Welcome Credit Union Advantage Members!

Welcome Credit Union Advantage Members!
Welcome to Zeal Credit Union
We are a full-service, member-owned, not-for-profit institution committed to serving the financial needs of our members. When we started out in 1954, our vision was simple, but our core has remained the same – to provide outstanding service to the hardworking Americans we serve. Thanks to you, we now have so many great things in store for the future.
We continue to remain dedicated to helping achieve our members’ long-term financial goals and enjoy the moments that make life worth living! We are excited you’ve joined us and hope you’ll take advantage of all we have to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get more information about the merger and Zeal Credit Union?
We will include more information on our website (www.ZealCU.org/Welcome-Credit-Union-Advantage) as it becomes available. You will also begin receiving mail and email correspondence with more information about changes before they happen. The first letter should be reaching inboxes (and mailboxes!) in early June 2025.
2. What does “effective legal merger date” mean?
This means Credit Union Advantage and Zeal Credit Union are officially one entity; however, Credit Union Advantage will be branded as “A Division of Zeal Credit Union” until the systems’ conversion is complete. Thereafter, the new combined credit union will take on Zeal Credit Union’s brand and Zeal Credit Union’s name.
On January 1, 2025, all assets, liabilities and capital will be combined as of this date. We will continue to operate many of our systems separately, including our core technology platform and online/mobile banking. This means there will be very few changes to the way members conduct their financial business and access their accounts in the short term. More information to come as we move toward full data conversion at the end of August 2025.
3. Why has CUA Credit Union decided to seek a merger?
This partnership is a proactive step by two financially sound institutions to capitalize on their strengths and position the new organization to move into the future. As we look to the future, combining forces will allow us to better provide you with new and innovative services. The partnership will enable the Credit Union to utilize benefits from the merger and return those benefits to you in the form of low-rate loans, competitive rates on savings, increased services and additional locations for members’ convenience.
4. Are both credit unions financially sound?
Both credit unions are financially strong, and each has capital that is more than what is required by our regulatory agencies.
5. What changed for me as a member on January 1st, 2025?
Initially, you won’t notice any changes. Access to your accounts in our branches, online and through our automated channels will initially remain the same. In the coming months, we will work together with Zeal CU to consolidate the technology platforms. What you may notice is a change to our logo and our name will now reflect that we are “A Division of Zeal Credit Union.”
6. Who is Zeal Credit Union?
Zeal Credit Union is a mission-driven, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving approximately 67,000 members at 12 full-service branch locations in the Metro Detroit area with $825 million in assets. Zeal CU member deposits are insured to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a US government agency. For more information, visit www.ZealCU.org.
7. How will the merger benefit Credit Union Advantage members?
The merger with Zeal CU will benefit the members of Credit Union Advantage by adding branch locations, expanding products and services, and increasing convenience!
More branches providing more member convenience! Zeal Credit Union has branches in Allen Park, Dearborn, Detroit, Livonia, Lyon Crossing, Southfield, Southgate, Taylor, Walled Lake, Westland and Woodhaven.
Faster delivery means better service! Being part of a larger credit union will improve our ability to deliver service to you: Implementing new services faster, more effectively responding to your needs. It will provide us with more resources to be the credit union that you deserve!
8. Will Credit Union Advantage branch remain open?
Yes.
9. Will there be any changes to the branch hours?
There are no immediate changes to the branch hours.
10. How will my accounts be impacted?
There are no immediate changes anticipated to the Credit Union Advantage members. Over the next couple months, we will consolidate the systems, products and services, ensuring a seamless transition so you can conduct business in more locations. The full merger will take place at the end of August 2025 – at which point you can begin utilizing Zeal Credit Union’s full catalog of financial products and services. A more specific date to follow.
11. Will member numbers and account numbers change?
The member number and account numbers will not change immediately. They could potentially change after the system conversion at the end of August 2025. Keep an eye out for more updates.
12. Will I need to order new checks?
You will NOT need to order new checks immediately. You might need to order new checks after the system conversion later in August. Be on the lookout for more communication.
13. Will I have to change my online/mobile banking credentials right away?
The online/mobile banking credentials will NOT change immediately. You will, however, have to enroll in Zeal’s online/mobile banking after full data conversion at the end of August 2025.
14. When will the credit union systems be combined, meaning migrating data into one system?
At the end of August 2025. Be on the lookout for more communication.
15. How do I contact my credit union after the legal effective merger date on January 1, 2025?
Business as usual. You will be able to contact Credit Union Advantage directly as you are able to today.
16. Will my rates or fees change?
During the conversion process, the combined Credit Union entity will complete a thorough evaluation of rates, fees, products and services. Be on the lookout for communication regarding future products, services, or fee changes.
17. What is the merger timeline?
We anticipate the merger and system conversion to be completed at the end of Summer 2025.
18. Will I continue to get the same service and attention?
Zeal Credit Union proudly serves 67,000 members across 12 branch locations, bringing 70 years of dedication, passion, empathy, and character to every interaction. We are committed to maintaining a personal caring connection with our members, employees and the community. At Zeal, you can always expect the highest level of service today, tomorrow and for years to come.
19. Will my Credit Union Advantage ATM, debit and credit cards still work?
Yes! You can still use your current ATM, debit and credit cards. If you were previously a member of Credit Union Advantage, then your current cards will eventually be replaced with new cards displaying the Zeal Credit Union logo.
20. When could I start using the new (Zeal CU) branches mentioned?
Great news – You can begin utilizing Zeal Credit Union branches at the end of Summer 2025!
Have a Question (that’s not listed above)?
We get it! Mergers lead to a lot of questions. If your question isn’t in the Frequently Asked Questions section above, feel free to fill out the form below! Our talented team of specialists will review your inquiry and each out via email with an answer. Best of all, your question may be added to the FAQ on this page to help others!