Colorado’s Climb Credit Union and Community Choice Credit Union have announced plans to merge.

The merger is pending member approval, Arvada-based Climb Credit Union said in a news release late Friday afternoon.

The proposed merger will “bring together two longstanding Colorado credit unions that share a strong commitment to service, community, and helping members reach their financial goals,” according to the release.

If approved, the merger will take effect early next year.

“Our teams have always prioritized people first. By joining forces with Community Choice, we can offer members more opportunities, deepen our community impact, and build a stronger foundation for the future,” Climb President/CEO Carrie Langgard said in the release.

Climb Credit Union has a corporate office in Arvada and five branch locations in Arvada, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Lakewood. In August, the company opened its state-of-the-art facility in Colorado Springs at 3582 Blue Horizon View, Suite 100. Climb relocated after it permanently closed its branch in Old Colorado City.

Community Choice Credit Union has a main office in Commerce City and a branch in Wheat Ridge.

No branches will close or relocate as a result of the merger, Climb’s Chief Innovation Officer Nathan Rogers said in an email Monday. Additionally, both Climb and Community Choice credit unions are part of the CO-OP Shared Branching Network that offers members access to their accounts at thousands of shared branches and ATMs nationwide.

“Members are already welcome to visit any of these branches today for their shared branching needs,” Rogers said.

Both credit unions offer a range of personal and business banking services, including digital banking, loan services and more.

Under the proposed merger, the combined organization will operate as Climb Credit Union, led by Langgard, according to the release. It will be headquartered at Climb’s current location, 5005 W. 60th Ave. in Arvada, Rogers said.

Members at both credit unions won’t experience any immediate changes to their accounts, cards or online banking access as the merger goes forward.

“It’s business as usual for both credit unions at this stage,” Rogers said. “… Both credit unions will continue operating independently, but in close partnership, as we work through the necessary steps and member vote. Our shared priority is to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for all members throughout this transition.”

The merger will expand access to products, services and branch locations while maintaining personalized service for members, officials said.

“We’re excited to bring our members into the Climb family,” Community Choice Credit Union President/CEO Rainy Thoen said in Friday’s release. “Our shared values and member-first philosophy make this a natural partnership that will benefit our members and employees alike.”

All team members from both credit unions will continue with the merged organization, Rogers said.

“This merger is designed to strengthen our collective team, create growth opportunities and enhance the support we provide to members and communities across Colorado,” he said.

When fully merged, Adam Williamson, the current chair of Climb’s Board of Directors, will chair the combined organization’s board. It will include representation from the Community Choice Board of Directors, as well, Rogers said.

Colorado’s three largest credit unions have announced mergers or expansions in Colorado Springs within the past year. Ent Credit Union announced in April that it was merging with Minnesota-based Wings Credit Union.

Bellco Credit Union announced last August it was adding at least two full-service branches in Colorado Springs by late 2025 or early 2026, and Canvas Credit Union is opening a new location in downtown Colorado Springs.

“At Climb Credit Union, we view competition as a sign of a healthy and growing market, one that ultimately benefits residents by providing more access to cooperative banking,” Langgard told The Gazette last month.

Climb Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution with $674 million in assets and serving 40,000 members. Community Choice Credit Union has $97 million in assets and serves 6,500 members.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information from Climb Credit Union Chief Innovation Officer Nathan Rogers.