We are excited to share some important news with you. As you may know, our credit union has grown and expanded over the years to serve members in Darke County, Greene County, Miami County, Montgomery County, and Preble County. Our desire is to offer the best products and services to our members in a technology-driven marketplace.
To ensure our credit union can sustain success and meet your evolving needs, we have decided to partner with another Ohio-based credit union. After much research and meetings with multiple candidates, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to merge with Bridge Credit Union. We believe that Bridge is strong, innovative, and shares our values/member-centric philosophy.
As a collaborative partnership; We will be able to provide better benefits to all members, supply products and services not currently offered, and offer additional branches throughout the State of Ohio. All branches will remain open, and the staff you know and trust will remain in place to continue to provide the services you have come to expect.
Additional information can be found under our FAQs, below, or you may contact our team at 937-223- 2828. Thank you for your continued trust over the years. Your membership and support have truly made a difference at Freedom 1st, and we promise to continue to provide excellent service and products as we move forward with this exciting partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
- What is a merger?
A merger is an agreement between two organizations that have a common goal to grow and serve the members and their communities. This is an opportunity for two individual organizations to come together and be a more successful single entity. As a combined organization, we gain substantial savings through economies of scale. The combined credit union will be more efficient, gain cost savings, maintain viability, remain competitive, as well as improve our capital position. All of this helps us provide members with additional conveniences and enhanced products and services going forward. - Is Freedom 1st Credit Union being bought out?
No. The merger represents a mutually beneficial partnership that both organizations are entering into freely. This collaboration brings together two organizations to benefit the memberships of both organizations. - What will be the name of the credit union?
The newly merged credit union will use the name Bridge Credit Union. - Who is Bridge Credit Union?
For over 50 years Bridge Credit Union has been serving our members across the state of Ohio. We are dedicated to connecting to and serving our membership in a proactive and transparent manner. Our knowledgeable, caring, and motivated associates work together to provide a relevant banking experience that is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We help our valued members lead happier lives by advocating their financial health through innovation of our everyday products and services, technologies, and educational offerings. It is our vision to achieve enduring and engaging relationships with each of our members. - When will the merger become official?
The full merger will be completed on 11/01/2023, however, you will conduct your banking with Freedom 1st in the same manner as you do today until the full merger process is complete. We will update you on changes via the merger updates link on our websites, and through communications posted in our branches. You may also ask any of our staff about pending changes. - What will happen to the employees?
All Freedom 1st employees were offered the opportunity to become Bridge Credit Union employees. You will still see the same friendly faces! - Is my personal information safe?
Yes. We consider your privacy and protection of personal member information a high priority. We use technology to protect your information. Our team members are trained to ensure member confidentiality. For additional information, please see Our Privacy Policy. - Will this merger affect my service?
Yes. You will have access to more products, services, and account access points with an expanded ATM network. It is our goal that you will only see positive changes in the products and services that are available to you. - What’s in it for the members?
The merger will give members greater financial resources, along with enhanced products and services. Easier, more convenient access to your money, from almost anywhere. Bridge Credit Union belongs to a network of ATMs that gives you access to over 30,000+ ATMS and 5,000+ shared branch locations across the country. We offer top technology services that allow you to access your accounts on the go; like online banking, bill pay, remote deposit, and mobile banking. - Who do I contact if I have more questions?
You may contact us at 1-800-334-9175, or email us at memberinfo@bridgecu.org. - How will I get updates as things change?
We will regularly update our websites; you can stay up to date by periodically visiting this page or www.bridgecu.org/mergerupdates. Important account updates will also be available in our branches and via our Member Services Representatives. We will also mail important account information to you. We ask that you make sure your contact information and address are current on your account so that we can stay connected with important updates and information.
Banking FAQs
- Is my account number changing?
Most members will not have a new account number. The few individuals who are affected will receive a personal phone call to assist with the process. All automatic payments, share drafts and debit card transactions that are currently setup using your account number and Freedom 1st Credit Union routing number will continue to work. Once the merger is complete these transactions will be rerouted to your account with Bridge Credit Union. We will provide more information on how to update your reoccurring transaction information soon. - What will my new routing number be?
Please continue to use the Freedom 1st routing number until 11/01/2023. - Where will I mail deposits?
Deposits can continue to be mailed to your local Freedom 1st branch until further notice. - Will there be service interruptions?
No. All credit union services like debit and credit card transactions will be available through the transition. You will be notified in a timely manner in advance of any changes to services currently offered by Freedom 1st Credit Union. - Are membership requirements changing?
Our field of membership has expanded to allow the residents of more counties to join! Combining Freedom 1st Credit Union and Bridge Credit Union’s state charters will provide more opportunity for growing the credit union. For more information on who can join please visit our website at: https://www.bridgecu.org/membership-eligibility/ - Will I have to order new checks?
No, you may continue to use your remaining checks. These checks will continue to clear as normal. If you run out of checks, please contact us at 1-800-334-9175. - Will I have to order a new debit card?
Not at this time, your current Freedom 1st debit card will continue to work as usual. - Will my terms change on my certificate account(s)?
No, the terms of your certificate account will be the same. You will receive a renewal reminder, 30 days prior to your certificate maturing. - What happens to my direct deposit?
Your direct deposit will post like normal, if changes for your direct deposit are needed in the future you will be notified. - What if I am currently a member of both Freedom 1st Credit Union and Bridge Credit Union?
You can keep both accounts, but you may speak with a member services representative if you would like to combine the accounts after the merger is complete. - When can I start using Bridge Credit Union’s products and services?
You will be able to take full advantage of Bridge’s product and service offering after the merger process is complete, you will receive a merger welcome packet in the mail prior to the merger completion to inform you of important dates and other updates. - Does Bridge Credit Union offer rewards to their members?
Yes. Get more value out of your membership with ConnectMORE (Effective 12/1/23 for former Freedom 1st members). The more services you use, the more rewards you get such as lower loan rates, higher savings rates, and other great perks. - Will my accounts be federally insured with Bridge Credit Union?
Yes. Each account holder is federally insured up to $250,000, which is backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government through the National Credit Union Administration. For further protection, we provide an additional $250,000 of insurance through Excess Share Insurance – for a total of up $500,000 per owner. Traditional and Roth IRAs are also insured aggregately up to $500,000. - Where can I get a copy of the account terms, privacy policy, conditions, and fee schedule for Bridge Credit Union?
There are currently no changes to your account terms, conditions, privacy policy, or fee schedule. You may visit https://www.freedom1stcu.com/fee-schedule/ to view all necessary account terms, conditions, fees, and disclosures. - What about joint owners and beneficiaries on my accounts?
Joint account owners and beneficiaries will remain the same as you designated for your Freedom 1st accounts. However, you are encouraged to review your account ownership and payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary information. - I currently have e-Statements. Will I continue to get my statements online?
If you are currently enrolled in e-statements with Freedom 1st Credit Union, you will automatically be enrolled in e-statements once the merger is complete. - What will happen to my Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and GAP insurance coverage?
It will continue and be billed through your account like normal. If you need to file a claim, call the number provided on your insurance certification you received at the time of purchase.
Borrowing FAQs
- What are the loan rates at Bridge Credit Union?
You can locate our loan rates online at https://www.bridgecu.org/rates/. - What options do I have to make my loan payment(s) after the merger is complete?
You may continue to make your payments as you always have. Once the merger is complete you may take advantage of these payment options below:- Payment through Direct Deposit: If you want your deposit split between accounts, complete our direct deposit distribution form and fax (614-728-8090), drop it off, mail, or e-mail to memberinfo@bridgecu.org the completed form.
- Payment from another account: Bridge’s Account to Account (A2A) Transfers gives you even more carefree access. A2A allows you to initiate a funds transfer to or from another financial institution electronically. Make deposits, withdrawals or even loan payments.
- Reoccurring payment from another account: Loan payments can be debited from your checking or savings account at the bank or credit union of your choice. All payments are applied directly to your loan account on the posting date selected and will automatically be credited toward your loan balance.
- Mail: You can mail payments to your local branch or to Bridge Credit Union 10567 Sawmill Parkway, Powell OH 43065 once the merger is complete.
- Phone Payment: Bridge also accepts check, debit, or credit card payments over the phone once the merger is complete – fees may apply.
- Will I have to order a new credit card?
No, your existing credit card will continue to work as normal. For payments, please visit myaccountaccess.com or call 800-558-3424. - How do I apply for a new loan after the merger?
Apply online at https://www.freedom1stcu.com/consumer-loan-application/ , call 1-800-334-9175, or stop into a branch to apply in-person. - What do I need to file a claim with one of my loan protection insurance policies?
If you need to file a claim call provided on your insurance certification you received at time of purchase or give us a call 1-800-334-9175 and we can help. - Does Bridge offer mortgage loans?
Bridge Credit Union believes in expanding the dreams of home ownership to as many of our members as possible. We offer a wide variety of products for almost everyone and excellent rates. We promise a personal touch. We’ll guide you through the entire process and counsel you on the best product to fit your situation. Call our office today at 1-800-334-9175.
Access & Accounts FAQs
- How do I contact the credit union (phone number, email & website)?
You may contact us by using the following methods.
Bridge Credit Union contact information:
Toll-free: 1-800-334-9175
Email: memberinfo@bridgecu.org
Mailing Address:
Bridge Credit Union
10567 Sawmill Parkway, Ste. 100
Powell, OH 43065 - Will there be any changes to branch locations or hours?
Currently, there are no changes to local branch locations or hours. - Will my online banking change after the merger?
You may continue to utilize your online banking as you do today. - Will my online banking sign-on information change after the merger?
Yes. Online banking changes will be coming, but we will update you with those changes as soon as possible. Please continue to utilize your online banking as you do today. - Will I need to set up a new audio access login?
No. You will continue to access the audio response unit as you do today. We will update on any changes in the future. - What ATM locations can I use after the merger?
You will access to thousands of surcharge FREE ATM locations nationwide. You can find a location closest to you by visiting https://www.bridgecu.org/locations/#atm-row. - Will I continue to have access to shared branching?
Yes. You may continue to use shared branching. Bridge Credit Union is a part of the shared branching network. Click here to find a branch near you. You can also visit the shared branching network. - What remote services does Bridge offer for me to access my account?
Bridge doesn’t make you jump through unnecessary hurdles to get to your money. There are a variety of ways to access your funds other than taking the time to visit us in person. Access services like:- Online Banking & Bill Pay
- Account to Account (A2A) Transfers
- Text Banking
- Mobile Banking
- eAlerts/eNotices
- SnapDeposit