10/1/25
MERGER UPDATE
On October 1, 2025, Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union and Wichita Federal Credit Union officially merged to form a single entity, now known as Wichita Federal Credit Union. We extend a warm welcome to all our new members!
As we work on integrating our systems this summer, we remain committed to serving the financial needs of all members at McConnell Air Force Base. Our staff is here to assist you with a variety of services, including loans, Visa credit cards, new accounts, and more.
For more information, please visit our merger member resource page via the link below.
MERGER RESOURCES
9/9/25
MERGER UPDATE
On September 8, 2025, Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union members participated in a Special Membership Meeting to vote on the proposed merger with Wichita Federal Credit Union.
We are excited to announce that the majority voted in favor of the merger. We are transitioning Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union members to Wichita Federal Credit Union on October 1, 2025, the official merger date. WELCOME, FREEDOM 1st MEMBERS!
We look forward to serving you and enhancing your banking experience.
7/14/25
mERGER UPDATE
Wichita Federal Credit Union and Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union have received official approval from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) for our upcoming merger.
This approval is a significant milestone for both institutions as we prepare to combine our resources and enhance the services we provide to our members.
The next step in this process will be a vote by Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union members, which is scheduled for September 2025.
Our merger aims to strengthen financial options for our members and enhance community engagement. We are committed to keeping you informed and will share further announcements detailing the benefits of the merger as we approach the official merger date of October 1, 2025. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new chapter together!
6/09/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eight Students Receive Dana Winkler Scholarships
WICHITA, Kan. – June 9, 2025 -- Eight students have been awarded $16,000 in scholarships by Wichita Federal Credit Union (WFCU). Each recipient received $2,000 to apply toward their post-secondary education tuition costs for the upcoming fall semester.
Since 2004, WFCU has awarded scholarships to encourage credit union members to pursue higher education. A total of 175 students have received over $175,000 in scholarship funds during this time. Candidates are credit union members selected by the scholarship committee based on their grade point averages, extracurricular activities, community service, career goals, and a written essay.
Congratulations to the 2025 recipients of the Dana Winkler Scholarship!
The 2025 Recipients are:
Sydney Crees - Daughter of Jeff Crees and Laurie Gonsalves
Zoe Deutscher - Daughter of Darrin and Deanna Deutscher
Jack Harty - Son of Dan and Ann Harty
Grace Kallman - Daughter of Daniel and Julianne Kallman
Abigail McCown – Daughter of Matthew and Susan McCown
Aidan McDonald - Son of Trevor and Suzie McDonald
Sofia Narciso - Daughter of Carlos Narciso and Rebecca Bichsel
Bryant Roberts III - Son of Bryant Roberts II and Lanna Smith
For 2026 application information, please click here: Scholarship Page
4/15/2025
Wichita Federal Credit Union expands Reach
We are excited to share the news of our field of membership expansion. This significant development will help shape the future of our credit union and the communities we serve. In addition to Sedgwick County, we now serve Butler, Cowley, Harvey, and Sumner Counties. The new Field of Membership is as follows:
If you live, work, worship, attend school, or have a business or other legal entity in Butler, Cowley, Harvey, Sedgwick, or Sumner Counties, you and your immediate family or household are eligible for membership.
This expansion marks a pivotal moment for WFCU; increasing our footprint to five counties will open doors to new opportunities for growth, outreach, and impact.
This will enhance WFCU as a business and deepen our roots within our current and new communities.
Expanding our field of membership is crucial for several reasons.
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It allows our Field of Membership to match Freedom 1st Federal Credit Unions', as WFCU is in the process of a merger with Freedom 1st. (See merger details below.)
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It allows us to broaden our member base, attracting individuals who may not have had access to our (or any) financial services before. This increases our revenue streams as a business and fosters a more diverse and inclusive membership.
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As our credit union grows, so will our ability to offer competitive rates, better services, and a wider range of financial products to meet the needs of our members.
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A larger membership base gives us greater leverage and influence within the community. It strengthens our position to advocate for the interests of our members, negotiate better partnerships, and collaborate with local businesses and organizations to promote initiatives that we truly support and care for.
For additional information, please see FAQ's on this page:
4/4/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wichita Federal Credit Union and Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union Announce Intent to Merge
Wichita, Kansas - (April 4th, 2025) – Wichita Federal Credit Union (WFCU) and Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union (Freedom 1st) announced today that they are seeking regulatory approval of their intent to merge. The merger would result in an organization with more than $254 million in combined assets, serving over 17,000 members.
Currently, WFCU operates three branches in Wichita-WFCU East at 21st and Webb, WFCU West at 13th and West, and City Hall, serving City of Wichita employees and limited access to the general public. Freedom 1st operates one branch on McConnell Air Force Base with limited access to the general public.
"Our members will benefit from combining our two strong organizations," said Ashley Bautista, President & CEO of WFCU. "Our members will enjoy expanded products and services while retaining a branch location on McConnell Air Force Base. Both credit unions have a strong and proven history of supporting members' financial needs while being committed to our employees and the communities we serve."
At the time of the legal merger, the two credit unions will operate under the unified brand name of Wichita Federal Credit Union. Ashley Bautista, President & CEO of WFCU, will lead the newly combined organization. Ronda Posch, current President & CEO of Freedom 1st plans to retire after 36 years of service.
From a member perspective, there will be minimal impact at the legal merger date. Additionally, there will be a combined staff of both credit unions and no job losses. Both organizations will continue to serve members as usual as they prepare to integrate their systems fully by late 2025/early 2026.
About Wichita Federal Credit Union (WFCU) - WFCU was chartered in May 1940 to serve the municipal employees of the City of Wichita. Field of membership includes persons who live, work, worship, or attend school in and businesses and other legal entities located in Butler, Cowley, Harvey, Sedgwick, or Sumner Counties, Kansas.
About Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union (Freedom 1st)–Freedom 1st was chartered in April 1957 as McConnell AFB FCU. In 1988, the name was changed to Freedom 1st Federal Credit Union. Field of membership includes persons who live, work, worship, or attend school in and businesses and other legal entities located in Butler, Cowley, Harvey, Sedgwick, or Sumner Counties, Kansas.
More information, including FAQs regarding the merger, can be found on WFCU and Freedom 1st websites: (wichitafcu.com and freedom1stfcu.org).
SEE FAQs
3/13/2023
INFORMATION ALERT
Please be aware of scammers who contact you by phone, email, or text. WFCU will NEVER contact you out of the blue and ask for your personal account information. If you receive a message or call from someone claiming to be with WFCU, and you feel that it is suspicious, do not reply, click any links, or if it's a call, hang up and dial 316.941.0600. Click on the image below for more information.