Celebrating 100 Years

With you since 1926


Our journey began 100 years ago, with nine Detroit school teachers joining together. Those educators founded Detroit Teachers Credit Union to give their colleagues fair and accessible financial support at a time when small loans were difficult to secure. We have since grown into one of Michigan’s longest-standing and most trusted financial institutions.

From operating out of Professor E.W. McFarland’s office, to filling every room of J.C. Howell’s home, to opening our first official branch in 1957, the Credit Union grew quickly; always fueled by a commitment to people, not profit.

As our membership expanded, so did our mission. We became Michigan First Credit Union and opened our doors to anyone who lives, works, or worships in the state of Michigan.
Today, we’re proud to serve more than 165,000 members through 32 branches and eight mortgage offices statewide. We’ve evolved well beyond our beginnings, but through every decade and every transformation, our mission remains the same: to walk alongside our members through each step in their financial journey. From first accounts to first homes, we're here to guide you through every "first" in your life.

As we celebrate 100 years of service, we’re focused on the future. We’re investing in modern digital banking solutions and expanding access to our members through new branches. We're strengthening our commitment to financial education and community support, and we're remaining focused on putting our members first.
Michigan First has been part of my life since 1969, when I joined what was then Detroit Teachers Credit Union as a substitute teacher in Detroit. The credit union has been there for many of my milestones; from helping me manage my finances as an educator to supporting my family, including my husband, who also became a member. More than five decades later, I still value the convenience and reliability that have remained constant throughout my membership.
— JoeAnne M.
My story begins with my mother who was a member of Detroit Teachers Credit Union while working for Detroit Public Schools. She inspired me to join when I began my own career with the district in 1970. Through career advancements, earning multiple degrees, and reaching important family and financial milestones, the credit union has been a trusted partner every step of the way.
— Maurice K.

Michigan First has been part of my life since childhood. I can still remember visiting the original Detroit Teachers Credit Union branch with my mom. From getting my first car loan, to managing my business accounts, and financing a retirement home; the credit union has been a trusted partner through every stage of my life, always providing support my family could count on.

— Jayne F.
My Michigan First story is really a love story. When my future wife found herself in a bind and needed help, she introduced me to the convenience of banking with Michigan First and encouraged me to become a member. I joined, we got married, and years later we're still helping each other and banking together.
— Dennis. B.
I have been a member of Michigan First since 1980. I was just 20 years old at the time, and nearly 50 years later, at almost 70, I’m still proud to call myself a member. No matter which branch I’ve visited over the years, I’ve always found the same friendly service and support that first welcomed me through the doors.
— Jerry B.
I'll never forget my first car, a red Toyota Celica that Michigan First helped me finance shortly after graduating college. I first became a member when my parents helped me open a checking account as a new teacher. Ever since, Michigan First has been my go-to partner for every vehicle purchase!
— Ashara S.

A legacy built on firsts

Over the last 100 years, Michigan First has been setting milestones and breaking barriers.

1926

Founded as Detroit Teachers Credit Union

1931

First office opened on Calvert Ave

1952

Named the largest credit union in the world

1957

Opened first standalone building in Detroit

1960

Became the first credit union in the world to reach $25 million in assets

1961

Became the first credit union in Michigan to install a computer

1983

Introduced the first ATM and Visa/Mastercard programs

2001

Renamed as Michigan First Credit Union to reflect the growing diversity of membership

2006

Michigan First moved to its new headquarters in Lathrup Village

2010

Launched first mobile banking smart phone app

2014

Call center hours were extended to provide members assistance 24/7/365

2014

Became the first credit union in Michigan to have a state-wide charter

2014

Michigan First Mortgage was formed

2015

Expanded into Grand Rapids through a merger with Grand Rapids Family Credit Union

2015

Partnership with Kroger was established. As of 2026, the credit union operates out of 10 Kroger locations across the state 

2016

Michigan First Insurance Agency launched to help members find more reasonably priced insurance of all types

2018

Partnership with Walmart was established. As of 2026, the credit union operates out of nine store locations across the state

2020

Surpassed $1 billion in assets

2021

Named Credit Union of the Year by NAFCU

2022

Partnership with Meijer was established. As of 2026, the credit union operates out of five store locations across the state

2022

Jennifer Borowy named 7th President and CEO

2023

Michigan First Title Agency Launched

2024

Michigan First merged with Teamsters Credit Union in Detroit

2026

Celebrating 100 years of service