Katie BaileyPeoples Advantage Federal Credit Union has been rolling’ in where others have rolled out. The first credit union in Virginia with a fully mobile branch, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union has been serving Richmond through its Empowerment Center for years. Now, with a new downtown branch opening in 2026, they’re expanding that commitment even further and bringing full-service banking directly into the communities that need it most.
The Peoples Advantage Mobile Branch is an RV converted into a full-service mobile credit union. Members can make cash transactions, open new accounts, get a new debit card, start a loan application, or receive financial advice. It even has a built-in ATM! And while it’s designed to go anywhere (like community events and festivals), its main purpose is to bring banking to deserving communities.
The branch on wheels has served Petersburg for years, but over the past 6 months, it has been rolling into Hopewell, Dinwiddie, and parts of Richmond. Its presence in Richmond has been growing thanks to partnerships with the City of Richmond, Gallery5, Virago Alley, Boaz and Ruth, and Housing Families First.
“We are excited to host Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union’s Mobile Branch on our campus once a month. The first time we hosted their mobile branch in March, four families made an appointment to talk with the team, and three opened accounts that day. Most importantly, the Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union team understands the importance of showing up consistently. When our program participants and staff see their commitment month after month, it builds trust. Housing Families First’s collaboration with Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union enables us to offer convenient, consistent financial services that are tailored to families we partner with,” said Beth Vann-Turnbull, Executive Director, Housing Families First.
Where you’ll see the Mobile Branch:
- Housing Families First (4th Tuesday of every month)
- Boaz and Ruth (4th Thursday of every month)
- City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building (July 29)
- City of Richmond First Friday Block Party (August 7)
- First Fridays at Gallery5 (September 4, October 2, November 6)
“We’re not waiting for people to come to us. We’re pulling up in the parking lots of old bank buildings, setting up at popular community spots, and popping up wherever we’re needed most. As a CDFI Credit Union, we answer to our members, not to shareholders deciding which communities are worth their time. We believe every community around us is worth investing in. Full stop,” said CeJae Vtipilson, Director, Market Expansion and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Initiatives.
Look for the Mobile Branch to roll into more neighborhoods and communities in the Richmond are in the coming months and look for their new downtown branch September 2026, located at 122 E. Grace St.
