Solutions First and Guardian Credit Union Merger

On September 2nd, Solutions First Federal Credit Union will officially merge with Guardian Credit Union, and we’re excited to welcome you to the Guardian family.

We understand that change can sometimes feel uncertain. That’s why we’re committed to making this transition as smooth, transparent, and seamless as possible. Between now and the official merger date, our team will continue sharing important updates and information to help you understand what to expect and how this change will benefit you.

Most importantly, we want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way.

What Do Solutions First Federal Credit Union Members Need to Do Now?

At this time, there is nothing you need to change about how you bank.

Your accounts, services, and day-to-day banking activities will continue to operate as normal while our teams work behind the scenes to prepare for the transition.

As we move closer to September 2, there are a few actions required to ensure a smooth conversion, and we will communicate those details as soon as possible:

Visit the FAQ section at the bottom of this webpage for answers to any of your questions.
Familiarize yourself with the timeline and helpful tips and actions below.

We're excited to welcome you to the Guardian family and look forward to serving you!

Who is Guardian Credit Union?

Guardian Credit Union was founded in 1958 to serve members of the Alabama National Guard and their families by providing savings and loan services.

Whether you prefer banking in person, online, or through a mobile app, Guardian offers convenient ways to manage your finances anytime, anywhere.

Membership Expanded:

Access to 19 branch locations across Alabama
Enhanced online and mobile banking services
Expanded ATM and account access options
Personal and business lending solutions
Mortgage and home loan services
Insurance product and services
Financial planning and investment services
Additional member-focused products designed to help you reach your financial goals

To learn more about Guardian Credit Union, visit Our Story.

Update Your Information

Update your contact information.
Keep an eye on your mailbox and email for communications.
Introduce yourself to our teams at the Ozark and Enterprise branches!

Merger Related Questions?

FAQs below!

334-347-9000
memberservices@MyGuardianCU.com
Stop by the branch:
- Enterprise
- Ozark

Learn about Guardian

Social Media

Follow Guardian Credit Union on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates, community stories, and other helpful information.

Important Information

Choose a Category

Merger Timeline:

Mid-to-Late August: Debit Card will arrive in the mail.

New Guardian debit cards will begin arriving by mail. Once you receive the card, please keep it in a safe place.

This card cannot be activated or used until September 2.

Late August: Member Merger Packet arrives in the mail.

This includes your new Guardian Member Number, Direct Deposit details, and other helpful information to gain complete access and visibility to your new Guardian account.

August 31: Last Day as Solutions First Federal Credit Union.

All Business will be conducted as usual. Solutions First members will have full access and visibility to all SFFCU accounts. Also, download all of your SFFCU e-statements, as they will no longer be available after September 1st.

September 1: Conversion Day

Solutions First members will have limited access and visibility into their accounts. The Enterprise and Ozark branches will be open to answer questions and view previous statements. No withdrawals or deposits can be processed at this time. Don't worry, you'll still have access to your SFFCU Debit Cards.

September 2: Welcome to Guardian!

Activate your card by following the instructions included before using it for purchases or ATM transactions. If you have recurring payments linked to your old card, such as subscriptions, online shopping accounts, or memberships, be sure to update your card with each merchant.

If you use Bill Pay, you'll need to set up your payees in Guardian's Bill Pay system after your account has transitioned. This will help ensure your future payments are sent on time.

Additional information regarding account access, online banking, debit card activation, and other important details will be provided by September 2nd.

Team Guardian is committed to making your transition as smooth as possible. To help you prepare for Member Day 1 on September 2nd, we've put together a few helpful tips and actions that should be completed by August 31st to make the switch easy and stress-free:

Make a list of your direct deposits, automatic payments, recurring transfers, and subscriptions so you're ready to update your account information after September 2nd.
Review your Bill Pay payments to identify which payments need to be re-established after the merger. This includes making a list of your payees and payment amounts.
You will lose access to previous e-statements once the merger is complete. Please download any e-statements and keep them in your personal records.
Save your new account information when you receive it and keep it in a secure location.
If you have any checks or cash to deposit, please do so by August 31st to ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account during the transition period.

Important Documents:

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am already a Guardian member, will my accounts be combined?

No. On September 2nd, all of your SFFCU accounts will be transferred automatically to a Guardian account. Once the transfer is complete, all of your accounts will be available through Guardian's online and mobile banking using one convenient login. There will be no need for two logins to access your accounts.

You can work with our team after the merger to combine accounts if you would like.

How will I receive my new account information?

Your new account number will be sent to you via mail mid-to-late August and via email late August.

When will I receive my new debit card?

All Solutions First checking account holders will receive a new debit card in the mail in mid-August. Members can activate and begin using the card on September 2nd. Additional details will be provided with the new debit card.

Will I need to register for Online Banking?

Yes, you will need to register for Guardian's Online and Mobile Banking on September 2nd. This can be done by downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or by starting registration here.

To register, you will need:

- Your new Guardian Credit Union account number
- SSN
- Email Address
- DOB

If you are an existing Guardian member, you will be able to log in with your current username and password to see all accounts together on September 3rd.

Will I still have access to Zelle?

Guardian does not have Zelle at this time, but there are other options:

-Send money directly to other Guardian members from your online and mobile banking account.

- Send money through Bill Pay accessed through online banking.

- Link other financial institutions' accounts to be visible and accessible through Guardian's online and mobile banking.

Will I still have access to Phone Banking?

Phone Banking will still be available with Guardian, but you will need to call a new number. You will access Telephone Banking by calling 334-244-9999 after September 2nd. You will need your Guardian member number and phone banking PIN to access your accounts. A Guardian Service Center agent can help you set this up when you call in.

Will I need to change my Direct Deposit?

Yes. A Direct Deposit form that includes your new member number and routing information will be sent in your new member packet in mid-to-late August. Starting September 2nd, this form can be given directly to employers to update your current deposit or set up a new one.

If you need more time, don't worry; Guardian will still receive the information and continue to manually post your direct deposit to your Guardian account. However, you will have until November 1st to update your direct deposit information with your employer.

What happens to my existing BillPay payments?

If you have current payments set up through BillPay, you will need to set these up again through your Guardian online/mobile banking on September 2nd. Existing payments set up through SFFCU BillPay will not automatically transfer over.

Will my recurring ACH payments and transfers continue after the merger?

Payments, transfers, and recurring payments set up through ACH will continue to be paid manually through November 1st. Starting September 2nd, you will need to update your account information to your new Guardian account and routing number.

Will my Solutions First checks still work?

No, your SFFCU checks will no longer work, and new checks will need to be ordered through Guardian. Any existing checks will be will be honored through November 1st. Visit any branch location or give us a call to order your first box of checks for free.

Will my loan or CD rates change?

No, you will keep the same rate on any loan or CD that you have with SFFCU at the time of the merger. Any new loans or CDs opened after September 2nd, will be subject to current Guardian rates.

What is Guardian's routing number?

Guardian's routing number is #262276410.