Skip to main content
 

SAFE and BECU

Coming Together.
Members First.

SAFE Credit Union has signed a definitive agreement to combine with BECU, one of the nation’s most respected and successful credit unions, to form a stronger financial cooperative for accelerated investment in member benefits and community impact. The combination is expected to increase overall member value by 30% and provide members with lower fees and enhanced products and services. Members will benefit from new and improved offerings, programs such as the BECU Loan Reprice Program which automatically evaluates member loans (like auto, boat, RV and personal loans) to see if you qualify for a lower Annual Percentage Rate (APR), and expanded access to financial tools.

Upon closing, the combined credit union will serve approximately 1.8 million members across more than 80 physical locations and manage nearly $34 billion in assets, enabling greater scale to invest in technology, branch expansion, and community impact. This includes an expected increase in local philanthropic investment with an additional $1 million investment in 2027 added to the $500,000 SAFE traditionally gives annually toward philanthropic initiatives that reflect what matters most to SAFE members and the Sacramento community.

How SAFE Members Will Benefit

Increased Member Value and Benefits.

Expected 30% increase in member value through reduced fees and enhanced products and services.

Coming Together. Members First.

This combination represents an investment in Sacramento and the members we serve. By bringing together SAFE's local roots and BECU's scale and resources, we can deliver greater value while continuing our longstanding commitment to the region.

Deeper Community Commitment.

A combined commitment to triple the support of local communities with a commitment to invest $1.5M in year one.

Members Always Come First

This combination is built on our shared values that keep members front and center. The combined credit union’s greater resources mean that SAFE members will be able to take advantage of enhanced products and services. With the combination we will see:

  • Fewer fees, more savings — including the expected elimination of monthly account service fees (currently ranging from $5–$15 per month) and certain NSF fees. In the first year these reductions are expected to result in $6.9M in savings benefiting nearly 74,000 members
  • More support for first-time homebuyers — including grants of up to $8,000 for eligible members, funded by an initial $500,000 commitment from BECU and SAFE upon completion of the combination
  • More opportunities to save on loans — including annual loan repricing for eligible members as credit profiles improve, with no application or refinance required
  • Access to BECU's Member Advantage Program — a free relationship-based program that rewards members with premium interest rates and higher yields on select accounts
  • More access to lending — helping members, small businesses, and local communities thrive
  • More branches coming to the region — including the new Alder Creek location opening in early 2027.

Overall, this combination is expected to increase direct annual financial benefits to SAFE members by more than 30% from $47 million to $63 million annually.

No Immediate Changes

Nothing is changing right now or in the immediate future. SAFE branches are still open and accessible and future branches are planned. SAFE and BECU will continue to operate under their existing brands for the foreseeable future. Members’ accounts, and services will continue uninterrupted and local branches are open and accessible.

  • Account number(s) will not change.
  • Existing loan terms will stay the same.
  • Debit and credit card numbers and terms will remain the same.
  • Branch hours will remain the same and existing locations will remain open and accessible.

Deeper Community Impact

BECU shares our purpose-driven mission committed to our members financial well-being and consistently delivers exceptional value to members with low fees, valued programs, and products. This combination is built on our shared values that keep members front and center. The combined credit union will remain committed to our local partnerships including with the Sacramento Convention Center & Performing Arts District, the A’s, and others. BECU shares our purpose-driven mission and has a strong track record of community giving, local engagement, and member-focused values. SAFE’s current sponsorships will be honored, and local investments will grow.

Next Steps

Your vote is the next milestone and is expected in Q3/Q4 this year. You will receive your ballot and have plenty of time to review and cast your vote. Members will have an opportunity to vote on the combination later this year, and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions.