Ctafc Federal Credit Union logo

Ctafc Federal Credit Union

5.0/5

CTAFC Federal Credit Union is a Chicago-based credit union established in 1968, serving over 700 members with $719.5K in assets and specialized services for religious community groups.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

Free to Use BBB: NR Free Consultation Visit Website

Ctafc Federal Credit Union Review

CTAFC Federal Credit Union was established in 1968 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution, it operates a single branch location at 14 South Ashland Avenue and serves a membership base of over 700 loyal members. The credit union stewards approximately $719,500 in assets and employs over 1 dedicated staff member as of 2026.

The credit union offers a range of traditional banking and lending products including regular savings accounts, share draft accounts, money market accounts, share certificates (CDs), auto loans for new and used vehicles, personal loans, mortgages, and online bill pay services. Members have access to online banking and mobile banking apps available on both iOS and Android platforms. Additional services include financial education resources, financial workshops, and financial calculators to help members make informed decisions.

CTAFC distinguishes itself through its specialized focus on serving members of religious groups, aligning financial services with spiritual values and community needs. As a not-for-profit institution, the credit union emphasizes competitive interest rates and lower fees compared to for-profit banks. The organization provides accessible customer service through phone contact at (312) 243-5190 and maintains active online banking infrastructure with current service status monitoring.

The credit union operates with significant limitations as a very small institution. With only one physical branch, no ATMs, and under 1,000 members, it offers minimal convenience for broader geographic access. The institution's asset base of approximately $719,500 is substantially smaller than regional and national credit unions, potentially limiting product availability and competitive rates. Prospective members should verify membership eligibility requirements related to religious group affiliation before applying.

Services & Features

Regular savings accounts
Share draft accounts (checking equivalent)
Money market accounts
Share certificates (CDs)
New vehicle auto loans
Used vehicle auto loans
Personal loans
Mortgage loans
Online banking
Mobile banking app (iOS and Android)
Online bill pay
Financial education and workshops

Feature Checklist

Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Not-for-profit credit union structure offering better rates and lower fees than for-profit banks
  • Offers multiple loan products including auto loans (new/used at 6.00% APR) and mortgages
  • Mobile banking apps available for both iOS and Android platforms
  • Online bill pay functionality for convenient account management
  • Community-focused mission aligned with religious group values and spiritual needs
  • Financial education and workshops available to members
  • Established 56+ year history (founded 1968) indicating institutional stability

Cons

  • Only 1 physical branch location with no ATM network, severely limiting accessibility
  • Very small asset base ($719,500) restricts product variety and competitive rates
  • Currently closed lobby hours with limited in-person service availability
  • Membership restricted to religious group affiliations, excluding general public
  • Minimal online review presence and community feedback data available

Rating Breakdown

Value
0.0
Effectiveness
0.0
Customer Service
5.0
Transparency
0.0
Ease of Use
0.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ctafc Federal Credit Union legitimate?

Yes. Ctafc Federal Credit Union is a registered company headquartered in 14 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
14 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
BBB Rating
NR
BBB Accredited
No
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Ctafc Federal Credit Union

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Ctafc Federal Credit Union

CTAFC Federal Credit Union is best suited for members of affiliated religious groups in the Chicago area who prioritize community-focused banking and can conduct most transactions digitally. The primary caveat is severe geographic and operational limitations—single branch, no ATMs, restricted membership eligibility, and very small institution size—making it impractical for most consumers unless they specifically qualify for membership and have minimal in-person banking needs.

Best For

  • Members of eligible religious groups seeking community-focused banking in Chicago
  • Borrowers needing auto loans or mortgages with credit union-level rates
  • Chicago residents willing to conduct primarily digital banking with one branch backup
Updated 2026-04-03

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