1st Choice Merger

This message contains important information regarding your new member number. Additional information is being mailed to members on 5/20/26. If you do not receive a copy of that prior to the conversion date, please contact one of our Atlanta locations and confirm that we have a current mailing address on file for you.

Please review this information carefully, as some services and account access features may require action prior to the systems conversion.

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. 

New Member Number

You will have a new member number starting on June 1, 2026. Your new member number has been created and you will receive that number in a letter that was mailed May 20. You will need to update this number for any direct deposits that are currently being made to your account. 

Things to Do Before Systems Conversion

Online Banking – The 1^st Choice online banking system, including transaction histories, will not be available after May 30, 2026. Download any account records that you may want to keep prior to that date.

Online Bill Payment – The current payment service will not be available to make payments after May 26, 2026, and any recurring payments will cease after that date. You will need to transfer any payees and set up any recurring payments using HOPE’s online bill payment service.

E-Statements – The current e-statement system will not be available after May 30, 2026. Make sure to download or print any statements you want to keep before that date. 

Online Digital Payments – “Digital Pay”, the 1^st Choice online payment service, will not be available after May 26, 2026. Any payment scheduled after that date will not be made and should be paid earlier or submitted using a different method.

Convenience Services

Your new HOPE accounts come with lots of great benefits. Some of the best are the services that help you manage your finances no matter where you are or what time it is. With HOPE’s full array of electronic tools, you’ll be able to transfer money while you’re on vacation or deposit a check. Use the services that are right for you and get the most out of being a member-owner at HOPE.

All these services will be available to you beginning June 1, 2026. You will need to register for these services using your new account information.

HOPE Digital Banking – Learn more about our free online and mobile service by checking out the easy-to-follow user guides at www.hopecu.org/digitalbanking. You can download the app or use the online option to register for HOPE Digital Banking.

Digital Bill Payment – You can make payments anywhere, anytime, and keep tabs on your payments with our free BillPay service. Watch the tutorials and get signed up at www.hopecu.org/billpay.

E-Statements – Get your statements more quickly and more securely by receiving them electronically. Learn about all the great benefits and how to register for electronic statements at www.hopecu.org/estatements.

Online Payments – If you use the 1^st Choice online payment service, HOPE’s version of the same service will allow you to keep all the benefits of paying your bills securely online with speed and ease. Learn more or access the service at www.hopecu.org/onlinepayments.

HOPE24 Telephone Banking – Take care of core banking needs just by making a simple phone call with our free service.¹ Check out the options available to you at www.hopecu.org/phonebanking.

Shared Branching Network – Even when there is no HOPE branch close by, you can conduct transactions at more than 5,000 credit union branches and 30,000 ATMs that are part of the shared branching network. Learn more and find shared branching locations at www.hopecu.org/sharedbranching. HOPE also partners with Regions and Wells Fargo to offer surcharge free ATMs for HOPE members. Find locations at www.hopecu.org/branches.

ACH/Direct Deposit – Items you have set up to be automatically paid or deposited directly into your account should be updated with the originator of the transaction.  

Please contact a branch or the call center at 1-866-321-HOPE (4673) if you have questions or need more details. 

Your 1^st Choice Credit Union (1^st Choice) credit card will be changing as part of the merger with Hope Federal Credit Union (HOPE).  There are some important updates that will be effective once conversion of 1^st Choice systems to HOPE’s systems are completed.

New Credit Cards
We are excited to announce a new Visa^® credit card program for current 1^st Choice-issued Mastercard^® cardholders.  HOPE Platinum Visa cards are a fantastic option for everyday convenience or making larger purchases and paying for them over time.  As part of the merger with Hope Credit Union, you’ll be able to enjoy the Platinum Visa program with all its great features and outstanding benefits.

The change to the new Visa will take place as all of 1^st Choice’s systems and accounts are converted to HOPE.  You will receive a new HOPE Platinum Visa^® card in the mail before June 1, 2026.  You can activate and begin using your new card on June 1, 2026.  You may use your current Mastercard through May 28, 2026, and you should destroy it after that date.

Key Information

• > You will receive a new credit card account number, expiration date, and three-digit security code.
• > Your outstanding balance will be transferred to a HOPE VISA^® Platinum Credit Card on June 1, 2026.
• > You will not be charged a balance transfer fee.
• > Your rate will change to the variable rate in effect as of June 1, 2026.  Your new variable rate will differ from your current rate, so please read the enclosed disclosures and agreement carefully.
• > The minimum payment will be the greater of 2.50% of your outstanding balance or $15.00.
• > The new late fee will be $25.00 and your grace period will be 15 days.
• > Your credit limit(s) will remain the same.
• > Your first due date will be July 12, 2026.  Your due date will continue to be the 12^th of every month. 
• > You will not be charged interest if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month.
• > Your credit card statement cut-off date will be the 15^th of every month.
• > The cash advance fees will be $25; those charges will post and clear at the end of the month.
• > HOPE offers Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Travel and Emergency Assistance Services, and Warranty Manager Service as an added benefit at no cost to you through the VISA^® Credit Card program.  Information about those programs is included with this letter.
• > You will be able to check your credit card balance, review transactions, and make payments by transferring money from a deposit account to your credit card through HOPE Digital Banking (online and mobile).  Both services are free and easy to use. ¹
• > Payments can also be made via phone by calling HOPE24 toll-free at 1-877-421-4673 (HOPE) and transferring funds from a deposit account to your credit card.
• > Automated member card services are available 24/7 by calling HOPE24 at
  1-877-214-4673 or from a Member Services Representative on Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central time by calling 1-866-321-4673.

Here’s what you need to do as part of the conversion process:

• > Effective June 1, 2026, you may register for HOPE Digital Banking (online and mobile and enroll for e-statements to receive your credit union statements electronically at www.hopecu.org/digitalbanking or by downloading the mobile app from the Apple or Google Play store.
• > Contact any merchants who automatically charge your current Visa account (cell phone, cable, etc.) and provide them with your new Visa card information.

Payment Information

• > If you previously set up an online eZCardinfo auto-payment, please contact the HOPE Call Center at 1-866-321-4673 to set up a new auto-payment on your new account in June.  Your previous auto-payment will need to be stopped on or before May 28, 2026.
• > If you make payments on your credit card account through an online or automated bill payment service or via mail, make sure to update the necessary information so that your payments are credited properly:
  • – Update your information to include your new account number.
  • – Update the payee address to:
    
    Hope Credit Union
    P.O. Box 22886
    Jackson, MS 39225
    
• > Beginning June 1, 2026, you will be able to use HOPE’s online payment systems to send electronic payments for your credit card balance.  You can access that service at www.hopecu.org/paymyloan.

You can learn more about HOPE Platinum Visa cards at www.hopecu.org/creditcards.

Please contact the branch or the call center at 1-866-321-HOPE (4673) if you have questions or need additional information. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to meet your financial needs!

The process of converting former 1^st Choice Credit Union (1^st Choice) to Hope Federal Credit Union (HOPE) systems is nearing completion.  There is some important information that will be important to your current business account and/or loan.

Here is what you need to know:

New Member Number

All business account holders 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 Business Membership and Account Agreement, Funds Availability Policy Disclosure, Privacy Policy, Business Schedule of Fees, and Truth in Savings Disclosure.

Account Type Changes – On June 1, 2026, 1^st Choice business accounts will be converted to a HOPE business account according to the following guide:

Business Savings Accounts – All 1^st Choice business savings accounts will be converted to a HOPE business savings account.

Checking Accounts – Both types of 1^st Choice business checking accounts will become a HOPE Business Checking account.  Key account features are shown here. 

Monthly Service Fee (No fee if an average monthly balance of $2,500 is maintained)	$10.00
Transaction Fees
First 100 Items Each Statement Period	$0.00
Each Additional Item	$0.15
Cash Deposit Fee
First $2,500 Processed Each Calendar Month	$0.00
For Every Additional $100 in Cash Deposits	$0.15
Monthly Paper Statement Fee  (If not enrolled for e-statements within 60 days of account opening)	$2.00

You can learn more and see all our checking options at www.hopecu.org/businesschecking.

Debit Card Replacement   

If your current business debit card is not expired and has been used within the last 12 months, it will be replaced with a new HOPE 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.

Business Loans   

All business loans will continue under their current terms and conditions until the loan is repaid.  If there are any changes required as part of the conversion process that your loan, that information will be provided in additional communications to you.

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.  

Thank you for being a member.  We look forward to having the privilege of serving you!

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