Make a Loan Payment
For members with existing First Area CU loans, make a payment here. 1
Updated as of | Merger Completion Tracker: 75%
Merger Update Prepare for Conversion
Credit Union 1 is committed to making your merger transition as smooth and seamless as possible. As part of the merger, a conversion and consolidation of our core processing systems will occur. The core processing systems of First Area Credit Union and Credit Union 1 will be consolidated and converted on July 31, 2026. Prior to that date, Credit Union 1 will continue to update this landing page with the most relevant information for the conversion process. Please bookmark this landing page to stay up to date on how this merger will affect your membership and access to your accounts.
Log in to First Area's Online Banking.
As of April 1, use this page to login to First Area’s digital banking.
Account Management Until Conversion
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Accessing Your Current Accounts & Digital Banking
All accounts opened before the legal merger date of March 31, 2026, will continue to be serviced through First Area CU’s current system until the core conversion on July 31, 2026. There are no changes to how you access or manage your accounts during this time. You will continue using First Area’s existing digital banking platform as you do today.
You can continue to make deposits or withdrawals, schedule or send payments, request stop payments, submit disputes, or open a new savings account (suffix) under your existing membership.
Your current account number will stay the same until conversion. CU1 will provide more information on what to expect after conversion on July 31, 2026, and how it will impact how you access your current accounts.
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Opening New Accounts or Applying for Loans
You do not need to open any new accounts prior to the system conversion; your existing accounts will be transitioned to Credit Union 1’s systems without any action from you. If you would like to open a new account or loan after the legal merger date of March 31, 2026, it will be opened on Credit Union 1’s systems. Newly opened Credit Union 1 accounts can only be accessed through CU1 Digital Banking or at a Credit Union 1 branch. They will not be visible in First Area’s Digital Banking or accessible at First Area’s branch network. You will need to register for CU1 Digital Banking to access your account.
To open a new account, get started by:
- Applying online today
- Visiting a Credit Union 1 branch or your current First Area Branch
We recommend registering for Credit Union 1 Digital Banking as soon as your account is open so you can manage your funds without interruption.
Have questions about the merger? Submit a Question
Verify Your Contact Information
Confirm that First Area CU has your correct contact information on file to ensure you receive all merger communications. To confirm we have your correct phone number, email address, and mailing address, please:
- Call (989) 781-1430
- Visit your nearest First Area branch
Branch Information & Hours
Shields Branch
193 Campbell Lane
Saginaw, MI 48609
Lobby and Drive-Thru
Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Hemlock Branch
16630 Gratiot Road
Hemlock, MI 48626
Lobby and Drive-Thru
Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Merger FAQs for First Area Credit Union Members
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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).
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You can continue to use First Area Credit Union branch. We cannot begin integrating the operations of the two credit unions until after the system conversion date of July 31, 2026. First Area Credit Union members will be notified as soon as the additional branches are connected.
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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 conversion date of July 31, 2026, 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 130,000 CO-OP surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through the Allpoint, CO-OP, and MoneyPass networks.
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Yes, your account number will change on August 1, 2026. Be sure to update any external parties—such as your employer (for payroll), service providers (for ACH transactions), or lenders—with your new Credit Union 1 (CU1) routing and account numbers.
To find your new account number starting August 1, 2026:
- Log in to Digital Banking.
- Go to the ‘Menu’, then select ‘Services’, followed by ‘Setup Direct Deposits’.
- Here, you can use ClickSwitch to update your direct deposits and ACH transactions, or scroll down to download a PDF with your account details.
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Yes, the routing number will also change on August 1, 2026. The new CU1 routing number is #271188081. You can find it in Digital Banking by scrolling to the Move Money tile, or at the bottom of the cu1.com website.
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Yes, but not until the system conversion.
- Continue using First Area Credit Union online/mobile banking through July 31, 2026.
- Starting August 1, 2026, switch to Credit Union 1’s Digital Banking platform and mobile app, offering convenient access anytime, anywhere. You can register for Digital Banking beginning August 1, 2026.
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Continue using your First Area Credit Union debit card. You will receive your new Credit Union 1 Visa Debit card during the week of April 6, 2026. Credit Union 1 will inform you on the date you start using this new debit card.
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Until the system conversion date July 31, 2026, none of your account terms will change. Whether or not they will change after the system conversion 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. More information will be provided after the system conversion date of date July 31, 2026.
Benefits of Membership with CU1
Once the merger is complete, you’ll have access to quality products and services needed to succeed financially. Credit Union 1 offers modern technology, dedication to member service, and competitive everyday banking products that will help members reach their unique financial goals.
Benefits for Members
- Additional products and services—like High Yield Checking1, High Yield Savings2, Credit Cards, CDs with competitive rates, Business Banking, Business Loans, and Merchant Services—available to members.
- Access to 5,000+ shared branch locations and 130,000 surcharge-free ATMs across the country through the Allpoint, CO-OP, and MoneyPass Networks.
- Enjoy 24/7 support from Luna, our AI-powered Virtual Assistant, or speak to a team member during operating hours.
- Ability to skip loan payments³ in times of financial hardship.
CU1 Gives Back to Our Communities
Credit Union 1 is committed to strengthening and empowering the communities it serves through CU1 Cares. This initiative supports individuals, families, and local organizations through charitable giving, volunteerism, and financial education. In 2024, CU1 contributed to nonprofits nationwide, collected thousands of items for community drives, and actively participated in local events.
Through CU1 Cares, Credit Union 1 is eager to be an active partner in the community, with a strong commitment to giving back through financial education, volunteerism, and support for essential services. We view merger opportunities as a way to expand our reach and deepen our impact where it matters most.
Sam H. VP Community Relations
How Are We Doing?
We want to hear from you! In our ongoing efforts to improve member experience at Credit Union 1, we’re rolling out a member survey to ensure that your voice is being heard.
