Merger FAQs

Click here to view the full Merger Guide.

What is the timeline for the merger?

• Replacement Visa cards will be mailed to members mid-October but CANNOT be activated until November 2nd.
• Temporary service outage scheduled from Friday October 30th at 6pm until the morning of Monday, November 2nd. Branches will not be open on Saturday, October 31st, and online/mobile banking will not work. Your cards will continue to work during this outage.
• Systems merge will be completed early morning on Monday, November 2nd. We request members take action on the following items the morning of November 2nd to avoid interruption of service on your accounts:
  • Activate and begin using new Visa credit and debit cards;
  • Register for the new online banking system at weberstatecu.org, and download the free Weber State Credit Union mobile banking app; and,
  • Begin using your new account number and routing number for all transactions related to your account.
• New checks will be mailed in early November
• March 31, 2027, is the final day that transactions will clear with your old account number and/or routing number.

Do I need to do anything now?

• Watch your mail and email.
  You’ll receive important information about the systems merge, including details about changes to your accounts, cards, digital banking and other services. Keep an eye on your mailbox for our Merger Guide as it will contain all the information listed above.
• Save or download anything you may need from digital banking.
  Some historical information, statements or transaction details may not immediately transfer to the new system. If there are statements, tax documents or other records you want to keep, download or save them before the conversion.
• Prepare for changes to digital banking.
  Our digital banking experience will transition to Goldenwest’s system. Instructions explaining how to access digital banking after the conversion are included in the Merger Guide, which was mailed to all households in late September and is available in branches as well as online. Be prepared to download the new mobile banking app.
• Update your contact information.
  Make sure we have your current mailing address, email address and phone number. Accurate contact information will help ensure you receive important conversion communications.
• Review automatic payments and deposits.
  Take a moment to make a list of your recurring payments, subscriptions and direct deposits that will need to be updated with your new account or card information. Having a list will make it easier to verify everything is working properly after the conversion.
• Plan ahead for the conversion weekend.
  Starting Friday, October 30th at 6pm, services will not be available while we transition to the new system. If you need to make important transfers, payments or other transactions, be sure to take care of them before that date.

What happens to my online banking and bill pay?

Online Banking

Ascent Credit Union’s online branch will no longer be available after October 30th at 6 p.m. Beginning the morning of November 2nd, it will be replaced by a new online banking system, accessed through Weber State Credit Union’s website at weberstatecu.org. Existing users will log in using their current Ascent Credit Union username and password, then be prompted to change their password. New users can enroll in online banking, but their mailing address, email address and mobile phone number must be accurate in the Credit Union’s records prior to enrollment.

Mobile Banking

The existing Ascent Credit Union mobile app will be discontinued on October 30th at 6 p.m. Members will need to download the Weber State Credit Union mobile banking app for account access with your smart phones and tablets beginning the morning of November 2nd. Mobile deposit will be available for qualifying members.

Bill Pay

Payment history, payees, and pre-scheduled and/or recurring payments will transfer over from the Ascent Credit Union Online Bill Pay system to the Weber State Credit Union Online Bill Pay system. There may be a delay in the ability to access Bill Pay online when the new system goes live.

Why is Ascent Credit Union merging with Goldenwest Credit Union?

The merger of Ascent Credit Union and Goldenwest Credit Union is strategic, being founded on a strong alignment of missions, values, and community focus. The merger is designed to ensure that members experience the best of both institutions: the innovation and inclusivity that Ascent has continued to focus on, paired with the scale, strength, and resources of Goldenwest. And finally, the merger is an opportunity to restore the Weber State Credit Union name and brand, revitalizing our relationship and expanding our support of the university.

Is Ascent Credit Union needing to merge for financial reasons?

No. Ascent Credit Union continues to be very financially sound. This merger with Goldenwest Credit Union is a strategic merger that will allow us to serve our members better by providing expanded product offerings, a larger branch network, more financial services, and a continued commitment to supporting our communities.

How will I benefit from this merger?

Enhanced Access to Products and Services

• • Ascent Credit Union members will gain access to a wider variety of loans, savings, insurance, and investment products.
  • Ascent’s innovative programs will continue and expand through Goldenwest’s infrastructure, making them available to more members with greater reach and reliability.

Improved Physical Access

• • The combined branch network will increase member convenience by offering more than 50 locations for in-person service across Utah and Idaho.

Stronger Financial Value

• Economies of scale will enable the merged credit union to maintain competitive loan rates, higher deposit yields, and lower fees.
• The combined capital strength provides long-term stability and greater protection of member assets.

Preservation of Community Identity

• Restoring the name Weber State Credit Union will strengthen local pride and reinforce Ascent Credit Union’s heritage in the community.
• Ascent Credit Union members will continue to experience the same friendly service from staff they know and trust, while also gaining the benefits of a larger institution.

What will happen to the current Ascent Credit Union branches?

The current Ascent Credit Union branches will continue to operate with the current Ascent Credit Union staff, but under the brand of Weber State Credit Union – a division of Goldenwest.

When can I access Goldenwest branches?

Account access at Goldenwest and USU Credit Union, also a division of Goldenwest, branches will become available after November 2nd.

Are my deposits still insured?

Yes. Your deposits remain federally insured by NCUA up to applicable limits. Here is a great tool to check: Share Insurance Estimator | MyCreditUnion.gov

Whenever the liability to pay the member accounts of one or more insured credit unions is assumed by another insured credit union, whether by merger, consolidation, other statutory assumption or contract: The insured status of the credit unions whose member account liability has been assumed terminates, for purposes of this section, on the date of receipt by NCUA of satisfactory evidence of the assumption; and the separate insurance of member accounts assumed continues for six months from the date the assumption takes effect or, in the case of a share certificate, the earliest maturity date after the six-month period. In the case of a share certificate that matures within the six-month grace period that is renewed at the same dollar amount, either with or without accrued dividends having been added to the principal amount, and for the same term as the original share certificate, the separate insurance applies to the renewed share certificate until the first maturity date after the six-month period. A share certificate that matures within the six-month grace period that is renewed on any other basis, or that is not renewed, is separately insured only until the end of the six-month grace period.

(see link for full NCUA regulation)

How does this affect my existing loans or certificate accounts?

The rate for your loans or certificates are guaranteed for the term of the loan or certificate. Once a certificate matures, it will renew at the rates offered at time of maturity.

Does this merger affect my membership eligibility?

No. All existing Ascent Credit Union members and accounts will automatically transition to Goldenwest Credit Union when the systems merger is complete. Existing members will continue as normal, with no interruption to their accounts, loans, or services.

After the merger is finalized, new membership eligibility will be based on geographic area, educational affiliation, and employment or association affiliation, rather than solely on community-based eligibility. This change will expand opportunities for individuals interested in joining the credit union while preserving full membership rights and benefits for all current members.

Will Shared Branching still be available?

Yes. Both credit unions currently participate and will continue to participate in the Shared Branching network.

Will my debit and credit cards say Weber State Credit Union?

Yes, cards will have the Weber State Credit Union name and brand.

Will my existing Ascent CU account will be merged with my Goldenwest CU account during the merger?

No. Your existing Ascent Credit Union account will not be merged with your Goldenwest Credit Union account.

Will I lose Overdraft Privilege with Goldenwest?

No. Goldenwest offers this service as well.

Will the $2,000 AD&D insurance through TruStage continue after the merger?

Yes, both member and credit union-paid AD&D insurance policies will continue after the merger.

Will we have the same fee schedule as Goldenwest after the merger or will they be different?

We will adopt Goldenwest’s fee schedule after systems are integrated.

What will happen with checks? Will I still be able to use my Ascent CU checks?

Checking account holders who actively use checks will receive one free replacement box of 60 checks with their new routing and account mid-November.

Ascent CU checks will no longer be valid after May 31, 2027.