Sentinel Federal Credit Union has been dedicated to protecting and enhancing the financial well-being of its members since 1955. Our mission is to safeguard your financial future and help you achieve your financial goals.

Since its inception in 1955, Sentinel Federal Credit Union (SFCU) has stood as a beacon of financial security and community support in South Dakota. Born from the need to provide reliable, member-centric financial services, SFCU was initially established to serve the military personnel at Ellsworth Air Force Base, known then as Ellsworth Air Force Base Federal Credit Union. From its early days, the credit union was rooted in the principle of people helping people, focusing on the financial well-being of its members.

For decades, SFCU nurtured its growth within the local community, gradually expanding its scope beyond just the military to embrace all who live, work, worship, or attend school in the surrounding counties of Pennington, Lawrence, Meade, Custer, Lyman, Todd, Tripp, Gregory, and Mellette. This commitment to community and local decision-making set the foundation for what would become a hallmark of Sentinel’s identity: a credit union with deep local roots, not just branches.

In 1994, reflecting its broader mission and growth, the credit union rebranded to Sentinel Federal Credit Union, symbolizing its sentinel-like role in guarding the financial futures of its members. This new name heralded an era of expansion and innovation, with SFCU continuously adapting to meet the changing financial landscapes of its members.

The pivotal moment in SFCU’s history came in 2015 with its merger with Rapid City Telco Federal Credit Union. This strategic union not only expanded the credit union’s geographical footprint to seven locations but also enriched its service offerings, integrating new technologies and financial products to better serve an ever-growing membership. This merger was a testament to SFCU’s commitment to growth while preserving its core values of member service and community focus.

Throughout its journey, Sentinel Federal Credit Union has remained steadfast in its mission to protect and enhance the financial lives of its members. It has done so by offering competitive rates, personalized services, and fostering a community-focused environment where members are treated not just as customers, but as owners of their financial institution.

Today, SFCU stands as a testament to the enduring value of credit unions in the financial sector, emphasizing financial education, security, and community involvement. With its roots firmly planted in South Dakota’s soil, Sentinel Federal Credit Union continues to look forward, always ready to adapt and innovate, ensuring that it remains a guardian of financial prosperity for generations to come.