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From small beginnings

Back in 1940, $75 was a lot of money and is what our founders – 9 federal employees – pooled to give their co-workers and families an alternative to traditional banks. They were passionate about providing affordable choices for their financial dreams. And so, the NIHFCU was born!

Through the years, we’ve expanded membership beyond the National Institutes of Health to include those employed at other biomedical/healthcare organizations in the Washington DC metro area.

Today, we provide financial services to more than 50,000 members – for their personal and business needs.  Membership is now available nationwide and, while most of our members work in the healthcare/biomedical industries, it is not a requirement for membership.

Not a healthcare or biomedical professional?  You may still be eligible to join.  See our list of eligible employers or become a member of the American Consumer Council (complements of NIHFCU) so you can begin banking with us.  Join the NIHFCU.

Our members are focused individuals – too busy to waste time and too smart to waste money. We understand their unique needs – both within and outside the biomedical/healthcare industries – and are proud to provide the financial service options they deserve.

  • To see and hear from some of our happy NIHFCU members, click here.

  • To view our current Annual Report, click here.

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Why a credit union?

If it feels like we’re on your side, it’s because we are. Our members are equal owners of the NIHFCU, meaning each has a vote in electing our volunteer Board of Directors (also NIHFCU members). With most commercial banks, customers do not have a real voice in its future.  Where banks focus more on the financial stake of their shareholders, credit unions are focused solely on the lives of its members. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we are proud of the “people helping people” approach we’ve taken to financial services since 1940.

Credit unions do look similar to banks – both offer a range of products and services. However, because of the way credit unions operate, you’ll commonly enjoy:

  • lesser fees for services,

  • lower interest rates on loans of all kinds,

  • higher returns on your savings.

  • an honest and friendly experience focused on your goals

And, that means more of your money where it belongs – in your pocket.
NIHFCU members have a voice in the future of the credit union
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We’re here for you

Ownership

As a not-for-profit cooperative, the NIHFCU is owned and operated by its members. Each member has one share of ownership and one equal vote.

Board of Directors

Each year, members vote on the Board of Directors, a volunteer group of NIHFCU members responsible for the strategic direction of the credit union, including developing goals and establishing policy.

You can contact the Board at board@nihfcu.org.

Supervisory Committee

This committee ensures the integrity and financial strength of NIHFCU, as well as maintaining the highest level of service to our membership.

  • Should you have concerns or comments, please email nihfcu@nihfcu.org for the quickest response.

  • However, if you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can contact the committee at supervisorycommittee@nihfcu.org or P.O. Box 1482, Rockville, MD 20850.

President/CEO

Rick Wieczorek, with over 30 years of credit union industry experience, has served as President and CEO of the NIHFCU since 2014.

For general account inquiries and fastest support, please email nihfcu@nihfcu.org or call us at 800-877-6440

For your security, please do not include sensitive financial information such as your member number or social security number.