Beginnings Credit Union

About Beginnings Credit Union

With 14 locations, more than 77,000 members, and over $1.4 billion in assets, Beginnings Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in New York State. Our ongoing success can be traced to a number of factors, including sound management practices, adherence to a strict code of ethics, excellent rates, and great products. But what truly sets us apart from other financial institutions is our ability to connect our members to all that's possible through highly personalized, quality service. We began in 1953 as Cornell Federal Credit Union and served the employees of Cornell University. Over forty year later, in 1997, we adopted a New York state charter and became Cornell FingerLakes Credit Union. With deep roots in the Finger Lakes Community, we branched out in 2003 by converting to a community charter for Tompkins and Cortland counties and changed our name to CFCU Community Credit Union. The community charter made it possible for us to serve anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or maintains a business in these counties. In 2017, we expanded to also serve individuals, businesses, and organizations in Cayuga, Ontario, and Seneca Counties. Then we expanded further in 2022, when we merged with CORE Federal Credit Union who became CORE, a division of CFCU Community Credit Union. This expansion allowed us to also serve individuals, businesses, and organizations in Madison and Onondaga Counties. Our transformation throughout our almost 75 years makes it possible for anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or maintains a business in Tompkins, Cortland, Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Madison, or Onondaga counties eligible to become a member. In 2025, we continued our journey of transformation and changed our name to Beginnings Credit Union, uniting our current and future members under one meaningful name. We're moving forward and connecting our members to new opportunities that unlock all that's possible. Strong communities begin here. First homes begin here. College savings begin here. Early retirement begins here. Financial independence begins here. Tomorrow begins here. Beginnings Credit Union is truly More than banking.