First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union proudly accepts Matrícula Consular card, paving the way for more inclusive banking in the greater Lehigh Valley
ALLENTOWN, PA (May 17, 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, 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.
