Our Story
From a humble beginning in 1949, a financial institution created a sense of belonging. This is the history of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union.
For over 75 years, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union has been more than a place for members to bank and transact. It has been more about people and relationships.
More Than Banking. It’s Belonging.
On July 2, 1940, due to the vision of Aviator Tom Davis, Piedmont Aviation was incorporated in Winston-Salem, N.C., to buy and sell airplanes, parts and accessories, gasoline, oil and equipment of all kinds and to give aeronautics instruction. Over the years, Piedmont Aviation provided much-needed jobs for servicemen and women after the war.
Within eight years, in January 1948, Piedmont Aviation added a new division, Piedmont Airlines. Within a month, on February 20, 1948, Piedmont Airlines held its inaugural flight from Wilmington to Southern Pines, an hour to the west. Within a year, the need for a credit union grew as the number of employees increased.
On December 10, 1949, Piedmont Aviation Credit Union formed and began providing small loans and savings accounts to Piedmont Aviation and Piedmont Airlines employees.
Over the years, we became known as Piedmont Advantage to reflect our growing membership. With access to over 5,000 branches within the credit union network and 35,000 surcharge-free ATMs, membership is now open to individuals who reside, work, worship, attend school or operate a business in one of the six counties we serve in North Carolina or who are employed, by one of our many employer companies. These six counties are Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Rockingham.
A Look Back that Points Us Forward
To celebrate our 75th anniversary, we created a commemorative booklet, Blueprint of Resilience, Trust, and Belonging. It’s more than a look back. It’s a reflection of the values that have guided us since day one. Inside, you’ll find stories of members, milestones that shaped our journey, and the unwavering belief that a strong financial institution is built on connection, not just transactions.
Join Our Story and Start Your Own with Us
Not a member yet? We’d love to welcome you to the Piedmont Advantage family. Joining is easy and it means more than just great rates and convenient services. It means belonging to a credit union that puts your financial well-being over corporate profits.
Come be part of our story.
Headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and founded in 1949 within the aviation industry, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU) serves member-owners, who reside, work, worship, attend school or operate a business in one of the six counties it serves in North Carolina or who are employed by one of its many employer companies. These six counties are Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Rockingham.