About Us

Armco Credit Union

Armco Credit Union is the 2nd largest credit union in the Pittsburgh area. We operate branches located in Butler, Mars, Karns City, the BC3 main campus and the South Hills of Pittsburgh. We are a state-chartered credit union and governed by the banking laws of Pennsylvania. Deposits are Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, NCUA, an independent agency of the United States Government.

As a member of Armco CU, you are also a shareholder. Each member has equal ownership and has one vote in electing the Board of Directors – regardless of how much they have on deposit. We are governed by the Board of Directors, elected by and from the credit union’s membership. The Credit Committee and Supervisory Committee provide oversite and are also elected positions.

We exist to positively impact our members’ financial lives. We are able to achieve this in several ways…

First, we believe banking should be simple. Therefore, our products and services are simple and easy to understand. We do not bundle products or offer complicated rates or terms. This provides transparency to our members so they can easily compare our products to other financial institutions and make the best financial decisions.

We also believe in educating our members so they can save and manage money wisely throughout all stages of life. We offer a library of financial related articles on our website as well as interactive coaching modules and various financial calculators. We invest in education by offering scholarships and sponsoring the Banzai financial literacy program in all high schools in Butler County.

Discover the Credit Union Difference

We provide the same products and services as a bank. The difference is that a credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned solely by its members. Banks are responsible to stockholders so higher fees and loan rates are necessary to provide income to their stockholders. At Armco CU, our members are the owners. Our profits are returned to our members in the form of lower rates, higher savings rates and lower/fewer fees.

Our History

On February 26, 1935, a small group of 15 Armco Steel workers came together with a vision: to promote thrift and provide affordable credit to their coworkers. With just $900 in deposits, they founded the Butler ARMCO Employees Credit Union. By the end of its first year, assets had nearly doubled to $1,896. 

Growth came steadily. By the late 1960s, the credit union had amassed nearly $4 million in assets and operated from the third floor of the Main Office Building at Armco Steel with a team of just three employees. At the time, services included checking, savings, Christmas Club accounts, and auto loans.

In the early 1970s, the credit union moved to a modest building on Armco grounds but quickly outgrew it. As the steel industry faced challenges in the 1980s, the credit union made a pivotal decision to expand beyond the gates of Armco Steel. In 1989, they opened a $1.2 million facility at the historic Pullman Center, marking the beginning of a new era. This expansion brought new services like ATM cards, credit cards, and mortgages.

The 1990s were transformative. By 1990, assets exceeded $45 million. The credit union expanded its reach by merging with smaller credit unions, including IBEW Local 10, Butler Memorial Hospital, Butler County Employees, and others. This growth was further fueled by partnerships with local businesses, known as Sponsor Organizations (formerly SEGs), allowing more people to access credit union membership.

By 2000, assets soared to $101 million. To keep pace with growth, a 10,000-square-foot expansion was completed in 2002, doubling the size of the Pullman Center branch. In 2018, members voted to officially change the name to Armco Credit Union, reflecting partnerships with over 150 SEGs while honoring its steel industry roots.

Armco Credit Union’s commitment to innovation and service continues today. In 2021, they reached $500 million in assets and opened a $5 million branch in Mars to better serve southern Butler County. In 2024, the acquisition of Swindell Dressler Credit Union extended their footprint to the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Armco now proudly serves members in all 50 states. 

Now serving 41,000 members, partnering with 300 SEGs, and employing nearly 100 staff, Armco remains dedicated to delivering value and convenience. Even as banking evolves, the credit union stays true to its founding principles—offering outstanding service and never raising the original $1 membership fee.

Where will the future take us? That’s up to you, our members!