Ascend vs Fortera
Comparing a Credit Union in Tullahoma, TN with a Credit Union in Clarksville, TN using federal FDIC, NCUA, and CFPB data. Trust Grades reflect financial strength and complaint history.
| Ascend ↗ Credit Union · Tullahoma, TN · Est. 1951 | Fortera ↗ Credit Union · Clarksville, TN · Est. 1954 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trust Grade | A · 98/100 | A · 98/100 |
| Institution type | Credit Union | Credit Union |
| Location | Tullahoma, TN | Clarksville, TN |
| Total assets | $4.7B | $938.9M |
| Net worth ratio | 14.6% | 12.6% |
| Return on assets | 1.3% | 2.1% |
| Shares & deposits | — | — |
| Members | 265,513 | 83,977 |
| CFPB complaints | 0 | 0 |
| Complaints / $1B assets | — | — |
| State rank | #4 of 126 | #6 of 126 |
| Established | 1951 | 1954 |
Ascend
- Assets: $4.7B
- Members: 265,513
- Capital ratio: 14.6%
- Return on assets: 1.3%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #4 of 126
Fortera
- Assets: $938.9M
- Members: 83,977
- Capital ratio: 12.6%
- Return on assets: 2.1%
- CFPB complaints: 0
- State rank: #6 of 126
Are both institutions federally insured?
Yes. Ascend is NCUA-insured and Fortera is NCUA-insured. Both protect deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, regardless of Trust Grade. The Trust Grade reflects financial strength and complaint history — not the safety of insured deposits. Estimate your coverage →
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Ascend or Fortera?
Based on Bankzia's Trust Grade — which blends financial strength (capital ratio, ROA) with CFPB complaint history — Ascend scores higher with a grade of A (98/100). However, "better" depends on your needs: if you prioritize branch access, local service, or membership eligibility for a credit union, the lower-scoring option may still be the right choice for you.
Is Ascend safe?
Yes — Ascend is NCUA-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category are federally protected regardless of the institution's Trust Grade. Its Trust Grade is A (98/100), reflecting its financial strength and complaint history relative to peers.
Is Fortera safe?
Yes — Fortera is NCUA-insured, meaning deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category are federally protected. Its Trust Grade is A (98/100).
What is the capital ratio of Ascend vs Fortera?
Ascend has a net worth ratio of 14.6%, placing it in the top 9% of $1B–10B peers. Fortera's ratio is 12.6%, placing it in the top 33% of $100M–1B peers. A higher capital ratio generally signals a stronger financial cushion.
How many complaints does Ascend have compared to Fortera?
The CFPB database shows 0 complaints against Ascend, and 0 complaints against Fortera. The per-$1B rate adjusts for institution size and is a more meaningful comparison metric.
How does Bankzia calculate the Trust Grade?
The Trust Grade combines a financial strength score (based on capital ratio, return on assets, and other FDIC/NCUA metrics) with a customer experience score derived from CFPB complaint data. The scores are weighted and normalized within peer groups by institution size and type. See our full methodology for details.
Compare Ascend with other Credit Unions in Tennessee
Financial data from NCUA call reports; complaint data from the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. Bankzia is independent and not affiliated with any government agency or financial institution.
