America First Federal Credit Union and Carson City-based Greater Nevada Credit Union have agreed to merge in a deal that the credit unions say will expand banking access and financial services across Nevada, particularly in rural communities.
A viewer who is a current Greater Nevada Credit Union member shared a letter from the credit union outlining what the proposed merger could mean for members. According to the letter, there are no immediate changes to members' accounts, cards, online banking or access to Greater Nevada branches.
All Greater Nevada branches are expected to remain open and staffed by current employees. The letter also says members can continue using their existing accounts, cards, online banking and branches as they do today while the merger process moves forward.
Looking ahead, Greater Nevada said the partnership would allow it to expand its product and service offerings, enhance digital banking tools and strengthen support for small businesses. Members would also gain access to a broader network of branches and ATMs, including America First's presence in Southern Nevada.
The combined organization is expected to serve more than 1.6 million members through 135 branch locations, including 39 in Nevada, with more than $26 billion in assets.
The merger agreement is subject to required regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in late 2026.
The letter shared by the viewer also says Greater Nevada's local leadership and decision-making will remain rooted in Nevada. It says members' deposits will remain federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration up to $250,000 per member and that the systems currently used to protect members' information will remain in place.
“America First and Greater Nevada have built strong reputations of putting members first and investing in the communities they serve,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “Together, we’ll build on that shared commitment by expanding access to convenient banking, trusted financial guidance, and the products and services all members need to achieve their financial goals.”
Greater Nevada President and CEO Danny DeLaRosa said the merger will allow the credit union to continue its mission while offering members the advantages of a larger organization.
“Our mission has always been to improve the financial well-being of our members and strengthen the communities we serve,” said Danny DeLaRosa, president and CEO of Greater Nevada Credit Union. “Joining America First allows us to build on that mission by expanding opportunities for our members while preserving the local access and personal relationships that have always defined Greater Nevada.”
Greater Nevada was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Carson City. It has more than 89,000 members and 13 branches, primarily in northern Nevada.
America First was founded in 1939 and has more than $26 billion in assets and 122 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It serves more than 1.5 million members and is the seventh largest credit union in the nation.
Greater Nevada said in the letter that the credit union has been working on the merger for months and will continue providing members with information as the regulatory process moves forward.
In a message shared with 2 News Nevada, a spokesperson for the Reno Aces said that Greater Nevada Field will keep its name as of right now.
