Elements Financial logo

Elements Financial in Indianapolis, IN

4.3/5

Elements Financial is a member-owned credit union serving over 100,000 members with $2.2B in assets, offering banking products with lower rates and fewer fees than traditional banks.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

Elements Financial Review

, with deep roots in Central Indiana. Originally founded to serve Eli Lilly employees, the credit union has expanded significantly while maintaining its non-profit, member-owned structure that prioritizes returning profits to members rather than external shareholders. 2 billion in assets.

Elements Financial offers a comprehensive suite of banking products including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, auto loans, mortgages, and credit cards. Members have access to 90,000+ surcharge-free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches worldwide through the CO-OP network. The credit union provides online banking, live chat support, and digital services alongside traditional branch banking.

15% APY. The company also maintains a referral program offering $50 rewards and emphasizes financial wellness through educational workshops and resources. As a credit union rather than a traditional bank, Elements Financial's distinguishing characteristic is its member-ownership model, which directly translates to better rates, lower fees, and higher savings yields compared to for-profit institutions.

The organization balances high-tech digital banking with 24/7 human support, explicitly rejecting a cold, purely automated approach. Elements demonstrates community commitment through annual "Purpose Day" volunteer initiatives and membership in national protection initiatives like the Member Protection Initiative for scam prevention. The credit union's 90+ year history and top 5% ranking indicate operational stability and member satisfaction.

Elements Financial is legitimately well-positioned for members seeking banking services with member-first values and competitive rates. The primary caveat is that membership eligibility is employment-based—you must work for one of the 150+ employer-partners to join, which limits accessibility compared to banks open to the general public. Those who qualify gain genuine advantages through the non-profit structure, but the company is not an option for consumers outside its employer network.

Services & Features

18-month certificates of deposit (3.15% APY advertised)
24/7 live chat support
ATM and branch locator (90,000+ surcharge-free ATMs, 5,000+ branches)
Auto loans for purchase and refinancing (rates from 4.94% APR)
Checking accounts with online banking access
Credit cards
Financial wellness resources and educational workshops
LPL Investment account access
Loan payment services and account management
Member referral program ($50 refer-a-friend rewards)
Mortgages for home purchase and refinancing
Savings accounts with higher rates than traditional banks

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Non-profit, member-owned structure returns profits as lower fees, higher savings rates, and lower loan rates
  • Ranked in top 5% of U.S. credit unions with 100,000+ members and $2.2 billion in assets
  • Access to 90,000+ surcharge-free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches worldwide
  • Competitive promotional rates: auto loans as low as 4.94% APR and CDs at 3.15% APY
  • 24/7 human support combined with modern digital banking and online services
  • 90+ year operational history since 1930 with deep community roots in Central Indiana
  • Active in national member protection initiatives to prevent scams and fraud

Cons

  • Membership is employment-restricted—limited to employees of 150+ participating companies, not open to general public
  • Website does not disclose overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, or other standard banking charges for comparison
  • Limited information on credit card rewards programs, APRs, or features compared to competitors
  • Auto loan promotional rate requires preauthorized transfer setup and may not apply to all applicants based on credit history
  • No mention of business banking services despite focus on employee benefits

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
4.4
Customer Service
3.9
Transparency
3.5
Ease of Use
4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elements Financial legitimate?

Yes. Elements Financial is a registered company, headquartered in Indianapolis, IN.

How long does Elements Financial take to show results?

Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
Indianapolis, IN
BBB Accredited
No
Starting Price
Contact provider
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit Elements Financial

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Elements Financial

Elements Financial is best for employees of participating companies (especially Eli Lilly) who want banking products with genuinely lower fees and rates thanks to credit union ownership. The major caveat is that membership is employment-restricted—you cannot join unless you work for one of their 150+ employer-partners, which makes this unavailable to the general public despite offering excellent member benefits.

Best For

  • Employees of Eli Lilly or the 150+ partnering companies seeking lower-fee banking with member-owned benefits
  • Members prioritizing community-focused banking with active local volunteer engagement and financial wellness education
  • Auto loan borrowers with good to excellent credit (FICO 790+) seeking rates below traditional bank offerings
  • Savers interested in competitive certificate of deposit rates with guaranteed APY
Updated 2026-04-29

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Financial Wellness Guides

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