Alcoa Pittsburgh Federal Credit Union Members Vote Yes to Move Forward with Merger to CHROME FCU
On July 9, 2025, members of Alcoa Pittsburgh Federal Credit Union (FCU) overwhelmingly voted in favor of merging with CHROME Federal Credit Union (FCU), signifying official approval to start the merging process.
"For over 85 years, we've been honored to serve our members with dedication and heart. As we prepare to merge with CHROME, we do so with deep gratitude for the trust you've placed in us over the years," said John Foody Jr., President of the Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU Board of Directors. "This merger will bring you greater access to services and resources, while preserving the personal service and values that have always defined us. What matters most isn't changing—our commitment to putting you, our members, first."
Rooted in Southwestern Pennsylvania, CHROME FCU has served its members for over 50 years, delivering local service and great products. Like Alcoa Pittsburgh, CHROME’s values are member-focused. CHROME, initially known as Washington Steel FCU, was started in 1971 by seven employees to serve the hard-working employees of Washington Steel Company. Over the years, CHROME has expanded to become a community charter serving over 13,000 members, emphasizing exceptional member service, top-rated technology, and a continuous dedication to community service. Anyone can join CHROME FCU if they live, work, attend school, or worship in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Fayette, Washington, or Westmoreland county.
What’s Next?
There will be no immediate changes to Alcoa Pittsburgh members’ accounts, including loans, debit and credit cards, and/or online banking. You can expect business as usual until the data integration is completed in the first quarter of 2026.
The Alcoa Pittsburgh Isabella Street Branch will remain open, and members will still see the familiar faces of the current Alcoa employees. Alcoa Pittsburgh’s President of the Board of Directors, John Foody, will join CHROME Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors in August 2025. Leading up to this integration, Alcoa and CHROME team members will be in constant contact with Alcoa Pittsburgh members to provide updates and timelines for changes coming in 2026.
Forging Forward, Together!
We’re excited about what’s ahead, and we want you to be part of it. We understand you may have questions about this transition, and we are here to provide you with all the information and support you need. Please visit AlcoaPittFCU.org/Merger-FAQ or check this page for the most up-to-date details on the merger. The Alcoa Pittsburgh member services team is ready to answer any questions you may have. They can be contacted at 412-553-3100 or via email at merger@alcoapittfcu.org.
We’re here to help every step of the way and stand ready to serve the financial needs of you and your family!
Have A Question?
Please call our CHROME Care Team at 724.228.2030, email us at care@chromefcu.org, or fill out our form below and one our CHROME Care Team members will be in contact with you. We’re here to help every step of the way and stand ready to serve the financial needs of you and your family!
Here is what you need to know:
Will the merger impact accounts and services?
There will be no immediate changes. Accounts and services will come with changes during the data conversion in early 2026. Members will be notified with a schedule for changes that will occur in early 2026 to integrate your accounts to CHROME’s systems. Our team will work closely with members to make the changes as seamless as possible.
Our member support team will be available to answer questions and walk you through changes. Additionally, the merger will expand the services and accounts currently available.
Will my accounts continue to be insured?
Yes. Member deposits will continue to be federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
Will my account numbers, login details, or membership credentials change?
There will be no immediate changes. There will be some updates, but not until the data conversion in early 2026. Members will be notified with a schedule for changes that will occur in early 2026. Any changes to membership credentials will be provided securely and with notice.
Login details will also change through the data integration in early 2026, and Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU members will be moved to the CHROME 24 Digital Banking platform with online and mobile banking options.
Our member support team will be available to answer questions and walk you through changes.
Will the routing number change?
Not immediately, your current routing number will remain the same through the integration process. We expect this change to come at a much later date. Prior to any future changes, you will be notified and provided details and instructions.
Will my loan and certificate rates be affected?
The rates on fixed-rate loans and certificates would remain the same until the end of their existing terms. Other products would adjust as usual due to market conditions.
What is the timeline for the merger and integration?
The member vote concluded on July 9, 2025, with an overwhelming majority approving the merger.
With the approval of the membership, the merger process will begin. Nothing will change immediately. Members will be notified with a schedule for changes that will occur in early 2026 to integrate your accounts to CHROME’s systems. The Merger FAQ page, AlcoaPittFCU.org/Merger-FAQ, will be a resource for members to keep up-to-date. CHROME will send updates by mail and via email before changes occur.
Will the branch remain open?
Yes! The branch at 201 Isabella St., Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, will remain open with no plans to close this location after the integration.
Will any employees lose their jobs as a result of the merger?
No. Both credit unions deeply value our talented and dedicated team members and recognize the importance of retaining them.
When can Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU members start using the CHROME FCU branches?
Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU members will not have access to the CHROME branches until after the data conversion and integration in early 2026.
Will my memberships or membership eligibility requirements change?
No. All current memberships will remain the same.
Who is CHROME Federal Credit Union?
CHROME Federal Credit Union was founded on April 13, 1971, as Washington Steel Employees Federal Credit Union by seven employees of Washington Steel Company.
When the local economy changed, the credit union evolved, and membership eligibility was expanded to include the eight counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. As other credit unions merged into CHROME, our branch footprint expanded, and we now have over 13,000 members.
CHROME Federal Credit Union is a values-driven organization focused on actions that speak louder than words. Over the past three years, the Observer-Reporter readers have awarded us First Place Awards in Best Overall Business, Best Philanthropic Business, and Best Credit Union. Additionally, CHROME has consistently received BauerFinancial’s highest rating for financial strength. The words of our membership are reflected in the 125 5-Star Google reviews given over the past two years.
Why are Alcoa Pittsburgh Federal Credit Union and CHROME Federal Credit Union merging?
For 37 years, Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU’s esteemed manager, Lisa Blacer, led with exceptional dedication, overseeing remarkable growth in both the credit union’s size and profitability. Sadly, following a critical medical event last year, she is now on long-term disability and unable to return to her role.
In honoring her legacy and ensuring a strong future for the credit union, she and the Board thoughtfully agreed that merging with a like-minded partner was the best path forward. Our solid financial health allowed us to be deliberate and selective in that choice to offer our members the best path forward.
The member vote concluded on July 9, 2025, with an overwhelming majority approving the merger.
Why was CHROME Federal Credit Union chosen as Alcoa Pittsburgh's merging partner?
The Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU Board met with a number of local credit unions, and we chose CHROME Federal Credit Union because they share the same values and member-first philosophy that have always defined us.
How will this merger benefit the members?
Expanded Member Access: After the data integration in early 2026, Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU members will have access to three additional CHROME FCU branches in Allegheny and Washington counties, as well as an expanded ATM and shared branching network with over 30,000 ATMS and 5,000 credit union branches nationwide.
Enhanced, Localized Member Support: In addition to the team that currently serves you at Alcoa Pittsburgh, CHROME provides a local support line, CHROME Care, helping to ensure you receive prompt assistance when you need it. This team is available by phone and email and will be ready to assist you through the integration process in 2026.
Improved Technology: Following the account integration in 2026, Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU members will enjoy an enhanced digital banking experience, offering greater convenience, powerful tools, and expanded support to help manage your finances with ease and efficiency.
Enhanced Financial Products and Services: In an ever-changing financial services sector, together with CHROME, we will achieve great scale, offering a wider range of products and services tailored to your diverse needs, reduce costs, and return more value to the members in the form of products, services, and community involvement.
What will happen to the Board of Directors?
Alcoa Pittsburgh FCU’s President of the Board of Directors, John Foody, will join the current CHROME FCU Board of Directors. The remaining Alcoa Pittsburgh Board of Directors will voluntarily dissolve, and the CHROME FCU Board of Directors will remain.
Are both institutions financially strong?
Alcoa Pittsburgh and CHROME Federal Credit Unions are financially strong, each boasting a robust capital base of approximately 15%.