A Powerful Partnership

California Coast Credit Union and San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) announce intent to merge. 

FAQs

January 29, 2026

No. All branches remain open, and member services continue to operate as usual. There is no impact to your accounts, your funds, your loans, or any of the digital or in-person services you rely on. Your money continues to be safe and secure.

It is not uncommon for differences to arise during complex merger discussions. Cal Coast has taken legal action to ensure that its contractual rights are honored and that the merger process moves forward. This step protects the interests of our members, employees, and community partners. These matters are being handled through appropriate legal channels.

Yes. California Coast Credit Union remains a financially strong and well-capitalized credit union. We operate under strict regulatory oversight and are routinely reviewed by state and federal authorities to ensure safety, soundness, and compliance.

In addition, all member deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) up to $250,000 per individual depositor, with many members qualifying for additional coverage based on how their accounts are structured.

No, the merger has not been cancelled. Certain aspects of integration planning between the two credit unions in connection with the merger have been temporarily paused as the parties proceed through the legal process. Cal Coast remains focused on carefully evaluating next steps guided by the court and what is in the best interests of our members.

The process of integrating the two credit unions in connection with the merger has been temporarily paused. Through the court system, Cal Coast is seeking to ensure that its contractual rights are honored and that the merger process moves forward, and Cal Coast remains confident that it will. These matters are being addressed through the appropriate legal channels, and it is important for that process to run its course.

Throughout this period, Cal Coast will continue to remain focused on acting in the best interests of our members, ensuring transparency and sound governance. Members can be assured their accounts are safe and services are not impacted while these matters are being resolved.

Cal Coast is addressing any differences through the appropriate legal process and will not litigate matters through the media. These issues are being reviewed by the court, where facts can be examined and applied to law to achieve resolution.

Cal Coast remains confident in its financial strength, governance, and regulatory standing; and we continue to operate normally while this process moves forward.

Legal timelines vary; but rest assured, we are committed to keeping members informed as updates become available.

All updates that affect members will continue to be shared through official Cal Coast communication channels, including our website, online banking messages, and direct member communications.

Your local branch team and our Member Service Center are here to help with your everyday banking needs. The Member Service Center can be reached at (877) 495-1600.


If you are a member of the media or have a press-related inquiry, please direct questions to:


Bob Scheid, Senior Director of Community & Public Relations
rscheid@calcoastcu.org | (858) 267-1393

A message from our President and CEO

Important Merger Update

January 17, 2026

Dear Members,

Over the past year, California Coast Credit Union engaged in merger planning with San Diego County Credit Union with the interests of our members at the forefront. When fundamental differences emerged regarding the direction and terms of that process, Cal Coast took steps to protect the interests of our members and the integrity of our institution. Those matters are now appropriately before the court.

While we strongly disagree with SDCCU’s assertions, we believe matters of this nature are appropriately addressed through the legal process. As the merger litigation proceeds, Cal Coast will remain focused on facts, transparency, and professionalism, not public speculation or rhetoric.

We want to be clear. California Coast Credit Union unequivocally rejects the mischaracterizations made about our institution. We are proud of our long standing record of strong regulatory compliance, sound governance, and responsible risk management. We are routinely examined and operate in alignment with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. We remain confident in our position and in the integrity of our organization.

Our priority remains unchanged. Serving our members and supporting the communities that place their trust in us. We continue to operate safely, responsibly, and with a deep sense of accountability to our members, regulators, and employees.

Cal Coast remains committed to a merger process grounded in fairness, balance, and the best interests of the membership. We will continue to communicate with clarity and restraint, guided by our cooperative values and our responsibility as a trusted financial institution.

In the meantime, it is important that you hear directly from us. Cal Coast remains a safe, secure, and well regulated financial institution. Your accounts are protected, our operations continue as usual, and members can continue to bank with confidence.

Thank you for being part of the Cal Coast community. We remain focused on doing what we have always done, serving members responsibly and putting your interests first.

If you have questions or would like to speak with a member of our team, Member Services is available at (858) 495-1600.

Sincerely,

Todd Lane

President and CEO 

Merger Update

January 9, 2026

Cal Coast Credit Union is continuing our work to serve you with the same stability, service, and care you expect from us. As part of the previously announced merger with San Diego County Credit Union, Cal Coast has taken legal action that protects the interests of our members, employees, and community partners.

There is no impact to your accounts, loans, digital services, branches, or access to member support. All branches and member services remain fully operational.

Our commitment to doing what is right for our members and the communities we serve has not changed. We remain committed to the long-term stability of Cal Coast and to serving our members without disruption.

United for a Stronger Future

This merger will unite two financially sound and community-focused credit unions. Our joint strengths position us to better serve our members and expand our community impact.

Member Benefits

More Locations and Access - Once the merger is complete, members will enjoy access to more branch locations and ATMs throughout Southern California.

A Winning Combination – The partnership enhances our strengths by combining products, services, technology, and talent, all while maintaining our focus on delivering overall value, supporting our employees, and impacting the communities we serve.

Enhanced Experiences – As the two organizations become one, we will be able to leverage enhanced resources with combined expertise to develop innovative financial products and services and enhanced digital solutions.

Continued Commitment to Our Communities – Together, we’ll have an even greater impact on the communities we serve, and the non-profits we support. Both organizations have been committed to financial literacy initiatives and will continue to be avid promoters of this important cause.

Familiar Faces Under One Organization – No employees of either organization will lose their jobs as a result of this merger. In fact, this merger will bring exciting opportunities for the 1,400 employees of both organizations. Both credit unions are committed to maintaining a workplace that rewards, recognizes, and supports our mutual teams. 

 


The merger process is subject to the approval of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and a Cal Coast membership vote. We expect approval in early 2026 and systems integration in 2027.

We understand that this is a very exciting announcement, and you can rest assured that your accounts, checks, debit and credit cards, direct deposits, online banking, and branch access will remain unchanged for the time being. Please continue to visit this site and review our frequently asked questions to receive the latest information related to this partnership as we move along in the process.

Thank you for allowing us to be your trusted financial partners.

For specific questions regarding the merger, please reach out to: 

Robert Scheid

858-636-5132

rscheid@calcoastcu.org

Read a copy of the official news release.

FAQs

Absolutely. The Board of Directors of both institutions enthusiastically support the merger and are excited about the opportunities it brings for growth and enhanced benefits for everyone involved.

We’re committed to keeping you informed along the way. As the process continues, please refer to this special merger page for important notices, dates, and events. 

 

Not at all. We are excited to welcome new employees to the organization and the same familiar faces will be at your local branch. 

 

This is a scam, and neither credit unions will send you a text regarding this information. You should go to our respective websites www.sdccu.com/merger or www.calcoastcu.org/merger to find the most recent information. As always, you must be diligent and take steps to protect yourself from scams.

Neither credit union will ask you for your username and/or password, your card CVV number, account PINS, login credentials, or other sensitive account information.  You must always think twice before giving someone your personal credentials. Fraudsters frequently use tactics to try and trick the unsuspecting victim into thinking they are really communicating with the credit union. When in doubt, DELETE AND REPORT JUNK, HANG UP, and/or NEVER CLICK unsolicited texts, calls, or emails. You can always contact the credit union’s main number to ask if the request is truly coming from a legitimate source.  

By joining forces with SDCCU, the partnership will bring exciting opportunities including: 
•    Members will benefit from more branch and ATM locations across Southern California.
•    The two organizations combined can achieve more than either of us could do on our own. 

For now, it’s business as usual! Members will continue to access their accounts, use their checks, and enjoy the same friendly service they’re used to at both credit unions.
 
As we move forward with the merger, some enhancements will roll out over time. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring any updates are shared well in advance. Rest assured, our commitment to exceptional service and putting members first remains our top priority.

 

No employees will lose their job due to this merger, and credit union management is focused on retaining and supporting us all. This strategic partnership brings exciting opportunities for the employees. Both organizations are committed to maintaining a workplace that rewards, recognizes and supports the organization. 

This merger is a strategic partnership with two like-minded, financially sound and local credit unions. Pending regulatory and Cal Coast member approval, this merger will change the financial landscape in Southern California for the better! 

 
 

For now, it’s business as usual! Please continue to use your accounts as you normally do. You can visit www.sdccu.com/merger for any information regarding SDCCU accountholders. Additionally, as you are a Cal Coast member, please visit their site at www.calcoastcu.org/merger for up-to-date information.  

 

Both credit unions will operate independently until the legal merger date, which is anticipated to be in early 2026. At which point, the credit union will retain the California Coast Credit Union name and Todd Lane, the President/CEO of Cal Coast CU, will become the President/CEO of the combined credit union. 

Strategic mergers offer the unique opportunity to combine our strengths, expand our impact, and offer our members more locations and leverage our size to enhance resources and develop innovative financial products and services. 

Yes, member deposits will continue to be federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). For information regarding the insurance fund, as well as a calculator to help determine your coverage, you may visit: www.mycreditunion.gov/estimator. 

Your funds in your account are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000 per account, and in some cases more, due to vesting. If you have more funds than that combined, you may consider opening accounts with different ownership categories such as a single account, or a joint ownership account, and distribute your funds across each appropriately. 

While there should be no effect on your debit or credit card, or your accounts in general for that matter, there is plenty of time before our systems are integrated. First, we still need regulatory approval and Cal Coast members must consent to the merger. We don’t anticipate system integration until late 2026, and into 2027. Both credit union’s members will be kept informed along the way. As a Cal Coast member, you can visit calcoastcu.org/merger to receive up to date information related to our integration process.

Merger Questions?

Thank you for reaching out.