First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union now accepts both the Cedula & Matricula Consular Cards, paving the way for more inclusive banking in the Greater Lehigh Valley
ALLENTOWN, PA (March 28, 2023) — First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the Lehigh Valley and a nationally recognized leader for financial strength, member service, and corporate social responsibility, now proudly accepts the Cédula de Identidad y Electoral card (the Dominican national identity card) as a form of acceptable identification to open new member accounts. As the first credit union in the Lehigh Valley to accept both the Matrícula Consular and the Cédula cards, First Commonwealth continues to pave the way for more inclusive banking by making banking more accessible for the underserved and underbanked members of our communities.
Similar to the Matrícula Consular (which has been accepted at First Commonwealth since 2021) the Dominican Republic’s Cédula card pre-requisites, match or exceed the qualifications needed for Matricula Consular. Both forms of ID are proudly accepted at all 12 First Commonwealth locations throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley and Warren County, New Jersey, as well as for establishing membership through its digital banking platform.
These alternate forms of identification give Mexican and Dominican immigrants a sense of security and enables them to take advantage of asset-building opportunities that are otherwise not accessible to them. Having access to financial services and financial wellness resources is one critical need that is not adequately being met for Mexican and Dominican citizens living and working within our local communities. Without the required identification, it is nearly impossible for these individuals to open a bank account, establish credit, build their savings, or obtain a loan. “Our credit union’s footprint encompasses many individuals within this population. By First Commonwealth accepting these cards, we are not only providing these citizens with access to essential financial services, but we are empowering them on their pursuit of financial happiness, as this opens the door for them to obtain stable housing, reliable transportation, and in many cases, moving funds to relatives living in their native country,” said James Gagliano, Chief Experience Officer for First Commonwealth.
The Cédula card is a photo identification card issued to all Dominican citizens and legal United States residents. It contains an 11-digit number that uniquely identifies the holder on a national level. 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.
About First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union
First Commonwealth, headquartered in Allentown, PA, is one of the most accomplished and preeminent credit unions serving Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon Counties in PA, and Warren County, NJ. With 12 locations and a top-tier digital banking experience, it serves 81,000 members and 2,400 companies. Since 1959, First Commonwealth has prioritized growth, innovation, technology, and friendly service. First Commonwealth has 235+ employees and over $1.2 billion in assets, operating as a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative embodying purpose-driven values.
