Discover how local banking with Hughes helps keep our community strong through people-first service, lower fees and a commitment to Southern Arizona that big banks just can’t match.
Even with recent challenges, such as the government shutdown, our community continues to stay strong and connected. Still, for many, even doing everything right, such as saving, budgeting, and cutting back, doesn’t always stretch as far as it once did. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the future.
At Hughes Federal Credit Union, we understand because we live here too. We shop at the same stores, drive the same roads, and cheer for the same hometown teams. We see firsthand how much Tucsonans care for one another, and it’s in moments like these that your credit union can make a bigger difference than you might think.
Built to Put People First
Big banks are built to serve shareholders. Hughes is built to serve you.
As a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union, every dollar that comes in is reinvested in improving rates, reducing fees, and supporting the local community. That means more affordable auto loans, lower-rate credit cards, higher-yield savings options and accounts that don’t nickel-and-dime you for everyday banking.
Our
Free Checking account is a perfect example: no monthly fees, no minimum balance and a free Visa Debit Card that gives you access to online and mobile banking tools designed to make life simpler. It’s not flashy. It’s just fair.
When we say, “people helping people,” it isn’t a slogan. It’s a structure. It’s how we’re able to prioritize members’ well-being over profits, which is why Hughes was recognized by Forbes as one of Arizona’s Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2025. That recognition reflects what our members already know: when you put people first, the results speak for themselves.
Shared Struggles, Shared Strength
We’ve all felt the pinch. Groceries cost more, rent has climbed, and interest rates have made it harder to catch up. However, Southern Arizona is a place that understands resilience; we look out for one another, even in the toughest seasons.
At Hughes, we’ve seen that firsthand. From helping members refinance loans to free up cash flow to providing tools like
MoneyCoach (our interactive financial education resource), we’re here to make managing money a little easier and a lot less stressful.
When a member comes in feeling overwhelmed, our goal isn’t to sell them something. It’s to listen. Sometimes the best solution is small: adjusting payment dates, consolidating debt or setting a realistic savings goal. Those small wins add up to real confidence, and that’s what we’re here for.
Investing in Our Community’s Future
Local banking doesn’t stop at the branch door. It extends into classrooms, small businesses and community programs across Southern Arizona.
Through partnerships with organizations like Friends of the Library, Banner Diamond Children's Medical Center, and Pima JTED, Hughes helps fund programs that give back — from classroom grants and literacy initiatives to financial education workshops for students.
Hughes employees dedicate their time to teaching middle schoolers about saving, budgeting, and building healthy money habits, because helping the next generation feel confident about their finances is one of the best investments we can make.
We also proudly support local businesses through our
Checking PLUS program, offering members discounts at Tucson favorites like The Gaslight Theatre, The Monica and the Reid Park Zoo. It’s a simple way to make spending local even more rewarding.
Every time you choose to bank with Hughes, you’re helping sustain the small businesses, schools, and nonprofits that make Tucson the vibrant community we love.
The Power of Local Banking
There’s something deeply personal about banking locally. It’s the familiar faces at your branch who remember your kid’s birthday. It’s knowing your money stays close to home, funding car loans for your neighbors or helping a first-time buyer get the keys to their new house through programs like the Tucson Welcome Home initiative.
It’s about trust, the kind that grows from relationships, not transactions.
When challenges arise, local credit unions like Hughes don’t pull back; we step forward. We create new programs, lend responsibly and provide solutions that fit their unique needs. That’s the difference between being just another account number and being part of a financial community that truly cares.
Trust Earned, Right Here at Home
It’s easy to say “local matters,” but at Hughes, we back it up with consistency and care. We’re proud to have been voted by our community as the Best Bank/Credit Union, Best Debit Card, and Best Place to Work in Southern Arizona in the 2025 Arizona Daily Star’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
These honors mean the world to us because they come from the people who matter most, our members. They’re a reflection of the relationships we’ve built and the trust we work to earn every single day.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
Even in challenging times, Tucson shows its strength. We show up for our neighbors, support our local businesses and find ways to keep moving forward, together.
That same spirit lives within Hughes. Every conversation, every loan, every volunteer event is built on the belief that people helping people can make a real difference. It’s what guides how we serve our members and our community, not just in the good times, but especially when things feel uncertain.
We know the path toward financial wellness looks different for everyone, and we’re here to walk it with you. Whether you’re setting new goals, rebuilding your confidence, or just trying to find some balance again, Hughes is here to take you further.