About Us


Who We Are

1st Bergen Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. We have been serving our members and their communities since 2009 when we received our federal charter from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the U.S. government. 1st Bergen is the first credit union in New Jersey in more than 21 years to receive a federal charter from the NCUA and is recognized by the administration as a “low-income” designated credit union. In 2011, 1st Bergen was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).  

Although we have grown from 60 members and $90,000 in assets to more than 2,500 members and $10 million in assets, our standards of prompt personal service remain unchanged. We are advocates for the financial well-being of our members. 


What Is A Credit Union?

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that’s owned by the members who use its financial products. Members elect a board of directors to manage the operations of the credit union to ensure that their best interests are represented. Credit union members can access the same types of financial products and services offered by a traditional bank, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, online/mobile banking, and more.


Who Can Join 1st Bergen FCU?

1st Bergen’s membership is open to individuals and organizations who engage in the communities we serve: Bergen County, Ocean County, the City of Paterson, and Jersey City. All people and organizations who live, work, worship, volunteer, attend school, or conduct business in these regions are eligible for membership. People and organizations affiliated with a CAP Agency/Network, participants in the CAFE Hub program, and immediate family of current members are also eligible to join 1st Bergen. 


How To Join

An individual membership can be opened with just a $5.00 initial deposit along with a completed member application. In addition to your initial deposit, you will need two forms of identification and proof of your address — for example, your Driver’s License and Social Security card. Please visit the business and nonprofit page for additional documentation needed to open an organizational membership.

Click Here to apply for membership online today! After applying online, a 1st Bergen Member Services Representative will contact you to finalize your membership at the Credit Union.

You can also visit a branch to have a Member Service Representative assist you with an in-person application. Please contact us for a paper application to fill it out before visiting the branch. Please bring your printed application, required documents, and initial deposit.


Why Join? We’re A Small Credit Union Packed With Big Benefits!

People are at the core of 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union. We are committed to the communities we serve and are proud of our employees’ dedication to community service. We believe in providing a first-in-class experience to people who engage in the communities we serve – regardless of their financial standing or history. From the moment you become a member, our goal is to empower you to take control of your finances and help you navigate the complexities of the financial world.   

From the financial services we offer to our support of the nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. In the credit union spirit of “People Helping People,” our sole purpose is to provide our members with a variety of services while offering the most competitive savings and lending rates in the region. If you’re ready to join a financial institution that puts your finances first, become a member today! 

1st Bergen partners with many area charities and not-for-profit organizations to empower and strengthen individuals who may not otherwise have access to banking/financial services.  

Our goal is to provide our members with the highest quality financial services, the best possible rates, exceptional member services, and progressive and innovative financial products in an ever-changing financial environment.  

We are committed to making a positive difference in our members’ financial lives and in the community we serve. We are advocates for the financial well-being of our members.

About Our Sponsor and Partners 

Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA) continues its work to reduce poverty by addressing the causes of conditions of persistent economic insecurity. GBCA is a progressive not-for-profit company working throughout New Jersey to build more sustainable families, community institutions, and neighborhoods. It does this through strategic investments in community and household finance, education, healthcare, housing, workforce development, energy, and neighborhood revitalization. To learn more about the services available through GBCA, please visit www.greaterbergen.org.


Board & Management

Board Members

Name Title
Rev. Gregory Jackson Board Chair
Robert Halsch Board Vice Chair/Treasurer
Daniel McNerney, Esq. Board Member/Supervisory Chair
Cindy Arone Board Secretary
Rev. Peter Ahn Board Member
Joseph Rutch Board Member
Karem Ospino Board Member
Alison DuBois Board Member
Channell Wilkins Board Member
Patricia Myers Board Member
Freeholder Germaine Ortiz Board Member
Xiomara Guevara Board Consultant

1st Bergen FCU Management

Name Title
Robert Moore Chief Executive Officer
Joseph Brown Chief Operating Officer
Melanie Mercado Director, Branch Operations & Member Engagement
Brendan Laux Director, Community Engagement & Financial Empowerment