Our New Name

Sunward… meaning, “Towards the sun”.

Our brand is much more than our logo, our brand represents our values, purpose, and strategy of becoming the economic engine of New Mexico, California, and beyond.

Our new name embodies a source of energy, light, and life, combined with moving forward to financial prosperity.

FAQs

Why are we changing our name?

For over 75 years, we have proudly served our members and communities in New Mexico, California, and beyond, helping people and businesses grow and thrive. As we look to the next 75 years, we saw an opportunity to refresh our vision of what banking can be—enhancing our products, services, and setting a new standard for what a credit union can achieve with you. Our new name, Sunward, symbolizes the first step in this journey. It reflects our diverse membership and expanding reach while embodying the bright future we’re committed to creating. Sunward represents taking everything you value about SLFCU and making it even better.

Why now?

In 1990, there were over 15,000 credit unions in the U.S.; today, there are just 4,600. Ensuring a strong future means growth is essential to our long-term success. Growth allows us to meet and exceed your needs, develop new products, and invest in new capabilities. By expanding our reach, we can become more accessible—not only to current members but also to others throughout the communities where we live and work.

Has the credit union been sold or acquired?

No, there has been no change in ownership or leadership. We’re still 100% member-owned, a not-for-profit financial cooperative, and our new name is here to highlight our optimistic view of the future and strengthen our commitment to you. We remain a federal credit union, with your funds insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

Did you do any research to decide on the new name?

Yes, our research spanned employees, members, potential members, and Sandians. If you participated in one of our focus groups or surveys, we want to thank you for your participation. It has been invaluable in guiding our thinking and our efforts in making the decision to rebrand.

Why is “Credit Union” not in our new name?

The legal name of SLFCU is “Sunward Federal Credit Union”. You may see some of our signage or logos using a shortened version of our name. Rest assured, We remain a federal credit union, with your funds insured by the National Credit Union Administration. We’ll always be a credit union, and we invite everyone to explore a better way to bank, driven by a true cooperative spirit.

How did you choose the new name?

Our organization is on an upward journey seeking to be better, every day for you, our members. We seek to improve ourselves and those around us to advance the financial success of our members and communities. The name is an adverb meaning, “towards the sun” and symbolizes a source of energy, light, and life, combined with moving forward to financial prosperity. Looking Sunward represents, above all else, innovation and optimism for the future.

Are you changing your membership criteria?

We are and will continue to be the credit union for Sandia National Laboratories employees, retirees, and their families. For over 20 years, we have also welcomed other members from our diverse communities and we will continue to have an open door for those needing more from their financial partner. Our vision of being an economic engine of the Southwest means our doors – either literal or digitally – are open for you. For all*. This inclusivity is what fuels our ability to give back, create jobs, and support small businesses.
*Membership criteria applies

How will I be affected?

You’ll still have the same easy access to your accounts, products, and services—whether you visit us in our branches, call center, or online. You’ll see the same friendly faces in the same places, now with a refreshed experience that’s even more closely aligned with our vision and purpose.

How else will you be innovating to redefine yourselves?

In addition to the Sunward+ Rewards program, we will be improving our technology across our desktop and mobile app banking, offering a new two-way texting functionality for our loan officers to connect with members, and much more.

Will my account information be affected?

No, your account information (account numbers, login credentials, etc.) will remain the same.

Will I get a new debit/credit card?

Yes! In the coming months, you will receive a new debit and/or credit card that reflects the Sunward brand. After activating your new Sunward debit/credit card, you may dispose of your previous card(s) and continue using your cards the way you normally would.

Will my online banking access be affected?

No. You will still be able to access the online banking website by going to our new URL (GoSunward.org) as of November 12, 2024. You will not need to download a new app. The current app will just change in name and appearance automatically. You will not need new credentials and can continue to use your current username and password. In the app, your biometrics log in will still work, if you used that previously.

Will I have to update any information in Bill Pay following the rebrand?

No, all Bill Pay information will remain intact. You will not need to make any changes to payees or payors, and there should be no delays in bills being paid.

Will I need to change my direct deposit information?

We know how important it is to get your money when it is expected. Our routing and account numbers will not change, so there is no need to change your existing ACH. Starting on or around November 12, you can expect to see our new Sunward name in the transaction history that appears in online banking and on statements, but that’s all that will change.

Will my SLFCU checks still work? And for how long?

Since our routing number is not changing, your existing SLFCU checks will continue to work for as long as you have them. Any new checks ordered through the credit union on or after November 12th will have the new Sunward logo. If you order checks through a third party, you will want to update the credit union's name with those external vendors the next time you place an order.

How will customer service be affected?

Our team is still ready to serve you! There will be no change to our contact numbers or availability of support staff. If you have any other questions or want more information, please visit gosunward.org or call us at 505.293.0500.

How will rebranding affect my personal information security?

Our rebranding poses no new risk of exposing your personal information. We will continue to adhere to the highest standards of data and personal information security.

How will the rebranding affect branch locations?

We will be making upgrades to our branch locations. You can expect to see a refreshed look at our branches to match our new brand over the coming weeks. Please bear with us whilst we make these updates. There will be no or little disruption to the services, but you may notice some work getting done.

Will the name change affect my legal documents? (e.g., will, power of attorney, trust)

No. Our tax ID number, routing number, and member account numbers will remain the same. There are also no changes to account terms, conditions, ownership, or beneficiaries. We have prepared a formal notification letter regarding the name change, which you’re welcome to include with your legal paperwork as a helpful reference.

What if I have more questions?

If you have any other questions or want more information, please visit gosunward.org or call us at 505.293.0500.

Nice to meet you… again.

Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union is now Sunward. Watch our brand video to learn more about our purpose and vision.

Guiding Your Way Sunward.

We are a different kind of financial institution, reinventing ourselves and transforming the financial landscape in the Southwestern United States.

Our New Name

Sunward… meaning, “Towards the sun”.

Our New Logo

Our Values

Our ongoing commitment to “banking made better”.

Put our members first.

Do the right thing.

Be gritty, be accountable.

Be better, every day.

FAQs

Why are we changing our name? —

Why now? +

Has the credit union been sold or acquired? +

Did you do any research to decide on the new name? +

Why is “Credit Union” not in our new name? +

How did you choose the new name? +

Are you changing your membership criteria? +

How will I be affected? +

How else will you be innovating to redefine yourselves? +

Will my account information be affected? +

Will I get a new debit/credit card? +

Will my online banking access be affected? +

Will I have to update any information in Bill Pay following the rebrand? +

Will I need to change my direct deposit information? +

Will my SLFCU checks still work? And for how long? +

How will customer service be affected? +

How will rebranding affect my personal information security? +

How will the rebranding affect branch locations? +

Will the name change affect my legal documents? (e.g., will, power of attorney, trust) +

What if I have more questions? +

Have more questions?

Do the
right thing.

Be gritty,
be accountable.

Be better,
every day.