Kinecta Federal Credit Union

From its earliest days, the credit union’s mission was to be “the preferred and most trusted life-long financial partner in the communities we serve.” Today we simply call it, Banking Done Different.

Today, Kinecta Federal Credit Union (Kinecta) is one of America’s largest and most influential credit unions, proudly representing some 245,000 member-owners with assets of $4.7 billion. Our 700 employees serve members and 190 employer groups from 22 branches, a variety of specialty offices, and a highly responsive call center.

Our mission: To guide our members and communities to financial security. This is what we strive for in every interaction, in every community event, and in every donation we make. From our free online financial workshops to financial recommendations tailored for your life events, we invest heavily in helping our members live their best life.

Our online banking, bill pay, and mobile features are secure and convenient, giving our members flexibility beyond our 5,500 shared branches and national ATM network. And when it comes to commercial enterprises, the Small Business Administration ranked Kinecta the #1 credit union for lending in all of Southern California in 2019.

In addition to our banking, lending, insurance1, and wealth services2, Kinecta has consistently prioritized giving back to the communities where our members and employees live, learn, and work. In 2019 alone, Team Kinecta volunteered more than 8,800 hours at 180 community events, providing essential resources to roughly 250 local nonprofits. Additionally, Kinecta and its members raised more than $650,000 to support local community-based programs.

It’s been quite a journey from our modest beginnings. In 1940, twelve engineers at Hughes Aircraft, the aviation company formed by multi-millionaire Howard Hughes, grew tired of driving into town to conduct their banking and decided to open a credit union right in the plant. Each of them chipped in $5 to form the Hughes Aircraft Employees Federal Credit Union, with assets of $60 and first reported net income of 1¢.

During the war years, Hughes Aircraft Employees Federal Credit Union offered its first auto and personal loans, with a maximum of $200. A new car at the time cost an average of $500. HAEFCU continually found innovative ways to provide outstanding service for members.

When Raytheon Corporation acquired Hughes Aircraft in 1997, it became clear that a new brand was needed. Members advocated for a name that suggested “community and family.” The name Kinecta – suggesting kinetic energy and connection with our members – was formally adopted in 2001.

Unlike banks that earn profits for their shareholders, credit unions reinvest our revenue to offer better rates for our individual and business members. That means Kinecta can pay higher dividends on the money you save. And we charge lower rates on your credit cards, home mortgage loans, vehicle purchases and so much more.

But great rates are only the beginning. Because we’re smaller than the big banks, you matter more. Because we’re part of the community, we contribute more. And because you’re an owner as well as a member, you receive more benefits like discounts on products, services, and entertainment.

In short, Kinecta is a credit union that delivers everything you’d expect from a bank. And when you add outstanding service, great rates and special member benefits, you get something more. You get banking done different.

Kinecta has proudly served individuals and businesses throughout Southern California for more than 80 years. We celebrate our community by supporting more than 250 local nonprofit organizations. And even though we’re one of America’s largest and most influential credit unions, we’re small enough to recognize and reward the contributions of every team member.

At Kinecta, we’re dedicated to helping our members, our community, and our employees grow and prosper. Join us. We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We offer our employees a generous benefits pacakge that includes:

-Competitive salaries, annual merit increases, and total rewards package
-Paid time off for illness, vacation, federal and floating holidays
-401(k) retirement option with employer matching
-Education reimbursement and student loan assistance
-Community volunteer program
-Recognition program
-Rideshare program

Healthcare Benefits

Our healthcare coverage options for employees and their dependents include:

-Great benefit plan options for HMO and PPO
-Dental insurance
-Vision coverage
-Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
-Voluntary benefit plans for disability, life insurance, pet insurance and more

Special Employee Discounts

We also extend special employee discounts on our financial products that fit your everyday needs:

-Free: checks, money orders, cashier’s checks, and traveler’s checks
-Home mortgages and equity lending
-Auto loans
-Credit cards
-Dividend-paying Checking Plus accounts
-And much more

Kinecta’s mission is to guide and support its members and communities not only financially, but in all aspects of life. With our ever-growing population of members and employees of various backgrounds, we continuously strive to better serve and represent them by building a diverse team.  

Diversity is defined as the differences amongst people that can be both visible and non-visible that make them who they are. These can be one’s race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, skill and ability, as well as cultural backgrounds and experiences. One of our main goals is to embrace these differences and create equity amongst all. Everyone should have a space to feel comfortable in sharing who they are. It is these differences and individual stories that will provide a mix of perspectives and ideas to better serve our members, employees, and help us tailor the best products and services.

To assist in these efforts of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, Kinecta has formed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. This council is composed of various employees of the credit union from different backgrounds and positions seeking partnerships and activities centered around Kinecta’s diversity. In addition to the council, Kinecta is focused on diverse representation through its recruiting, retention, and promotion. Kinecta seeks to provide educational trainings and initiatives centered around diversity and inclusion, leadership and mentorship programs, create outside partnerships, and deliver a multitude of benefits that truly make a difference or our employees.

Some of our current programs and partnerships include:

Internal Programs

A Year of Inclusion – Monthly newsletters with stories and interviews centered around diversity, as well as roundtable discussions with expert-led panels on various topics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Kinecta Emerging Leaders Program (KELP) – A leadership development program for employees who would like to pursue managerial positions, or improve their leadership skills as an individual contributor
Mentor Program – A program for employees who express interest in learning and developing in a new role. Employees are paired with a senior employee in an area of interest to help them learn about such area and provide development opportunities. We also provide additional mentorship opportunities through external partnerships with organizations such as, the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC).

External Partnerships

Operation Progress – Operation Progress (OP) is a holistic mentoring and scholarship program focused on supporting students and families in the city of Watts. The program provides students with educational opportunities and resources such as mentorship and support with volunteer law enforcement officers, and scholarships to assist with tuition and educational expenses in local schools. Kinecta provides the scholars and families of OP with financial education that will help prepare these scholars for college and beyond.
Covenant House - Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit youth, homeless shelter that provides sanctuary and support for homeless and trafficked youth, ages 18-24. CHC serves over 4,700 youth a year with 40% being from the LGBTQ+ community. Along with financial education, Kinecta will offer ongoing career mentorship opportunities to the residents of CHC . Kinecta also proudly sponsors CHC’s fundraising events such as the “Night of Stars Gala”
Spicy Green Book - Spicy Green Book is a team of volunteers providing free marketing services for black-owned businesses. Kinecta will be providing financial education to these small businesses, as well as sponsoring events and working with our Business Development team to ensure these businesses have access to the products and services that will help them be successful.
Green Dot Charter Schools - Green Dot is a network of public charter schools throughout California and Tennessee. Their mission is to help transform public education and prepare students for college, leadership, and life in historically underserved communities. Kinecta will be conducting a series of financial education courses for high school students and providing these students with mentorship opportunities.

We are continuously building an equitable work environment by supporting and celebrating our employees’ unique abilities and differences while providing opportunities that encourage growth and development. We are committed to creating equity in the communities we serve with tailored community outreach to best serve their individual needs.

With these efforts and programs in place, Kinecta seeks to identify gaps and provide actionable recommendations that can move us to best in class when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and there’s much more to come.