Blog - Utah First Credit Union

Nov 25, 2025 / Home Equity

5 Ways to Utilize Your HELOC for the Holidays

We’ve all got ghosts of Christmases past, like the year the oven died mid-turkey, the travel plans maxed out your card, or the kitchen was one countertop short of functional. And when your budget is stretched thinner than the last piece of pie, it’s no wonder holiday festivities can feel more mayhem than merry sometimes.…

Nov 12, 2025 / Mortgages

Your Totally Doable Guide to First-Time Homebuying in Utah

Dreaming of homeownership but aren’t sure where to start? Totally understandable. Buying your first home can feel like learning a new language. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an expert in finance to buy your first house. You just need the right partner (hey — that’s us!) to guide you through it! At Utah…

Nov 05, 2025 / Home Equity

4 Cozy Season HVAC Wins to Fund With Your HELOC

Every fall, we pull out the sweaters, swap the cold brews for warm lattes, and refresh our homes with plaid pillows, blankets, and pumpkin spice candles to maximize the cozy vibes. But the most valuable fall refresh goes beyond aesthetics to get your house ready…

Nov 02, 2025 / Money Tips

Time to Fall Back & Get Ahead!

Daylight Saving Time is clocking out for the year. This morning, our clocks all fell back an hour, giving you 60 bonus minutes today to prep for guilt-free winter hibernation. Knock out some easy wins, then get cozy knowing you’ve got life handled! A few…

Oct 15, 2025 / Events

Introducing the Utah First Music Scholarship

Turning Up the Volume on Utah’s Next Generation of Talent At Utah First, we believe in doing more than banking — we believe in backing people. And that means supporting creativity, connection, and community in every form. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the Utah…

Oct 03, 2025 / Uncategorized

Is It Better to Finance My Car Through a Credit Union or a Car Dealership?

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle with an auto loan, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to get that financing. Both credit unions and dealerships can set you up with a loan, but not all financing is created equal. Not to…

Sep 24, 2025 / Uncategorized

Checking for Students: 7 Smart Banking Tips for College Life

College is an exciting time full of new friends, learning, late-night food runs, and the freedom not to do your laundry for three weeks (no judgment here!). But with independence also comes unglamorous responsibility, like figuring out how to manage your paycheck without overdrafting for…

Sep 17, 2025 / Checking

The Benefits of Opening a Checking Account With a Credit Union vs. a Big Bank

Choosing where to open a checking account is a pretty big deal. It’s where your paycheck lands, your bills get paid, and your financial life lives, so it’s worth picking a partner that makes the experience feel like a win. But to say you’ve got…

Sep 08, 2025 / News

Utah First Wins 11th Crystal Performance Award on 90th Anniversary

Utah First Credit Union is honored to announce that we’ve been awarded the Crystal Performance Award for the 11th consecutive year. This is a recognition given to only the top 2–3% of credit unions nationwide. Presented by Raddon, the award recognizes consistent excellence in areas…

Aug 08, 2025 / Uncategorized

Can I Use My Auto Loan to Purchase a Vehicle From a Private Seller?

Good news! If you’ve spotted the one (car, not soulmate) from a private seller, you can absolutely finance your purchase with an auto loan. Auto loans aren’t just for dealerships! Banks and credit unions like Utah First offer financing that works just as well when…