a Black-majority credit union in Atlanta, Georgia with a local focus
Atlanta is a predominately Black city and has been so since the 1970s. This contributes to every part of the city’s culture, with the things it’s currently most known for being the thriving hip-hop scene and the city’s roots in the civil rights movement. In a city so defined by its Black culture and residents, it only makes sense that its banking landscape reflects that as well, and there are a number of Black-majority banks and credit unions in the area. However, with the trend of consolidation in the banking industry, as well as the growing threat of gentrification in low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods, it’s more important than ever that we move our deposits to Better Banking Options in Atlanta, particularly ones that go out of their way to support Black families and neighborhoods.
Credit Union of Atlanta is a relatively small institution operating in Atlanta, with only about $83 million in assets and 15,000 members. This is probably because their membership is slightly more limited than some credit unions, with eligibility extending to all those associated with the metro government, their families, and members of specific church communities. For a complete list of who qualifies for their membership, check here.
They have a long history in the region, having been established in 1928. They have two branches, both in Atlanta and in LMI census tracts. They offer both online and mobile banking options, so if you qualify for membership, you can bank with them even if you don’t live close to one of their locations. They’re a qualified CDFI and MCU, and not only are they a Black-majority credit union, they’re also Black-led, with their entire board of directors being made up of Black community members.
Although most of their score in our search engine comes from their locality and being located in LMI neighborhoods, their low score in quality lending is typical for many small credit unions, and they still provide essential banking services, including the services that prevent people being taken advantage of by pay-day lenders. Additionally, because of their specific focus, they’re more likely to understand the financial needs of government employees. We’d recommend them to anyone eligible who is looking to support LMI neighborhoods and families in Atlanta.