Starting from Scratch Is Its Own Kind of Wealth

A strong financial future doesn’t require family money, insider knowledge, or a perfect credit score. It starts with support that meets you where you are.

Learn how Peak Credit Union helps students and first-time earners build financial confidence with guardrails, guidance, and tools designed for people just getting started.

If you’re new to earning money, it can feel like everyone else got the manual and you didn’t.

Maybe you don’t know what an investment account is. Maybe you didn’t have anyone to co-sign a car loan. Maybe you don’t know the difference between a debit card and a credit card. Another’s parents co-signed a car loan. Someone else just got approved for a credit card with rewards you’re pretty sure you don’t qualify for.

If your feel like your financial life is starting from zero, here’s what we want you to know:

That zero is not a weakness.
It’s a starting point.

And if you’re willing to learn and plan, starting from scratch can actually be a strength.

Forget the Myth of “Behind”

We’ve seen too many people in their teens and twenties assume they’re “behind” because they don’t already know how credit scores work or what a Roth IRA is. At Peak Credit Union, we meet you exactly where you are—with information that’s actually helpful, and products designed for the way real life works.

We don’t expect you to be an expert. We don’t expect you to have savings. What we do expect is that you have goals. And we’re here to help you reach them.

Tools With Guardrails

Our student and starter accounts come with no surprise fees, flexible access, and the tools you need to track your spending, build credit safely, and set savings goals that match your reality.

Looking for your first credit card? We’ll help you understand what “responsible use” really looks like—and make sure you don’t get stuck with terms that trap you in.

Need a loan with a co-signer? We make it easy to include a parent or guardian while still giving you ownership of the process. And our mobile banking is built with your generation in mind—clean, intuitive, and actually helpful.

Support That Shows Up When You Need It

Everyone hits their first financial wall eventually. An unexpected expense. A budgeting mistake. A sudden drop in hours at work.

That’s when it matters most to have a credit union that sees you as a person, not a problem. We’re local, we’re human, and we’re here to help you figure it out—without pressure, judgment, or upselling.

The Goal Isn’t Just Money. It’s Momentum.

We believe the Pacific Northwest is a great place to start something. Including your financial life. That’s why we focus on helping you take confident steps—not giant leaps.

Open your first account. Set up your first budget. Ask the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.

Because momentum isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about moving forward, even when you’re not sure you know how.

You don’t need a financial legacy to build one. You just need a place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of account should I open first?
Start with a free checking account and a linked savings account. Peak offers student and starter options with no monthly fees, mobile tools, and automated savings features.

Do I need a parent to co-sign for a loan?
Not always—but if you do, Peak makes it easy. We’ll walk you and your co-signer through every step.

Can I apply for a credit card if I have no credit history?
Yes. We offer credit-building cards designed for first-time users, with built-in safety features and lower risk of long-term debt.

What if I make a mistake or overdraft my account?
Mistakes happen. Our team can help you recover without shaming or penalty traps—and we’ll teach you how to avoid it next time.

Peak Credit Union, Built for you. Built for belonging.