Northwest Community Credit Union Merger with TwinStar
Northwest Community Credit Union is now officially a division of TwinStar Credit Union as of June 12, 2023.
Northwest Community Credit Union members provided the third and final approval of the merger between TwinStar Credit Union and NWCU on May 15, 2023. Regulatory approval was received February 17th. Member voting occurred March 27–May 15th.
We now serve 245,000+ members with a combined 700+ employees. The merger represents a partnership between two financially strong credit unions that consistently exceed standards set by federal regulators. We are also exploring a new brand that will carry our shared spirit of history and community.
Keep an eye on this page, our social media accounts, and emails for upcoming merger-related news.
To stay updated on the transition, please make sure your email and contact information is current by reviewing it in Online Banking, giving us a call at (800) 452-9515, or visiting a branch. To protect you and your account, we will not contact you and ask for private information.
Who is TwinStar?
Established in 1938 by teachers at Olympia High School as Thurston County Teachers Credit Union, TwinStar Credit Union has been providing affordable loans, excellent deposit rates, and great service to their members for over 80 years. Instead of enriching stockholders like banks, TwinStar is committed to serve and return the most value to members as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution. Community commitment is also at the heart of TwinStar. They believe that healthier and happier people make great communities. TwinStar stands behind its brand promise: Realizing Financial Dreams Together. Their vision is to be a leading community-conscious organization by providing a lifetime of solutions to create financial peace of mind.
What's Next?
Several steps must follow before the expanded credit union can begin serving the combined membership in locations across Oregon and Washington. Not much will be changing for members in 2023, as we take these next steps:
- Northwest Community Credit Union and TwinStar Credit Union are now one entity. Beginning June 12, 2023, our signage; our greeting to you on the phone and in the branch; and various documents such as those used for lending and deposits; or our email and business cards—will include this tradename: “Northwest Community Credit Union, a division of TwinStar Credit Union.” This change indicates we’ve adopted the Washington state charter for credit unions. Eventually, we’ll adopt a new unified name for the combined organization.
- We now continue work to integrate banking systems with TwinStar, with a goal of having our systems fully integrated in the near future. This timeframe is generous to create the best merger experience for members and to ensure that employees are supported in this change as well.
- Credit bureau reporting will reflect all current NWCU loans and new loans as "TwinStar Credit Union".
- As system integration nears, members will receive a comprehensive merger support guide. This guide will include detailed information regarding any changes to your accounts, important dates, and more, and will walk you through any information you need to know. Again, changes are not expected for members for some time yet.
- If you are a member of both credit unions already, you’ll need to note that our systems are not yet joined. You won’t yet be able to transact between your NWCU and TwinStar accounts through online banking, with the app, or in the branch. However, there are ways to accomplish your transactions: 1) Use any ATM at our respective locations to make transactions between our credit unions via Co-op Network. Additionally, you may call NWCU Member Connect at (800) 452-9515 or TwinStar Call Center at (800) 258-3115.
- We know that many of our respective members who aren’t members of both credit unions are nevertheless eager to begin transacting from Oregon or Washington locations because it may be convenient—you may live, work, or play near one of these branches in either state. Thank you for your patience! We will communicate often about when you may expect to visit one of these new-to-you locations. For now, the Co-op Network allows transactions from our ATM locations, wherever they may be located.
If you have any questions that haven’t been addressed in the highlights above, or in other frequently asked questions below, please contact us by email at connect@nwcu.com or by phone at (800) 452-9515.
What does this merger mean for members?
The strategic merger between NWCU and TwinStar Credit Union will provide the opportunity to achieve more positive member impact and value such as:
- More member access: Eventually, the larger branch footprint will allow us to have more impact on existing members. But bigger than that, through this partnership, we’ll be able to serve more people and provide them with access to top-notch financial products and services. Here’s how:
- More branch locations: In the near future, together we’ll be serving you from 36 locations throughout Oregon and Washington.
- Effective June 12, 2023, our qualifying Field of Membership has expanded to include all of the state of Washington, in addition to fifteen Oregon counties.
- Products/Services: Once we’ve combined systems as a larger organization, we’ll ultimately gain economies of scale which will allow us to offer a more robust product and service line, reduce costs, and return more value in the form of products, services, rates, fees, and community involvement to existing and future members.
- More Responsive to Evolving Financial Needs: This partnership will allow the credit union to better anticipate and meet the financial needs of members in a competitive financial services industry.
- Enhanced Electronic Banking Products: Looking ahead, this partnership will allow us to constantly assess and improve our technology solutions and make sure we’re providing the best digital banking solutions possible for members now and into the future.
- Same Knowledgeable, Friendly Employees: The same friendly staff at our branches will continue to be available to serve you.
Will my accounts be affected?
There will be no immediate effect on your accounts or account numbers at this time. As the integration of systems approaches, one credit union will need to convert to the other’s core operating systems to enhance capabilities. This is still being investigated and will not occur until sometime in the future. As that time approaches, the credit union will work to ensure a seamless integration and will communicate important dates, changes, and next steps to ensure members can continue to conduct business with minimal disruption.
Will my rates change?
The rates on fixed-rate loans and certificates will remain the same until the end of their existing terms. Other products would adjust as normal due to market conditions.
Will my accounts continue to be insured?
Yes. Credit Union deposits will continue to be federally insured by the NCUA, meaning you have up to $250,000 in protection for an individual account.* The NCUA provides separate insurance coverage for deposits held in different ownership categories such as individual accounts, joint tenancy accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and trust accounts. If you are a member of both credit unions and maintain balances in both, you will receive instructions about share insurance offered by the NCUA. If you do have combined balances over $250,000 in accounts at both credit unions, please contact us before December 2023 about your coverage.
Will you close branches?
There are no plans for any branch closures with the merger. In fact, this merger will provide the opportunity to expand our branch locations and enhance our digital member experience. TwinStar branches will not be available to NWCU members immediately. As the merger progresses, we will announce when these locations will be available for NWCU members.
Will I continue to get the same level of service?
Yes. Both organizations are committed to providing high levels of service for members and this will continue to be a focus for the combined organization.
What transition will occur for the NWCU Board of Directors?
The continuing board of directors for the combined organization is made up of directors from both credit unions. Previously, there were nine board directors at each credit union. Initially, the Board reduced the total continuing number to 13 directors. However, three NWCU directors have agreed to continue serving the membership in emeritus positions. In the near term, the board will also reduce through attrition, as directors end their terms, and the board ultimately goes forward with nine directors on the board. See NWCU Board of Directors’ Letter to the Membership of Northwest Community Credit Union.
What will our name be?
As of June 12, 2023, credit union locations will be designated as “Northwest Community Credit Union, a division of TwinStar Credit Union” or “TwinStar Credit Union” while we work collaboratively to determine what the credit union’s unified name will be in the future.
Who will lead the merged organization?
Jeff Kennedy will be the CEO of the combined organization.
*Accounts not separately insured. Northwest Community Credit Union, a division of TwinStar Credit Union, accounts are insured by the NCUSIF as accounts of TwinStar Credit Union.