70 Years of Service in Northern Virginia

Since 1956, we’ve supported our members, families and communities through every kind of milestone and have become a trusted financial institution of Northern Virginia.

70 years later, we’re honoring where we’ve been and paying it forward by celebrating throughout 2026. We have a year full of celebrations planned, including special member giveaways, community events, history spotlights and more.

Where Our Roots Begin

What started as a gesture of kindness by Fairfax County Public School teachers to help a fellow teacher has grown into a thriving institution trusted by more than 270,000 people. We’ve stayed grounded in our purpose: improving lives and fulfilling dreams.

From our earliest days working at a kitchen table to becoming the financial institution you know today, our history has been shaped by the people who believed in helping others.

Highlights From Our Journey

1950s

Where It All Began

A decade of volunteer spirit and community roots

October 1, 1956 We were officially chartered as Fairfax Education Association Federal Credit Union with 10 members and $2,601 in assets.

We were operated entirely by volunteers, often from homes or shared spaces.

Our early loans were focused on supporting teachers and averaged $150.

1960s

Laying the Foundation

Formalized operations and steady growth

1965 Hired our first full-time manager. The term CEO wasn’t commonly used by credit unions at the time.
1969 Hired our second CEO.

Assets reached $1 million, reflecting growing trust and membership.

1970s

Growth and Resilience

Expansion, name changes and overcoming challenges

1970 Broke ground on the first headquarters on Main Street in Fairfax. In 1979, a tornado damaged the building, prompting a temporary relocation.
1974 Our name was changed to Fairfax County Public School Employees Federal Credit Union.

1980s

A New Name and New Capabilities

Modernization and brand transformation

1980 We became Apple Federal Credit Union. The apple symbolizes our roots in education and further growth of our broadening membership.
1989 We launched Apple Services Corporation (now Apple Financial Services) to offer investments and insurance.

During this decade, we also introduced ATM Cards.

1990s

Digital Leadership and Student Impact

Innovation and youth financial education

1995 We were among the first U.S. credit unions to offer online banking. We also opened the first Student Run Branch in Virginia at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield. This was one of the earliest programs of its kind in the country, and the first in Virginia. Additionally, we hired our third CEO.

We launched the first Apple FCU website.

2000s

Expansion and Community Partnerships

Broader reach and new lending solutions

2000-2001 A new Ridge Top Road headquarters was built to support our growth.
2005 We issued our first commercial loan to Fairfax Baptist Church. Additionally, expanded into Stafford County with the opening of a new branch.
2007 Reached $1 billion in assets. Additionally, expanded into Loudoun with the opening of a new branch in Ashburn.

We merged with several credit unions, including Satellite, AMS and NVAR, which expanded membership.

2010s

Growth, Access and Innovation

Assets doubled and digital tools expanded

2011-2015 We merged with Synergy One Federal Credit Union, Vantria Federal Credit Union and Winchester Community Federal Credit Union.
2011 We launched the Apple FCU Mobile App.
2016 We launched Apple Pay^® and other digital wallets.
2017 We hired our fourth CEO.
2018 We opened our current headquarters at Fairfax Corner. Additionally, membership hit 200,000.

2020s

Banking for the Future

Modern tools and expanded convenience

2022 We launched Zelle^®.
2025 We merged with NextMark Credit Union.

A Thank You to Our Members

For 70 years, you’ve trusted us to be part of your life’s biggest moments. From first steps to first cars, from new businesses to new beginnings—it is our honor to serve you, your families and our community.

70 Years of Paying It Forward