Past to Present

Explore Peach State's Story!

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Peach State Federal Credit Union

Who We Are

Originally founded in 1961 as Gwinnett Teachers Credit Union, Peach State currently serves 70,000+ members throughout Georgia and South Carolina. In 2012, the Board of Directors voted to change the credit union’s name to Peach State Federal Credit Union to better reflect our membership base. Learn more about membership at Peach State.

In the video, you can hear about the history of Peach State from the families of two of our founding members, several long-time Board members, our first full-time employee, and our President/CEO, Marshall Boutwell.

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Our Mission

As a financial cooperative, it is our mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our member-owners.

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Peach State Team values their team mission

LOCAL CREDIT UNION • GUIDING VALUES

Our Core Values

At Peach State, our members and employees come first! Each day we achieve our mission guided by the following values:

  • Commitment
  • Community
  • Education
  • Excellence
  • Integrity
  • Passion
  • Respect
  • Service
  • Teamwork
  • Trust
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We Created Our Own Foundation For
Meaningful Community Impact

The Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is supported by our C.A.R.E.S. Visa Debit Card program as well as contributions from outside donors. For every purchase made with a Peach State Visa Debit Card, Peach State will donate a nickel to the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, which supports non-profits, school systems, and the arts in the communities within our footprint.1

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1 $0.05 per transaction of Peach State Federal Credit Union’s merchant interchange income from our Visa Debit Card program is used to benefit the communities we serve. Peach State will determine where/how funds are disbursed. This does not affect members’ accounts, nor will any member information be disclosed. You will not incur any additional fees or charges from this program. Merchant interchange income is derived from fees that a merchant pays to accept credit/debit card payments. The C.A.R.E.S. program may or may not apply to ATM transactions, certain commercial transactions, or other transactions not processed by Visa.

Woman who is Peach State member makes impact in her community

Member Testimonials

Share Your Story
Always liked your personnel. They are always knowledgeable and caring. Your members are not just a number. Love your services too.
 
- Marian M.
 

I like the fact that the employees remember me when I come in. They are always friendly and helpful. I feel like they go the extra mile if I’m having problems or if I have questions.

- Melissa S.

Peach State provides a personal touch that the big banks lost decades ago.
 
- Lynda R.
Couple is happy about CDFI certification

PEACH STATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION CERTIFICATION

Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)

Peach State is proud to have been certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), which recognizes our support for underserved communities.

CDFIs are dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help disadvantaged people and underserved communities to join the economic mainstream. Learn more about how we do this.

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We Believe In Transparency

We are proud of our credit union and believe that each and every member-owner should have full access to our latest financial information and annual report.

  • Financials Review our most up-to-date financial information.
  • Annual Report For the most up-to-date reports, minutes, and financials from the last annual meeting click here.
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Member happy to see her credit unions financials
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The Credit Union Difference

Credit unions are committed to service and have been since their beginning in 1852. The credit union concept is a simple one: People working together and pooling their savings to create a valuable credit resource not otherwise available to them.

These guiding principles of the early credit union movement are still alive today. Credit unions may look like banks in many ways, but their primary purpose – service to members – hasn’t changed. Part of this service is taking credit union profits in excess of expenses and reserves, and returning them to members. This is done in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings rates and lower fees. It’s what makes credit unions different and sets them apart from other financial institutions. It’s what makes a member more than just a customer. Credit unions are people helping people.

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Credit Unions vs. Banks

Although banks and credit unions have similar offerings, there are important characteristics that set them apart. Understanding the differences can help you make the best decisions for you and your family.

Philosophy vs. Business Model

Couple learns about Credit Unions vs. Banks

Credit Union

Not-for-profit financial cooperatives that advocate financial education, smart saving habits and sound credit use to enrich the lives and financial well-being of its member-owners.

Bank

A for-profit financial institution aimed at maximizing profits for stockholders.

Member-Owners vs. Customers

Diverse group of credit union members

Credit Union

Credit unions have members-owners who have equal stake in the organization.

Bank

Banks are owned by stockholders and investors. Customers do not have equal ownership in the organization.

Stewardship vs. Management

Members talk to newly selected leadership

Credit Union

Governed by volunteer Board of Directors elected by its members whose main purpose is to safeguard the credit union and its members.

Bank

Governed by paid, elected Board of Directors chosen by stockholders. They are legally bound to make decisions in favor of stockholders, not customers.

Purpose vs. Objective

Family is excited seeing lower fees at Credit union

Credit Union

Profits earned above expenses are returned to members in the form of lower fees, lower loan rates and higher earning on savings accounts. 

Bank

Banks maximize profits for stockholders, often offering little to no return to customers.

Tax Exempt vs. Taxation

Older woman enjoys life with extra profits she has seen

Credit Union

Exempt from corporate income tax because they are not-for-profit financial cooperatives that return profits to their members.

Bank

Not exempt from corporate income tax because they are for-profit organizations that return profits to their stockholders.
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The Credit Union Cooperative Principles

  • Democratic Control: One member, one vote.
  • Open Membership: Membership fosters community.
  • Non-discrimination: All are welcome at a credit union.
  • Distribution to Members: Profits are returned to member-owners, not stockholders.
  • Building Financial Stability: Credit unions are reliable and build their reserves to ensure continued service to members.
  • Service to Members: Credit union services are intended to improve the economic and social well-being of members.
  • Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Credit unions cooperate with each other to best serve the interest of their members and communities.
  • Social Responsibility: Credit unions seek to bring about human and social development. 1/3 of American credit unions are designated low-income.
  • Ongoing Education: Credit unions provide financial literacy education to help enrich the lives of members.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are a few of the commonly asked questions about Peach State.
For even more FAQs, check out our Member Knowledge Base.
What do I need to open an account with Peach State?
Joining Peach State is easy! Once you’re ready to open an account, you’ll need your picture ID, social security number, and account deposits.
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How do I apply for a loan?
There are three ways to apply for a loan...
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Who is able to become a member of Peach State?
Peach State offers membership to the employees of our sponsor Boards of Education, and many Select Employee Groups (SEGs) and associations.
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Member Knowledge Base