Tennessee. By banking with us, you’re contributing to the growth and success of your local community!

A Commitment to Financial Education
One of the core values of credit unions is empowering members with the knowledge they need to make sound financial decisions. At Ascend, we offer a wide range of free educational resources, from homebuying workshops to online financial education courses. Our goal is to help you not only meet your financial needs today but to plan for a brighter financial future.

Exclusive Member Perks
Being a member of Ascend comes with more than just great financial products — it also means access to exclusive perks. From annual Ascend scholarships to free credit monitoring tools, we aim to provide you with added value for being part of our credit union family. Plus, members can also schedule a free financial health checkup with one of our Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors to help you create a budget and develop a savings plan for your goals.

Safety and Security
Your money is safe with us. Credit unions are federally insured,by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The NCUA regulates and insures all federally-chartered credit unions up to at least $250,000 per share owner, per insured credit union, for each account ownership category, offering peace of mind that your hard-earned money is protected.

Join Ascend Federal Credit Union Today!
When you join Ascend, you’re not just opening an account; you’re joining a community of members who share the same values and goals. Our mission is to help you achieve financial success by offering personalized service, competitive rates, and financial tools designed to meet your unique needs. If you’re ready for a financial partner that puts you first, consider becoming a member today.

Ready to join? Visit your local Ascend branch, call 800-342-3086, or apply online, and experience the credit union difference for yourself!