Historical photo of previous credit union leaders

History of Greater Nevada Credit Union

Take a fun stroll through GNCU’s storied history of helping Nevadans and Nevada businesses live greater from the very beginning in 1949.

75 Years of Impact
January 24, 1949
Historical group photo from the 1949

• Nevada State Employees Federal Credit Union is chartered on January 24, 1949, and operated by the Nevada Employment Security Department employees in their Carson City offices.

Ending 1949
Historical banking collateral from 1949

•  The credit union ends the inaugural calendar year with 82 members in total.

1950s
Historical banking ledger from the 1950s

•  The credit union ends the decade with $511,000 in assets and 1,300 members enjoying the benefits of a truly cooperative banking experience.

1960s
Group photo from the 1960s

•  Increasing popularity of the credit union results in building its first branch on Second Street in Carson City.

 

•  Full-time staff is hired to serve the growing membership.

 

•  By the end of 1969, the credit union has approximately 2,400 members and more than $1 million in assets.

1970s
Group photo from the 1970s

•  Member demand for new services brings about “share draft” checking accounts and direct deposit.

 

•  A new headquarters is built next door to the first branch to accommodate ongoing growth.

 

•  By the close of 1979, the credit union has nearly 9,000 members and $15 million in assets.

1980s
Ribbon cutting group photo from the 1980s

•  The name is changed to Nevada Community Federal Credit Union, and membership now includes employees of several hundred different companies.

 

•  New branches opened include Minden and Ely.

 

•  Home mortgages, credit cards, and money market accounts are introduced, and the launch of the Phone Activated Teller (PAT) becomes one of Nevada’s first automated banking systems.

 

•  At the end of 1989, the credit union has more than $60 million in assets and approximately 17,000 members.

1990s
Photo from the Nevada Day Parade in the 1990s

•  A shift from federal to state charter brings a new name: Greater Nevada Credit Union.

 

•  New branches opened include Reno: South Reno, Carson City: Carson High School, and West Wendover.

 

•  A nationwide network of ATMs is established, and a new GNCU headquarters office is established in Carson City.

 

•  The millennium closes with over 40,000 members and $214 million in assets.

2000s
Ribbon cutting group photo from the 2000s

•  New branches opened include Sparks: Spanish Springs, Carson City: North Carson, and Dayton.

 

•  Business checking and lending services are introduced.

 

•  GNCU forms its first subsidiary company, Greater Nevada Mortgage.

 

•  Community service becomes GNCU’s hallmark through successful partnerships with organizations such as Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and American Cancer Society, as well as financial literacy education programs delivered in schools and to community groups.

 

•  By the end of 2009, GNCU has more than $503 million in assets and surpasses 50,000 members.

2010 – 2015
Photo of the former Elko Walmart branch location

•  GNCU’s field of membership expands to include all counties in Nevada.

 

•  New branches opened include Reno: Northwest Reno, Reno: Golden Valley, and Elko inside the Walmart Super Center.

 

•  Mobile banking is introduced, along with mobile check deposits.

 

•  GNCU partners with the University of Nevada, Reno to raise funds each year for the Wolf Pack Marching Band.

 

•  Commercial Services expands with new business checking products and loans are introduced.

 

•  Greater Nevada Insurance, GNCU’s second subsidiary company, is launched.

 

•  At the end of 2015, GNCU has more than $584 million in assets and over 50,000 members.

2016 – 2019
Aerial photo from Greater Nevada Field

•  New branches opened include Carson City: Eagle Station, Reno: University, and Fernley.

 

• GNCU enters into a naming rights agreement with Aces Ballpark, resulting in the new name of Greater Nevada Field.

 

• GNCU is named the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Lender of the Year – the Nevada financial institution to receive that recognition.

 

• After partnering with the Wolf Pack Marching Band, GNCU’s support spreads to high school marching bands across northern Nevada.

 

• Frontier Financial Credit Union members vote to merge into GNCU, creating one of Nevada’s largest locally-based credit unions.

 

• GNCU is recognized as a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) National Lender of the Year.

 

• GNCU launches a new business lending subsidiary, Greater Commercial Lending.

 

• GNCU ends 2019 with over 73,000 members and more than $1 billion in assets.

2020 – 2022
Branch Manager standing outside of a branch wearing a mask

•  New branches opened include Sparks: Vista and Elko.

 

• GNCU’s pandemic response includes support to thousands of Nevada businesses through each round of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program.

 

• GNCU launches online appointments, empowering members with accessibility and convenience.

 

• A new digital banking platform is launched, elevating efficiency and user-friendliness.

 

• GNCU begins sponsorship of Dragon Lights Reno and TEDx Reno, fostering connections and inspiration within the community.

 

• GNCU participates in the launch of Nevada Fit, helping incoming students transition into college life at the University of Nevada, Reno.

 

• GNCU achieves CDFI certification, reaffirming our dedication to financial inclusivity and empowerment and enhancing our ability to serve underserved populations.

 

• GNCU ends 2022 with more than $1.7 billion in assets and over 85,000 members.

2023 – Now
Group photo of GNCU employees volunteering

• GNCU continues to embark on a transformative journey marked by pioneering technology innovations, impactful sponsorships, and significant achievements.

 

• GNCU closes 2023 with over $1.7 billion in assets and more than 88,000 members.

Ready To Be a Part of Our Story?

We invite you to join the tens of thousands of members in what a cooperative banking experience should be like. If you live or work in Nevada, or you’re an immediate family member of someone who does, then membership is open to you!