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BFCU Rebranding

 

The Board of Directors has always been looking for new paths to grow the credit union.  As you know, what was once a very exclusive and relatively small credit union that served only the members of the Boston Fire Department has grown significantly over the past 25 years.  This growth has allowed the credit union to expand its products and services and become a full-service financial institution offering a complete suite of financial services that allows our members one stop access for all their needs.

Part of the growth model has been to add additional groups to the credit union’s field of membership.  This started with family members of the BFD, expanded to members of the PFFM, then to the BPD, EMS, Massachusetts State Police, Suffolk County Sheriffs and finally to first responders throughout the Commonwealth of MA.  BFCU needs to capitalize on the growth opportunities that these new groups provide in order to continue our growth and be able to afford to expand and improve our services.

It is for this reason that the subject of rebranding has come into our boardroom over the past several years.  There is a great deal of reverence and respect for the name Boston Firefighters Credit Union and the storied history of both the Boston Fire Department and the credit union itself.  However, at this time, pending membership and regulatory approval, the board is looking to rename the credit union with a more inclusive title that continues to respect and speak to our heritage but also welcomes new members from our expanded membership.  The service that our members have come to expect will not change. The employees who have worked hard over the years to service you will not change.  The focus on serving those who have chosen a life of service to their communities will not change. 

We are simply seeking to employ a new marketing strategy which demonstrates our openness to our new fields of membership and our desire to provide these firefighters, police officers, EMTs and sheriffs with the same quality products and services that you have come to expect. 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What will the new name of
Boston Firefighters Credit Union be?

The new name will be First Responders Credit Union. 
Why is Boston Firefighters Credit Union proposing to change its name?

In 2022 the BFCU membership voted to approve an expansion of membership eligibility to include all first responders in Massachusetts, this name change will be more inclusive of all the first responder communities we serve.  Our current brand is not broken by any means, but it limits our opportunities for growth that will benefit all members.  In a time of fierce competition, this name change will allow the credit union to grow and innovate to better serve our members.  
What about the history and legacy of Boston Firefighters Credit Union?
This name change in no way diminishes our foundation of serving firefighters for the last 75 plus years, they should be proud of what they helped build that can now be shared with other first responders, who do not have a financial institution to call their own.   Our foundational members will always be top of mind, because they are our original core, and this name change will help excel the credit union forward as the only credit union in the Commonwealth exclusively dedicated to the first responder community. 
Is the credit union merging with another credit union?

No, BFCU is not merging with or being acquired by another credit union.  BFCU is a strong, financially stable credit union, however, we are constantly aware of the continuous challenges financial institutions face.  In 2024, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) approved 162 credit union consolidations which occurred because of poor financial condition, poor management, regulatory challenges or the lack of resources to expand and improve member services.  After these consolidations the number of credit unions in the United States reduced to 4,409.
How does this name change benefit me as a member?
The rebranding and name change of the credit union will expand opportunities for growth which will benefit all members in the form of more competitive deposit and loan rates and the innovation of products and services created for our unique membership needs.
When will the new name be in use?
We anticipate the new name and rebranding will be introduced later this year.
Will my account numbers change?
No, your account numbers and all the services you enjoy today will not change. There will be no disruption to our branch or call center operations.
Will I need to do anything after the name changes?
No action is required after the name changes.  Your current accounts and services will continue as usual.
Will I need new checks, debit card or credit card?
Your existing checks and debit or credit cards will be remain valid to use.  New check orders moving forward will have new branding.  Debit and credit cards with the updated branding will be issued at renewal time of your current cards.
Will the BFCU routing number change?
No, the existing routing number will remain – 211080712.
Will the name change affect online banking and the current BFCU mobile app?
Online banking and the mobile app will be updated with the new branding, but your current log in details and the functionality will remain unchanged.
Will there be any layoffs of current staff due to this change?
No this change will not initiate any layoffs, the staff that serves you today will be the staff that continues to serve you after the name change.
Where can I find more information about the name change?

This web page will be updated as new information becomes available, or you can contact the credit union via phone, submit questions below or stop by the branch for more details and/or questions.

We also invite all members to join us for upcoming in-person Town Hall meetings where BFCU board members will discuss the rebranding of Boston Firefighters Credit Union. 

Thursday, June 12, 2025 
Florian Hall
55 Hallet Street, Dorchester
Session One - 10:00 am
Session Two - 4:00 pm

Please complete the form below if you have specific questions or comments

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Membership Requirement

Membership in this Credit Union shall be limited to:

  • The members of the first responder community in Massachusetts (employees and retirees of the fire departments, police departments and municipally operated EMS departments)
  • Employees and retirees of Boston Firefighters Credit Union
  • Labor Union employees and retirees thereof serving the first responder community in Massachusetts
  • Employees and retirees of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department
  • The family members of those persons listed
  • The Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts
  • The International Association of Firefighters
  • The State Police Association of Massachusetts

For the purposes of this section, the term “family member” shall be defined to include spouses, domestic partners, sharing a principal residence in the same household as the member, and children as well as parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews whether related by blood or marriage.

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