Yes, That’s USF Credit Union in Forbes and Fortune - Here’s Why!

7/10/2025
Hey, have you seen?

If you pick up the latest editions of the well-known national magazines Forbes and Fortune, you’ll see USF Credit Union featured as a game-changing financial institution that’s “rewriting what it means to be a credit union!”

Both articles spotlight what many of our members already know: USF CU is turbocharging its mission in 2025 to become the most influential partner in every member’s financial journey. And we’re making it faster, easier and better for everyone to join.

USF CU’s innovative products like FlexPay, our “buy now, pay later” program also take center stage in the stories - as well as our continued focus on personalizing banking and how we weave community care into everything we do.

We’ve saved members tens of millions of dollars by offering smarter, more relevant solutions built on trust, one interaction at a time and now we’re poised to serve more people than ever before.

In 2025, USF CU is better banking for everyone - no longer just for those who are affiliated with the university. You can join today!

**Scroll down to read the full article and see why USF CU is making headlines.

 

From Campus Roots to National Impact: The Credit Union That’s Changing the Game

In an industry where “personalized” banking is often just a buzzword, USF Credit Union is turning that promise into a movement.

Founded in 1959 with just $505, USF Credit Union (CU) has grown into a billion-dollar, purpose-driven financial institution with over 75,000 members and deep roots in education, health care, and community service. But in 2025, the mission is getting turbocharged. With a bold vision to become the most influential partner in every member’s financial journey, USF CU is rewriting what it means to be a credit union—and making it faster, easier, and better to join.

While many credit unions are still trying to attract younger members, USF CU is already there. The average member is just 44 years old—nearly a decade younger than the industry average—thanks to strong outreach to students, educators, health care professionals, and early-career changemakers. Innovative products like FlexPay, a “buy now, pay later” program, are tailored to real financial lives—from student loans to first mortgages.

“Our members know we’re there for them,” says Richard Sellwood, COO. “At USF CU, banking is always personal—and member-goal focused. We’ve saved our members tens of millions of dollars by offering smarter, more relevant solutions built on trust, one interaction at a time.”

The credit union doesn’t guess what members want—it asks. Focus groups like the NextGen Advisory Board and Community Advisory Board play a key role in shaping services, experiences, and innovations, ensuring that the credit union evolves with its members, not ahead of or behind them.

Tech forward but never impersonal, USF CU uses AI and data-driven insights to deliver the kind of banking experience today’s members expect—one that surprises, delights, and empowers. From fast onboarding and real-time live chat to meaningful human touchpoints in every channel, USF CU is becoming the “Spotify of Banking”—offering true personalization that’s more than just marketing jargon.

And when members walk into a branch, the culture is palpable. Stories of employees staying late to help someone sort out a loan or walking a student through their first credit card decision are common—and celebrated.

A Focus on Community

Community impact is woven into everything the credit union does. In 2025, USF CU invested over $100,000 in hurricane relief, provided access to CDFI grant-funded programs for underserved communities, and deepened its involvement with causes across Tampa and central Florida. Employees are encouraged to volunteer, and members often become advocates—and even legacy builders—across generations.

The credit union’s recent recognition as a Top Workplace by both USA TODAY and the Tampa Bay Times isn’t just an internal badge of honor—it reflects the culture members feel, too. With a cutting-edge new branch in Citrus Park, ongoing tech innovation, and expanded membership opportunities, USF CU is poised to serve more people than ever before.

“You no longer need to be affiliated with USF to benefit from everything we offer,” says the team. “If you want better banking and a partner who sees you—not just your balance—we’re here for you.”

In a world of transactions, USF CU is building transformation—through technology, relationships, and legacy-building impact. This isn’t just a credit union for students or staff. It’s for anyone who believes in purpose, progress, and people.



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