After careful consideration, the Board of Members 1st determined that the best way to provide our members the service and value they deserve was to join with a community-focused credit union that has the resources necessary to provide the technology and value our members desire. This includes services such as expanded commercial lending, investment services, and expanded digital offerings. They are also seeking the resources that larger credit unions enjoy such as stronger information security, compliance tools, and more robust employee development opportunities.

The process of merging the two institutions will begin on November 1, 2025.

However, it is important to note that the merging of two sizable financial institutions takes time, and the process will continue through June 2026.

Current Rogue members can expect no changes.

We are immediately beginning the process of identifying changes for Members 1st members.

Members 1st members will continue to receive the same great service from the familiar faces at all Members 1st branches.

Unfortunately, not yet. After the merger is complete, the combined membership will have access to a branch network of over 29 full-service locations.

Partnering with Members 1st Credit Union will help us both grow to serve an expanded field of membership and be stronger together. Expanded products and services will be available for members of Members 1st, including our Rogue Rewards loyalty program, a larger commercial lending department, investment services and much more.

Members of both credit unions will have access to credit union services in new communities, and the collaboration between our teams will create opportunities to accomplish more than what we could’ve done separately. Both credit unions will also continue to have local Board members who are invested in the communities we serve, keeping our money and decision-making local. 

Rogue members will enjoy an expanded field of service that now includes Northern California. Those of us who enjoy trips to Northern California will now be able to visit a branch in Redding, Anderson or Chico.

We do not anticipate an interruption of service for either membership. If something comes up, we will be sure to communicate it well in advance. 

The difference is simple: people over profits. Unlike a bank buyout which requires a large financial investment, a credit union partnership occurs when two credit unions combine financial resources and expertise solely to provide expanded services for their members. We are excited to bring these additional benefits to you.

We do not anticipate any new fees as a result of this merger. Our fee structure is reviewed regularly and adjusted based on the best interest of our members and the credit union. 

This merger will not impact deposit rates. Deposit rates are impacted by competitive forces in the market, and the merger costs are not being paid for by withholding dividends from our members. Even better, we anticipate that this investment in regional expansion will help us grow deposits faster than we would have if limited to our original footprint. 

Yes, your deposits will continue to be federally insured by the NCUA, with up to $250,000 in protection per membership. 

We are deeply committed to serving our members and communities. Our team-based structure helps us meet the unique needs of each region we serve, from lending and deposits to community outreach and involvement. Our members will always be our top priority, and every decision we make is driven by what’s best for YOU.

The Boards of Directors at Rogue Credit Union and Members 1st Credit Union have unanimously approved our intent to merge. Next, both credit unions will complete a due diligence process, including a deep dive into cultures, financial reports, organizational structures and more.
 
After we complete the due diligence process, both credit unions need to agree that the merger should continue. Members 1st will then seek approval from their members through a voting process that is likely to happen later this year. 

Members 1st branches and employees will become Rogue Credit Union's team members and branches moving forward.

No, Rogue will continue to remain headquartered in Medford, Oregon just as it has been since 1956.

Members 1st Credit Union is a safe, sound and successful credit union with an excellent reputation in the community they serve. They currently serve over 23,000 members in Butte, Glenn, Shasta, and Tehama counties.

Members 1st Credit Union is headquartered in Redding, California, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Medford, Oregon. 

Members 1st has five branches throughout Redding, Chico and Anderson, California.

Members 1st was founded in 1936 to serve California state employees, especially highway workers. Their founders knew what ours did: We’re stronger together. 

Yes! Members 1st is a healthy credit union with $340 million in assets as of January 2025. They are federally insured through the NCUA and have a net worth ratio of 9.78%.

We recommend visiting m1cu.org to learn more.