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Who We Are

Our history

Take a dive into the history of RCU.

Credit unions: for people, not profit

Credit unions are financial institutions with a long history of service and a strong commitment to the philosophy of “people helping people.” We’re focused on service, not profit, and offer the same financial products and services as banks—but at a much greater value.

We're Member-owned

As Member-owned cooperative institutions, credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates. Keep reading to learn about the history of credit unions.

RCU historic milestones

Jan. 19, 1950

Seven employees form Sonoma County Employees Credit Union (SCECU), operating from Sonoma County Auditor’s Office in Court House Square, Santa Rosa, CA.

1967

The Credit Union opens its first branch, located at 370 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa, CA.

1982

SCECU is renamed Redwood Credit Union to reflect the growing demand from our communities for affordable financial services. RCU also merged in Santa Rosa Public Employees Credit Union and installed its first Automated Teller Machine (ATM) at 370 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa, CA.

1989

RCU expands field of membership to include anyone living or working in Santa Rosa, CA.

1990

RCU reaches $100 million in assets, merges in three credit unions and adds branch locations in Santa Rosa and Ukiah.

1997

RCU expands field of membership to include anyone living or working in the counties of Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino, Lake and Napa.

2000

RCU celebrates its 50th anniversary, and serves 80,000 Members, is $500 million in assets and operates 8 full-service branches. RCU expands its field of membership to include anyone living or working in San Francisco, Solano and Contra Costa counties.

2001

RCU membership reaches 100,000.

2004

RCU’s assets reach $1 billion.

2007

RCU completes and occupies a new corporate building at 3033 Cleveland Avenue in Santa Rosa, CA, which is also recognized as a silver LEED-Certified green building.

2010

RCU celebrates 60 years of service and serves nearly 185,000 Members.

2011

The 200,000th Member joins RCU and a merger is completed with Cal State Central Credit Union. RCU's branch network expands to 18 locations throughout the North Bay and San Francisco.

2012

RCU reaches $2 billion in assets, serving over 220,000 Members.

2016

RCU opens branch in Mill Valley. RCU assets reach $3 billion.

2017

RCU's North Bay Fire Relief Fund collects and distributes more than $32M to support immediate needs of fire survivors. RCU pays all administrative costs so 100% of donations go to fire survivors.

2018

RCU purchases property in Napa to expand back office operations, strengthen disaster recovery abilities, and recruit talented team members from a broader region. RCU Insurance Services moves in.

2019

RCU opens new American Canyon branch and expands San Francisco branch in a new, larger location.

2020

RCU celebrates 70 years of service with multiple milestones including: adding a new Lower Lake branch, and breaking ground on the new Napa campus location. Merges with City of Ukiah Employees Credit Union. Named “Best Place to Work” by North Bay Business Journal for 15th consecutive year. Launches new Fire Relief Fund for annual fire season relief. Named Best-in-State Credit Union by Forbes.

2021

RCU rolls out new digital experiences including a refreshed website, new bill pay, digital cards, and a new RCU Insurance Services website. RCU’s Santa Rosa administrative office becomes Energy STAR certified.

2022

RCU Napa administrative offices and branch. Begins partnership with Remitly for international money movement and with Napa Valley Community Foundation for ADU loans.

2023

RCU opens new branch in west Petaluma, bringing total number of branch locations to 21. Named Best Small Employer by Forbes.

Become a part of history

Become an RCU Member today.