History
In June of 1937, the Niagara Hudson Western Division Employees Credit Union, was incorporated to serve the financial needs of the Niagara Hudson Power Corporation (Niagara Mohawk/National Grid) employees. These employees were interested in creating a place where they could save and borrow money safely, confidentially, and at a fair rate of interest. The credit union started with two employees housed in a one room office in the basement of the historical ‘Electric Building’ in Buffalo, NY.
Today, Western Division is one of the largest credit unions in Western New York having grown from serving exclusively National Grid employees and family members to now serving over 400+ different employer groups, unions, churches and associations in Western New York within our Field of Membership.
What’s in a Name…Western Division
We provide financial services to the “Western Division” part of the State of New York, or as we know it ” Western New York.”
On our 84th Birthday in June of 2021 we refreshed our logo with the concept of a compass star pointing westward (playing off of our Western Division name.)
What Makes Us Different
Western Division is a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution, so our earnings are returned to our members in the form of lower interest rates on loans, higher dividends paid on deposit accounts, and lower fees and minimum balances. Because earnings are invested back into the membership, the members experience a unique level of service and benefits at the best rates.
Patronage Dividend
Your bank ever pay you to do business with them? We do… Western Division FCU Patronage Dividend
| Western Division FCU | Other financial institutions |
| Is a not-for-profit financial institution | Are profit-oriented institutions |
| Servicing Western New York | Can serve anyone in the general public |
| Has members, each person who deposits money has a share of ownership | Has customers with no ownership in the organization |
| Members elect a volunteer Board of Directors to represent their interests | Have a paid Board of Directors who represent the owners; customers do not have voting privileges |
| Democratically controlled by members | Controlled by stockholders and paid officials |
| Is member service-driven | Are profit-driven |
| Return profits to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings rates, free or low cost services and patronage dividends. | Return profits to a small group of stockholders |
| Our members actually like us! |
Exceptional Performance Rating 
Western Division has been awarded an Exceptional Performance Award by Bauer Financial Services for continuously earning a 5-star SUPERIOR rating. This award recognizes the highest level of performance as a safe and sound financial institution operating well above regulatory capital.
Mission Statement
To meet the financial needs of our members.
Vision
Western Division Federal Credit Union will provide essential deposit and loan products at great rates. Our service levels will surpass competitors by focusing on integrity, accuracy, timeliness and convenience to exceed our member’s expectations in our commitment to their financial success.
