JHUAPL

On April 29, 1954, eight employees of the Applied Physics Lab founded APL Federal Credit Union with just $40 in assets. From those humble beginnings we have grown to over 30,000 members with over $600 million in assets today.

In 1999 we received a community charter, which expanded our membership eligibility from JHU/APL employees and their families to everyone who lives, works or attends school in Howard County.

Although we now serve the entire Howard County community, we have stayed true to our roots, maintaining our APL name while continuing to serve thousands of current and former JHU/APL staff members and their families.

• Two convenient branches right on Campus – our Main office at the Lab entrance on Pond Road and our Campus Branch next to the Building 7 lobby entrance.

• Four additional surcharge-free ATMs located in Buildings 1, 17, 200 and MP6. Plus, members have unlimited access to over 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the U.S. and several other countries.

• Our staff’s familiarity and knowledge of the Lab helps us provide better service to our JHU/APL members, with streamlined loan approvals and personalized assistance with your financial needs.

• Year after year we have maintained the lowest fees of any full-service financial institution in the area. In 2023 our members paid an average of just $18 in fees, while the average American pays almost $160 in fees each year just to maintain a checking account.  

• In addition to our great rates and low fees, we provide our members with a ton of free services, including: Free Checking, Online Bill Pay, Zelle®, Apple Pay & Google Pay, Credit Reports & Credit Scores, and much more.

As a not-for-profit financial institution, our mission is to improve lives and make a positive impact within our community.

We improve lives by providing our members with as much value as possible. We make a positive impact in the community by supporting dozens of organizations in Howard County and surrounding areas, including the Howard Hospital Foundation, Howard County Food Bank, Neighbor Ride, Autism Society of Maryland, Toys for Tots, Blossoms of Hope, HopeWorks Howard County, Bridges2Housing and the Association of Community Services.

As a JHU/APL staff member it is quick and easy to open your APL FCU membership. You can use our Online Membership Application or stop by Member Services at any of our branches to open your membership in person.