Each Veterans Day holds special meaning for Travis Credit Union. As a financial cooperative with deep military roots, we’re proud to recognize those who have served on this holiday and every day. We understand the unique experiences and financial needs of active-duty members, military retirees, veterans and all their families, and provide them with military financial resources to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss how TCU has supported this group of members for the past 75 years as part of its mission to help people improve their financial lives.
Travis Credit Union’s Military Roots
TCU was founded in 1951 on Travis Air Force Base. Originally known as TAFB Federal Credit Union, the goal was to offer a banking alternative for service members and civilians on base. By 1968, TCU opened its first permanent base branch to support a growing membership.
By 1970, the credit union expanded outside the base to serve the surrounding communities and changed its name to Travis Federal Credit Union. At the start of the millennium, TCU continued to expand, adding branches in Contra Costa, Napa, Yolo and Merced counties. Today, Travis Credit Union serves 12 Northern California counties and has 24 branches. It’s first branch remains a financial hub for base personnel.
Financial Resources for Veterans and Active-Duty Members
TCU offers a variety of resources for veterans and active-duty members to support their financial journeys. It provides financial information to all new airmen at the TAFB Newcomer Events. TCU also makes available these resources:
- Free Webinars for Service Members: Service members have access to monthly financial wellness webinars offered in person and virtually. To learn more, visit our Military Resources Page.
- Auto Loan Discounts: Base personnel can participate in a first-time vehicle purchase discount program for those with little or no credit.
- Financial Counseling: TCU members receive free, professional and anonymous financial counseling through GreenPath Financial Wellness.
- Home Purchases: TCU offers VA Loans and holds an on-base home-buying course several times each year.
- Investments: The credit union conducts a monthly basic investing course and a quarterly retirement investment course.
- Retirement: As part of TAFB’s mandatory Transition Assistance Program, TCU teaches courses on investing in retirement and money management.
- Deployment Guide: TCU offers a free Pre-Deployment Guide to help service members and their families prepare for deployment and to reduce the stress of separation.
Military Financial Guides for Every Stage of Service
Through the Travis Credit Union Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of TCU, base personnel can receive free financial guides that help them navigate the unique financial experiences and transitions of being an active-duty member or a veteran.
VA Home Loan Options for Veterans and Active-Duty Members
Because buying a home can be difficult, TCU offers VA home loans to those who meet the qualifications set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are 30-year government-backed mortgages with zero down payment required for active-duty members, veterans and/or their survivor spouses so they can buy, build or refinance a home. To learn more about VA home loans, visit our VA Home Loan Options for Veterans blog post and our VA Home Loans Hub.
How Travis Credit Union Can Help Military Members and Their Families
Travis Credit Union is here to support all veterans, active-duty service members, military retirees and their families. Discover how TCU can help you by visiting our Military Resources Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Travis Credit Union’s connection to the military?
Travis Credit Union was founded on Travis Air Force Base in 1951 to serve military members and civilians working on base. That military connection remains a core part of TCU’s mission today.
Who can benefit from TCU’s military resources?
TCU supports active-duty service members, veterans, military retirees and their families. Many resources are designed to address military-specific financial needs and transitions.
Does TCU offer financial education for service members?
Yes. TCU provides financial information to new airmen through Travis Air Force Base Newcomer Events and other educational programs.
How can I access TCU’s military financial resources?
You can visit TCU’s Military Resources page to explore educational content, guides, classes and support services.
Can TCU help first-time military car buyers?
Yes. TCU offers a first-time vehicle purchase discount program for those with little or no established credit.
Does TCU offer VA home loans?
Yes. TCU provides VA loans for qualified active-duty members, veterans and eligible surviving spouses.
Does TCU offer homebuying education for military families?
Yes. TCU hosts on-base homebuying courses several times each year to help members navigate the homeownership process.
Are there investing resources available for military members?
Yes. TCU offers monthly investing classes and quarterly retirement investing courses.
How does TCU support members preparing for retirement?
TCU teaches retirement investing and money management through educational programs, including the military Transition Assistance Program.
What is the TCU Deployment Guide?
The Deployment Guide is a free resource that helps service members and their families prepare financially and practically for deployment.
Can veterans use TCU resources after leaving active duty?
Yes. TCU offers resources and financial education for veterans throughout their post-service financial journey.
Is there still a TCU branch on Travis Air Force Base?
Yes. TCU continues to operate a branch on base to serve military members and their families.