APG Federal Credit Union to open first Baltimore location

APG Federal Credit Union is about to deepen its presence in Central Maryland with a new branch planned for Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood.

The credit union will open its first physical Baltimore City location in early 2027 at The Can Company, a popular shopping and dining complex along Boston Street. The new branch is expected to bring both expanded financial services and new jobs to the area.

Becky Smith, APGFCU CEO and president, said, “Our primary goal is to focus on creating the best member experience and the best employee experience we can. Consumers are prioritizing trust and value in where they bank, and that is something we have been consistently preparing for by investing in our community and technological capabilities. We have a lot to offer.”

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Members will be able to open accounts, apply for loans and receive in-person help with managing money from a financial adviser.

The branch plans to install interactive teller machines. While a standard ATM allows users to withdraw cash or check balances, an ITM connects customers to a live employee via video. This allows for more complex transactions, like depositing checks or asking questions, outside normal business hours. The machines will be available 24/7 in a secure entry area.

Construction on the new site is expected to begin later this year, with hiring for approximately five full-time positions starting in the spring.

This expansion follows recent growth in surrounding areas. Since expanding service to residents across the Baltimore area in 2022, Baltimore City and County have quickly become one of the credit union’s fastest-growing member markets. In fact, they are opening another county location in Cockeysville this spring. The company operates 17 branches in Maryland.

Unlike traditional banks, credit unions are member-owned, which means profits are typically reinvested into better rates, lower fees and community programs.

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Beyond providing financial services, the branch intends to act as a hub for community outreach where the institution can coordinate programs, partnerships and events aimed at supporting residents.

APGFCU has also increased its visibility through major local events, including serving as the official banking sponsor of the Baltimore Running Festival and title sponsor of the 10K distance.

APGFCU has worked with local nonprofits to address issues such as food insecurity for years. In one recent effort, employees helped prepare more than 1,400 meals for families in need.

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Smith organized APGFCU’s first-ever employee volunteer week in February, which saw 70-plus employees complete service projects across five APGFCU communities, positively impacting hundreds of residents.

“The volunteerism was actually a request from the employees,” Smith said. “As a credit union, it is our responsibility and privilege to give back to the community, and our employees didn’t just want that coming from the corporate level, but to be out at these nonprofits and in the schools helping. It’s important to us that we show up in the communities we serve, and now we’ll be able to offer those opportunities in Canton.”

The organization has also emphasized its commitment to financial literacy, assisting members with understanding and effectively using financial skills such as budgeting, saving and borrowing. The credit union currently runs financial education programs in 16 Baltimore schools.