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Empower Your Financial Savvy

Through our free workshops members learn practical tips on how to reach goals and improve their personal finances.

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Now Celebrating Our 90th Anniversary

After 90 years, we've learned a thing or two.

  1. Strength in community... we are stronger together
  2. Empowering others... brings joy
  3. Care and patience... brings growth
  • 03/18/2025
  • Posted by Summit Credit Union
We've grown to offer you more than just savings and loans.
  1. Free checking with free bill payment service
  2. Debit cards, credit cards, and person-to-person transactions
  3. Online banking access and control
  4. Financial education and personal counselling
  5. Personal investment and retirement planning
  6. Auto buying and protection services
  7. Financial calculators and budgeting tools

How can we help you today?

Founding and Early Years

  • Summit Credit Union was founded in 1935 as Tri-City Telco Credit Union.
  • It was created by employees of Southern Bell who wanted better financial treatment than what big banks offered.
  • The original philosophy was "People Helping People," focused on members' success.
  • Elizabeth "Sis" Hamilton became Secretary of the Board of Directors in 1943.

Growth and Development

  • The credit union survived the Great Depression and continued to grow.
  • In 1976, it merged with Twin City Telco Credit Union and became First Telco Credit Union.
  • In 1991, after more mergers and adding new business partners, the name changed to Summit Credit Union.
  • Summit Credit Union expanded its services to include digital banking tools, scholarships, financial literacy programs, and support for the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Summit Credit Union Today

  • Summit Credit Union is a full-service financial institution with eight branches in North Carolina.
  • We serve over 300 business partners and has approximately 35,000 individual members.
  • Summit Credit Union has assets of $349 million.
  • The organization's mission is "Partnering for your financial success," and its value statement is "We provide fast and accurate service by people who care".

Elizabeth Hamilton's Leadership

  • Elizabeth Hamilton played a significant role in Summit Credit Union's history.
  • She served as CEO for 55 years and served on the board for 70 years.
  • During her time as CEO, she also managed up to five other credit unions.
  • Her service is recognized as the longest of any credit union volunteer in U.S. history.

Legacy

  • Summit Credit Union and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation have created the Hamilton Fund to provide grants for training and education to small credit unions, honoring Elizabeth Hamilton's contributions.

What Our Members Are Saying about Us

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Katie L. at Summit Credit Union is absolutely THE BEST!!! She and Summit Credit Union always go above and beyond to help me with all my banking needs!!!

– Belia C.

The staff has always been friendly and helpful to me. I highly recommend banking with the credit union.

– Lutricia D.

I love Summit Credit Union. They are always helpful and has all the options I need. Nice people, makes you feel like you are working with friends.

– Delores H.

Jessica W. has been awesome the whole time. She made my day. Thank you again.

– India N.