As Florida Aircraft Federal Credit Union, we received a Federal charter in 1958 to serve the financial needs of the employees and immediate family members of Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (a division of United Technologies Corporation). The philosophy of the "Founding Directors" was to promote thrift and provide loans at reasonable and competitive rates. As a not-for-profit financial institution, the C
redit Union established a history of rewarding its membership with above average dividends on both share and share draft accounts, while treating all members equal regardless of their account balance. Renamed Velocity Community Credit Union, we opened our doors to the entire community. Now everyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers or attends school in Palm Beach County, FL can become a member. Velocity Community Credit Union has grown in assets to over $280M by simply providing professional and friendly financial service for over 55 years. History of Credit Unions
Credit Unions, as non-profit cooperatives, are unique in the financial world. They exist solely to meet the financial needs of their members. They are owned and directed by their members and are dedicated to the credit union motto: Not for profit, not for charity, but for service. Credit Unions, as we know them today, have their origins in Germany, where the poor farmers formed credit societies in 1840. After feudalism was gone, farmers were allowed to own their land. Unfortunately they were financially unable to purchase land or the equipment necessary to operate the farms. When the "banks" at that time would not lend to people of lesser means, this forced them to go to "money lenders" and borrow at exorbitant rates. The credit societies formed by the farmers gave them a place to borrow money at reasonable rates. As their popularity increased, they became known as "people's banks."
