Firstmark Credit Union

Firstmark Credit Union, a credit union with roots in Texas education

Firstmark Credit Union is an American credit union operating in Texas that presents itself as an entity tied to the education sector. Its offering combines personal and business financial products with its own foundation, the Firstmark Foundation, dedicated to channeling contributions to the education community.

Savings and investment products

The institution offers personal and business checking accounts, savings accounts, youth accounts and health savings accounts (HSAs). The deposit lineup includes money market accounts, certificates of deposit and a variant called Flex Certificate of Deposit. For long-term planning, it offers individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and investments, as well as insurance through TruStage® and NCUA/ESI coverage.

Loans and credit

The loan catalog covers financing for automobiles, auto refinancing, recreational vehicles, motorcycles and boats. It also includes credit cards, personal loans and lines of credit. In the education segment, it offers educator loans and student loans, while for businesses it offers commercial loans. Mortgage financing includes first-time homebuyer loans, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages, FHA and VA loans, 100% financing and mortgage refinancing. As a complement, there are home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home improvement loans.

Power of the Dollar® and the Firstmark Foundation

The credit union's flagship account is marketed under the Power of the Dollar® brand, with a premium variant called Power of the Dollar® MAX, which according to the institution allows members to earn cash back and loan discounts. The Firstmark Foundation™ is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) public charity focused on giving back to the education community. The foundation channels the collective impact of Power of the Dollar® members through education grants, high impact grants, Cunningham Scholarships and teacher recognition programs such as Teacher Appreciation and Turkeys for Teachers.

Foundation team

Marisa Pérez-Díaz, M.Ed., serves as executive director of the Firstmark Foundation and brings a decade of experience in the K-12 and higher education system. She is an elected member of the Texas State Board of Education and is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Diane Bacon is the Foundation and Education Relations Manager, with experience in the financial sector and a connection to Firstmark Credit Union since 2006; she holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Georgia State University.

Digital services and member support

The credit union offers 24/7 account access through digital banking, with features to send money and deposit checks, plus apps for iOS and Android. It has a loan payment center and online tools such as financial calculators and a financial education portal with the video series "Financial Education with Feliz." The institution warns that it never contacts its members to request personal or account information, and recommends reaching out to the credit union or the FTC in the event of possible fraud attempts.

Recognition and geographic presence

Firstmark Credit Union has been recognized as a Best Place to Work for five consecutive years, according to its own communication. The credit union operates a branch network in Texas under the names Alamo Ranch, Bitters, Culebra, Huebner, Jefferson, La Vernia, Legacy, Mission, New Braunfels, O'Connor, Potranco and Zarzamora, and offers a locator to find the nearest branch or ATM.