Better Together

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union and Arlington Community 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.
• Better services.
• 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.

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.

Arlington Community 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 1951 Arlington Community now serves over 24,000 members across Northern Virginia with 4 branch locations. By teaming up, we’ll grow to 12 locations, 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 are fully on board and excited about what this partnership means for members, employees, and the communities we serve. 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:

• More Locations: 10 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.

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.

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.

2^nd 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.

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, CommonWealth One will share important notices, dates, and events. If you do have any questions, please email [email protected].

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!