Celebrating International Credit Union Day

October 15 is International Credit Union Day.
This year, we decided to celebrate by asking our members to share their stories. All the submissions blew us away!
We selected the following ten winners, each receiving $100. Thank you to everyone who shared their story! Your stories are our purpose, and we’re honored to be part of them.
 

A couple of months ago, my computer, my phone, and my bank account were hacked. I called BHFCU thinking I had better cancel my credit/debit cards to make sure the thief doesn't get away with any of my money.  When I called, I told the lady what had happened, and she immediately told me that it was a SCAM and immediately sent my information to the Fraud department. She also told me that this has been happening quite frequently, and that it was, indeed, fraud. I was so glad I made that phone call. I was so relieved when she told me that the Fraud department was already working on the case.  She told me that she was putting a rush on my new cards. It is so nice to know that BHFCU backs you up no matter what kind of issue you are having. Thank you, BHFCU!!!!
 

My credit union has improved my life since the very beginning of my financial career. I remember my dad bringing me to Black Hills Federal when I was only 16 to help me open my first savings and checking account. The same account I use today. Over 20 plus years later. My credit union has helped my husband and I buy cars, a house, cool toys, a new roof, and fun life experiences. My local credit union has always been there to just help and give me guidance so I can have my finances work for my way of life.
 

My credit union has helped me tremendously, when no one else was willing to guide me in the right direction to start my credit, BHFCU sat with me and taught me all about how I could get started on building my credit. They introduced each credit card, explained in detail how it could help me, the payments, and which one they thought would suit me best. After a few years with my credit card, my score has gone up so much, about a month ago I went in to buy a car, and even the sales guy was amazed at my credit!
 

Back in 2022, Black Hills Federal Credit Union helped us turn a dream into reality when they helped us purchase our wedding venue. From the very beginning, they believed in our vision and helped us take that huge leap into business ownership. Today, as we look at everything Black Hills Receptions has become, we’re incredibly grateful for the support that helped us get here. What started as a dream has grown into a place where so many couples begin their forever, and we’ll always be thankful to Black Hills Federal Credit Union for being part of our story.
 

Growing up on a tribal reservation, banking was not something I experienced as a child. There were no local banks where I lived, and access to financial services was limited. Because of this, I did not grow up with the same opportunities to learn about banking, saving, credit, and building financial security that many people take for granted. As I became an adult, finding a financial institution that understood my needs and treated me with respect became very important to me.

That is why I am so grateful to bank with Black Hills Federal Credit Union. They have helped me build a strong financial foundation for myself and my family. Over the years, I have been able to establish multiple accounts to help manage my finances and plan for the future. Most importantly, BHFCU has helped me save for my two children’s college education, giving me the opportunity to invest in their dreams and future.

BHFCU has also been there for my family when we needed to make important investments in our home. Through a home equity loan, we were able to make upgrades to our home and improve the place where our family lives and gathers. These opportunities have meant much more to me than simply having access to financial products—they have given me the ability to create stability, plan for the future, and provide opportunities for my children that I did not have growing up.

I love banking with Black Hills Federal Credit Union because they have been more than a place where I keep my money. They have been a partner in helping me achieve my goals and build a better future for my family. Coming from a community where banking was not readily available, I appreciate every opportunity BHFCU has given me to learn, grow, save, and invest in my family’s future.
 

My credit union has helped me through more than just the normal banking stuff. One of the biggest ways they’ve helped me was refinancing my car so I could continue to afford my monthly payments. At a time when finances were already stressful, having someone actually work with me instead of making me feel like I was on my own made a huge difference.

What really stands out to me, though, is how they treat me every time I have a question or need help figuring something out. They have always been willing to explain things, answer my questions, and help me find an option that works for my actual life. I’ve never felt like just another number or like I was being judged for needing help. Life can get expensive and unpredictable, and sometimes you just need someone to meet you where you’re at and help you figure out the next step.

That’s what my credit union has done for me. They’ve helped take some of the stress out of financial decisions and have given me the confidence that I have somewhere to turn when I’m not sure what to do. To me, that’s what a financial institution should be; not just somewhere you keep your money, but somewhere that actually wants to see you succeed. I’m genuinely grateful for the people who have taken the time to work with me and make my financial situation feel a little more manageable.
 

When I moved into my 1960s Rapid City home, I quickly discovered what older homes hide - a leaking sewer pipe, rotting decks, crawlspace moisture issues, and mounting repair costs. I felt overwhelmed and didn't know where to turn.

Wendy at BHFCU changed everything. She was responsive, patient, and invested in helping me find the right solution. She stayed on top of my file and kept me informed every step of the process. Thanks to BHFCU I was able to address the safety issues in my home - new sewer line, beautiful concrete decks replacing dangerous rotting wood, and proper drainage solving a longstanding water problem.

My dog Bailey did zoomies on the new concrete the first day the concrete was ready. That said it all. BHFCU didn't just improve my home, they improved my life. Wendy exemplifies their mission perfectly.
 

When I had to restart my life over due to my child passing and bad decisions on my part afterward. Black Hills Federal Credit Union employees knew me, knew my family, knew what I was capable of. They believed in me, knowing I finally believed in myself again.  That’s all it took. I took the world by storm. And still am. Since rebuilding my life, I’ve owned two successful businesses, had many vehicles and loans, and I’ve never failed again. Employees at the credit union saw the person beyond the past. And the numbers proved themselves with a company that believes in you. I’m that successful story.  

And for the record- thank you to all your employees who did believe in me. I promised I’d never fail again, and they knew it wasn’t just words. I got lost for a while after my child passed away.  I got myself off the ground and rebuilt a life worth having with hard work and determination. Your credit union employees knew what I was capable of and believed in me.  That’s why my loyalty towards this company is so strong.
 

I have had a credit union account since I was in high school. Including my very first car loan after college. A few years ago I was going through a difficult divorce and found myself in a situation that was difficult to make my car payment. When the banker from the Hot Springs branch called after a missed payment or two (I honestly can’t remember at this point), she was so nice. Hot Springs is a small town, so she already knew a little about what was happening in my life. I knew she was needing a payment, but she said the words, “what can I do to help you”. She made me feel like she saw me as a person going through something difficult and not just an account number. She set up a “skip a payment” thing that gave me a little breathing room while the dust settled and I was able to get some things figured out, and I never missed a payment again. 

That little bit of help made a HUGE difference in my life. Had I lost my only transportation with 3 children, the ripple effect could have been devastating. It meant so much to me that despite that I now live in Nebraska, which doesn’t have a local branch, I still use BHFCU for my banking. Luckily with the app and direct deposit I can still do everything I need, because of the kindness from the BHFCU employee I never want to switch banks.
 

When I started at BHFCU, my credit score was in the low 500s. They gave me a small limit credit card and told me exactly how to use it to raise my score. Then I bought my first new car. We transferred the car loan over to them and saved me thousands in interest. They also recommended a different insurance agency that cut my bill in half. Now my credit score is in the mid-700s, I own my own home and have since purchased another new car, in which they helped save me money again. I'm where I'm at today thanks to BHFCU.