Concord logo

Concord in Brooklyn, NY

4.0/5

Concord Federal Credit Union is a Brooklyn-based, member-owned credit union founded in 1951 to combat bank redlining, offering savings accounts, loans, and financial education to low- and moderate-income communities.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

Concord Review

Concord Federal Credit Union was established in 1951 by The Concord Baptist Church of Christ in response to racial discrimination in lending, when African Americans were systematically denied mortgages and business loans by mainstream banks. Starting with just eight church members, the credit union has grown into a trusted financial institution serving Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant community for over 74 years. The organization remains deeply rooted in its mission to close the racial wealth gap and build generational wealth in underserved neighborhoods.

Concord FCU offers a range of member-focused financial products including share (savings) accounts, share certificates, signature loans, fully-secured loans, home banking, mobile banking, and savings clubs (Vacation Savings Club and Holiday Club Account). They provide personalized service with limited hours of operation (Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM-2 PM) and have partnered with Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp to offer free financial planning from certified financial planners. The credit union maintains assets in the millions and serves thousands of members through their single location at 833 Marcy Avenue.

What distinguishes Concord FCU is its explicit commitment to community empowerment and financial literacy as part of its organizational DNA. Rather than profit maximization, the credit union prioritizes affordable loan products, financial education, and closing disparities in wealth-building access. Their values emphasize community service, integrity, and caring—reflected in programs like Financial Literacy Month appointments and resource centers. The organization celebrates its 75-year legacy in October 2026 and positions itself as a counter to historical banking discrimination.

However, prospective members should note significant operational limitations. The credit union maintains extremely limited hours (only 9 hours per week), requiring appointment scheduling for most services. There is no indication of online account opening, and the single physical location creates accessibility barriers for those outside the immediate Brooklyn area. Asset size and member count suggest this is a small institution with potentially limited product sophistication compared to larger credit unions. The website provides minimal detail on loan terms, rates, or membership eligibility requirements.

Services & Features

Empowerment Loans
Financial Literacy Education and Resources
Free Financial Planning Consultations (through CFP® partnership)
Fully-Secured Loans
Holiday Club Account
Home Banking
Member Resource Center
Mobile Banking
Share (Savings) Accounts
Share Certificates
Signature Loans
Vacation Savings Club

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Founded explicitly to combat racial discrimination in lending with 74-year track record serving underserved communities
  • Offers free financial planning services through partnership with certified financial planners (CFP® professionals)
  • Member-owned credit union structure ensures profits are returned to members rather than shareholders
  • NCUA-insured member deposits provide federal protection up to $250,000
  • Offers both savings products (share accounts, share certificates, savings clubs) and lending products (signature loans, fully-secured loans)
  • Provides home banking and mobile banking for account management convenience
  • Personalized service model with emphasis on member relationships and financial empowerment

Cons

  • Extremely limited hours of operation (Tuesday-Thursday, 11 AM-2 PM only) requiring appointments, creating significant accessibility barriers
  • Single physical location in Brooklyn with no indication of online account opening, limiting geographic access
  • No details provided on interest rates, loan terms, fees, or membership eligibility criteria on website
  • Small institution size may result in fewer product offerings and limited technological infrastructure compared to larger credit unions
  • Website provides minimal information about minimum balance requirements, though a news item mentions a 'Minimum Balance Fee'

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
3.5
Customer Service
3.7
Transparency
4.2
Ease of Use
4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Concord legitimate?

Yes. Concord is a registered company, headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, founded in 1951.

How long does Concord take to show results?

Membership approval and account opening typically takes 1-3 business days. Loan decisions are usually faster than traditional banks.

Quick Facts

Founded
1951
Headquarters
Brooklyn, NY
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
NCUA Insured Charter #7504
Starting Price
Contact provider
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Concord

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Concord

Concord FCU is best for Brooklyn residents seeking community-focused, member-owned banking with a mission to close racial wealth gaps and provide affordable credit. The primary caveat is the extremely limited operational hours (9 hours per week) and single-location structure, which make this impractical for anyone requiring convenient, flexible banking access or living outside the immediate Brooklyn area.

CFPB Transparency Report

Public data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Issues Resolved
100%
Timely Responses
98.8%

Source: consumerfinance.gov | Last checked 2026-05-13

Best For

  • Brooklyn residents in low- to moderate-income households seeking affordable loans without discrimination
  • Individuals prioritizing community-focused banking and financial empowerment over institutional size
  • Members of or connected to the Concord Baptist Church of Christ or Bedford-Stuyvesant community
  • Consumers interested in financial literacy support and personalized financial planning assistance
Updated 2026-05-14

Similar Companies

Actors Federal Credit Union logo

Actors Federal Credit Union

Actors Federal Credit Union is a specialized credit union founded in 1962 serving artists and performers with competitive rates on checking, savings, mortgages, and auto loans.

4.5/5
Free BBB: NR

Best for: Actors, performers, and entertainment industry professionals seeking financial services from a union-affiliated credit union, AEA members and related entertainment professionals needing mortgages or auto loans with competitive rates

Generations United Federal Credit Union logo

Generations United Federal Credit Union

Generations United Federal Credit Union is a faith-based credit union serving United Church of Christ members and clergy, offering checking, savings, loans, and credit cards with values-aligned lending practices.

4.4/5
Contact BBB: NR

Best for: United Church of Christ members and clergy seeking banking aligned with faith values, Customers prioritizing ethical banking practices over maximum convenience and nationwide branch networks

Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union logo

Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union

Community development credit union serving Upper Manhattan since 1997, offering low-cost financial services and affordable loans to underserved communities.

4.5/5
Free BBB: NR

Best for: Immigrants and non-citizens seeking credit access without traditional documentation, Upper Manhattan residents seeking community-oriented banking with mission-driven values

Is Concord Right for You?

Answer 3 quick questions to see if this provider matches your needs.

1. What's your primary financial goal?

Financial Wellness Guides

Affiliate Disclosure: CreditDoc may earn a commission when you click links to Concord and other services. These commissions help us maintain our free research. Our editorial team independently evaluates all services. Compensation does not influence our ratings or rankings. Learn more.