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Established by Northwestern Medicine employees in 1966. Still serving you today.

First Northern Credit Union’s connection to Northwestern Medicine spans 60 years.

In 1966, Northwestern Medicine established 4P Federal Credit Union to provide its employees with a financial institution created specifically to serve their needs. In 2000, 4P Federal Credit Union became part of First Northern Credit Union, giving members access to expanded products, technology and locations while preserving that employee-focused credit union relationship.

Today, First Northern remains the official credit union for Northwestern Medicine employees. Our Streeterville branch at 541 North Fairbanks Court is located on the Northwestern Medicine campus, with an additional surcharge-free ATM inside Galter Pavilion at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

First Northern is not just another employee benefit

Your credit union relationship was created by Northwestern Medicine employees, for Northwestern Medicine employees. That history means you are not merely eligible to join another financial institution. You are eligible to become part of a member-owned financial cooperative that has served generations of Northwestern Medicine employees and their families.

View Special Offers 2026 NM Payroll calendar BECOME A MEMBER Contact Us

Why Northwestern Medicine employees choose First Northern

Because First Northern is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union, our focus is on helping you make the most of your money — not generating profits for outside shareholders. Members benefit from competitive savings and loan rates, along with lower or no fees on many services.

Convenient access on campus, and wherever life takes you

We're often onsite, so you can meet with an experienced employee in person to discuss your unique needs. Or, visit our Streeterville branch at 541 North Fairbanks Court, conveniently located on the Northwestern Medicine campus. Hospital employees and visitors can also access a surcharge-free ATM on the second floor of Galter Pavilion. 

Manage your accounts around the clock through online banking and the FNCU Mobile app. Deposit checks, transfer money between financial institutions, pay loans and credit cards, manage bills, receive account alerts and send money with Zelle®. Learn more. You also have access to:

Whether you are beginning your healthcare career, managing a growing household, buying a home, refinancing debt, preparing for a major purchase or planning for retirement, First Northern offers financial products designed to support your goals.

Local decisions and personal service

At First Northern, you are more than an account number. Our employees take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions and help you identify the right financial solution. All lending decisions are made locally, allowing you to work with people who understand your communities and you personally.

Membership you can keep for life

Once you join First Northern, you can remain a member even if you change employers, retire or move away. Your family members can join, too, allowing the benefits of credit union membership to extend to the people closest to you.

Make your Northwestern Medicine paycheck work harder

Direct deposit makes it easy to automatically direct part or all of your paycheck into your First Northern accounts. Use it to simplify everyday banking, build emergency savings, set aside money for future expenses or qualify for the current new-checking-account offer.

With online and mobile banking, you can then transfer funds, pay bills and loans, deposit checks and manage your accounts wherever you are.

Caring for the people who care for our communities

Northwestern Medicine employees put patients first and work every day to improve the health of the communities they serve. First Northern shares that commitment to people and community.

As a financial cooperative, we exist to improve our members’ financial well-being. When you join, you become an owner with access to products, services and support designed to help you move forward with confidence.

BECOME A MEMBER Contact Us

Apply & use code NEWMEMBER* to get: 

$150 Checking Bonus

Open a new checking account and establish qualifying direct deposit.**
OPEN & CLAIM OFFER 

Up to $250 Home Equity Loan Bonus

Finance a qualifying fixed-rate home equity loan or refinance one from another lender.**
Apply & CLAIM OFFER 

Up to $500 Mortgage Bonus

Finance or refinance a qualifying mortgage**.
Apply & CLAIM OFFER

*Must use promo code NEWMEMBER. Promotion valid through 12/31/2026 and subject to change or end at any time. Cannot be combined with any other promotions. Subject to approval. Membership requirements apply. Not available to existing First Northern Credit Union members or those closing their account within the last 90 days. Bonuses subject to taxation as regular dividends.

Get a $150 bonus for opening a checking account with direct deposit: Direct deposit $500 or more monthly of your paycheck, pension, or government benefits into a new checking account for three consecutive months. Bonus paid to primary share account on or after 90 days of completing requirements.

Get up to a $250 bonus for opening or refinancing a Home Equity Loan: Receive up to a $250 bonus for financing a fixed-rate home equity loan or refinancing a fixed-rate home equity loan from another lender: 1) Loan application must be completed within 90 days of joining credit union 2) If approved, we will pay a bonus of $250 for loans over $50,000, and $100 for loans between $25,000 and $50,000. Bonus paid to primary share account on or after 90 days of completing requirements. Home Equity Lines of Credit ineligible.

Get up to a $500 bonus for opening or refinancing a mortgage: Receive up to $500 for financing a mortgage or refinancing a mortgage loan from another lender: 1.) Loan application must be completed within 90 days of joining credit union 2.) If approved, we will pay a bonus of $500 for loans over $250,000 and $250 bonus for loans between $100,000 and $249,999. Bonuses paid as lender credit at closing of the FNCU loan. Bonus subject to repayment if loan is paid off within 6 months.