About > Who We Are

Who We Are

New Mexico born and bred since 1954.

We are your ideal partner for a better future

We are a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution which embraces the culture and community traditions of New Mexico. Our mission is dedicated to improving lives by providing our members with sound and unbiased financial advice.

Our Future

As your ideal partner for a better future, DNCU is committed to bringing innovation to the credit union experience with cutting-edge technology and process improvements:

The introduction of state-of-the-art Interactive Teller Machines and Self-Service Kiosks with live human interaction and enhanced security features allows our members to enjoy a much wider range of services than those of traditional ATMs
An advanced digital banking experience with a robust set of financial tools, including bill pay, money transfers, auto pay, and remote deposit allows for quick and convenient fulfillment of most banking transactions
An enhanced application portal that streamlines the process by which applicants can apply and sign for new accounts and loans online

With seven decades of experience in the Land of Enchantment, DNCU is committed to demonstrating the credit union difference and reinventing the banking experience. We’re looking forward to introducing new ideas, improvements, and experiences for our members as we continue our mission of improving lives in New Mexico and beyond.

I love DNCU because it is and always has been there for all the New Mexico communities. They help our communities with programs for kids and food distribution during the pandemic. Shout out to all the awesome staff at DNCU for the great customer service. I also love the annual Shred Days!

— Christina C., DNCU Member

Our Commitment To Community

Del Norte Credit Union knows Improving Lives means building relationships in our communities.

We are thrilled to announce a special partnership between the Santa Fe Botanical Garden and Del Norte Credit Union members, offering you an exclusive discount on Garden memberships! All members will receive a 20% discount on new Garden memberships at any level! This discount is exclusively for account holders with DNCU. To take advantage of this exclusive offer, visit our SFBG membership page online and enter the discount code: DNCU20, or call 505-471-9103 x 110 to inquire on membership. This special discount is available until 12/31/2024.

For more insights into our work in the community, take a listen to our radio show on KSWV radio here.

Mission
We are a not-for-profit institution dedicated to improving lives by offering a robust line of competitive financial services paired with philanthropic efforts throughout New Mexico.
Vision
Since 1954, DNCU has been writing a story of community, growth and success.

With plans for expansion of both our branch network and service offerings, we invite the people of New Mexico to join us on our journey.
Values
DNCU reflects the culture and traditions of our New Mexico—friendships, family and communities.

It’s part of Del Norteño Pride and it’s at the core of everything we do.

Improving Lives—DNCU community contributions, by the numbers

Inspired by our values of Del Norteño Pride and our role as your ideal partner for a better future, we strive to fulfill our mission of improving lives throughout New Mexico every day.

^$2,787,575
Total savings for DNCU members in 2023.
1,652
DNCU Employee Volunteer Hours in 2023.
^$152,055
Total DNCU Charitable Giving in 2023.

Learn about community sponsorships at DNCU

We’re member-oriented not dollar-oriented. We make decisions based on improving lives and what is right for our members.

— Rebecca R., DNCU Member

Our History

Storytelling is a way of life in Northern New Mexico and at Del Norte Credit Union it is no different. Our story began 70 years ago. Del Norte Credit Union is a state-chartered, community credit union originally chartered in 1954 as Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory Credit Union.

In 1959, the Credit Union’s name changed to Los Alamos Employees Credit Union, membership grew to 2,717 members, and the first full-time manager was hired.
In 1975, our name changed to Los Alamos Credit Union and our field of membership (FOM) was expanded to include all persons living or working in Los Alamos County. Membership continued to grow reaching 16,825 and accounts became federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
In 1981, the Credit Union (CU) became a community charter credit union opening the FOM to individuals in the surrounding communities. During the early 1980’s, we merged with two other Credit Unions, Raton and Roswell and expanded our field of membership.
In 1998, we merged with Santa Fe Federal Employees Federal Credit Union (SFFEFCU). SFFEFCU was the oldest Credit Union in New Mexico, established in 1935. In 1999, our name was officially changed to Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU) to represent the larger geographical area we serve. DNCU currently provides financial products and services to 63,632 members in four primary markets: Los Alamos, Española, Santa Fe and Rio Rancho while maintaining $1.1 billion in assets.

Although DNCU is open to serve the broader field of membership, we are currently focused on building relationships in Northern New Mexico.

DNCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors (BOD). A cooperative (Co-op) is an independent group of people who come together to address a common need through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. DNCU is not about profit maximization but improving lives while balancing long-term sustainability (earnings and net worth) with member, community, and regulatory requirements.

I’ve been a member for over 30 years and the service gets better and better by the day. The employees I’ve worked with provide incredible experiences including quick auto loans. They have moved mountains for me over the years and I knew when I opened my account in the late 90’s that they were the right fit for me.

— Greg M., DNCU Member