What's New

Zeal Credit Union is the perfect choice for our approved merger partnership, bringing not only financial stability and competitive rates, but the excellent service our members deserve. Combining with Zeal Credit Union will ensure the needs of CUA members will continue to be met for many years to come. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), in addition to twelve additional branch locations, various product and service upgrades, plus career opportunities for the team, this merger will position all members for financial success. 

Zeal Credit Union’s pillars – Acting with Passion, Living with Character and Feeling with Empathy – will further enhance member experiences from account opening to retirement. The team has been completely embraced by Zeal, so don't worry - you’ll still see familiar faces when you visit a branch! 

I will continue on during the merger, working side by side with Julie Kreinbring, Zeal's President/CEO, to make the member transition as convenient and easy as possible. I have been privileged to manage Credit Union Advantage for more than 25 years and I am so excited and more than confident that our members are in excellent hands!

I am so proud of the work CU Advantage has accomplished thus far, but with this new beginning, I look forward to seeing what more we can accomplish as part of Zeal Credit Union.

Jan Zuchowicz

President/CEO

Credit Union Advantage, a division of Zeal Credit Union

Welcome to Zeal! It gives me great pleasure to welcome the CU Advantage members and team to Zeal Credit Union! 

At Zeal, we are committed to enhancing our products, services, community outreach, and materials to help achieve the financial goals of both you and your loved ones. Our staff is made up of highly trained, passionate individuals who consistently provide exceptional experiences to every member, every day.

Newsweek recently named Zeal Credit Union as one of “America’s Best Banks and Credit Unions 2025.” This achievement is a direct reflection of our team and partners remaining steadfast in the mission to provide exceptional service to the hardworking Americans we serve.

The merger of CU Advantage into Zeal Credit Union will only enhance this level of service, allowing Zeal to continue providing exceptional financial options and opportunities to all our amazing members - like you!

With Character, Empathy, and a whole lot of Passion, Zeal is pleased to welcome you to the family – we’re so happy to have you here.

Julie Kreinbring

President/CEO

Zeal Credit Union

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) regarding the merger as it becomes available.

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 through the Spring of 2025. This means there will be very few changes to the way members conduct their financial business and access their accounts in the short term.

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 is going to change 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 several months, we will consolidate the systems, products and services, ensuring a seamless transition so you can conduct business in more locations.

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 later in Summer 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 Summer 2025. 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. They could potentially change after the System conversion in the Summer 2025. Stay tuned for more updates coming your way.

14. When will the credit union systems be combined, meaning migrating data into one system?
In the Summer of 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 in the Summer of 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?
Stay tuned! Once the system consolidated is completed, anticipated in Summer 2025, we’ll be sure to let you know when you may begin using the Zeal Credit Union branches.