Achieva Credit Union

Achieva Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union based in Dunedin whose history starts in 1937. That year, seven Pinellas County teachers who had been turned down for a bank loan pooled $99.25 and opened their own credit union in an office at St. Petersburg Junior College. In 1950 it took the name Pinellas County Teachers Credit Union, and it was later renamed Achieva Credit Union as its membership expanded well past educators.

Because the credit union belongs to its members, it answers to them rather than to outside shareholders, and its board of directors is made up of members who serve as unpaid volunteers. Achieva offers checking and savings accounts, CDs and money market accounts, vehicle, personal and student loans, credit cards, mortgages and home equity loans, along with business banking and lending. Home, auto and commercial insurance through Achieva Insurance Agency and wealth advisory services are also available.

Achieva serves 214,497 members through 26 branches in 22 counties, from Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco to Miami-Dade and Monroe. It has a Spanish-language phone line, runs virtual Cash Class workshops on topics such as credit scores and Medicare, and supports local communities through the Achieva Foundation.