Better Together!

One Team, One Purpose – You!

Exciting News: Arlington Community Federal Credit Union and CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union are excited to announce our plans to merge in 2026.

Together, we’ll create new opportunities – expanding your access to financial resources, enhancing technology for a seamless experience, and deepening our commitment to people and community.

This partnership isn’t about changing what you already value. It’s about building on that strong foundation and unlocking even greater benefits for every member – a belief that we’re truly better together.

As we move forward together, personalized service, local care, and your financial well-being will always guide us.

Watch the video below to learn more about how we’re shaping a brighter future – together.

 

A Joint Message from our CEO’s

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:

  • More access through expanded branch locations
  • More services tailored to your financial goals
  • Greater strength to support your future
  • More opportunities to thrive, grow, and succeed

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

  • What does this merger announcement mean?

    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?

    • More access – expanded branch network
    • More remote service options like texting and video banking
    • Continued personal service from the people you know and trust.

    We’re growing to stay strong, stay competitive, and keep meeting your needs – now and into the future.

  • Why are we merging?

    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:

    • Combine strengths
    • Offer better tools for employees
    • Expand our reach and community impact
    • Invest more in innovation and service

    We share the same vision: helping members thrive. And together, we can go further than we could alone.

  • Why CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union?

    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.

  • Do both credit unions support this merger?

    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.

  • What would this partnership mean for the credit unions?

    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.

  • Will we still be a credit union after the merger and will we still uphold credit union values?

    Yes, absolutely! Both credit unions are committed to remaining member-owned y not-for-profit financial cooperatives. This merger will allow us to grow responsibly while staying true to our mission of putting members first.

  • Is one credit union acquiring the other?

    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.

  • What are the member benefits?

    This merger brings some exciting perks, including:

    • More Locations: 12 branches across Northern Virginia, Harrisonburg Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. for added convenience.
    • Enhanced Experience: Streamlined processes and better tools to give you even more personalized attention.
    • Increased Innovation: More resources and combined expertise to develop products, services, and digital solutions.
    • Stronger Communities: Greater investment in local outreach, financial education, and community support.
    • Greater Stability: A stronger financial institution ready to serve you for years to come.

    And don’t worry, our friendly, knowledgeable staff will still be here to help you every step of the way.

  • What changes will members experience?

    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 un servicio notable and putting members first will always be our top priority.

  • Would my rates change?

    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.

  • Would my accounts continue to be federally insured?

    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.

  • What if I already have an account at both credit unions?

    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.

  • What does this mean for employees?

    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.

  • Who will lead the newly combined credit union?

    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.

  • What will the name of the combined credit union be?

    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.

  • What is the timeline?

    We’re still in the early stages. To complete the merger process, we must receive approval from three sources: our Boards of Directors, our regulators, and

    CommonWealth One’s members. Here’s a tentative timeline:

    September 2025: The boards of both credit unions approved and signed a merger agreement.

    October 2025: We are in the process of submitting a merger application to the regulators for approval, before a CommonWealth One member vote can occur.

    2nd Quarter 2026: Special Meeting for CommonWealth One Member vote anticipated.

    We anticipate completing the legal merger in mid-2026 with operational integration continuing through the end of 2026. Rest assured, we are committed to keeping you informed throughout the entire process.

  • Do members have a say in the merger?

    The proposed merger requires the approval of a majority of the members of CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union who vote on the proposal.

  • How will I be kept informed?

    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!