In October 2023, Pioneer Appalachia joined the small number of federal credit unions with a presence in Morgantown when it opened a branch at 8980 University Town Centre Drive.
Credit unions operate as nonprofits. While banks have shareholders, credit unions are owned by their members and can prioritize the financial well-being of the communities they serve. They offer many of the same financial products as their for-profit counterparts but generally have lower fees, better rates.
Pioneer got its start in 1940 when a cooperative of educators in Kanawha County banded together to provide local teachers with an alternative to traditional banking.
At first, it was called Kanawha County Teachers Credit Union, but the steadily growing membership soon began to include all school employees rather than just teachers. Then, it began to serve school employees outside of Kanawha County. A series of name changes reflected the developments until it was finally rebranded as Pioneer Appalachia Federal Credit Union in 2002.
That year, National Credit Union Administration granted Pioneer a community charter, which enabled further expansion.
Today, membership is not restricted to those who work for West Virginia schools. To qualify, prospective members need only live, work, worship or volunteer in select West Virginia, Ohio or Kentucky counties or be an immediate family member of someone who is already a member. A complete list of qualifying counties is available at pioneerafcu.org/connect/join-pioneer.
Pioneer offers its members many checking, savings and lending options, as well as an extensive network of surcharge-free ATMs.
The lobby of the Morgantown branch is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed on Saturday and Sunday. The drive-through is staffed 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays.
EVA MURPHY is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post.
