Elevations logo

Elevations

4.1/5

Not-for-profit credit union headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, serving 176,000+ members across 18 counties with $3.3B in assets.

Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology

Rates vary

Elevations Review

Elevations Credit Union was founded in 1952 as the University of Colorado Federal Credit Union, beginning with just 12 members and under $100 in assets. The organization has grown substantially over seven decades, rebranding to Elevations Credit Union in 2006 and progressively expanding its field of membership from the Boulder area to serve 18 Colorado counties plus university-affiliated populations. 3 billion in total assets as of December 2022.

Elevations offers a comprehensive suite of consumer and business financial products. Members can access traditional banking services including checking and savings accounts, along with lending products such as mortgage loans, auto loans, credit cards, and home equity lines of credit. The credit union also provides business loans, commercial lending services, and financial planning assistance.

This breadth of services positions it as a full-service financial institution rather than a specialty lender. The credit union distinguishes itself through its not-for-profit structure, which returns earnings to members rather than external shareholders. Notably, Elevations has demonstrated commitment to sustainability and community impact—in 2010 it joined a partnership financing renewable energy projects and energy efficiency upgrades for members.

Membership eligibility is geographically broad across Colorado's Front Range and mountain communities, plus targeted access for University of Colorado Boulder and Naropa University affiliates. As a credit union, Elevations prioritizes member ownership and democratic governance. However, potential members should note that membership eligibility is restricted to specific Colorado counties or university affiliations—unlike national banks, you cannot open an account from outside the service area.

The Wikipedia source contains maintenance notices indicating some content lacks citations and has potential conflicts of interest, suggesting users should verify specific product details directly with the institution.

Services & Features

Auto loans
Business loans
Checking accounts
Commercial lending
Credit cards
Energy efficiency upgrade financing
Financial planning
Home equity lines of credit
Mortgage loans
Personal loans
Renewable energy project financing
Savings accounts

Feature Checklist

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

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Not-for-profit structure means earnings are returned to members rather than shareholders
  • Serves 18 Colorado counties with 20 physical branch locations for in-person banking
  • Large asset base of $3.3 billion provides institutional stability and resources
  • Over 170,000 members demonstrating significant community trust and scale
  • Offers renewable energy financing partnership for members seeking sustainability-linked lending
  • Comprehensive product suite including mortgages, auto loans, business lending, and financial planning
  • Direct membership access for University of Colorado Boulder and Naropa University affiliates

Cons

  • Membership restricted to specific Colorado counties or university affiliations—cannot serve customers outside service area
  • Limited to Colorado operations only, unlike national credit unions or banks with broader geographic reach
  • Wikipedia source flagged for missing citations and potential conflicts of interest regarding company information accuracy
  • No mention of digital banking capabilities, mobile app features, or online-only account opening options
  • Relatively smaller than major national credit unions, potentially limiting product innovation or competitive rates

Rating Breakdown

Value
5.0
Effectiveness
3.7
Customer Service
3.9
Transparency
4.0
Ease of Use
4.2

Mortgage Lending Transparency

Elevations processed 3,869 mortgage applications in 2023, approving 77.2% of applicants across 1 states.

3,869

Applications

77.2%

Approval Rate

$332K

Avg Loan

1

States Served

Approval Rate by Applicant Income

Under $50K
28.7%
$50K–$100K
65.1%
$100K–$200K
80.2%
Over $200K
88.8%

Based on 3,869 applications. Income in thousands (reported by applicant).

Top Lending States

Colorado 3,850 apps · 77%

Source: CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) Data, 2023. Applications include originated, approved, and denied loans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elevations legitimate?

Yes. Elevations is a registered company, headquartered in ,, founded in 1952.

How long does Elevations 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
1952
Headquarters
,
BBB Accredited
No
Certifications
NCUA Insured Charter #68565
Starting Price
Contact provider
Setup Fee
None
Money-Back Guarantee
No

No Website Currently Available

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on Elevations

Elevations is best for Colorado residents and university affiliates seeking traditional full-service banking with not-for-profit governance and community commitment. The primary caveat is strict geographic membership restrictions—you must live or work in one of 18 specified Colorado counties or be affiliated with specific universities to qualify for membership.

Best For

  • Colorado residents in the 18-county service area seeking full-service banking with community focus
  • University of Colorado Boulder students, faculty, staff, and alumni wanting member-owned banking
  • Members prioritizing not-for-profit banking structure and sustainable energy financing options
  • Homebuyers and borrowers in Colorado's Front Range and mountain communities needing mortgage and lending services
Updated 2026-05-08

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