community impact

GTE + WE

Building up those we serve

You are what you do.

At GTE Financial, we are a low-income designated credit union that has faithfully served as a Community Development Financial Institution since 2013.

But what does that really mean?

For GTE, it means millions in annual charitable donations, thousands of hours of financial counseling and volunteer work, high-paying and rewarding careers, affordable lending, beneficial products and services and an unwavering commitment to improve lives and strengthen communities!

As a certified CDFI, GTE has proudly put grants and federal programs like the Emergency Capital Investment Program to work, awarded in 2022 to help expand economic opportunities for underserved residents and communities.

Supported by the Board of Directors, an annually elected body of GTE members that are unpaid volunteers, a commitment to community development and economic inclusion was formally adopted into Strategic Guidance in 2019. No matter race, color, age, gender, background, or level of wealth, you will have a home at our credit union.

We believe stronger communities are essential to a brighter future…that’s why we are passionately relentless about putting in the work

$2.5 million donated to
charity since 2019

3,040 VTO hours 
volunteered since 2019

46% of our employees 
reflect the diversity of the
communities we serve

Boards we serve on

Boys and Girls Club
Tampa Bay

Lori Liburdi

Hillsborough Economic
Development Council

Brian Best

LifeLink 
Advisory Board

Jasiel Legon

Tighten The Drag
Foundation

Chad Burney

Campo Family
YMCA

Dona Svehla

United Way

Tabitha Roach

MOSI

Holly Markham

Tampa Police Athletic League

Manny Aguilar

CUNA Board

Brian Best

Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions

Chris Murrin

HCC Foundation

Scott Goldbach

CUNA HR & Organizational Development Council

Jasiel Legon

SPC College of Business

Holly Markham

USF Business School Executive Advisory Committee

Brad Baker

Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Jennifer Maxfield

Wheels of Success

Erica Holliday

Our culture – Driven by employees that care 

Tampa Bay is an eclectic and heritage-rich region. For over 90 years, GTE Financial has focused on serving vibrant multicultural communities, many of which are areas of investment lacking affordable and accessible banking options. We’ve focused on making a difference for all and ‘Going Beyond Money’ to provide hope and opportunity—and it all starts with our employees and our culture. GTE is proud to hire locally, supporting our local economy with a workforce reflective of the distinct and vibrant communities we serve. We believe that a sincere and inviting approach to work is what makes GTE a Top Employer in Tampa Bay! For consecutive years spanning more than a decade, the credit union has been awarded the Tampa Bay Times’ Top Places to Work and Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work—based on employee ratings and reviews. GTE has also been recognized by Newsweek, CUNA, American Business Awards and AETNA as an industry leader doing outstanding work that is innovative, inclusive and meaningful. It’s all about people-helping-people. 

Reaching those who need it most

In 2020, S&P reported historic closures in the banking industry; 3,324 banks closed with only 1,040 openings, often leaving distressed areas without mainstream financial options. Underserved areas then disproportionally turn to check-cashing with exorbitant pricing to gain access to funds. GTE is dedicated to changing this!

52% of GTE branches
are in CDFI Areas of Investment

  • Headquarters
  • Crystal River
  • Plant City
  • Town N' Country
  • Seffner
  • Downtown
  • Ocala
  • Hudson
  • Midtown
  • Palm Harbor
  • St. Petersburg
  • N. Lakeland
  • Sarasota

Helping to break the cycle of payday loans:

  • Fair and financially responsible options to borrow smaller amounts of money with short payback period with GTE Instant Cash
  • Free financial wellness learning on-demand for our members through GTE Elevate Learning Programs
  • Offering Money Mentor to help members reach their goals and stay motivated on their journey to financial wellness. Online Survey

Products with a purpose

Designed For People, Not Profit

Hover over each icon to learn more.

Credit Builder Loan

GTE's Credit Builder Loan allows members to begin building (or rebuilding) a positive credit history without any money down.

GTE Instant Cash

GTE Instant Cash gives members a fair and financially responsible way to borrow smaller amounts of money with short payback periods. This loan was designed to protect our members from high interest rates and predatory lenders. Learn more.

Skip a Pay

For a low, one-time payment, eligible members can skip their loan payment during the month of their choice. Learn more.

(interest will continue to accrue)

52 Week Saving Challenge

GTE Financial challenges our members to save one extra dollar each week, helping them see how easy it is to reach $1,378 in savings by the end of the year - and have a chance at a prize for participating! Learn more.

Go Forward Credit Card

GTE's Go Forward Mastercard® credit card is designed to give you a predictable rate in an unpredictable market. Secured and Unsecured options available to build credit and overcome credit challenges. Learn more.

Go Further Checking

This option is for members who are looking to re-start a checking relationship and get their finances back on track! Learn more.

Go Premium Checking

Our Go Premium Checking account comes with built-in fraud-fighting and resolution services that help provide peace-of-mind and added confidence for our members. Learn more.

We Can Help

Since 2008, our "We Can Help" program, has offered loan solutions that have assisted thousands of members who are experiencing financial hardship. Learn more.

Future Change

With GTE's Future Change experience, members can save money easily and automatically. With each debit purchase, their change will automatically round up to the nearest dollar into a special savings account accessible 24/7. Learn more.

First Time Homebuyer Loan

0% financing for first-time home buyers, helping members achieve the dream of home-ownershi

Realty Reach

Realty Reach is your gateway to top-tier real estate professionals and exclusive member benefits. Plus, our members earn an average agent-paid reward equivalent to $1,600* that is applied towards their closing costs. Learn more.

Go Points Rewards

With our FREE GoPoints Rewards program, members earn points for everything they do at GTE, which can be used for cash back, travel, and gift cards! Learn more.

A history of helping others

2024

Cultural celebrations
  • Selected 8 Heritage celebrations, voted by our employees who helped champion these events!
Awards & Recognition
  • Newsweek America's Best Regional Bank and Credit Union
  • Bronze MAC Award for Compliance Week for Culture/Internal Branding
  • Platinum Aetna Workplace Well-being Award
  • Tampa Bay Business Journal One Tampa Bay Honoree
  • Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber - Nonprofit of the Year
  • CUNA Diamond Award Family Motor Fest + Category Best Winner
  • Bronze Stevie Award - Customer Service Department of the Year
  • TBBJ Business of Pride Honoree
  • Tampa Bay Times Top Workplace
  • Diamond Award - Best Ongoing Event
  • Gold Newsweek America's Greatest Midsized Workplaces 
Financial literacy
  • Hosted 51 financial workshops with over 826 attendees in 2024
Philanthropy
  • In 2024, contributed over $607,000 to local organizations
  • Over $139,000 was raised by GTE Employees to support monthly charities
  • Almost $7,000 was donated to GTE’s Make Hope Real initiative for the 11th year; bringing extra holiday magic to 4 deserving families.
  • Raised the Scholarship amount to $3,000 per winner
  • $81,000 awarded in Scholarships to 27 winners
  • Added a Trade School Category
  • Awarded over $1,000,000 in scholarships since program launch in 2012
  • David Pizzo Memorial Scholarship: An additional scholarship created in honor of David Pizzo to commemorate his contributions and legacy.
Products with a purpose
  • Special Purpose Credit Loan-Community Empowerment Mortgage
  • Realty Reach
  • Commercial Purchasing Card
  • Small Business Card
  • Business Checking Account
  • We Can Help for Business
Press
  • GTE Financial Named One of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2024 By Newsweek
  • GTE Financial to Celebrate First Clearwater Location Grand Opening with Tampa Bay Lightning Giveaways and More
  • GTE Financial Promotes Hall to Assistant Vice President of Member Resolution
  • GTE Financial Named One Of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2024 By Newsweek
  • GTE Financial To Celebrate First Clearwater Location Grand Opening with Tampa Bay Lightning Giveaways and More
  • GTE Financial Promotes Hall to Assistant Vice President of Member Resolution
  • GTE Financial Promotes Two Leaders In Operations To Vice President
  • GTE Financial Revs Up For Second Annual Family Motor Fest To Benefit Local Scholarships, Includes Lightning Giveaways and Alumni Meet and Greet
  • GTE Financial Celebrates Excellence: Dr. Traci’s House Among Top 15 Finalists At Inaugural Business Ambassador Awards
  • GTE Financial Elevates Leadership: Manny Aguilar and Dona Svehla Promoted to Key Executive Roles

2023

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Selected 7 DEI celebrations, voted by our employees who helped champion these events!
Awards & Recognition
  • Business Woman of the Year
  • GOLD level Aetna Workplace Well-being Award
  • Tampa Bay Times Top Workplace
  • TBBW Philanthropist of the Year Corporate Philanthropy Category
  • TBBJ One Tampa Bay
  • TBBJ Best Places to Work
  • Newsweek's America's Most Loved Workplaces
  • AHA Gold Workforce Well-being Scorecard
  • Tampa Bay Business Journal's Healthiest Employer Award
  • Stevie Silver Award: GTE Corporate Philanthropy in the Corporate Social Philanthropy Category
  • MAC Social Media - Silver
  • MAC Bronze for Instant Cash Brochure
  • MAC Bronze for Virtual Product Tutorials
  • Gramercy Institute Strategy Awards
  • Gramercy Institute Financial Content Marketing Awards Financial Literacy and Education Category
  • Bronze Stevie for Technology Exec of the year
  • TBBW Apogee Awards Chief Human Resource Officer Category
Financial literacy
  • Hosted 145 financial workshops with over 3,000 attendees in 2023
  • Participated in 15 different schools with over 1,000 total students for Great American Teach-In
Philanthropy
  • In 2023, contributed over $578,000 to local organizations
  • In that, over $138,000 was raised by GTE Employees to support monthly charities
  • Almost $10,000 was donated to GTE’s Make Hope Real initiative for the 10th year; bringing extra holiday magic to 5 deserving families.
  • Raised the Scholarship amount to $3,000 per winner
  • $78,000 awarded in Scholarships to 26 winners
  • Added a Trade School Category
  • Awarded over $978,000 in scholarships since program launch in 2012
Products with a purpose
  • Employee Home Loan 
  • Private Bank Checking 
  • Special Purpose Credit Loan-Community Empowerment Mortgage (live in Jan 2024)
Press
  • GTE Financial To Host Free Car Show In Partnership With The Yankees At Steinbrenner Field To Raise Money For Local Scholarships
  • GTE Financial Signs Multi-Year Partnership With Tampa Bay Lightning As Official Credit Union
  • GTE Financial Chief Lending Officer Named 2023 Business Woman of The Year

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Refined DEI plan
  • Selected 7 nationally recognized DEI moments throughout the year to celebrate with employees and members
Philanthropy
  • Donated over $515,000
  • Volunteered 2,468 hours in our community
Awards & Recognition
  • Tampa Bay Business Journal’s ‘Best Places to Work’
  • Tampa Bay Times ‘Top Workplaces’
  • Newsweek’s America’s Most Loved Workplaces
  • Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Healthiest Employer award
  • Aetna’s Workplace Well-being Gold winner
  • Finalist for Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine's 2022 Philanthropists of the Year awards
  • Recognized for our charitable work in Tampa Bay Business Journal’s One Tampa Bay program
  • Bronze Stevie Award in the Financial Services/Banking category for our innovative mobile app
  • Marketing Association of Credit Unions one Gold and two Silver awards
  • CUNA Marketing Diamond award
  • Gramercy Institute Financial Content Marketing award
  • Cynthia Colón received the 2022 Marketing Professional of the Year Award from the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council for her efforts in Hispanic Marketing
  • Jennifer Maxfield was honored to be a finalist in both the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s and the Business Observer’s 40 under 40 awards
  • Brian Best was honored to be a finalist in both the CUNA 2022 Luminaries Awards and the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth’s Apogee Awards 
Financial Literacy
  • Hosted 145 financial workshops with 2548 attendees in 2022
  • Introduced Level Up events aimed at youth members, to start them on a healthy financial journey
  • Launched 'Instantly Easy' video tutorials for multiple services
Instantly Easy Video Tutorials
Products with a Purpose
Press
ABC Action News
TBBJ
TBBJ
CU Today
TBBJ
CreditUnions.com
ABC Action News
The Morning Blend
CUNA New Now
CU Insight
CU Insight
CU Insight
CU Today
CU Insight
CU Insight

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Obtained DEI certifications from Cornell University and University of South Florida
  • Spanish applications made available for membership, credit cards, and auto loans
  • Provided bilingual training for employees
  • Designated position for full-time bilingual financial educator
  • Translated monthly member newsletter into Spanish
  • Selected 5 nationally recognized DEI moments throughout the year and celebrated with employees and members
Philanthropy
  • Over $506,000 donated to local charities
  • 1,200 hours volunteered in the community
  • Held Make Hope Real where GTE gifted 13 member families in need with dream holiday wish list
  • Awarded 24 students with $2,500 scholarships, for a total of $60,000
  • Awarded $182,300 in grants through the GTE Foundation
  • Swipe It Forward campaign reminded members that swiping their cards helped GTE donate to the community
  • Integrated Future Change into payments & transfers to make charity donations even easier for members
Awards & Recognition
  • Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine’s Philanthropist of the Year
  • Aetna Workplace Well-being Silver Winner
  • American Heart Association Gold Workplace Health Award
  • Tampa Bay Business Journal's Best Places To Work
  • Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces
  • CUNA Diamond Award
Financial Literacy
  • Hosted 211 financial workshops with 3,500 attendees
Expanding Our Reach
  • Launched Remote Deposit in the GTE Mobile App, helping members deposit funds anywhere, anytime
Press
CU Today Article
CBS Local News Article
Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber
Grants
  • Received $1.8 million CDFI Grant

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Welcomed 4,500 new Hispanic members, for a total of 41,000
  • Launched a robust Spanish website
  • Launched the GTE Mobile App in Spanish
  • Sat on the Latino Coalition of Tampa Bay executive board
  • Launched a Spanish queue in the Member Care call center
  • Developed DEI plan
Philanthropy
  • Over $442,000 donated to local charities
  • Held Make Hope Real for families in need
  • Awarded 24 students with $2,500 scholarships, for a total of $60,000
  • Awarded $87,500 in grants through the GTE Foundation
Awards & Recognition
  • Aetna Workplace Well-being Gold Winner
  • Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Best Places To Work
  • Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces
  • CUNA Diamond Award
  • CUNA Excellence Award for Employee Engagement
  • 1st Place Ragan's Employee Communications Awards: Change Management
Financial Literacy
  • Hosted 211 financial workshops with 3,500 attendees
Expanding Our Reach
  • Launched ▶ GTE Mobile App helping members access their accounts anywhere, anytime
  • Launched Zelle, allowing members quick access to sending money to friends and family
Press
Grants
  • Received a $500,000 grant from the CDFI Fund
COVID Response
  • ▶ No closures or service interruptions
  • Offered safe access to our centers
  • Continued to lend with quick turn-around times
  • Provided uninterrupted and enhanced virtual services, with 55,000 members utilizing the new mobile app for account access

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • New Spanish commercial airs on Telemundo and Univision
  • Performed Hispanic Market Analysis
  • Updated Strategic Guidance updated to include Diversity & Inclusion
  • Offered Facebook live Spanish language financial workshops
  • Launched DEI initiative
  • Joined the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber
Philanthropy
  • Over $690,000 donated to local charities
  • 4,800 hours volunteered in the community
  • Held ▶ Make Hope Real for families in need
  • Awarded 50 students with $2,500 scholarships, for a total of $125,000
  • Awarded $74,300 in grants through the GTE Foundation
Awards & Recognition
  • Brian Best named Board Member of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay
  • Mastercard Community Institutions, Doing Well By Doing Good Award
  • Aetna Workplace Well-being Silver Winner
  • American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index
  • Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Best Places To Work
  • Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces
  • CUNA Business Development Professional of the Year – Yasmin Grullon
Financial Literacy
Expanding Our Reach
  • Opened ▶ South Tampa location
  • Launched brand-new website with additional features and accessibility enhancements
Press

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Launched Spanish IVR menu
  • Added ‘Se Habla Español' signage to centers
  • Aired in-house produced broadcast commercial during the World Cup
  • Began sending targeted e-mails in Spanish
  • Introduced DEI into Strategic Planning
Philanthropy
  • Over $610,000 donated to local charities
  • 4,400 hours volunteered in the community
  • Held ▶ Make Hope Real for families in need
  • Awarded 36 students with $2,500 ▶ scholarships, for a total of $90,000
  • Awarded $72,500 in grants through the GTE Foundation
Awards & Recognition
  • Corporate Philanthropy Award from Tampa Bay Business Journal
  • Featured in Forbes by the American Heart Association
Financial Literacy
Expanding Our Reach
Products With A Purpose

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Created Spanish marketing collateral
  • Held home buying workshops in Spanish
  • Developed partnerships with Telemundo, iHeart Radio, and Prospera
Philanthropy
  • Over $477,000 donated to local charities
  • Volunteered more than 3,600 hours to the community
  • Awarded $90,000 in scholarships to 36 students
  • Make Hope Real - GTE raised over $10,000 with the help of GTE’s membership and employees, and provided gifts and a holiday meal for five GTE member families in need
  • Awarded $21,500 in grants through the GTE Foundation
Awards & Recognition
  • Aetna Workplace Well-being Bronze Winner
  • Tampa Bay Times Top Workplaces
Press
Expanding Our Reach
Products With A Purpose
  • Launched Go Forward Credit Card

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • 1st Hispanic Community Partner relatonship established with Ana G Mendez University
Philanthropy
  • Over $600,000 donated to local charites
  • 2,500 hours volunteered in the community
  • Held Make Hope Real
  • Awarded 36 students with $2,500 scholarships, for a total of $90,000
  • Awarded $32,000 in grants through the GTE Founda"on
Awards & Recognition
  • Corporate Philanthropy Award from Tampa Bay Business Journal
Financial Literacy
Expanding Our Reach
  • Renovated Temple Terrace Community Financial Center

Philanthropy
  • Over $480,000 donated to local charities
  • Held Make Hope Real
  • Awarded 36 students with $2,500 scholarships, for a total of $90,000
  • Awarded $7,500 in grants through the GTE Foundation
Awards & Recognition
  • Corporate Philanthropy Award from Tampa Bay Business Journal
Expanding Our Reach
  • Renovated South Tampa Community Financial Center
  • Opened brand-new 'Student Powered Community Financial Center' at Southeastern University in Lakeland, furnished with a technology bar equipped with tablets and smartphones for members to try out GTE Financial’s free virtual banking channels

Philanthropy
  • Repaired 232 computers through our Techs On Tour program, saving members over $45,000
  • Held Make Hope Real where GTE raised over $9,000 and gifted 3 member families in need with dream holiday wish list
  • Awarded 36 students with $2,500 scholarships, for a total of $90,000
Awards & Recognition
  • Corporate Philanthropy Award from Tampa Bay Business Journal
Financial Literacy
  • Educated over 2,300 community members through our financial education seminars on important topics like credit, investing, homeownership, and savings
Expanding Our Reach
  • Opened our first 'Next Generation Community Financial Center' in Downtown Tampa
  • Opened brand-new 'Student Powered Community Financial Center' in Ybor to support Hillsborough Community College, which hosted 57 financial education events, reaching over 600 students
  • Introduced Live Chat, which enabled over 2,200 on-demand member interactions in its first year
Products With A Purpose
  • Launched Auto Harmony, an industry-leading, innovative way for members to lower their car payment, helping 372 members modify their car loan and free-up funds, without the hassle or cost of a traditional refinance
  • Launched Future Change, an easy way for members to round up change from debit transaction to a special saving account
  • Launched Pay For You, one of the largest scale promotions in the CU history, providing one GTE member family with an entire year of mortgage payments free

Philanthropy
  • Over $110,000 donated to local charities
  • Held Make Hope Real where GTE raised over $9,000 and gifted 3 member families in need with dream holiday wish list
  • Hosted 12 computer repair events through our Techs On Tour program, saving members over $35,000
  • Assisted 1,200 members with loan payments through our We Can Help program
Awards & Recognition
  • CUNA Excellence in Lending Award – member business lending strategy with a focus on local, small businesses
Financial Literacy
  • Hosted over 100 financial education seminars
Expanding Our Reach
Products With A Purpose
  • Enhanced Deposit2Go and Popmoney – two free, real-time member payment services recognized by CUNA as Best Practices
  • Launched Harmony Loans, allowing members to adjust their home loan rate with a single click
  • Launched College Advantage, offering a suite of products and opportunities to the next generation of members, including free checking and internship opportunities
  • Our industry-leading Home Afforrdablle Refinance Program (HARP), saved members over $90 million in interest on their underwater mortgages so they could stay in their homes

Philanthropy
  • Over $100,000 donated to local charities
  • 350 hours volunteered in the community
  • Repaired 253 computers through our Techs On Tour program, saving members over $75,700
  • Awarded 12 students with $2,500 scholarships, for a total of $30,000
  • Assisted 1,244 members with loan payments through our We Can Help program
Products With A Purpose
  • Our industry-leading Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), saved 1,800 members over $77 million in interest on their underwater mortgages so they could stay in their homes

Philanthropy
  • Over $60,000 donated to local charities
  • Repaired 148 computers through our Techs On Tour program, saving members over $44,000
  • Brought over 500 smiles to deserving kids during the holidays, in partnership with the Guardian Ad Litem program, a local advocacy group for abused and neglected children
  • Partnered with Junior Achievement, contributing to the largest financial literacy education initiative in Tampa Bay
Products With A Purpose
  • Launched brand-new Bill Pay system, created based on member requests
  • Launched Deposit2GO and Zashpay, to make banking more accessible for our members

Products With A Purpose
  • Launched Member Advantage program, providing 6.99% APY on the first $500 in both the eligible member’s checking and savings accounts, plus a variety of loan discounts, higher certificate rates and eliminated fees
  • Launched Early Saver account for members under the age of 18, providing 6.99% APY on the first $500 of savings
  • Re-introduced competitive share certificate rates
  • Eliminated $0.25 fee on debit transactions for qualifying members (those with eStatements, under age 12 or over 65)
  • Dramatically reduced numerous fees

Expanding Our Reach

Mayor Rick Baker ran on a platform promising to make Midtown part of a "seamless city" where all residents have equal access to services. To an overlooked area about 40 blocks wide and 30 blocks just south of downtown, he promised to bring a major supermarket, a post office, a library and a bank. All would be part of an economic development zone in the heart of Midtown.

GTE Financial stepped up to the plate and vowed to provide the banking services to this area and those in need. Knowing how badly it was needed and the impact it would have in the neighborhood, we knew this was a great investment in our community. Giving back to the community is integral to GTE’s mission and we have used this location to provide valuable banking services, financial education, and community support.

Press