Our History

APL Federal Credit Union was officially chartered on April 29, 1954, when the Bureau of Federal Credit Unions approved the organizing group’s application.

The group, consisting of employees at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL), formed the credit union to serve the financial needs of the Applied Physics Lab’s workforce. From those humble beginnings, the credit union grew slowly but steadily for the next 47 years, serving as the primary financial institution for the vast majority of JHU/APL employees and their families.

Howard County’s Community Credit Union

In 2001, APL FCU received the community charter for Howard County, opening APL FCU membership to everyone who lives, works, attends school or regularly conducts business in the county.

Immediate family members of an APL FCU member are also eligible to join, even if they don’t live or work in Howard County.

APL FCU has strived to become the financial institution of choice for Howard County residents, while continuing to serve the needs of JHU/APL staff members and their families.

The APL FCU Name

Even though APL FCU is now a community credit union, we have never forgotten our roots and long association with The Applied Physics Lab. We are proud of the more than 60 years of service we have provided to JHU/APL staff members, and look forward to serving them for years to come even as we grow in the community.

Our Milestones

1954 – APL Federal Credit Union Officially Chartered
1966 – APL FCU Reaches $6 Million in Assets
1978 – APL FCU Surpasses $15 Million in Assets
1980s – Begins Offering CDs, IRAs, and 1st Mortgages
1996 – One of the First Six Institutions in the Country to Offer Online Banking
1999 – New Headquarters Opens
2001 – Community Charter for Howard County Approved
2004 – 50th Anniversary
2005 – Surpasses $250 Million in Assets
2006 – First Community Branch Opens in Columbia
2009 – Launches Mobile Banking
2013 – Introduces Mobile Banking App
2015 – Surpasses $1 Billion in Total Member Loans
2019 – Surpasses $500 Million in Assets
2020 – Apple Pay™ and Google Pay™ Added
2021 – Zelle® Added to Online and Mobile Banking
2024 - 70th Anniversary
Today – APL FCU Has Over 30,000 Members and $650 Million in Assets

Mission Statement

To improve lives and make a positive impact in the community. 

Supervisory Committee

The APL Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee is made up of Volunteers, appointed by the Board of Directors, who oversee all aspects of the Credit Union to determine that it is managed soundly and that members' assets are being adequately safeguarded. The Committee ensures that the Board of Directors and Credit Union management meet required financial reporting objectives and that policies, practices and procedures are established to protect members' assets.

Should you have an issue or concern that you feel has not been adequately addressed, please contact the APL FCU Supervisory Committee, P.O. Box 131, Fulton, MD 20759-0164.