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Start here with Central One's first-time checking accounts, credit cards, credit building loans, and more.

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We make first time banking wicked easy.

Our first-time banking products are built to help you start strong with your money, no stress, no guesswork. Plus, banking with us means you've got a trusted, wicked local credit union backing you. We're right down the street or a call or click away if you need us. Getting started is easy:

  • 1

    Open an account

    If you live, work, worship, volunteer, own a business, or go to school in any of the towns we serve, you can open an account with us.

  • 2

    Build your credit

    Establish a positive credit history with a Credit Builder Loan or your first credit card so you can start building toward your goals.

  • 3

    Keep it rolling

    Keep on top of your finances and continue working toward your personal financial goals with our Financial Literacy tools.

Free Checking

Regular Checking Account

Opening your first checking account? We've got you. Our Free Regular Checking keeps things simple. You don't need to keep a minimum balance or worry about monthly fees. It's easy and stress-free and comes with all the features you need.

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Benefits of our Regular Checking

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No minimum balance

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No monthly fees

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Top-rated banking app

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Pay with mobile wallet

First Time Loans

Our first-time loans are designed to help you borrow with confidence.

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Credit Builder Loan

Designed to help first timers establish good credit. It's an easy and secure way to get started with your finances.

Learn more about our Credit Builder Loan
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First Time Credit Card

We make getting your first credit card easy with simple terms, useful limits, and a way to build credit fast.

Learn more about our Credit Cards
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First Time Auto Loan

Your first car is a big deal. We make it simple with free car‑buying support and first‑time buyer loan discounts.

Learn more about our Auto Loans
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First Time Home Buyer

Buying your first home is a huge deal. We guide you with helpful tools, special programs and support at every step.

Learn more about our First Time Home Buyer program

Benefits of our First Time Products

  • Credit Builder Loan: Choose your loan amount up to $1,000 with flexible terms up to 12 months! Your on-time payments get reported to the major credit bureaus, helping you build positive credit.

  • First Credit Cards: Enjoy a low introductory rate with no annual fee and no cash advance transaction fee.

  • First Auto Loan: Finance up to 100% of the vehicle value with up to 1% reduction on your auto loan rate1, No credit history required2

Financial Literacy

Money skills = life skills.

Financial literacy helps you make smarter choices, and Central One is here with tools and resources to help you build what’s ahead.

Visit our Financial Wellness Center Check out our Financial Calculators

Read our blog

Check out our beginner-friendly money tips.

  • Not at all. At Central One, our First-Time Borrower Program is built for members with little to no credit history. We take a broader view of your financial picture, including your employment and stability, to help you get started.

  • At Central One, first-time borrowers have access to a range of loan options designed to help you get started and build credit with confidence. Through our First-Time Borrower Program, you may qualify for:

    • Auto loans for your first car, including special discounts and financing options
    • Credit cards with low introductory rates and no annual fee to help you begin building credit
    • Credit Builder Loans created specifically for members with little to no credit history
    • First-time homebuyer mortgage programs to help you make homeownership a reality

    Even if you’ve never borrowed before, we offer flexible solutions and personalized guidance to help you take that first step and build a strong financial foundation.

  • In some cases, yes. At Central One, we offer special discounts and programs designed to help first-time borrowers get started, including options on auto loans and other lending products.

    While rates are based on factors like your financial profile and loan type, our First-Time Borrower Program is built to provide competitive options, even if you have little to no credit history. Our goal is to help you build credit with a loan that’s both manageable and affordable.

  • Yes. One of the main benefits of our First-Time Borrower Program is helping you begin building credit. By making on-time payments, you can establish a positive credit history and improve your financial opportunities over time.

    At Central One, we structure loans to be manageable so you can build credit confidently while staying on track with your payments.

  • At Central One, we take a more personal approach to lending, especially for first-time borrowers. Instead of relying only on a credit score, we look at your full financial picture, including your employment and overall stability, to help you get started.

    As a local credit union, our decisions are made right here in the communities we serve. That means faster responses, more flexibility, and direct access to experienced bankers who are focused on your success. We also offer programs and tools specifically designed to help you build credit, so you’re not just getting a loan, you’re building a strong financial foundation for the future.

    👉 Learn more about our approach:
    https://www.centralfcu.com/why-your-first-loan-is-easier-at-central-one/

Bank wicked local.

No one gets Massachusetts like your local credit union does. Bank with people who call this community home, just like you.

Join us Find a branch

  • First Time Auto Loan Disclosure:

    1. Minimum rate is the current lowest advertised rate, APR. 

    2. Down payment and/or cosigner may be needed.

    First Time Auto Loan Disclosure: To qualify, you must not have a previous auto loan on your credit history. Discounts cannot be combined and cannot go below lowest published rate. A down payment and cosigner may be required. Actual rate will be determined based on credit history, term, loan to value, and other factors. Call a Lending Specialist at 800-527-1017 for more information.

    First Time Credit Card Disclosure

    *Actual introductory rates and approval subject to applicant’s creditworthiness. APRs are variable, adjust with Prime and are capped at 17.5%. See disclosure for full details. Central One Federal Credit Union membership is required.
    Loss of Introductory APR: We may end the introductory APR and apply the regular APR based on your creditworthiness if you fail to maintain a Central One checking account or discontinue eStatements. After 2 years, the account converts to the standard Visa Diamond or Diamond Rewards card rates.

    **Cash back rewards are deposited directly into your Central One account.

    Diamond Agreement

    Visa Diamond – First time

    Visa Diamond Rewards

    Visa Diamond Rewards – First time

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Personal Loan Rates

Signature Personal Loan – 9.13%

Secured Loan – Share APR +3.00%

Personal Access Line of Credit (PAL) – Prime + 11.50% (floor rate is 9.99%)

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Adjustable Rate Mortgages

  • The 15/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 15 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.

    Term: Available for terms up to 40 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies, or we will not be able to process your application. Payments do not include taxes and insurance. 

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 15/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 15 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.

    Term: Available for terms up to 40 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application. Payments do not include taxes and insurance. 

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 10/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 10 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application. Payments do not include taxes and insurance. 

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 10/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 10 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.

     

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30-year fixed rate.

     

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies, or we will not be able to process your application.

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 5 years then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.

     

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30-year fixed rate.

     

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 5 years then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.

     

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.

     

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies, or we will not be able to process your application.

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 3/3 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 3 years then adjusts to a new rate every 3 years.

     

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.

     

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 3/3 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 3 years then adjusts to a new rate every 3 years.

     

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.

     

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 1/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 1 year then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.

     

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30-year fixed rate.

     

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

  • The 1/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 1 year then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.

     

    Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.

    Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.

    Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.

     

    Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator

    Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.

     

    Begin the Application Process Check Rates

Order Checks for your Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

You can order checks through this link Order Checks or by calling 800-355-8123. You will need to input your account number and the Central One routing number (211387169). As a security precaution, you will not be able to change the address on the checks and all orders will be sent to the address of record on the account.

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