September 1, 2026

Legal Day 1 (LD1) is the date the merger officially becomes legal and Launch Credit Union becomes part of Suncoast Credit Union.

While this is an exciting milestone, members should expect little to no immediate change in their day-to-day banking experience. Accounts, cards, online banking access, and branch services will continue operating as normal while teams work toward operational integration in 2027.

Legal Day 1 is when Launch Credit Union officially becomes part of Suncoast Credit Union legally. Most member services will continue operating as usual, and members will receive advance communication before any future changes occur.

No immediate changes are planned for Launch or Suncoast members on Legal Day 1. Additional updates regarding future system integration will be communicated well in advance.

Operational Day 1 is the future date when systems, processes, and operations are fully integrated, allowing members of both credit unions to conduct business seamlessly across the combined organization. The current target for Operational Day 1 is Summer 2027.

No. There is nothing members need to do at this time. You can continue to use your accounts, cards, online banking, checks, and branch services as you do today.

For most members, very little will change on September 1. Launch and Suncoast will continue operating on separate systems while integration work continues. Members will receive communications well in advance of any future account, service, or system changes.

Certain regulated documents will display a new transitional logo that reads “Launch, a branch of Suncoast Credit Union.”

No. Until Operational Day 1 occurs, the two organizations will continue operating on separate systems. Members will continue using their current credit union's branches and service channels. Full operational integration is expected at OD1.

Launch Credit Union and Suncoast Credit Union are moving forward with a planned merger following board, regulatory, and member approval. This merger represents a strategic partnership between two well-established, member-focused credit unions united by a shared commitment to service, community, and long-term financial well-being.  Together, we will expand access to products, services, and opportunities for both members and employees, broaden our ability to invest in and support the communities we serve, and position the organization to respond to evolving member needs with greater reach and capability.

By bringing our strengths together, this partnership helps us better serve our members, support our employees, and strengthen our communities by supporting causes at more impactful level. It improves our long-term stability and allows us to better compete with new, non-traditional companies entering the financial space. By sharing resources, expertise, and technology, we can deliver more value while continuing to focus on innovation and excellent service.

Suncoast is a well-respected, mission-driven credit union founded 92 years ago and rooted in a strong member-first philosophy. Like Launch, Suncoast puts members at the center of everything it does from offering lower loan rates to providing a wide range of free services designed to meet members’ financial needs. The organization is known for its positive workplace culture, strong alignment of values, and a deep commitment to giving back, both to its members and to the communities it serves.

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $19.2 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 79 full-service branches and serves more than 1.3 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $55 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com.

Yes, absolutely! Both boards of directors and executive leadership teams support the merger. They are excited about the opportunities for growth and enhanced benefits for members, employees, and communities.

This merger creates an over $21 billion organization serving more than 1.4 million members, strengthening our ability to invest in innovation, resources, and support for both members and employees. By combining the best of both credit unions—our products, services, technology, and talent—we remain firmly committed to our mission, our people, and the communities we serve.

Yes, absolutely! Both credit unions are committed to remaining member-owned and not-for-profit financial cooperatives. This merger will allow us to grow responsibly while staying true to our mission of putting members first.

This merger brings meaningful benefits designed to enhance access, convenience, and long-term value for our members:

• More Locations & Access: Access to 96 branch locations across Florida, providing added convenience and broader reach, along with access to more than 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide, including convenient locations at Publix and Wawa.
• Expanded Products & Services: A broader range of savings and account options designed to support diverse financial goals, commercial analyzed checking solutions for growing and complex businesses, and insurance offerings that support both personal and business needs.
• Increased Innovation: Greater capacity to invest in new products, services, and digital solutions over time.
• Stronger Communities: Greater investment in local outreach, financial education, and community support. For example, with every debit card swipe, three cents are donated to support education and local children—contributions that total millions of dollars each year—along with ongoing efforts in Hispanic community outreach and expanded access to financial literacy and economic opportunity.
• Long-Term Stability: A well-positioned organization with the scale and resources to support members now and into the future.
• Member Giveback: A special dividend up to $15 million will be paid to qualified accounts before the effective date of the merger to demonstrate our commitment to putting members first and honoring that legacy as we move forward pending regulatory approval. 
• Community Giveback: $5 million community giveback to Launch counties (Brevard and Volusia) – to support scholarships, foodbank, and affordable housing initiatives.

For now, it’s business as usual! You’ll still use the same account number, access your accounts, use your checks, debit card, online banking and enjoy the same great service you’ve always received.  

As we work toward full integration, Launch members will transition to Suncoast systems and services. Detailed communications and advance notice will be provided to ensure a smooth experience.

Your rates on fixed-rate loans and certificates will stay the same until the end of their current terms. Other products will adjust as usual, based on market conditions.

Yes! Your deposits will still be federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). You can find more info and use the NCUA insurance calculator at www.mycreditunion.gov/estimator.

We’re happy to have you as a member of both credit unions! For now, it’s business as usual - you can continue using your accounts as normal.  As we get closer to the merger date, we’ll keep you informed with clear updates and support you throughout the transition.

This merger brings exciting opportunities for our teams. Both credit unions are committed to retaining employees and maintaining the teams our members know and trust. Over time, employees will benefit from expanded career growth opportunities made possible by broader functional areas, greater role specialization, and integration with a larger team.

No! There will be no layoffs as a result of this merger.  Our team members are integral to our success, and both credit unions recognize the importance of retaining talented and dedicated team members. We know a successful merger depends on retaining top talent and strong leadership. 

As a testament, Suncoast has never had layoffs – even during the great recession of 2007-2009.

Kevin Johnson, Suncoast’s President/CEO of will continue to lead the combined organization.

Kevin D. Johnson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Suncoast Credit Union and serves on the Boards of TruStage, Filene Research Institute, Members Development Company, and Credit Union Data Exchange (CUDX). He is also a member of the Visa Executive Client Council.

With a career spanning four decades at Suncoast Credit Union, Johnson has played a central role in the organization’s growth into Florida’s largest credit union, now serving more than 1.3 million members with over $19 billion in assets and more than 80 branch locations across the state.

Johnson was appointed President and CEO in 2016 after 16 years in senior leadership roles, including Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer (CIO). As CIO, he led the development of Suncoast’s online and mobile banking platforms, including the internally built mobile app that set a new standard for digital member experience. His background brings deep expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital delivery, and operations to his role as CEO.

A strategic, mission‑driven leader, Johnson is committed to advancing the credit union movement and strengthening the communities Suncoast serves. He is also active in philanthropic leadership through his service on the Tampa Bay Partnership Council of Governors.

Johnson earned a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Tampa and holds the America’s Credit Union Certified Credit Union Executive designation. He and his family reside in Tampa, Florida.

Launch will become Suncoast Credit Union.  At legal merger, Launch branches will be denoted as “Launch, a branch of Suncoast Credit Union".

The official name change will take place closer to or on Operational Day 1, when core systems change.

We’re committed to keeping you informed along the way. As the process continues, Launch Credit Union will share important notices, dates, and events. If you do have any questions, please email memberquestions@launchcu.com.

Please ensure all of your information is up to date.

This partnership is not about changing what you already value, it is about building upon our strong foundations and unlocking even greater benefits for every member—we’re growing together and positioning our organizations to deliver additional convenience, access, and value—today and into the future.