At 1st Ed, we’re dedicated to creating meaningful connections while supporting your financial journey with personalized service and trusted guidance. The 1st Ed Credit Union Refer-a-Friend Program lets you share those benefits with friends and family, and gives you both the opportunity to earn cash when they join.
The Quick Answer: How Does the Refer-a-Friend Program Work?
You earn $25* every time someone you refer qualifies for and opens a 1st Ed membership. You can make up to 4 referrals a month, for as much as $100.* Your friend gets $25* for joining, and can earn $75* more by opening a 1st Ed Visa® credit card and a qualifying checking account within 60 days.
What Does Your Friend Gain From Credit Union Membership?
Before diving into the details of our referral program, it’s essential to understand why being part of 1st Ed Credit Union is a smart financial move. Your friend gets everyday banking from a financial institution that its members own. Unlike traditional banks, we are a member-owned, not-for-profit organization. This means our profits are reinvested for your benefit, not shareholders.
Our members enjoy:
- Lower Loan Rates: Save more with competitive interest rates on loans.
- Higher Savings Yields: Grow your money faster with superior dividend rates.
- Fewer Fees: Keep more of your hard-earned cash with minimal service fees, such as no monthly or annual account fees or minimum balances.
- Personalized Service: Experience a community-focused approach where you’re more than just a number.
We believe in building relationships and equipping our members with the tools and support needed to thrive financially.
Plenty of people have already made the switch. Federally insured credit unions served 146.1 million members as of June 30, 2026, which is 2.3 million more than a year earlier.
How Does 1st Ed’s Refer-a-Friend Program Work?
Referring your friends and family to 1st Ed Credit Union is simple and rewarding.
Here are the steps:
- Invite Your Friends: Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about the benefits of joining 1st Ed Credit Union.
- Have Them Name You: Your friend enters your name and contact information in the referral section of the online membership application. If they apply in person at a branch, they can tell our team who referred them.
- Open the Membership: Once your friend qualifies and opens a membership, you each earn $25.*
- Enjoy the Rewards: Refer up to 4 people each month and earn up to $100.*
The Double Win: How Much Can You and Your Friend Earn?
With the 1st Ed Credit Union’s Refer a Friend Program, both parties benefit.
Here’s the full breakdown:
| Reward | Who Earns It | What Triggers It | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral bonus | You | Your friend qualifies for and opens a membership | $25 per referral (up to $100 a month) |
| Membership bonus | Your friend | Opens a qualifying membership | $25 |
| Visa® bonus | Your friend | Gets approved for a 1st Ed Visa credit card within 60 days of joining | $25 |
| Checking bonus | Your friend | Opens checking with a debit card, enrolls in Online Banking with eStatements, and sets up direct deposit of at least $300 per pay, all within 60 days of joining | $50 |
Your friend can earn up to $100* total!
Don’t forget about all the ongoing financial perks: As a member, your friend gets access to all the advantages of 1st Ed membership, from competitive loan rates to convenient digital banking to exceptional member service.
What Makes 1st Ed Credit Union Unique?
At 1st Ed Credit Union, we stand out because of our unwavering commitment to our members and the communities we serve. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Community Focus: We actively support local initiatives, schools, and community events because we believe in giving back.
- Member-Centric Philosophy: We make every decision with our members’ best interests in mind.
- Educational Resources: We provide financial education to help you make informed decisions about your money.
Our mission is to be more than just a place where you bank—we aim to be your trusted financial partner.
Everyone is very helpful! They answer all of my questions and treat me like family. K. Herrmann, Google
So friendly and helpful, they truly go above and beyond with customer service. Always a pleasure coming in!M. SYESTER, Reviews UP
I’ve been a member for years. I consistently receive great service from all reps…Recently–I had a special request and 1st Ed went above and beyond to accommodate me. It pays to be a member!G. Cranston, Google
Who Can Become a Member?
Your friend can join 1st Ed if they are:
- An employee or student at an eligible Pennsylvania school district
- An employee at an eligible Pennsylvania school
- An employee at one of our partner organizations
- A family member of an eligible member
- A regular member of an eligible group in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, or York County
This broad eligibility helps us grow a diverse, vibrant community focused on financial well-being. Visit our membership page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a credit union referral program work at 1st Ed?
At 1st Ed, you refer someone, they name you on their membership application, and you each earn $25* once they qualify for and open a membership. Your friend can earn up to $75* more by adding a 1st Ed Visa® credit card and a qualifying checking account within 60 days.
How many people can I refer per month?
You can refer up to 4 people a month. At $25* per successful referral, that adds up to $100* a month.
Does my friend have to apply online?
No. Your friend can name you in the referral section of the online application or tell our team when they apply in person at any branch.
How long does the new membership need to stay open?
The new membership needs to stay open for 12 months. If it closes sooner, 1st Ed revokes the bonus and deducts it from the remaining account balance.
Can 1st Ed change the referral program?
Yes. 1st Ed can end the program, revise its terms, or decline a bonus at its discretion.
Share the Perks of a 1st Ed Membership With Someone You Know
Know someone who’d be a good fit for 1st Ed? Tell them about our referral program and remind them to put your name on their application. A quick conversation could put $25* in your account and up to $100* in theirs.
*Limit 4 referrals per member per month. Referred member must qualify for membership for $25 incentive to be distributed to either party. All accounts are subject to our normal approval process. Members and accounts must be in good standing to receive incentive. New membership must remain open for 12 months after opening or incentive will be revoked and deducted from remaining account balance. Additional $25 incentive will be credited after new member applies and is approved for a 1st Ed Visa Credit Card within 60 days of membership opening date. Additional $50 incentive will be credited after new member opens a Checking account with a debit card, enrollment in Online Banking with eStatements, and crediting of direct deposit of at least $300 per pay within 60 days of membership opening. 1st Ed Credit Union reserves the right to terminate the program at any time, revise program terms, or refuse bonuses upon our discretion. Deposits federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000. For membership eligibility visit https://www.1edcu.org/about-us/membership/.