1st Choice Merger

As we continue to combine the operations of the former 1^st Choice Credit Union (1^st Choice) with Hope Federal Credit Union (HOPE), we want to share some important updates and information about your accounts.

Here is what you need to know:

New Member Number

You will have a new member number starting on June 1, 2026.  You will need to update this number for any direct deposits that are currently being made to your account.  Your new member number will be provided in a separate mailing.

New Account Agreement, Disclosures, and Policies

Beginning June 1, 2026, your accounts will be governed by the documents enclosed with this correspondence.  Those items include the Membership and Account Agreement and Disclosures (including the Funds Availability Policy Disclosure and the Electronic Fund Transfers Agreement and Disclosure), Privacy Policy, Consumer Schedule of Fees, Truth in Savings Disclosure, and Overdraft Guardian Program disclosures.

Account Type Changes

Wealth Building (Savings) Accounts– Learn more about all our Wealth Building accounts at www.hopecu.org/wealthbuilding.

Primary Savings – Your 1^st Choice primary savings account will become a HOPE regular savings account.  The minimum balance on that account will remain $5.00.

Club Accounts – Any 1^st Choice Club Account will be converted to an equivalent HOPE Club Account.

Holiday Club – Your Holiday Club will be converted to a HOPE Holiday Club account and will require a $10 minimum balance to remain open each year.  All funds will be dispersed each year on October 31 to your share (primary savings) for you to access.

Share Certificates – Any Share Certificates you may have will remain unchanged and will retain their current rate until maturity.

Checking Accounts – See all our checking options at www.hopecu.org/checking.

Personal Checking–Members who have a 1^st Choice checking account will receive a HOPE Rewards Checking account.  This is a free checking account with no minimum balance, and it can pay you back each month.  If you meet certain basic account activity conditions each month, you can earn a significantly higher bonus rate of return.  Account details are included in the Truth in Savings document.  To learn more about HOPE Rewards checking, visit www.hopecu.org/rewardschecking. 

If you have 1^st Choice paper checks, you may continue to use them.  We are offering one free box of standard checks to all current Paper Checking account holders.  Requests can be made through a branch or by contacting our call center at 1-866-321-HOPE (4673).

ATM and Debit Card Replacement

If your current ATM or debit card is not expired and has been used within the last 12 months, it will be replaced with a new HOPE ATM or debit card that will be delivered before the end of May.  You should activate and begin using the new cards on June 1, 2026, and destroy your current cards.  If you have any recurring transactions connected to your debit card, you will need to update your card information with the vendor.

Overdraft Guardian

Dealing with a returned check or other unpaid item is a difficult experience that can lead to additional costs and frustration.  In the event that an overdraft does occur, we can help protect members from the fees charged by merchants and negative effects it can have on your credit history with HOPE’s Overdraft Guardian service.  Limits on coverage effective June 1, 2026, for your HOPE Rewards Checking will be $300.

You can learn more about the terms and conditions of overdraft protection by reviewing the enclosed program disclosure.

Personal Loans

All personal installment loans will continue under their current terms and conditions until the loan is repaid.

Members with revolving lines of credit and credit cards will receive additional communications about new terms and conditions that will apply to those loans effective June 1, 2026.

Temporary Branch Closure

As part of the systems conversion, Atlanta branches will be closed on Monday, June 1, 2026.  We plan to resume normal operations with all of HOPE’s systems active on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Please contact a branch or the call center at 1-866-321-HOPE (4673) if you have questions or need more details.  You can also visit www.hopecu.org/1stchoice for the latest updates and information. We look forward to having the privilege of serving you!

As we work toward the conversion of 1^st Choice Credit Union into Hope Credit Union systems, we wanted to let you know about important changes to revolving lines of credit.  The following changes will apply effective June 1, 2026.

Revolving Lines of Credit – For all unsecured lines of credit and home equity lines of credit:

• > The loan will be converted to a closed-end loan.
• > Draws on lines of credit will not be available after April 30, 2026.
• > Your rate will remain unchanged.
• > The converted balance will be the balance as of May 31, 2026.
• > The repayment terms will be:
  • Home Equity Loans: 120 Months
  • Personal Loans – Based on Loan Balance

Up to $1,999	12 months
$2,000 to $2,999	24 months
$3,000 to $3,999	36 months
$4,000 to $4,999	48 months
$5000 or More	60 months

We appreciate your business and look forward to meeting your borrowing needs in the future.  You can contact us at the branches, by dialing the call center at 1-866-321-HOPE (4673), or via email at [email protected].

Dear 1^st Choice Federal Credit Union Member:

Over the course of 80 years, 1^st Choice Federal Credit Union (1^st Choice) established a proud tradition of serving the Atlanta community.  Effective October 1, this legacy entered a new chapter, as 1^st Choice officially merged with Hope Credit Union (HOPE).

Like 1^st Choice, HOPE is not an ordinary credit union.  Started in 1995 as a small church project to ensure everyday people have the resources they need to prosper, today HOPE is one of the nation’s most impactful financial institutions, working to improve the financial health of people across the Deep South.  The merger will substantially expand the range of products services available to former 1^st Choice members. 

For more than three decades, HOPE and its affiliated nonprofit sponsor, Hope Enterprise Corporation, provided financial services and engaged in advocacy that have benefited more than four million people across the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and influenced billions in investments for persistent poverty communities nationwide.  We are excited to now extend this work to people and communities in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia.

Over the coming months, we will fully integrate the operations and systems of 1^st Choice and HOPE.  In the meantime, your day-to-day interaction will remain largely unchanged.   To learn more, visit www.hopecu.org/1stchoice, or call 404-832-5800.

Thank you for your support of 1^st Choice over the years.  We are honored to welcome you as a HOPE member-owner and look forward to the privilege of serving you and yours in the years to come.

Sincerely,
Bill Bynum, CEO