Soarion Credit Union (Formerly Air Force Federal Credit Union)
Once you’ve spent time in the military, you begin to see what really counts in banking: having someone who truly gets your situation, reliable access to your money, and services that can adapt as your life changes. Soarion Credit Union, formerly Air Force Federal Credit Union (AFFCU), began as a small, base-focused institution but has since grown into a regional credit union. It continues supporting military families while opening its doors to a broader community.
Born from the Ranks: Soarion’s History
Soarion’s story began in 1952 at Lackland Air Force Base, where ten airmen each pitched in $5 to create a credit union for airmen, then called Lackland Federal Credit Union. With just a one-room office and a few hundred members, it sprang from a shared need for better banking on base.
Over the decades, the credit union evolved, merging with others, expanding its branch footprint, and changing its name to Soarion in April 2024 to reflect a growing community presence. It now serves around 55,000 members.
Soarion’s Eligibility Is Inclusive
Soarion still serves its original base population, including active-duty, reserve, and retired military personnel and their dependents, who are stationed in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Alongside its military roots, Soarion also welcomes civilians living, working, studying, or worshiping in its service areas and through community associations like the Airman Heritage Foundation.
What Kind of Banking Products Does Soarion Offer?
Soarion offers accounts and lending options that match a military lifestyle. They include:
Free Checking
There’s no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fee with Soarion’s Free Checking, which includes a Visa debit card with tap-to-pay and the option for early direct deposit. It also includes digital banking tools, like free e-statements, mobile check deposit, P2P transfers, and bill pay.
Rewards Checking
Soarion’s Rewards Checking is designed to help your money go further. You’ll earn a little extra every month with dividends on your balance, and card purchases bring back 12¢ per qualifying transaction. Set up a direct deposit and get paid a day early. Plus, you get unlimited digital banking, P2P transfers, bill pay, a tap-to-pay Visa debit card, and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs, all without a monthly fee, as long as you maintain just a $500 balance. A $25 opener gets you in the game.
Savings
You only need $5 to open a primary savings account. You’ll earn a little interest paid monthly, have no service charges, and get access to digital banking tools like e‑statements and 24/7 account access. It can also serve as overdraft protection if needed. Plus, it unlocks other products, from CDs and IRAs to money market accounts and loans.
Auto Loans
Soarion’s auto loans cover everything from buying a new or used car to refinancing one you already have, even if it’s a private-party sale. You can apply online and get pre-approved fairly quickly, with flexible term lengths up to 84 months. There’s also the option to delay your first payment for a bit, which can help when you’re juggling other expenses. If you want extra coverage, it offers GAP protection, mechanical repair plans, and payment protection in case something unexpected happens.
Home Loans
Soarion offers mortgage loans for buying or refinancing a home, with flexible term options (usually 15 or 30 years) and support from loan officers every step of the way. If you’re buying a home or thinking about refinancing, Soarion has a few mortgage options that might fit.
It offers standard loan types, like conventional, VA, and USDA loans, and the process is pretty straightforward. There’s no application fee, and you can lock in a rate while you go through the steps. You’ll typically have a choice between 15- or 30-year terms, and Soarion tries to keep things moving without too much back and forth.
Digital Tools
Soarion’s mobile app connects you to e‑statements, bill pay, Zelle, mobile deposit, and early deposit, all built to keep up whether you’re stateside or overseas.
Credit Monitoring
Soarion partners with SavvyMoney to give members free access to credit scores and reports, alerts, and simulation tools to help you catch fraud or stay on budget.
Customer Service in Multiple Ways
Soarion offers multiple avenues of support when you need it:
- Phone Assistance: Call your local center in San Antonio (210‑673‑5610) or Del Rio (830‑488‑6322), or use its toll-free number, 1‑800‑227‑5328. Dedicated lines handle debit/credit card issues and mortgage queries.
- Digital Messaging: Secure messaging in its online banking system is designed for non-urgent questions; you’ll typically get a response within two business days.
- Appointments: You can schedule time virtually or in person with a Member Advisor.
- FAQs and Guides: Soarion offers clear guides like “How to Pay Your Loan” or “How to Set Up Direct Deposit,” plus tools like calculators and budgeting help.
- Hardship Help: If a deployment, furlough, or medical situation interrupts your finances, Soarion’s Credit Solutions team can offer temporary extensions or modifications. They will even refer you to GreenPath for free financial counseling support.
Soarion also offers in-person help through its seven financial centers across Texas and in Columbus (MS). Saturday hours vary by branch—some are open, some aren’t—so it pays to check ahead.
For quick cash or deposits, over 55,000 ATMs in the Allpoint Network are available, whether you’re at home, on base, or traveling internationally.
Is Soarian the Right Credit Union for You?
Soarion Credit Union started with a focus on serving airmen and has gradually grown to support a wider mix of people. It’s still shaped by that original mission, with banking tools and services that reflect long-term member needs. If you value a credit union that started with a military focus but now serves a broader community, Soarion might be a good fit if you’re in one of the areas it serves.
Visit Soarion Credit Union
