Why is 1st Valley Credit Union merging with America First Credit Union?

1st Valley has been interested in finding a potential credit union partner that would benefit our membership with a wider range of products and services along with state-of-the-art online and mobile services. We found each other’s culture and business strategies to be a good match, and the respective boards of directors decided that it would be in the best interest of both groups of members to merge. Through the merger, 1st Valley members will gain access to America First’s industry-leading products and services.

Yes, the 1st Valley branch will remain open with the same hours and friendly employees who have always served its members.

401 West 2nd St. San Bernardino, CA
PH: 909-889-0838

Lobby Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday

Effective, June 13, 2024, new membership requests will be referred to America First Credit Union. Individuals wanting to join can apply online at americafirst.com/1stvalleymember or by contacting AFCU at 1-888-255-3550.

Yes, this merger will not affect your funds. In addition, deposits at both 1st Valley and America First are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.

Yes, 1st Valley and America First are both part of the Co-op ATM network, which means members can use any of these designated ATMs to access their account. You can quickly and easily find the nearest ATM locations at www.americafirst.com.

For the time being, 1st Valley members will continue to use their accounts—including checks, debit cards, credit cards, online banking, and mobile banking—as they always have. Automated deposits and drafts will also continue to be posted as they are currently set up.

Preparing the systems at both credit unions to ensure a smooth transition to America First is a complex process that will be completed over the next few months. As the time approaches to fully convert the 1st Valley’s members’ accounts to America First, members will receive advance notification and up-to-date information about the timing and nature of the transition.

As we prepare for a smooth account transition, it is important to protect yourself from potential threats of fraud that may come from bad actors pretending to be credit union representatives. These fraud attempts may appear in the form of emails, text messages, or phone calls asking for sensitive information that might help an unauthorized user access your account. Be assured that neither America First nor 1st Valley will ever ask you for your PIN, Social Security number, or account numbers using these methods. Please do not respond to such requests.

At a future date, 1st Valley accounts will be converted to an America First account number, and all the deposit and loan balances will be transferred to the new America First accounts. In addition, 1st Valley members will receive America First debit cards, credit cards, and Access 24 cards where applicable.

1st Valley employees will become part of the America First family and will be provided with career opportunities to support America First’s ongoing business and growth in that area.

Yes, until a member’s account is converted to America First, 1st Valley debit and credit cards will continue to work anywhere Visa® cards are accepted.

Not at this time. We are actively working to bring in America First systems, which may take some time. Until then, America First transactions will need to be handled via mobile deposit, ATM, or calling our member service contact center at 1-800-999-3961. America First account holders may visit any one of AFCU’s 115 branch locations with coverage in UT, NV, ID, AZ & NM.

No, until the account conversion process is complete, 1st Valley transactions must be processed as they always have been at 1st Valley’s existing branch, telephone number, email addresses, website, and online banking. After the accounts have been merged to the America First system, you will be able to use any of AFCU’s 115 branch locations and electronic services.

1st Valley members can continue to use Shared Branching until their account is converted to America First. Once that is done, members will no longer be able to transact as America First does not participate in Shared Branching.

Not all products and services will be available until after the account conversion process is completed.

As part of the merger, 1st Valley’s field of membership will be combined with America First’s.

Interest rates on existing 1st Valley loans and certificates of deposit will remain the same through the end of their respective terms, according to the loan contract or certificate agreement.

Rates on other deposit accounts and new loans and certificates of deposit will be offered at America First’s current rates, as of the merger date. America First offers a wide range of loan and deposit products with competitive rates.

In most cases, fees will be reduced or eliminated. In the event of a new fee or fee increase, 1st Valley members will be given 30-day advance notice prior to the increase. This will not affect current America First members.

1st Valley had been exploring the potential of a merger before they began experiencing negative financial impacts from the pandemic and a small number of consumer auto loans. 1st Valley and the America First team will work together to address those issues. America First’s financial strength was one of many points considered by the 1st Valley Board.