Lehigh Valley, PA (17-May 2021) – First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, the #1 ranked credit union in PA by Forbes, now proudly accepts the Matrícula Consular de Mexico card as a form of acceptable identification to open new member accounts. As the first credit union in the Lehigh Valley that accepts the Matrícula Consular card, First Commonwealth is paving the way for more inclusive banking.
Matrícula Consulars give Mexican immigrants a sense of security and enables them to take advantage of asset-building opportunities offered by responsible lenders. “Through our involvement with the Bank On Allentown Coalition as a founding partner, we’ve learned that access to financial services for Mexican citizens living and working in the Lehigh Valley community was not being met, with it being nearly impossible to open a bank account. Matrícula offers us the ability to assure access to essential services and financial wellness resources, while also being compliant with various laws. It is critical for Mexican nationals to have the ability to establish banking relationships to be able to conduct basic transactions, learn how to have a successful relationship with money, in many cases, move funds to relatives in Mexico,” said James Gagliano, Chief Experience Office for First Commonwealth.
The ID card is proudly accepted at all 11 First Commonwealth locations throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley, as well as through its enhanced digital banking platform. “We continue to work toward strengthening our communities and being able to meet the diverse needs of our evolving Lehigh Valley community. The acceptance of the Matrícula card and establishment of Allentown’s Bank On Coalition will not only make affordable financial services more available and accessible than ever before, but will also open up more opportunities for inclusive banking within our communities,” added Gagliano.
The Matrícula Consular is a photo identification card that is issued by the Mexican government to Mexican citizens who reside outside of Mexico as a valid proof of identification and is available to Mexican nationals living in the U.S., including those who have lawful status in the U.S. To obtain a Matrícula Consular card, a Mexican citizen must apply in person at a Mexican consulate in the United States. The consulate district serving First Commonwealth's geographic region is located in Philadelphia. To learn more, please visit: https://www.firstcomcu.org/matricula-card.html.
ABOUT FIRST COMMONWEALTH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union (FCFCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial services cooperative serving more than 68,000 members and 1,500 businesses in the Greater Lehigh Valley since 1959. A nationally recognized leader in consumer and business banking innovation and service, FCFCU is committed to offering a more inclusive, better banking experience and investing heavily in the Lehigh Valley community. As the Forbes’ #1 Credit Union in PA in both 2020 and 2019, and winner of numerous community service awards, First Commonwealth FCU is among the highest ranked credit unions by the National Credit Union Administration. With a mission of “empowering the pursuit of financial happiness” and core values of “honesty, innovation, generosity, humility, excellence and respect” FCFCU is focused on bringing affordable, easy to use financial services to everyone in the Lehigh Valley community. With eleven financial centers, 24/7 account access, a best-in-class digital banking center and dedicated small business center, First Commonwealth FCU provides trusted financial services in the communities they serve. First Commonwealth FCU serves its membership through purpose-driven and mission-based values to help members empower their pursuit of financial happiness through all the stages of life.
MEDIA CONTACT
Caitlin Stibitz, Vice President of Marketing
cstibitz@firstcomcu.org | 610.657.9185(cell)