FAFCU General FAQs

FAFCU wants to bring their members the best value as a primary financial institution and provide the necessary products and services to help you reach your financial goals. Credit Union 1 offers the technology and systems that address their members’ needs. Additionally, CU1’s strong core values give the FAFCU leadership team and board of directors confidence that their membership will experience a level of quality of service comparable to which you have known . Our credit unions are like-minded, and we strongly believe that a partnership will benefit members and employees of both institutions.

Credit Union 1 has more than sixty years of experience helping families and communities reach their economic potential. And we have our eye on the next sixty years, as we continue to evolve and innovate to find new ways to offer our members high-quality, low-cost financial products and services and a modern banking experience.

CU1 was founded in 1958 with an original base membership of personnel from Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. We have since grown into a billion-dollar-plus financial institution, but our priorities remain the same—helping families and communities succeed financially.

To learn more about what drives us and our commitment to diversity and inclusion, visit our About Us page.

Our regulators, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), have both approved our merger plans. Now that the membership has voted to merge with CU1, our first legal day as a combined organization will be May 31, 2024.

A merger will provide the resources to better serve your financial needs through industry-leading technology, new products and services, and highly competitive rates. We want to be your first choice for a primary financial institution. This partnership will mean we can better anticipate and meet all your financial needs.

Your accounts will continue to be federally insured just as they are today through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and managed by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

One reason our two credit unions are pursuing this merger is because we feel both credit unions are like-minded, and we strongly believe that a partnership will benefit members and employees of both institutions. Credit Union 1 strives to provide premium service and you will continue to receive personalized service as you do today.

FAFCU’s field of membership will be incorporated with Credit Union 1’s field of membership after the merger effective date May 31, 2024.

Credit Union 1 plans to keep the branch in Bradenton open upon the merger effective date May 31, 2024. Credit Union 1 has 15 branches in Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, and Georgia. In addition to CU1’s branches, members will also have access to CU1’s robust Digital Banking platform, along with access to the CO-OP shared branch and surcharge-free ATM network and the surcharge-free Allpoint ATM network.

You can continue to use FAFCU’s branch. We cannot begin integrating the operations of the two credit unions until after system conversions date of August 31, 2024. FAFCU’s members will be notified as soon as the additional branches are connected.

Credit Union 1 ATMs are available for anyone to use; however, we cannot begin integrating the operations of the two credit unions until after the system conversions date of August 31, 2024, so you may incur a fee until that time. Once the merger is effective, you will have access to all Credit Union 1 ATMs at no charge along with more than 90,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

Your account number will remain the same for the time being. More information will be provided after the merger effective date of May 31, 2024.

Your account number will remain the same for the time being. More information will be provided after the merger effective date of May 31, 2024.

You will continue to use FAFCU’s online/mobile banking until the system conversions date of August 31, 2024. Once the conversion of systems occurs, you will then use Credit Union 1’s Digital Banking platform and highly rated mobile app. Banking anytime, anywhere has never been simpler.

You will continue to use FAFCU’s debit card. FAFCU members will be issued a Credit Union 1 Visa® Debit Card to use once the conversion of systems occurs.

You will continue to use FAFCU’s account information until the system conversions date of August 31, 2024. Once the conversion of systems occurs, you will need to notify each business of your new Credit Union 1 account number and Credit Union 1’s routing and transit number.

Until the merger effective date May 31, 2024, none of your account terms will change. Whether or not they will change after the merger effective date depends on the type of account.

Loans | Your existing loan contract will remain in effect until the loan is paid off.

Share Certificates | The terms of your existing share certificate will remain in effect until the maturity date.

Savings & Checking | Rates and terms on these accounts are subject to change at the time of the merger date. You will receive a CU1 Membership Agreement and Account Disclosures before the merger date.

Credit Cards | Credit Union 1 offers an array of credit card options with competitive rates and exciting rewards.

We are here to answer your questions! Don’t hesitate to contact CU1 at (800) 292-6950 or start a chat.