This strong show of support affirms what we’ve believed all along: together, we are better positioned to serve our members, employees, and communities.
With member approval complete, we’re officially moving forward with plans to come together in 2026, an important milestone that allows us to begin turning our shared vision into reality.
What happens next?
We will continue to share important updates and applicable information as the time gets closer.
This partnership opens the door to expanded resources, enhanced technology, and even greater opportunities for our members, all while building on the strong foundation that makes Arlington Community special.
If you have any questions that haven’t been addressed, please contact us by email at bettertogether@arlingtoncu.org or by phone at 703.526.0200 x4.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to building our future together
Watch the video below to learn more about how we’re shaping a brighter future – together.
We’d like to take a moment together, to share what this merger means, why we’re confident in this path forward, and how it will benefit you.
This decision was made with great care, guided by a shared vision of what’s possible when two people-driven credit unions come together for the good of their members, employees, and communities. It’s about creating more for you:
Together, we’ll be stronger and better positioned to serve you, while preserving what makes each of us special. You’ll continue to see the same friendly faces, benefit from the same solutions-focused service, and enjoy being part of a cooperative that uplifts our communities. You’ll also gain access to expanded resources and innovations designed to meet your needs now and throughout your financial journey.
While there will be exciting enhancements to come, your day-to-day banking experience remains unchanged for now. You will continue to visit your branch locations, work with our dedicated service teams, and access your accounts, checks, cards, and online banking just as you do today.
As we move forward, we promise to keep you informed, answer your questions, and ensure this transition is smooth and beneficial for everyone.
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey. Together, we’re building a brighter financial future – for you, your family, and our communities.
Frank Wasson & Karen Rosales
Chief Executive Officers
For the time being, it’s business as usual and you don’t need to take any action. Your accounts, access, and service are not changing today. We will let you know about any changes or actions you need to take well in advance as we go through the process of integrating our credit union systems in the third quarter of 2027. After that, you will be able to take advantage of all the new branches, products, and services of our combined credit union.
There will be no changes to your accounts until we combine our credit union systems in the third quarter of 2027. We will work hard to make the integration as easy as possible so you can conduct business as you always have. Please look for important information next year about any changes and how you can take advantage of all the new branches, products and services available to you.
Not quite yet. Members will be able to take advantage of any new products and services after we integrate our systems next year.
Yes. Beginning July 1, you will start to see CommonWealth One branding and signage in Arlington Community Federal Credit Union branch locations and on the website. While the name and appearance of the branches will change over time, you will continue to be served by the same friendly faces you know and trust today.
We’re also excited to offer expanded service hours at some branch locations. Please visit ATM & Branch Locator – Arlington Federal Credit Union for the most up-to-date service hours and availability.
Not yet. We first need to integrate our systems and convert member information to access your information when you visit a [COFCU/ACFCU] branch. You will have full access to all the combined branches after we combine our systems in the third quarter of 2027.
You will not need to open a new account. When we integrate our systems next year, all existing accounts will automatically transfer to our system.
Please continue mailing your deposits and loan payments to the same location. We will notify you of any address changes well in advance.
Our current telephone numbers, emails and website address will stay the same for now. We’ll let you know of any changes well in advance of integrating our credit union operations and systems in the third quarter of 2027.
Your accounts will remain safe, sound and federally insured through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), a U.S. Government Agency, as they are today.
Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union are planning to merge – pending regulatory and member approval.
This is a big step, and a positive one. We’re bringing together two strong, local credit unions to do even more for our members, employees, and communities.
What’s in it for you?
We’re growing to stay strong, stay competitive, and keep meeting your needs – now and into the future.
This is about partnership. Two strong like-sized credit unions are coming together to do more – for you and for our communities.
Merging lets us:
We share the same vision: helping members thrive. And together, we can go further than we could alone.
CommonWealth One is a perfect fit. They share our values – community roots, member-first service, financial strength, and a people-focused culture. Like us, they’re all about doing right by their members and employees.
Originally founded in 1944 as Army Air Force Annex #1 Federal Credit Union, CommonWealth now serves over 38,000 members across Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. with 8 branch locations. By teaming up, we’ll grow to 12 making it easier than ever to access the services you need – without losing the personal touch you love.
This is a partnership built on shared values, local pride, and a vision for a stronger future.
Yes – 100%. Both boards thoughtfully considered this partnership and evaluated what this partnership means for members, employees, and the communities we serve. They mutually determined this is a path that benefits both organizations. It’s a win-win.
Together, we’ll become a $1.1 billion credit union serving over 61,000 members across Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
That scale means more resources, more innovation, and more support for members and employees. We’re combining the best of both credit unions – products, services, technology, and talent – while staying true to our mission and local roots.
Yes, absolutely! Both credit unions are committed to remaining member-owned and not-for-profit financial cooperatives. This merger will allow us to grow responsibly while staying true to our mission of putting members first.
No. This is not an acquisition. It is a strategic merger between two strong, like-sized credit unions that share similar values and goals. We are combining our strengths to create even more opportunities for our members, employees, and communities. By coming together as peers, we’ll be able to offer more products, services, and conveniences – while continuing to operate as a credit union owned by members.
This merger brings some exciting perks, including:
And don’t worry, our friendly, knowledgeable staff will still be here to help you every step of the way.
For now, it’s business as usual! You’ll still use the same account number, access your accounts, use your checks, and enjoy the same great service you’ve always received.
As the merger moves forward, expect some exciting enhancements over time. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, with plenty of notice for any changes. And rest assured, our commitment to remarkable service and putting members first will always be our top priority.
Your rates on fixed-rate loans and certificates will stay the same until the end of their current terms. Other products will adjust as usual, based on market conditions.
Yes! Your deposits will still be federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). You can find more info and use the NCUA insurance calculator at www.mycreditunion.gov/estimator.
We’re happy to have you as a member of both credit unions! For now, it’s business as usual – you can continue using your accounts as normal.
As we get closer to the merger date, we’ll keep you informed with clear updates and support you throughout the transition.
This merger brings exciting opportunities for our teams. Both credit unions are committed to maintaining a supportive, rewarding workplace. Employees will benefit from enhanced resources, career growth, and expanded support.
Both organizations are deeply committed to retaining employees and ensuring that the teams our members know and trust remain in place.
Karen Rosales, Arlington Community’s current CEO, will lead the combined organization. Frank Wasson, CommonWealth One’s CEO, will retire in December 2026, and then will stay on as a consultant to assist with the transition.
The combined credit union will retain the name CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union. This name reflects a more inclusive representation of the combined membership and aligns with the shared vision for the future of the credit union.
After the legal merger, Arlington Community’s branches will be labeled as “Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, a division of CommonWealth One” (or a similar designation) until the system conversion is completed.
To complete the merger, we must receive approval from three sources: our Boards of Directors, our regulators, and CommonWealth One’s members. Here’s the current timeline:
We’re in the early stages of planning operational integration, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.
The proposed merger requires the approval of a majority of the members of CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union who vote on the proposal.
We’re committed to keeping you informed along the way. As the process continues, ACFCU will share important notices, dates, and events. If you do have any questions, please email bettertogether@arlingtoncu.org.
This merger is about creating a credit union that’s even more capable of serving you and our communities. Thank you for your trust and support as we embark on this exciting journey together!
Only current eligible members of CommonWealth One will be able to vote on the merger. Each member will have the opportunity to cast their vote during the designated voting period. Once the merger is complete, all members from both organizations will be part of the combined credit union.
Federal regulations overseen by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) require a member vote only at the credit union whose charter will be consolidated as part of forming a single combined organization, which is why CommonWealth One members are voting. This is a standard legal step and does not mean one credit union is more important than the other. Once the merger is complete, members of both credit unions will be equal owners of the combined organization.
No. Your accounts, loans, and services remain the same during this period. The merger will not impact your membership until it is officially completed.
No action is required from you. Voting is taking place only for members of the other credit union. You can continue to use your accounts and services as usual.
Voting results will be announced at the culmination of the CommonWealth One member special meeting on June 25, 2025, then as soon as possible after that via our website, press release, and other announcement channels.
If the vote is approved, the Legal Day 1 of the merger will be July 1, 2026. Operational Day 1, when accounts and systems are combined, will be July 31, 2027.
For now, it’s business as usual. Over time, the merger will allow us to offer even more services and support to all members.
If you have questions during this period, please reach out to us at bettertogether@arlingtoncu.org and our member support team will be happy to help.