AmeriCU expands across New York.
The Rome-based credit union will add 27 counties to its field of membership as earnings more than double in the first half of 2026.
AmeriCU Credit Union, a $3 billion institution based in Rome, N.Y., has received approval to expand its field of membership into 27 additional counties, giving it access to a potential new pool of members across much of the state as the credit union continues to grow.
The approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services will increase AmeriCU’s field of membership to 51 counties. The credit union already serves 210,014 members through 25 branches and digital channels.
AmeriCU earned $10.4 million in the first six months of 2026, more than double the $4.5 million it earned during the same period a year earlier, according to National Credit Union Administration call report data.
“This approval is an exciting step forward for AmeriCU and the communities we serve,” Ronald Belle, the credit union’s president and chief executive, said. “Expanding our field of membership enables us to bring that mission to more individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout New York State.”
The newly approved counties stretch across a broad swath of New York, including Albany, Erie, Monroe, Niagara, Saratoga, Schenectady, Dutchess, Ulster and Warren counties. The expansion also includes counties in Western New York, the Southern Tier, the Hudson Valley and the Capital Region.
AmeriCU said it already serves thousands of members in the newly approved counties through digital banking, lending, financial guidance and community involvement. The expanded field of membership will allow those existing relationships to deepen while making the credit union eligible to serve additional individuals, families and businesses in those areas.
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The move represents another step in AmeriCU’s effort to expand beyond its traditional geographic footprint while maintaining its community-focused model.
The credit union said continued growth will also help fund investments in technology and member services, including digital banking, cybersecurity, fraud prevention and other tools designed to make banking more convenient and secure.
“As member needs continue to evolve, we’re investing in innovative technology, enhanced digital banking tools, advanced cybersecurity measures, fraud prevention resources, and the services that help members manage their financial lives with confidence,” the company said.
Those investments come as financial institutions compete increasingly on digital convenience as well as physical access. AmeriCU’s 25-branch network remains part of its presence in New York, while the expanded field of membership gives the institution a way to reach consumers beyond its branch footprint.
For Belle, the expansion is as much about relationships as geography.
“We look forward to building new relationships, supporting local businesses, and helping even more New Yorkers achieve their financial goals,” he said.
The 27 counties approved for the expansion are Albany, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Genesee, Greene, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schuyler, Steuben, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wyoming and Yates.
With the approval, AmeriCU now has one of the broadest geographic fields of membership in its history. The institution enters that expanded market with stronger first-half earnings and a larger balance sheet, giving it additional resources to pursue growth while continuing to invest in its existing members and communities.
“Expanding our field of membership enables us to bring that mission to more individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout New York State.”
– Ronald Belle
President & CEO
AmeriCU Credit Union
Ken McCarthy is manager of marketing communications at Tyfone, where he monitors the credit union industry and contributes to conversations shaping its future. He previously covered credit unions and community banking for American Banker and S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a journalism degree from Point Park University and has more than 15 years of experience covering financial services. He is also the author of three literary fiction novels.
