When was NASA Federal Credit Union founded?

NASA Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1949 to serve employees of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It has since grown into a nationwide, member-owned cooperative headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Where is NASA Federal Credit Union headquartered?

NASA Federal is headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and operates 13 branches along with access to shared-branch and surcharge-free ATM networks nationwide.

How big is NASA Federal Credit Union?

NASA FCU serves more than 238,000 members and holds roughly $5.8 billion in assets, making it one of the larger federally chartered credit unions in the United States.

Do you have to work for NASA to join?

No. While NASA Federal was chartered to serve NASA employees, membership is now open nationwide through partner associations, select employer groups, family relationships and community options.

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About NASA Federal Credit Union

Q: Is NASA Federal Credit Union a bank?

No. NASA Federal is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union whose deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, not a for-profit bank owned by shareholders.

About NASA Federal Credit Union: chartered in 1949 to serve employees of the space program, NASA Federal Credit Union (NASA FCU) is today a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, serving more than 238,000 members nationwide with roughly $5.8 billion in assets. This is an independent member guide, not the official site.

The credit union began in 1949 when a small group of NASA employees pooled their savings to lend to one another on fair terms. More than seven decades later, that cooperative structure is unchanged: NASA Federal is owned by its members rather than outside shareholders, and any earnings are returned through better loan and deposit pricing, lower fees and expanded services. Background on the institution is available on Wikipedia and through the federal regulator described below.

Key facts about NASA Federal

NASA Federal Credit Union is one of the larger federally chartered credit unions in the United States, reporting roughly $5.8 billion in assets across a membership of more than 238,000. Member deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration; you can review the regulator on the official NCUA site.

1949

Chartered

238,000+

Members

$5.8 billion

In assets

Branches

Mission and cooperative structure

Member-owned

Every account holder is a part-owner. NASA Federal answers to its members, not to outside investors, which shapes how it prices loans and pays dividends.

Not-for-profit

As a not-for-profit cooperative, NASA FCU returns earnings to members through better rates, lower fees and reinvested services rather than shareholder profit.

Community focus

NASA Federal supports STEM education, scholarships and community programs, reflecting its roots in a workforce dedicated to science and exploration.

From the space program to nationwide membership

For its first decades, NASA Federal served the agency's engineers, scientists and support staff. Over time its field of membership widened well beyond the space program, and it is now open to people across all 50 states. You do not have to work for NASA to belong: membership is available through partner associations, select employer groups, immediate family relationships and community options. See the membership page for the specific paths to joining.

That growth has not changed the founding idea. NASA Federal still measures success by member benefit rather than share price, and it continues to invest in financial education, scholarships and science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs that echo its origins in the space program. Community involvement, sponsorships and volunteer support sit alongside the everyday work of checking accounts, loans and deposits, and members guide the direction of the cooperative through the board they elect.

What it means to be member-owned

When you open an account you become a member and a shareholder of the cooperative. That ownership is the practical difference between NASA Federal and a commercial bank, and it is why the organization speaks with one anonymous, member-first editorial voice rather than promoting individual personalities.

Chartered in 1949 to serve NASA employees, now open to members nationwide.
Headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with 13 branches plus shared-branch and ATM network access.
More than 238,000 members and about $5.8 billion in assets.
Deposits federally insured by the NCUA; the institution lends under NMLS #486583.
Routing number 255077833 for direct deposit, ACH and wire transfers.

An organization, not a set of personalities

NASA Federal presents itself as an institution rather than a roster of named executives or influencers. Governance rests with a volunteer, member-elected board of directors and professional management, consistent with the credit union cooperative model in which each member has an equal voice regardless of account size. Members can reach the organization by phone at 1-888-627-2328 or visit the contact page for other options, and can find offices on the branches and ATMs page. Businesses owned by members can also explore business services and banking. This site remains an independent reference and links to the official credit union for all account access.

About NASA Federal Credit Union — FAQ

When was NASA Federal Credit Union founded?: It was chartered in 1949 to serve NASA employees and has grown into a nationwide, member-owned cooperative.
Where is it headquartered?: NASA Federal is based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with 13 branches and broad ATM network access.
How large is NASA FCU?: It serves more than 238,000 members and holds roughly $5.8 billion in assets.
Do you have to work for NASA to join?: No. Membership is open nationwide through partner associations, employer groups, family ties and community options. See membership.