Q. What does BrightBridge mean?

The name BrightBridge combines two words that reflect our values and intentions. "Bright" alludes to the spirit of optimism, passion and energy that our team embodies each day and reflects our core values of elevating people, embracing accountability and working together as OneTeam. The word "Bridge" connects our past with the future we are creating for our team and members; a future where we are empowered with financial opportunities that enable all of us to achieve our goals and pursue our passions. It reminds us of our shared values and our intention to build stronger relationships with our members, communities and community partners.

Bright: We enlighten and inspire. Bridge: We connect, support and empower.

Q. Why did we change the credit union's name?

A. For nearly 70 years, our credit union has been a strong, compassionate institution serving the financial needs of members and communities in Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and northern Rhode Island. As we grow and expand, our brand needs to evolve to better reflect our collective values and vision.

Our new name, BrightBridge Credit Union, honors our legacy that includes more than 25 credit unions while paving a brighter path forward. It reflects our commitment to putting people first and connecting members to financial opportunities that help them achieve their personal, professional or educational goals.

Our updated name, look and feel is the next step in that exciting journey.

Q. How will the name change affect me as a member?

Our new brand won't change how you bank with us, but some members will need to take certain actions, such as:

• Enable Automatic Updates. If you use mobile banking and have enabled automatic updates, you won't have to take any action when we transition our app to BrightBridge and may continue banking as normal. If you do not have automatic updates enabled, the MVCU app will continue to work for a limited time, but you will need to download the BrightBridge app to keep using mobile banking.
  • Apple Smartphones: Go to "Settings" then "App Store" and toggle ON "App Updates."
  • ANDROID Smartphones: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen and select "Settings" from the menu that appears. Navigate to “Network Preferences,” then toggle ON "Auto-update apps.”
• Update Loss Payee. If you have a mortgage or loan through MVCU, please notify your insurance providers to update the loss payee from Merrimack Valley Credit Union to BrightBridge Credit Union.
• Update Bill and Check Payments. For payments from another bank/credit union to us, please make sure to update the recipient to BrightBridge Credit Union.
• Expect a New Debit Card. New contactless BrightBridge Visa debit cards will be issued to all members in the next few months. We strongly encourage immediate activation of your new card. Once activated OR within 60 days following receipt of the new card, your old card will no longer work.
• Be Patient with Third Party Apps. Please be aware it may take some time for third party and cash apps like Venmo or PayPal to update from MVCU to BrightBridge as we have no control over their processes.

Q. When will I start seeing the name BrightBridge Credit Union?

A. You'll start seeing our new brand roll out in stages, with the official launch on March 24 (pending regulatory approval). You'll notice a fresh new name, logo and overall look wherever our brand appear—on our website and mobile banking platforms, branches and advertising campaigns. While our name and look are new, we’re still the same credit union you trust, with the same commitment to YOU!

Q. Is the credit union being sold or acquired?

A. Neither! MVCU's leadership team and business structure are not changing and your preferred branch will still be staffed by the same local people you know and trust—now with an even brighter, unified mission. The BrightBridge brand signals ongoing commitment to our members and local communities. We remain 100% invested in you.

Q. Is the new brand going to affect my accounts or cards?

A. Your account number(s) will remain the same and you will be able to continue using your existing cards and checks. When it's time to order new checks, you will follow the normal process and receive BrightBridge-branded checks. Debit cards with our new logo will be re-issued beginning in April 2025.

Q.  Should I use the name Merrimack Valley Credit Union or BrightBridge Credit Union for my direct deposits?

A. Your direct deposits will not be affected by the name change, since your account number and our routing number are not changing.