About 3Rivers Federal Credit Union
About 3Rivers Federal Credit Union (also written Three Rivers Federal Credit Union): a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative founded in 1936 and headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Today 3Rivers serves more than 136,000 members with roughly $2.8 billion in assets across 25 branches in Indiana and Ohio. This is an independent member guide — it is not the official site.
Three Rivers takes its name from the meeting of the St. Joseph, St. Marys and Maumee rivers in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the credit union has been rooted since its charter. What began in 1936 as a small group of members pooling savings to lend to one another has grown into one of the region largest financial cooperatives, while keeping the same not-for-profit, member-first structure it started with.
Over nearly nine decades, 3Rivers has expanded from a single common bond into a community-focused credit union open to a wide swath of Indiana and Ohio. Through mergers, new branches and steady growth in membership, the institution has scaled its services without abandoning the cooperative principle that members, not investors, come first. That continuity is part of why long-time members and newcomers alike still describe Three Rivers as a local, relationship-driven place to bank.
A member-owned cooperative mission
Unlike a bank owned by outside shareholders, 3Rivers is owned by the members who bank there. Every member is effectively a part-owner, and profits are returned rather than paid out to investors. That cooperative model shapes how the credit union prices loans, sets fees and decides where to reinvest — the goal is member value, not quarterly returns.
Member-owned
Every 3Rivers member is a part-owner with a voice; the cooperative answers to members, not outside shareholders.
Not-for-profit
Earnings are returned through better rates, lower fees and reinvestment in Indiana and Ohio communities.
Locally rooted
Headquartered in Fort Wayne since 1936, 3Rivers keeps decisions and staffing close to the members it serves.
3Rivers at a glance
3Rivers is one of northeast Indiana largest credit unions. According to the National Credit Union Administration, member deposits are federally insured; 3Rivers reports roughly $2.8 billion in assets and serves more than 136,000 members through 25 branches across Indiana and Ohio. Regulatory background is available on the official NCUA site.
Community giving and scholarships
Because 3Rivers is a cooperative, community impact is part of the mission rather than an add-on. The credit union directs time, volunteer hours and funding to local causes, financial-wellness programs and student scholarships across its Indiana and Ohio footprint.
Where 3Rivers gives back
- Student scholarship awards for members pursuing higher education.
- Financial-wellness workshops and free education resources for the community.
- Volunteer hours and grants supporting local nonprofits and schools.
- Reinvestment of earnings into stronger member rates and lower fees.
How 3Rivers is organized and led
As a credit union, 3Rivers is governed by a volunteer board of directors elected by and from the membership, supported by a professional management team and staff across its branches. This structure keeps oversight in members hands: the board sets direction, and leadership carries out day-to-day operations. Membership is open to people who live, work, worship or attend school in the counties 3Rivers serves in Indiana and Ohio — see the membership page for eligibility and how to join.
Whether you are comparing credit unions or already bank with Three Rivers, the pages below cover the practical details — where to find a branch, how to reach the credit union, and the products available to members and businesses.
Ready to join?
Membership at 3Rivers is open to eligible Indiana and Ohio residents. Opening an account makes you a part-owner of the cooperative.
Open an account ›About 3Rivers — FAQ
- When was 3Rivers founded?
- 3Rivers Federal Credit Union was founded in 1936 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. See the home overview for a summary of products.
- How many members does 3Rivers have?
- More than 136,000 members, with roughly $2.8 billion in assets across 25 branches in Indiana and Ohio.
- Is 3Rivers a bank?
- No. Three Rivers is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, so earnings return to members rather than outside shareholders.
- Is 3Rivers federally insured?
- Yes. Deposits are insured by the NCUA, a U.S. government agency, up to applicable limits.