Our Beginnings Shape Us
It’s a humbling experience when the best people in your community are the very people you serve on a daily basis. More than 80 years ago, Fresno Fire Department Credit Union gave firefighters the courage and confidence to take control of their financial situation. The stories of our past connect us to the present and to our future.
Today, we continue to make better living possible. Our firefighters set out to make a difference, as do we when meeting their financial needs. We proudly defend them by focusing on what is important in their lives and charting a path in order to get there.
I’m incredibly excited to announce FFDCU is now Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union. It is an effective and efficient response to support the needs and quality of life in our region. We are collectively working toward a common goal to make us stronger together.
Fresno remains our home and a hub for collaboration and cooperation across our six-county region. Truly, it is within the Central Valley that we have a unified voice to create prosperity for all firefighters and their families.
Warmly,
Emily Morton, President and CEO
FAQs
Why did FFDCU change their name?
Our roots run deep in Fresno. However, our membership eligibility includes firefighters and their families from Fresno, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, Kings and Tulare counties. In addition to the 23 stations in Fresno City and dozens within the County, there are nearly 100 stations outside Fresno County that are part of our membership.
Today, your fellow member-owners on the board of directors have recognized the need to adjust to the changing needs of our members and community, and thus, the unveiling of our new name, Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union.
Is the credit union in financial trouble? Have you been sold or merged?
No! We are the same credit union with the same employees and board members as before, but with a new name. We are happy and proud to report that CVFCU remains financially strong and safe. Unlike many banks in our community, changing our name is not the result of a buyout or merger. You, our members, are still our only owners.
Is my money still safe here?
Absolutely! Your deposits are still federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration.
What happens to my accounts (check, debit cards, credit cards, etc.) as a result of the name change?
Good news! Your account number and information will stay the same. There is nothing you need to do because of the name change. You can continue to use your current FFDCU checks until they expire. When it is time to reorder, Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union will appear on your next order. However, new debit cards will be reissued throughout the remainder of 2018 and new VISA® credit cards will be released in December. The 16-digit number will remain the same and your current debit and credit cards will continue to work until you receive your new cards in the mail.
What happens to the FFDCU website and online banking?
The name and address of our website have changed to reflect our new name. Our new web address is cvfirecu.org. We will continue to redirect ffdcu.org to the new site if you enter our old web address or have I marked as one of your “favorites.” However, please update or save the new website as a new “favorite.”
You are still able to conduct your financial business as usual. Your current user name and password still works; you don’t have to change a thing! You can still enjoy convenient access to your account(s) from the convenience of your computer, tablet and phone.
What happens to the FFDCU mobile app?
The mobile app is being updated to feature our new name and look. The app itself isn’t new, however it is an update of our current one. If you have the FFDCU mobile app on your phone or tablet, you will notice an update for it reflecting the new name, Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union. Like every update, you will just need to agree to the terms and conditions. Your login information is not changing, so continue using your current username and password from the previous app. The functions of the app will continue to work as they always did.
Do I need to change my direct deposit or let my employer know about this change?
Your account number will not change, so your direct deposit will post as usual.
Do I need to update my bill pay service or automatic payments?
Yes. You may conduct your online bill payment transactions as usual. Any automatic payments you have set up will proceed as usual. However, deposits or bank drafts from another institution to your credit union account will need to be changed from FFDCU to CVFCU.
Do I need to order new checks? Will my FFDCU checks still work?
Please continue to use your current FFDCU checks until you reach the point when it’s time to order new ones. When you reorder, your new checks will have Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union on them.
With a new name, does this show up as a new listing or impact my credit report in any way?
Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union will be listed on the credit report, just as FFDCU was previously listed. However, this will not affect your credit score in any way, shape or form.
Will there be other significant changes to the credit union as a result of the name change?
Not at all. Although our name is changing, our mission is still the same. As firefighters, you always have to be prepared. Likewise, Central Valley Firefighters Credit Union always stands prepared to serve you. What separates us from the rest is being prepared to ask questions, listen and serve each member based on their individual needs.
