FAQs

General

Why are you changing your brand?

Our credit union was founded by scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory. Those founders still inspire us to search for better, faster, stronger solutions to empower your financial well-being. That will
never change.

But over the past 75 years, our community has changed. And we, like all businesses, must adapt to ensure we are here to serve our members for generations to come.

That is why, after several years of research and input from our members, volunteers, employees, and community, we have decided to change our name to reflect the diverse community in which we serve.

Is the change due to a merger?

No. Our brand update is not the result of any merger or acquisition of NRLFCU.

When will the name change go into effect?

The official launch of the Spectra brand will be Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

Who can become a member now?

Our membership eligibility has not changed. Membership is open to:

Employees of the Naval Research Laboratory and their immediate family members
Employees of our Select Employee Groups and their immediate family members
Members of the American Consumer Council (ACC)
Family members of current members in good standing

Have we updated our Credit Union charter?

No, we are still a federally chartered and federally insured Credit Union.

Accounts & Products

Will my account number change?

No. Your account number will not change.

Can I still use my NRLFCU debit/credit cards?

Yes. Your card numbers will not change. When your card expires the replacement card will include our new name and logo. It will continue to work as normal with the NRLFCU brand until it is replaced.

How can I get a new debit/credit card?

To get a new debit card, call us at 800-526-6661 and we will order one for you. Please note, this may impact any recurring debits or payments that were set up using your existing card.

To get a new credit card, please contact our credit card servicing company, Elan Financial Services, at 1-800-558-3424.

Will Direct Deposit/ACH/Payroll Deductions/Bill Pay be affected?

No. These transactions will be processed without interruption. It is not necessary for you to contact your employer or others who deposit or withdraw funds from your accounts. If you send payments to the credit union electronically, please update the payee information to reflect our new name, Spectra Credit Union.

Will I need to order new checks?

No. Since your account number is staying the same your current checks will continue to work without interruption. When you order new checks our new name and logo will be added.

Will my online banking username/password change?

No. Your username and password for online banking will not change. However, you will notice the look and feel of the online banking platform will change to reflect our new name and brand colors.

Will your products change?

We will continue to offer the same great core products and services you’ve been accustomed to. Over time, we will begin offering new products and services that will reflect our exciting new brand.

Will my interest rates change?

No. All loan terms including interest rates and pay off dates will remain unchanged.

Branches & Contact Info

Will the routing number change?

No. Our routing number will stay the same: 254075043. However, you may still notice that number associated with NRL Federal Credit Union even after our name change is official. This is normal and will correctly reflect our new name in time.

Will the website change?

We will update our website to reflect our updated brand and make it easier to locate your favorite tools, including online banking, financial calculators, applications, and more! Our new website URL will be www.spectracu.com. We will also forward the current website URL to the new site once the transition is complete.

Will the credit union contact information change?

All credit union phone numbers will stay the same. Our new email address will now have the domain @spectracu.com. However, emails addressed to inboxes @nrlfcu.org will continue to work.

Will branch locations change?

Over the next several weeks, each of our branch locations will undergo minor renovations to reflect our new brand. These renovations may cause some in-branch service interruptions. However, we will communicate all expected member impact information to you via email, our website, and on social media.

To celebrate our new brand, we are also opening a new, conveniently located, full-service branch to serve you in the Shops at Mark Center in Alexandria, VA. This branch will replace the current Alexandria office located on the second floor of our headquarters building. More details about the new branch are coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Accounts & Products

Branches & Contact Info

Still have questions?