If you would like to access to your Arrha Online Banking account, click here.
All members can use the links below to:
If you have any questions or need further assistance with your existing Arrha Credit Union account, please call (877) 732-9812.
If you are not yet a member and would like to know more about BrightBridge Credit Union, visit any Brightbridge location, or call Member Support at (800) 356-0067.
We look forward to supporting your financial journey every step of the way!
January 1, 2026
BrightBridge Credit Union (BrightBridge) has officially finalized its merger with Arrha Credit Union (Arrha). The newly merged credit union will operate under the BrightBridge Credit Union name with 23 retail branches, combined assets of nearly $2.4 billion and approximately 125,000 members.
Built on a shared commitment to outstanding service, competitive financial solutions and meaningful community engagement, this partnership strengthens both BrightBridge and Arrha. The newly merged institution will combine resources and expertise to better serve members and offer expanded access to financial products and services.
“Today marks an exciting milestone for BrightBridge as we officially welcome Arrha into our credit union family,” said BrightBridge President & CEO John J. Howard, who will remain President & CEO of the combined organization. “This partnership brings together two strong, mission-driven credit unions that share a deep commitment to helping our members, our team and our communities thrive. By combining our strengths, we are expanding access to financial opportunities and building an even stronger foundation for the future.”
“We are proud to partner with BrightBridge and begin this next chapter together,” said Mike Ostrowski, President & CEO of Arrha Credit Union. “Our dedication to personal service and community support aligns perfectly with BrightBridge’s values and vision. This merger strengthens what we can offer our members today while positioning us to deliver even greater benefits for generations to come.”
For the next eight months, Arrha’s name will be Arrha Credit Union, a division of BrightBridge Credit Union. It is expected that Arrha will officially adopt the BrightBridge name and the branches will be rebranded to BrightBridge following a systems conversion in August 2026. The credit union’s membership is now able to bank at any BrightBridge or former Arrha branch location and utilize all BrightBridge and Arrha ATMs surcharge-free.
November 26, 2025
The members of BrightBridge Credit Union (BrightBridge) and Arrha Credit Union (Arrha) voted in favor of merging the two financial organizations this week, following separate member votes at each organization’s corporate headquarters. BrightBridge will be the continuing credit union with Arrha changing its name to Arrha Credit Union, a Division of BrightBridge Credit Union.
The newly merged credit union will have 23 retail branches, combined assets of nearly $2.4 billion and approximately 125,000 members. The merger will combine the resources, expertise and values of two long-standing and like-minded credit unions.
“Our member vote marks an exciting new chapter for both BrightBridge and Arrha members,” said BrightBridge President & CEO John J. Howard. “By combining our strengths, we are building a stronger credit union that remains deeply committed to delivering exceptional service, expanding access to competitive financial products and investing in the communities we proudly serve. We are thrilled to bring our two credit unions together and create one big family!”
“This partnership will create more value and opportunity for both our staff and members, and for that we are so grateful to have cleared this hurdle,” said Arrha President & CEO Mike Ostrowski. “Arrha and BrightBridge share a long history of putting people first, and this next step will allow us to offer even greater convenience, resources and financial strength to our communities. I’m proud of what Arrha has built, and I’m equally proud to see that legacy continue as part of a unified BrightBridge Credit Union.”
The merger is expected to be finalized on Jan. 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval. Built on a shared commitment to outstanding service, competitive financial solutions and meaningful community engagement, this partnership allows BrightBridge to broaden its reach, now serving members in Massachusetts’ Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, as well as Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut.
In 2019, 2020 and 2023 and 2025, BrightBridge completed successful mergers with Bridgewater Credit Union, Ocean Spray Employees Federal Credit Union, RTN Federal Credit Union and Cabot Boston Credit Union respectively. For more information about the proposed merger between BrightBridge and Arrha, please see below.
November 19, 2025
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, more than 91% of the members present voted to approve of the proposed merger of Arrha Credit Union into BrightBridge Credit Union. Arrha members will be voting on the merger proposal on November 25, 2025. For more information about the proposed merger, please check below.
September 30, 2025
To Our Valued Member,
We are very excited about the proposed merger of Arrha Credit Union into BrightBridge Credit Union. The day of our merger vote is right around the corner, scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
After carefully evaluating options and possibilities, your Board of Directors is convinced that the proposed merger would result in a perfect fit of organizations with matching cultures and values.
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (MSIC), the two organizations that insure 100% of your deposits, agree and have approved the proposed merger.
Now it's your turn to have your voice heard!
Please join us at a special meeting to vote on the proposed merger with Arrha Credit Union. During the special meeting, members will have the opportunity to ask our senior leadership team any questions before casting their ballots.
At the special meeting, members will vote FOR or AGAINST the following proposals:
To approve a proposal to merge Arrha Credit Union with and into BrightBridge Credit Union (the “Merger”) under the charter, by-laws and name of BrightBridge Credit Union, and to approve a proposal to amend BrightBridge Credit Union’s By-Laws contemporaneously with the Merger to expand BrightBridge Credit Union’s field of membership to include all those who currently are eligible for membership under Arrha Credit Union’s current field of membership.
BrightBridge Credit Union's Board of Directors recommends that its members vote FOR the Merger and FOR the amendment of the By-Laws.
To vote, a member must be present at the Special Meeting and vote in person. We strongly urge you to attend and vote at the Special Meeting. As a reminder, here are a few of the benefits of the proposed merger:
If you have a question or would like more information about the proposed merger, please visit brightbridge.com/merger, email us at mergerquestions@brightbridge.com or contact our Member Support team at (800) 356-0067.
We hope that you are as excited about the proposed merger as we are. We look forward to seeing you on November 19th!
Sincerely,
Domenic P. Mazzocco
Chairman of the Board of Directors
John J. Howard
President & CEO
Arrha Credit Union a state-chartered community credit union with more than $160 million in assets and headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts. Arrha currently serves more than 9,000 members in the Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties in Massachusetts and the Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut, and operates retail branches located in Springfield, West Springfield and Enfield, Conn. Arrha Credit Union is a full-service credit union offering in-branch member service and online and digital banking solutions to meet member needs.
Arrha Credit Union will merge into BrightBridge Credit Union pending member and regulatory approval.
There will be no changes to your everyday banking experience:
You do not need to take any action!
You’ll see a few exciting enhancements including:
BrightBridge will remain a member-owned, Massachusetts state-chartered credit union focused on the needs of our members and the communities we serve.
Members of both credit unions will have the opportunity to vote later this year. BrightBridge will communicate the details with all members when they are available.
If the vote and regulatory approvals are successful, the merger will become official in early 2026.
We’ll continue to share updates as they become available. Please bookmark this page for the latest news and answers to common questions.
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Division of Banks
BRIGHTBRIDGE CREDIT UNION (BRIGHTBRIDGE), Lawrence, Massachusetts has petitioned the Commissioner of Banks for permission to (1) merge with ARRHA CREDIT UNION (ARRHA), Springfield, Massachusetts; and (2) as part of this merger transaction, amend the bylaws of BRIGHTBRIDGE to include ARRHA’s current membership eligibility. Under the terms of the merger, ARRHA will merge with and into BRIGHTBRIDGE under the charter, bylaws, and name of BRIGHTBRIDGE. The main office of BRIGHTBRIDGE would remain the main office of the continuing credit union and all banking offices of ARRHA would be retained as branch offices. Any objections or comments relative to this proposal must be communicated in writing to the Commissioner of Banks no later than August 29, 2025 and may be submitted via electronic mail to dob.comments@mass.gov or mailed to One Federal Street, Suite 710, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. A public hearing may be held if the response is considered significant or circumstances warrant such a hearing, as determined by the Commissioner. The petitioner's application and all communications relative to this application are available from the Division by request at dob.rao@mass.gov.
MARY L. GALLAGHER
Commissioner of Banks
Notice of Merger (PDF)
July 16, 2025
Lawrence, Mass., & Springfield, Mass. – Wednesday, July 16 – BrightBridge Credit Union (BrightBridge) and Arrha Credit Union are pleased to announce their intent to merge, combining two strong, member-focused institutions to enhance the value delivered to their members and communities. BrightBridge will be the continuing credit union.
This strategic partnership is rooted in a shared mission to provide exceptional service, competitive financial products and a strong community presence. By joining together, BrightBridge will expand its field of membership to serve the Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties in Massachusetts, and Hartford and Tolland counties in Connecticut.
If approved by members of both credit unions and regulators, the combined institutions will have 23 retail branches and provide shared branching across the U.S. Together, these institutions will have combined assets of nearly $2.4 billion and approximately 125,000 members.
“We’re so excited about this opportunity to unite with another credit union that shares our values and commitment to putting members first,” said BrightBridge President & CEO John J. Howard. “Arrha Credit Union has a long-standing reputation for supporting its members with integrity, care and genuine down-to-earth service. Our partnership allows us to build upon that legacy while investing in future growth and innovation.” “
We believe this partnership is exceptionally beneficial to our members, our team members and to our community,” said Michael Ostrowski, President & CEO of Arrha Credit Union. “Together, we’ll be stronger and better equipped to serve our members’ evolving financial needs. We look forward to working with the BrightBridge team to ensure a smooth transition for all.”
Throughout the merger process, both organizations have committed to transparency and open communication, with members receiving regular updates and information regarding the proposed merger.
For more information and updates, please bookmark this page.
