Credit unions double down on branch growth.
New locations in California and Pennsylvania underscore how many institutions are still investing in physical banking even as digital services expand.
Three credit unions on opposite sides of the country are expanding their branch networks, betting that brick-and-mortar locations remain an important part of member growth despite the industry’s continued push toward digital banking.
Utah-based America First Credit Union opened a new branch Monday in Highland, Calif., while Belco Community Credit Union announced plans for a 13th branch in Lancaster County, Pa. American Heritage Credit Union is also preparing to enter Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley with its first location there.
The projects come as many financial institutions continue to balance investments in online banking with selective expansion into growing markets where in-person financial advice remains in demand.
America First Credit Union, the nation’s sixth-largest credit union with $25 billion in assets and 1.5 million members, said its newest Southern California branch is located at 27828 Greenspot Road in Highland.
“As our membership continues to grow across Southern California, we’re proud to expand our presence in Highland,” President and CEO Thayne Shaffer said. “We look forward to serving the community with personalized financial guidance, innovative products and a commitment to our members that has been the foundation of America First Credit Union for more than 87 years.”
The Highland office will provide personal and business banking services, including checking and savings accounts, mortgages, auto loans, business banking, financial planning and investment services, alongside digital banking support.
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In Pennsylvania, Harrisburg-based Belco Community Credit Union is building a branch at 237 Centerville Road in East Hempfield Township, next to That Fish Place – That Pet Place. The location is expected to open next spring.
Founded in 1939, Belco has nearly $984 million in assets and serves 68,378 members across central Pennsylvania. The new office will become the credit union’s 13th branch.
“Our history in Lancaster County runs deep,” President and CEO Amey Sgrignoli said in a news release. “For years, we’ve been growing alongside this community—helping members buy homes, supporting local businesses, and serving as a trusted financial partner through every stage of life. This new branch is the next chapter in that story.”
Meanwhile, Philadelphia-based American Heritage Credit Union is preparing to establish its first presence in the Lehigh Valley.
The $5.3 billion-asset credit union purchased a former bank branch at 1120 Cedar Crest Blvd. in Salisbury Township near Allentown for $1.475 million in December 2025. The 4,000-square-foot building includes drive-thru lanes and will become the institution’s first location in the region, although an opening date has not been announced.
American Heritage, which serves 329,657 members, currently operates more than 35 branches across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The three expansion projects reflect a broader trend among larger and midsize credit unions that continue to view physical branches as strategic assets, particularly in fast-growing suburban markets.
While routine transactions have increasingly migrated to mobile and online channels, institutions are using new branches to support lending, financial planning and business banking, areas where face-to-face relationships remain a competitive advantage.
“As our membership continues to grow across Southern California, we’re proud to expand our presence in Highland.”
– Thayne Shaffer
President and CEO
America First 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.
