Global Credit Union: Overview and History

 

Global Credit Union is a large member-owned financial cooperative based in Alaska (formerly Alaska USA Federal Credit Union). In 2023 it rebranded after merging with a Spokane, Washington credit union. Today Global Credit Union (legally Global Federal Credit Union) operates over 79 branches across Alaska, Washington, Arizona, California, Idaho and even on military bases in Italy. 

It has roughly 750,000 members, about $12 billion in assets, and 2,200+ employees. The name change was strategic: Alaska USA Federal Credit Union chose to assume the name of the smaller Spokane-based Global CU after their merger. Despite the new global identity, the headquarters remains in Anchorage, AK. (You’ll notice many legal notices on the site refer to Global Federal Credit Union – this is the credit union’s charter name.) 

Global CU offers a full range of financial services – everything from checking and savings accounts to credit cards, loans (auto, home, personal, and business), business banking services, and insurance products. As a not-for-profit co-op, it emphasizes giving back and serving members (for example, the Global CU Foundation supports community charities in Alaska).

Global Credit Union’s roots run deep in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Prior to merging, Spokane’s Global CU had about 45,000 members with 12 branches in Washington and Idaho. Alaska USA CU (now Global) had 67 branches in Alaska, Arizona, California and Washington before the merger. When combined, the new Global Credit Union became one of the 15 largest credit unions in the U.S. 

by membership. In short, Global Credit Union (sometimes referred to simply as Global CU) is a friendly community-oriented financial cooperative offering the full suite of banking products to its members. (To avoid confusion: “Global Federal Credit Union” is just the official legal name used on disclosures – you can see it in the website footer and on checks – but day-to-day it’s just Global Credit Union.)

Services Offered

Global Credit Union provides a wide variety of personal and business banking services. Key offerings include:

• Personal Banking: Checking accounts (with debit cards), savings accounts, money markets and certificates (CDs), and retirement accounts. Members get the usual free conveniences (mobile banking app, free ATM network). They also offer financial tools and personal debit/credit cards.

• Loans: A full range of loan products is available. For example, Global CU offers auto loans (new, used, RVs, boats, etc.), home loans (fixed, ARM, VA, FHA, etc.), home equity loans/lines, land loans, and unsecured personal loans. (Real estate mortgage loans are technically provided through Global Federal CU Home Loans, but you apply via Global CU.)

• Credit Cards: Global CU issues Visa® credit cards with rewards. Members can manage card accounts online or pay bills through the Global site.

• Business Banking: Business checking and savings accounts, business loans (including lines of credit, SBA loans, commercial mortgages), merchant services, and cash management. The credit union also offers loans for businesses and agricultural needs (USDA and AIDEA loans).

• Insurance: Through its insurance brokers subsidiary, Global CU offers home, auto, boat/RV, life and other insurance (sold by various carriers).

• Certificates (CDs): Certificate accounts (term deposits) with competitive rates are available. These are insured and offer higher yields for longer terms. (See CD Rates below for current rates.)

• Online and Mobile Banking: Fully featured online banking (desktop) and a smartphone app let members view accounts, transfer money, deposit checks, pay bills, and set up alerts. Members can also use an e-Statements portal and other digital tools.

Most of these services remain the same after the merger – Global CU prides itself on offering the “same products and services in branches, online, and through 24/7 phone support” that members have long used.

Online Banking & Global Credit Union Login

Global CU’s online banking is accessible via globalcu.org or its mobile app. To log in to your account:

• Go to globalcu.org and click the Sign In or Log In button in the upper-right.

• Enter your Username/User ID and Password. (For first-time logins, your default username is usually your member/account number.)

• The first time you log in, the system will prompt you to select a new password and accept the online banking agreement. Follow the on-screen instructions.

• Once authenticated, you’ll see your account summary, balances, and transaction history.

If you forget your login information, Global CU provides help tools. On the login page you can click “Forgot Password?” and reset it by providing your username and email. If you need help with your username (often your account number) or can’t reset online, call the 24/7 Member Service Center at 1-800-525-9094. Global CU also offers a mobile app (Android/iOS) that uses the same credentials – you can sign in to the app to manage accounts on the go.

In short, the global credit union login process is straightforward: enter your member number or chosen ID and your password on the official site or app. (Tip: If this is your first time, remember to change the temp password that was mailed to you.) For any problems with online/mobile banking, you can check the Online Banking FAQ or call the 24/7 support line.

Making Payments

Global CU provides several convenient ways to send and receive payments:

• Transfer to Another Global CU Member: Log in to online banking, click on the Transfers & Withdrawals tab, and select “Transfer to another Global member.” You will need the recipient’s last name, account number, and account type. This instantly moves money between Global accounts.

• Pay Bills or Credit Card: Within online banking, you can set up bill payments or pay a Global CU credit card. For example, to pay a Global Visa® card, log in and click the “Visa” link in the menu. Then choose “View Account” and click “Make a Payment”. From there you can add a payment account (from any bank) and schedule one-time or recurring payments to your Global credit card.

• Loan Payments: You can make payments on Global CU loans from any checking or savings account. Within your online Global account, select the loan and schedule a payment (single or recurring) from your Global account or another account. If you’re not yet enrolled, you can go to pay.globalcu.org and set up one-time or recurring payments for auto, RV, personal, home improvement, land, or business loans.

• Receiving Transfers: Family members or anyone else can send money to your Global CU account using your account details. A Global member can just transfer internally as above. A non-member can send funds from their bank using Global’s routing number (325272021) and your Global account number.

• Bill Pay Feature: Global CU offers a free online Bill Pay service. You can add external payees (utilities, credit cards, etc.) and schedule eBills. The FAQ and video tutorials on the Global CU website explain how to set up and use Bill Pay.

In every case, electronic payments use Global’s routing number (below) plus your account info. For example, to receive a payment from someone not at Global CU, they enter Global’s routing number 325272021 and your account number into their bank’s transfer system. Always double-check account details when making transfers.

Routing Number Details

All electronic transfers to Global CU accounts use a single routing (transit) number. Global Credit Union’s routing number is 325272021. This nine-digit number identifies Global CU in the U.S. banking system for ACH and wire transactions. You’ll need it whenever you set up direct deposit, payroll deposits, or external transfers. 

For example, if someone wants to send you money from an outside bank, they enter 325272021 as the routing number and your Global account number as the destination. On paper checks, this routing number appears as the first nine digits at the bottom. (It’s often called Global’s “transit number” in forms.)

Be careful: global branch locations all use the same routing number (even though some legal names differ). Global CU’s online and printed materials confirm 325272021 as the transit number. Whenever you make an electronic payment (ACH or wire) to a Global account, use that number.

Locations and Branches

Global Credit Union has branches and ATMs mainly in Alaska and Washington. Notable locations include:

• Spokane, WA: Global CU has a major financial center in downtown Spokane (4th Avenue). The new Spokane Financial Center branch is at 1505 W Fourth Ave, Spokane, WA 99201. (This branch opened after the merger and serves the Spokane-area members of the former Global CU.)

• Anchorage, AK: As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage has multiple Global CU offices. For example, the Abbott Road Branch is at 2300 Abbott Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 (inside a Fred Meyer store). Other Anchorage locations include the C Street branch, Dimond Center, and more.

• Wasilla, AK: One of the branches outside Anchorage is in Wasilla. The Wasilla branch is located at 851 E. USA Circle, Wasilla, AK 99654. (That’s just off Crusey Street, across from the ice arena.)

• Juneau, AK: Juneau has been served by Global CU for years. The longtime Juneau branch is inside a Fred Meyer store near downtown. In 2025, Global Credit Union opened a new 10,400 sq ft Juneau Financial Center on Honsinger Drive (near the airport) to expand its presence. This facility sits across from the old Fred Meyer branch and provides full-service banking, ATMs, and space for mortgage and insurance staff.

• Fairbanks, AK: In Fairbanks, Global CU has branches as well. For example, the Airport Way Branch is at 1261 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701. (Other Fairbanks branches include one on Sadler Way, etc.) Global also has a network of ATMs and shared-branch access so members statewide (and in other states) can do transactions.

Aside from these, Global CU has many other offices: all around Alaska (Juneau, Sitka, Kenai, Kodiak, etc.), plus a growing presence in Washington (Spokane area), California, Idaho, and Arizona. (Members anywhere can also use 55,000+ CO-OP ATMs nationwide.) If you want the closest branch or ATM, use the “Find a Branch” tool on globalcu.org or search on Google Maps.

Global Credit Union Arena

The Global Credit Union Arena is a new multi-purpose sports and event venue in Phoenix, Arizona, at Grand Canyon University (GCU). The arena seats 7,000 and opened in 2011 (then called GCU Arena). In December 2023, Grand Canyon University announced a naming-rights partnership with Global Credit Union, renaming it the Global Credit Union Arena. 

 It is now the home court for GCU’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams, as well as a concert and events venue. In short, Global CU’s name is now on a prominent college arena in Phoenix – a sign of the credit union’s growth and community ties (even far from Alaska).

Customer Service

Global Credit Union emphasizes live customer service. Their Member Service Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can reach a real person any time by calling 1-800-525-9094 (toll-free in the US). International members can dial +800-3080-4080. In addition, the website offers a live chat feature for general questions during business hours. 

Chat is mainly for quick non-account inquiries (like branch hours or site help). For account-specific issues, calling the phone number is best. The Member Service email is GlobalCUMSC@globalcu.org if you need to submit documents or inquiries by email.

Whether by phone or chat, Global CU promises “real people” on the other end. On the Contact Us page, they note “Call 800-525-9094 for 24/7/365 live support”. So if you have any questions about online banking, loans, cards, or anything, pick up the phone and Global CU will help. All support services (phone, email, chat) are available in English.

Careers & Jobs

Global Credit Union also offers career opportunities across its various departments (branches, loans, insurance, admin, etc.). On the Global website’s Careers page, they invite applicants by saying: “Start a career that grows with you.” They emphasize training and advancement: “We offer long-term careers that make a difference… on-the-job learning opportunities and trainings… and promote from within”. In other words, new hires can expect good training and the chance to move up.

The credit union provides attractive employee benefits as well. Benefits listed include comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance; 100% paid life insurance; business travel insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; long-term disability; and tuition assistance. They also offer flexible scheduling and encourage a healthy work/life balance. Global CU is an equal opportunity employer and has an online portal of open positions (usually through iCIMS). You can visit the careers section on globalcu.org/about/careers to browse jobs by location and function.

In summary, if you are looking for banking-sector jobs in Alaska (or now Washington/Arizona), Global Credit Union advertises stable jobs with training and benefits. The careers page and job portal are kept up to date with available positions.

Certificate (CD) Rates

Global Credit Union’s certificate (CD) accounts offer higher interest rates in exchange for fixed terms. The rates are tiered by term length and deposit size. As of 2025, their posted rates (APYs) include:

• 1–2 months: ~0.55% APY (on all balance tiers)

• 3–5 months: ~1.20% APY

• 6–8 months: ~2.00% APY

• 9–11 months: ~2.35% APY

• 12–17 months: ~4.00% APY

• 18–23 months: ~4.15% APY

• (Longer terms drop again: e.g., 24–35 months ~2.80% APY, 36–47 months ~2.90%, 48–59 ~2.90%, 60 months ~3.00–3.15% APY depending on balance.)

In plain terms, shorter-term CDs earn relatively low interest (about 0.5–2.0% APY), whereas the 12–23 month range currently offers the highest yield (around 4.00–4.15% APY). These rates are typical of what Global CU is advertising at this time and may change, so always check their Rates page. 

The minimum deposit is $500. After a CD matures, you can withdraw or roll it over. The high 12–23 month rates make certificate accounts an attractive option if you can lock money in for about a year.

Summary

Global Credit Union is a full-service credit union serving personal and business members with branches throughout Alaska and the western U.S. It offers checking/savings accounts, loans (auto, mortgage, personal), credit cards, insurance products, and competitive CD rates. Members can manage all this through secure online and mobile banking. 

The credit union’s 24/7 customer support line (800-525-9094) and its responsive staff ensure help is always available. Global CU also gives back through community programs and provides career opportunities for employees. Whether you’re in Spokane, Anchorage, Wasilla, Juneau, Fairbanks or elsewhere in their network, Global Credit Union aims to be a friendly, people-first bank alternative.