It may be our story, but it’s all about you.
Mountain America Credit Union first opened its doors in the 1930s with a commitment to guiding our members to define and achieve their financial dreams.
Today, our essence—guidance—remains the focal point of our identity. It’s a purpose-driven identity to ensure that everything we do moves you safely along your journey.
Call it a path, a trail, or simply a way through. Sometimes it's arrow straight. Other times it has unexpected twists and turns that require knowledge of the road ahead. From wherever you are to where you see yourself going, there is a clear way forward. It's life's financial journey, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
As your financial partner, we'll help outfit you with the tools for the journey ahead—like convenient, flexible products and services designed around how you really live, as well as sound, timely advice to help steer you around any obstacles.
This is your journey.
Let's begin together, right here.
Mountain America fact sheet
Corporate headquarters
Mountain America Credit Union
9800 South Monroe Street
Sandy, Utah 84070
801-325-6228
Toll free: 1-800-748-4302
About us
Mountain America Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union, regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. We are a full-service financial institution and the tenth largest credit union in the United States with more than $17 billion in assets.1
As a credit union, Mountain America is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to improving its members’ lives. In fact, credit unions are the only democratically-controlled financial institutions in the U.S. Members elect a volunteer board of directors to oversee the credit union. The president/CEO (currently Sterling Nielsen) reports to this board. In contrast, banks are for-profit entities, run by paid board directors, with all profits benefitting bank shareholders.
Because credit unions aren’t focused on making a profit, we’re able to offer lower rates on loans and credit cards, as well as higher earnings on savings, money market and interest-bearing checking accounts—giving back more to members.
Additionally, credit unions educate members about money matters. We provide resources, such as in-branch financial advisors, online and print newsletters, educational brochures, seminars and community involvement to help members and nonmembers alike make informed financial decisions.
Our purpose is to help members enjoy a good life by providing them a positive incentive to save and manage their finances. It’s part of our philosophy of “people helping people."
Mission
We provide exceptional member experiences by hiring and developing the best people who make it easy to do business, deliver quality service and technology, and provide valuable financial guidance.
Vision
We help our members define and achieve their financial dreams.
Founded
Mid-1930s
Company type
We are a member-owned, not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution offering a full range of financial products and services.
Charter type
Federal
Regulatory agency
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
Leadership
- Board of directors—nine directors elected to three-year terms
- President and CEO—Sterling Nielsen
Total membership
More than 1.1 million members (as of March 2023)
Total assets
$17 billion (as of May 2023)
Branches and ATM network
Today, our extensive network of branches and ATMs spans much of the Intermountain West, including Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and Nevada. We operate more than 100 branches and offer branch services through online and mobile banking, automated phone banking, and a toll-free service center.
We also belong to an extensive ATM network, which allows members to complete surcharge-free transactions at more than 50,000 ATMs nationwide. This network includes the CO-OP Network, the largest no-fee ATM network in the western U.S.
Employer groups
Many area employers have aligned with Mountain America, thereby offering their employees the opportunity to join Mountain America Credit Union and share in the benefits. These companies include L-3 Communications, Dominion Energy, Novell, State of Utah, Smith's Food and Drug, Salt Lake County employees, and more than 3,800 others.
Rankings
- Tenth largest credit union in the United States¹
- Second largest credit union in Utah²
- #1 SBA lending credit union for the last 19 years³
- #1 credit union in the western United States for business share accounts⁴
- Third highest-ranked social media presence for credit unions⁵
- #1 credit union in Utah for returning value back to its members⁶
Insurance
Deposits are insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
The Credit Union Difference
At first glance, there may not seem to be much difference between credit unions and banks. They both offer similar products and services. However, there are some critical factors that set the two apart.
Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives dedicated to improving members' lives. In fact, they are the only democratically-controlled financial institutions in the United States. You and other members elect a volunteer board of directors to oversee the credit union. The president/CEO reports to this board. Bank directors, however, are paid and are legally bound to make decisions that benefit stockholders. Banks make money for stockholders, not for customers.
Because credit unions aren't focused on making a profit, we're able to offer lower rates on loans and higher earnings on savings. Interest rates on credit cards and auto loans average one- to one-half percentage points lower than bank rates. Money market, savings and interest checking accounts provide higher rates—giving back more to members.
| Credit Unions | Banks |
|---|---|
| Owned by members | Owned by stockholders |
| Not-for-profit | For profit |
Quarterly Newsletter
Mountain America is not simply a building where you house your money. We are your financial partner. We’d love the opportunity to help you get one step closer to your next financial dream.
Read more1. By asset size, Credit Union Times, May 2023
- MX.com, January 2023
- Callahan and Associates, 2023
- NCUA data, December 2022
- Across all social platforms, The Financial Brand, April 2023
- Callahan and Associates, December 2022
