Regulators recently eased field-of-membership rules to promote growth of federal credit unions. A handful of institutions are taking advantage of the changes to recruit more members, but some may find the process too cumbersome.

Cal Poly Federal Credit Union's recent merger into SchoolsFirst highlights the difficult choice many small institutions face: diversify your field of membership or risk going out of business.

Burns & McDonnell Credit Union holds just $27 million of assets and is seeking approval to merge into CommunityAmerica, which serves the KC metro region and is the largest credit union in Kansas and Missouri.

Banking trade groups have called for congressional hearings following the Jacksonville, Fla.-based credit union's agreement to purchase the $1.6 billion-asset Heritage Southeast Bank, the largest deal of its kind to date.

Regulators have approved the credit union's request to add 477 underserved census tracts to its field of membership, allowing it to reach roughly 2.5 million consumers.

United Neighbors Federal Credit Union holds just $4.4 million of assets, but the addition will help broaden SeaComm's branch network and expand its member base.

As the refi boom continues, many lenders will need to find the right balance of staffing and technology to meet members’ needs.

After digging deep into member data, Randolph-Brooks FCU in Texas developed a marketing campaign aimed at persuading JPMorgan Chase clients to switch to the credit union's own card. It's an effort its peers could imitate.

The social media platform skews toward a more youthful demographic, while credit unions' average member age has been stuck in the late 40s for decades. But even institutions that use it have concerns about security.

Indiana Members CU will expand its reach later this year following completion of a proposed combination with Members Choice FCU.