When evaluating financial institutions, especially for personal loans, it’s essential to look past glossy advertisements and dig into the fine print. One such organization making rounds in North Carolina is First Flight Federal Credit Union. Established in 1952, this credit union has been offering its services to a broad demographic, including military personnel, small business owners, and residents of specific North Carolina communities. But with some customer concerns surfacing online, the question arises: Is First Flight truly a trustworthy financial partner—or is there more beneath the surface?
Let’s take a deep dive into what First Flight offers, how it operates, and whether it’s worth your time and trust.
A Legacy with Community Roots
First Flight Federal Credit Union has its headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, and operates several branches throughout the state. Unlike big national banks, First Flight maintains a community-centric model, serving a wide membership that includes both civilians and military members. They emphasize accessibility and personalized financial support, which is often a major draw for individuals tired of impersonal banking services.
Yet, despite these grassroots origins, the union’s reputation online tells a slightly more complicated story.
Products and Rates: Competitive but With Caution
For those seeking personal loans, First Flight offers rates ranging from 10.77% to 12.68% APR, which is competitive within the credit union landscape but higher than what prime borrowers might find elsewhere. Interest rates for other products fall between 10.25% and 11.00%, and monthly payments are at least $25 or 2% of the loan balance—whichever is greater.
There are no fees for unused lines of credit, and you only pay on the funds you draw, which can be advantageous for borrowers who need flexible access to cash. However, it’s important to understand that interest still accumulates on any outstanding balance, and early payoff savings may be limited depending on how the loan is structured.
Who Can Join?
Membership in First Flight isn’t open to everyone, but there are several pathways:
- Residents, workers, or worshippers in Lenoir County, Pitt County, Havelock, New Bern, or Morehead City.
- Employees and retirees of government agencies or military personnel.
- Customers of Carteret-Craven EMC.
- Members of partner organizations such as the Holly Springs Arts Council or Beaufort Historical Society (you can join by making a small donation).
This model reflects the traditional credit union ethos—built on shared community or workplace connections—but also provides accessible alternatives for individuals outside the immediate region.
Application Process and Credit Impact
Opening an account or applying for a loan requires standard information: name, address, date of birth, and a government-issued ID. This ensures proper verification and identity security.
Importantly, checking your potential loan rate does not impact your credit score—thanks to a soft credit inquiry. However, if you choose to proceed with a loan, the union will perform a hard credit check, which may affect your credit score temporarily. This is standard industry practice, but it’s worth noting for those actively managing their credit profiles.
Customer Service and Complaints
This is where First Flight’s story becomes a bit more mixed.
On the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the credit union holds a B- rating, and they are not accredited. While that isn’t necessarily damning, the average customer rating sits at a low one out of five stars, based on limited but concerning reviews.
Some customers have reported frustrating experiences with loan servicing and account transparency. For example, one borrower mentioned difficulties paying off an auto loan after moving out of state, while another described confusion over payment allocation—where their loan payments were applied entirely to interest, leaving the principal untouched.
Additionally, access to account information has been a recurring complaint, with some users saying they lost online access after questioning loan details. These issues, whether isolated or systemic, underline the need for improved communication and transparency.
Internal Culture: What Do Employees Say?
According to Glassdoor reviews, former and current employees have voiced dissatisfaction with compensation and benefits. Several reviews point to a lack of follow-through from upper management in addressing these issues. While not directly impacting customer services, employee morale can often be a reflection of deeper organizational stability—or lack thereof.
Cancellation and Commitment
If you’re considering a loan from First Flight, keep in mind: once loan funds are disbursed, the agreement cannot be canceled. This means borrowers must fully understand the loan’s terms—APR, payment schedule, penalties—before signing.
For some, this can be a disadvantage, especially if financial circumstances shift soon after borrowing. Credit unions typically offer more flexibility than traditional banks, but that doesn’t guarantee leniency once a loan is finalized.
Final Verdict: Is First Flight Federal Credit Union Worth It?
First Flight Federal Credit Union offers competitive rates, flexible membership options, and a long-standing presence in North Carolina. For individuals seeking a more personal, community-based alternative to large banks, it may be a viable option.
However, the limited online transparency, mixed customer reviews, and unaccredited BBB status should give pause. Like any financial decision, taking out a loan or opening an account with First Flight requires thorough research, asking questions, and comparing your options.
If you live in North Carolina and qualify for membership, First Flight might be worth considering—but don’t skip reading the fine print or reviewing your options elsewhere.
Takeaway: First Flight is not a scam—but it may not be the best fit for everyone. Proceed carefully, do your research, and make sure you’re not just getting a loan—but the right loan for your needs.
Have you had an experience with First Flight Federal Credit Union? Your feedback could help others make smarter decisions.
