About Us

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HISTORY
ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU SINCE 1956
In the summer of 1956, Guardian Federal Credit Union began as the Norfolk Federal Employees Credit Union. It was located in the Post Office and Court Building in Norfolk.

In 1961, the Credit Union Moved to Portsmouth and became the Fifth Coast Guard District Federal Credit Union. Our field of membership expanded to include all Coast Guard personnel within the Fifth Coast Guard District.

In 1972, the field of membership was expanded to include all Federal Employees, other than DOD in the Tidewater area and all retired Federal and Coast Guard Employees.

During 1975 we again expanded to include the whole Coast Guard family - Reservists, Auxiliary and Non-appropriated employees.

1984 saw us change to our present name of Guardian Federal Credit Union. The name change was to make us more identifiable with our expanding field of membership, yet retain our valuable ties to the Coast Guard.

1991 saw us move into our existing branch at the CG Support Center in Portsmouth.

In the next year we opened a branch at the CG Finance Center in Chesapeake. Also during this year Guardian and 13 other Virginia credit unions organized and incorporated Credit Union Service Centers of Virginia (CUSC-VA). Today CUSC-VA is a unique network of full service, shared branches, with 9 locations in Virginia and 2,100+ more in 44+ other states. As our members make career moves, Guardian can go with them thanks to our membership in CUSC-VA.

In 1996, at the request of the Coast Guard, we installed our first ATM Machine at the newly created ISC in Portsmouth. Also during this year Guardian helped other Virginia credit unions bring the credit union owned ATM network, CU24, to Virginia. Only this network gives our members the ability to make deposits at any deposit capable CU24 ATM and access to a growing POS network.

In 1997, our facility at Support Center Elizabeth City was replaced and upgraded to include our second ATM.

In 1999, we installed an upgraded CALL24 (automated response unit) and replaced our phone system providing our members with account information 24/7 via toll free lines. We also introduced financial counseling to provide members with a more sensible alternative to bankruptcy. We were the first credit union in Virginia to implement the CUHERE ATM network, a credit union owned network which allows our members to avoid ATM surcharges. We partnered with CUNA Mutual, to offer our members the Member Financial Network which provides them with access to insurance products, brokerage services and more.

In 2000 we implemented an electronic loan processing/filing system simplifying the member loan process and we introduced the VISA debit card. We introduced LOAN 24, 24/7 loan approval on the phone. We have continued to expand our internet based services by revising our website, offering online consumer loan applications via LoanLiner.com, offering online mortgage loan applications and approval, e Statements (e mail delivery of member statements) and MY ACCOUNTS (member info online).

In 2001 we significantly increased consumer access to the Credit Union when NCUA approved our request to serve most individuals who live, work, worship or go to school in in the City of Portsmouth, Virginia.

2003 saw Guardian continue to expand its online offerings with WEBPAY, online bill payment and presentment; and Home Loan CU online, real-time mortgage approval.

2004 started off with a bang, we purchased a building at 309 County Street in Downtown Portsmouth that would become our new headquarters and main office.  In March, NCUA approved our request to serve any one in all of Portsmouth without the earlier census tract limitations.  By late June we had completely renovated our new building and moved in.  Portsmouth Mayor Holley officiated at our grand opening ribbon cutting on July 27th.  Later in the year we introduced the Credit Union Direct Lending network to our membership, enabling members to obtain GFCU automobile financing right at participating dealerships.

In 2005 we improved our VISA debit card by providing members with real-time access to their share draft checking when using our debit card.  We also improved our e-statement service by giving members access to their share draft check images.  In November, Guardian was approved by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard under COMDTINST 1740.3 to make financial education presentations to the Coast Guard family.  We are the only credit union to be so approved.

2006 is our 50th anniversary year!  We will be celebrating our 50 years of member-ownership all year long, watch for it.  And as always we continue gearing up to serve our members where they want, when they want and how they want. Shared branching, the GFCU VISA debit card, the CU24 ATM network, CALL24, LOAN 24 and our website already meet many of our member's needs.  Now more than ever, Guardian FCU is always ready to serve you.  Tell a friend!