Growing Our Future While Keeping What Matters Most

CineFi is asking members to vote on a proposed federal charter conversion. This change is designed to support future growth, expand opportunities to serve creative professionals nationwide, and strengthen our ability to deliver innovative financial solutions.

If approved, CineFi will continue to operate as a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union. Your accounts, digital banking access, and member benefits will remain unchanged.

What you need to know:

  • Member ownership remains the same
  • Accounts and banking access remain unchanged
  • Deposits remain federally insured by NCUA
  • No service interruptions are expected
Vote Now

What This Means for Members

For most members, there will be no noticeable changes. You can continue using your CineFi accounts, debit cards, and digital banking services exactly as you do today.

This proposal changes the regulatory charter under which the credit union operates from state chartered to federally chartered, and is intended to help CineFi remain strong and adaptable. This does not change ownership.

Your rights as a member-owner remain the same, including your right to vote on important matters affecting the credit union like this one.

How Members Can Vote

As a member-owner, your voice matters. Eligible members can vote online or, if you’d prefer to vote in person, attend the below meeting. Your vote will be recorded the same way whether you vote digitally or in person.

Online voting will open October 19 and close at our Special Meeting on October 29.

Meeting Details

During the meeting, members will learn more about the proposal, how it may support future growth and wh.at it means for your membership.

For members in Southern California, you are invited to join us for an in-person vote. You can also submit your vote online through the link below

Vote Now
Date & Time

10/29/2026
6 pm PT

Location

6735 Forest Lawn Dr.
Hollywood, CA 90068

Frequently asked questions

Quick summary: This proposed change is designed to support the credit union serving CineFi members while keeping your everyday banking experience the same.

Question Category

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  • Why is a federal charter being proposed?

    CineFi is a division of First Entertainment Credit Union. The proposed federal charter would apply to the credit union that supports your CineFi accounts and services. The change is intended to better serve and provide additional flexibility to continue investing in the products, technology, security, and digital banking experience you expect, while keeping your day-to-day banking simple and seamless. 

  • No. CineFi will remain a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, exactly as it is today. This is a change in regulatory charter, not a change in ownership or structure.

  • For most members, there will be no noticeable changes. You can continue using your CineFi accounts, cards, digital banking services, and other products exactly as you do today.

  • You will be notified of your eligibility to vote via email. This notification will contain details on how to cast your ballot, including a unique voter ID number.

  • Yes. Your deposits will continue to be federally insured up to applicable limits through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, giving you the same peace of mind and protection you have today.

  • No. Your account number, routing number, direct deposits, automatic payments, debit cards, and digital payment services will continue to work as they do today.

  • No interruptions are expected. You should continue to have uninterrupted access to your accounts, mobile banking, online banking, cards, ATMs, and member support services.

  • Yes. As a member-owner, you have a voice in this decision. Eligible members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed charter conversion.

  • The proposed conversion is intended to help ensure the credit union remains strong, adaptable, and well-positioned for the future. It can support continued investment in the products, tools, digital experiences, convenience, and member service that help make banking easier for you.

  • The proposed charter can provide additional flexibility to support future investments in the products, services, digital tools, and financial solutions that benefit you. As we continue evolving, our goal remains the same: to make banking easier, more helpful, and more relevant to your life and career.

  • Future membership eligibility will be based on the approved federal field of membership. We will clearly communicate those requirements so you understand who may be eligible to join the CineFi community in the future.

  • The primary difference is the regulatory framework under which the credit union operates. Regardless of the charter type, you will continue to receive the benefits of credit union membership, strong consumer protections, and federal share insurance.

  • The conversion can move forward only after member approval and required regulatory review. If approved, we will convert on 12/1/2026.

  • Voting results will be announced 11/20/2026.

  • Once we receive approval from both our members and regulators, we'll post an announcement on our website and digital channels confirming the conversion to a federal charter.

  • No. Your rights as a member-owner will remain the same. You will continue to have one vote, just as you do today.

  • Yes. Once you become a member, your membership stays with you, even if you move, change employers, or move into a different stage of your career.

  • If you have more questions, email talktotheceo@firstent.org.

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