With new branches opening in Goodyear, Mesa, and Queen Creek, and a landmark acquisition of a $1.4 billion bank, the credit union underscores its growing influence in a rapidly changing financial landscape.

America First Credit Union is making an assertive push into Arizona’s financial sector, opening a series of new branches across the state while finalizing one of the largest credit union acquisitions of a bank in U.S. history.

The Goodyear branch opened on Sept. 15, and new locations in Mesa and Queen Creek are expected to launch in October. Five additional branches—in Surprise, Glendale, North Scottsdale, South Scottsdale, and Tucson—are slated to open by 2027. 

The expansion will more than double America First’s footprint in Arizona, which currently includes five branches, according to data from the National Credit Union Administration.

The expansion will create over 80 new jobs and reflects what the credit union describes as a strategic investment in one of the nation’s fastest-growing states.

“Arizona represents one of the most vibrant growth stories in the nation,” said Thayne Shaffer, President and CEO of America First Credit Union. “As the population grows, so does the need for trustworthy financial partners who offer more than just banking.”

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Beyond its Arizona growth, the Riverdale, Utah-based credit union is also making headlines nationally with its acquisition of Meadows Bank, a $1.4 billion-asset community bank headquartered in Las Vegas. 

The deal, one of the largest of its kind, continues a trend of credit unions purchasing community banks to broaden their reach and product offerings. Meadows Bank operates six locations across Nevada and Arizona.

While the purchase price was not disclosed, the transaction is comparable in scale to Global Federal Credit Union’s 2024 acquisition of First Financial Northwest Bank, then valued at $1.5 billion.

Founded 86 years ago, America First has evolved from a single branch serving military and federal employees into the nation’s sixth-largest credit union by assets, with more than $23 billion and 1.5 million members. 

The institution operates 115 branches across six states.

Each new Arizona location will offer a full suite of services including Interactive Video Teller systems, ATMs, drive-thru banking, and community-centered design. 

Financial education will be a key pillar of the expansion. The credit union said it will offer community workshops on budgeting, homeownership, credit management, and fraud prevention — open to members and the general public alike.

America First reported $155.2 million in earnings through the first two quarters of 2025, up from $100.3 million during the same period last year, according to NCUA call report data.

“Arizona represents one of the most vibrant growth stories in the nation. As the population grows, so does the need for trustworthy financial partners who offer more than just banking.”

 – Thayne Shaffer
President & CEO
America First Credit Union