Our History
Nearly 100 Years of Putting Members First
Since 1935, Circle Federal Credit Union has grown and changed alongside the communities we serve.
What began as a small credit union created for Kawneer employees in Niles has evolved into a community-focused, member-owned financial cooperative serving generations of members.
Our name has changed. Our services have grown. Our communities have expanded.
But one thing has remained constant:
We are centered around our members.
From Kawneer Credit Union to Circle Federal Credit Union
1935 - Where It All Began
Circle Federal Credit Union traces its roots to 1935, when it was established as Kawneer Credit Union.
Membership originally was available to employees of Kawneer in Niles.
The credit union was founded on a simple idea: people can accomplish more financially when they work together.
1975 - Becoming a Community Credit Union
In 1975, Kawneer Credit Union became Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union.
This was an important step in the organization's history. The credit union expanded from an employee-based membership to a community charter, allowing it to serve a broader group of people in the area.
The change reflected a growing commitment to serving people—not simply a particular employer.
2019 - New Name, Same Values
In 2019, Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union became Circle Federal Credit Union.
The new name represented a fresh chapter for the organization while preserving the values that had guided the credit union for generations.
The change was more than a new logo and name. It reflected Circle FCU's vision for creating a modern, accessible financial experience while remaining deeply connected to its members and communities.
A new look. A new chapter. The same commitment to members.
Built Around the Credit Union Difference
Circle Federal Credit Union isn't a traditional bank.
We're a financial cooperative owned by our members.
That means our members have a voice in the organization and an opportunity to select the Board of Directors.
As a nonprofit financial cooperative, Circle FCU generates income primarily through interest on loans and investments. That income supports the cooperative and is returned to members through competitive deposit earnings and lower loan rates.
What does that mean for you?
It means your financial institution is designed around the people who belong to it.
Your membership matters.
Your voice matters.
Your financial well-being matters.
Who Can Become a Member?
Our current field of membership includes anyone who:
- Lives in Berrien or Cass County in Michigan or St. Joseph or Elkhart County in Indiana
- Works in Berrien or Cass County in Michigan or St. Joseph or Elkhart County in Indiana
- Worships in Berrien or Cass County in Michigan or St. Joseph or Elkhart County in Indiana
- Goes to school in Berrien or Cass County in Michigan or St. Joseph or Elkhart County in Indiana
Immediate Family Members Are Eligible, Too
Membership extends to immediate family members, including:
- Parents
- Grandparents
- Siblings
- Spouses
Immediate family members are eligible regardless of their employment or place of residence.
Once a Member, Always a Member
One of the advantages of credit union membership is that your membership can stay with you.
Once you become a Circle Federal Credit Union member, you can remain a member regardless of changes to your residence or employment.
So whether you move, change jobs, or retire, your Circle FCU membership can continue.
Circle FCU Today
Today, Circle Federal Credit Union serves a growing membership while remaining committed to the cooperative principles on which the organization was founded.
$103 Million
Total Assets
6,100
Members
These numbers represent more than the size of our organization—they represent thousands of people who have chosen to make Circle Federal Credit Union their financial home.
Our Mission Statement
Circle Federal Credit Union works everyday to make a difference in the lives of our members. With a "Centered Around You" philosophy, we advocate for the financial well-being of our members, enrichment of the communities we service, and to inspire and provide solutions to allow our members to have a smarter, simpler, and more accessible way to bank.
