About Us & Our History

Who We Are

As a not-for-profit institution, we are governed and owned by our members—so when you join you not only become a member, but an owner as well! In addition, we’ll go above and beyond in our commitment to make your life easier. We know work can be hectic, and we are here to make sure your finances do not need to be.

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What We Believe

Values

We believe our credit union values of “people helping people” go along perfectly with the healthcare philosophies of service and care. You can count on us to be your one-stop-shop for all your financial needs, so that you can focus on what is most important: your calling of caring.

Mission

Our mission means we make every effort to cater to the unique needs of our members. Not only are we conveniently located at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital, we will go to meet you on your hospital floor if you cannot come to us. Not only do we open at 7:00 am because we know you work night shifts, we also pull our own night shift from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm the first Thursday of each month.

Promise

Once you are a member with us, you can be a member for life. No matter where you move or what career changes you may make, your membership eligibility does not change: we will still be there for you as long as you need us.

1958

Nine employees of Nashville’s Baptist Hospital had an idea: to create a financial cooperative that would understand and cater to the unique needs and schedules of workers in the healthcare industry. With an initial investment of $45 and volunteer employees to handle day-to-day operations, Baptist Hospital Credit Union was a labor of love, the passion project of a small group dedicated to serving the healthcare community.

1981

We continued to grow and expand throughout the sixties and seventies. As we grew, so did our services. From the beginning, we offered savings accounts and loans to our member-owners. In the early 80’s, we also begin to offer members checking accounts. Since then, we’ve added all kinds of amenities, including Audio Response, Home Banking, FAX machines, and nation-wide ATM access.

2000

In 2000, we moved to our proud new location in the Midstate Building, where we’ve been to this day. To better serve our member’s schedules, we began offering night shift services to our hours here when we moved. We also launched our very first website.

2010

In 2010 we changed our name: Baptist Hospital Credit Union became Life CU. Our mission is not just to provide financial services to those in the healthcare community, but to build relationships with our members for life. That is why no matter where you move, or what career changes may lie ahead, your membership with Life CU will remain intact.

2018

It was our Diamond Anniversary and we celebrated our 60 years of serving the healthcare community. In fact, it was a delight to celebrate our credit union family that whole year through. It was a “gem” of a milestone!

As we reflected over our first 60 years serving the healthcare community, we were filled with gratitude to those who make Life Credit Union successful and steadfast…the people. Our roots run deep…from the longevity of staff to the continued support of our loyal members; they make Life Credit Union what it is today and what it will be tomorrow. We will always be honored to be your trusted partner in Life!

Today

Our goal to provide health caregivers the care that they deserve has only strengthened and broadened over time. In the past 62 years, that 45-dollar investment has grown to over 37 million in assets, and our volunteers have become a full-time staff to accommodate the needs of our 4,300+ members. Membership privileges now extend to all employees, independent contractors, or self-employed persons who work regularly in the healthcare industry throughout middle Tennessee, as well as their immediate family members.

From our beginnings as a group of hospital employees who envisioned a convenient place to save and borrow money with other coworkers, to today, our mission and commitment is unchanged. We thrive in helping members succeed in reaching their goals, minimizing financial stress, and providing the knowledge to strengthen their financial position and to enrich their lives. We plan to be here for you, for LIFE!