About Us

The founders of First Pioneers FCU saw an opportunity to provide for mutual savings and access to low-cost loans. Running a credit union meant pooling common savings through payroll deduction, then lending it to members. Pricing of loans and savings was relatively simple; the credit union paid 6% on savings and charged 12% on loans.

At first, savings and loans were the only services offered. Once these services were deregulated, additional services were gradually added to include CDs, IRAs, Visa credit cards, and ATM/debit cards.

Over the years, First Pioneers FCU added paid staff, then part-time management ̶ eventually becoming full time management. Today, First Pioneers has grown to two branch locations and full banking services.

In the mid 80s, the credit union’s Board of Directors wisely anticipated the impact of communications deregulation, and began adding additional selected employee groups to the credit union’s membership. Lafayette Woodworks was the first non-telephone SEG to be added, followed by Stuller Setting. Today, First Pioneers FCU is a full service financial institution servicing 70 SEGs and is open to 5 parishes.

To be eligible to join First Pioneers FCU you must meet any of the following common bond criteria:

• Live, work, worship, or attend school in Lafayette Parish, Acadia Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Iberia Parish, Louisiana
• Immediate family of current First Pioneers FCU members (parents, children, grandchildren, and siblings

Membership is available for life (regardless of parish), unless your membership causes First Pioneers FCU a loss. We require a minimum of one transaction per year within your account (deposit or withdrawal). This transaction keeps your account from becoming dormant. If an account becomes dormant, fees are assessed from the account until it’s closed or reactivated.

First Pioneers Federal Credit Union's main branch is located in Lafayette, Louisiana. There is also a branch in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Lafayette is the center of Acadiana- an area culturally influenced by the people of Acadian descent who have strong French/Catholic traditions, language, and customs. What was once a sleepy little southern rural town has grown into a vibrant and thriving center for oil, education, arts and culture and medical, legal and professional services. The music, food, and culture make Lafayette and the rest of Acadiana a mecca for tourists and an outstanding home for its citizens.

Acadiana is a special place and we are an integral part of the community. We support local activities and fundraisers such as The New Iberia Gumbo Cookoff, and Miles Perret Color Run. We also support LARC ( Lafayette Association of Retarded Citizens) by sponsoring and selling raffle tickets for their annual Noel Acadien au Village Christmas fundraiser. The proceeds of the raffle help fund programs for the mentally and physical disabled citizens in the Lafayette area.

“Have you ever wondered why First Pioneers FCU has candy for sale in the lobby or drive thru? FUNDRAISING for CULAC. We are a member of the Louisiana Credit Union League, and as a member we work with other credit unions to educate our lawmakers about our industry. We support elected officials who support credit union issues.

We are proud to support these organizations to help make our community a better place….”