PAHO/WHO FCU Begins a New Chapter as Bienestar FCU on September 1

Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Future

Founded through the foresight and commitment of PAHO staff in 1949, PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union has been committed to one mission:  helping members live healthier financial lives. From our inception, financial well-being not only defined our mission—it reflected the values of the people who built it. We continue to carry that legacy forward, evolving to meet the needs of our members while staying true to the spirit of service, trust, and collective progress that inspired our founding.

A Growing Family, A Shared Purpose

Over the years, our credit union family has grown. What began with roots in PAHO and the global health community has expanded to welcome people from some of the region's leading healthcare, education, and public service organizations.

Through our 2021 merger with Georgetown Federal Credit Union, we welcomed members from Georgetown University and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. In 2025, our membership further expanded to include The George Washington University and the DC Public Health Association.

We are currently working towards merging in the membership of Healthcare Employees Mid-Atlantic (HEMA) Federal Credit Union, effective September 1, 2026. When completed, the merged field of membership would include employees, retirees, and family members from across the MedStar Health community, such as MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, MedStar Visiting Nurse Association, and other MedStar facilities throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

logos of all the credit union partners served in field of membership

More Communities, Same Commitment to Financial Wellness

As our credit union evolves, our membership represents an expanding community of people dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others. Today, our membership reaches far beyond where we began, while staying true to the values that have guided us from the beginning. That is why we are proud to change our name to Bienestar Federal Credit Union.

 

 

Bienestar FCU Coming September 1, 2026

Our new name and brand celebrate our longstanding commitment to financial wellness and the overall well-being of our members.

The same vision, purpose and commitment that has guided us for more than 75 years now has a name that can grow alongside the people and communities we serve today and well into the future. Soon you will begin to see brand changes as we begin working towards our official September 1, 2026, brand launch of Bienestar Federal Credit Union.

We believe that this new name best reflects the future of financial wellness we are building together with the same trusted team and member-focused service you know and value. At the same time, meeting the evolving needs of our current members remains central to everything we do. Be assured that our new name does not change your relationship with us and our services will remain the same during and after our name change. You can continue to access your accounts and enjoy the same benefits without interruption. 

You can expect the same high-quality service, products, and support you have always received from us.

More Information Coming Soon

We’re proud of where we started, excited about where we’re going, and grateful to have you with us for the journey.

Check this page for FAQs and everything you need to know as we move forward together.  If you have additional questions, give us a call at 202-974-3453 or 1-866-724-6328, stop by, or send us an email. 

Name Change FAQs

Since its founding in 1949, the PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union has been committed to one mission:  helping members live healthier financial lives. From our inception, financial well being not only defined our mission—it reflected the values of the people who built it. We continue to carry that legacy forward, evolving to meet the needs of our members while staying true to the spirit of service, trust, and collective progress that inspired our founding. Over the years, our credit union family has grown. What began with roots in the PAHO and global health community has expanded to welcome people from some of the region's leading healthcare, education, and public service organizations. The Board of Directors believes that continued growth is critical in today’s financial services marketplace to support the investments in products, services, technology, and talent required to remain a competitive institution. 

The same vision, purpose and commitment that has guided us for more than 75 years now has a name that can grow alongside the people and communities we serve today and well into the future. 

Be assured that our new name does not change your relationship with us and our services will remain the same during and after our name change.

YES! We are proud of our decades-long history of serving PAHO and WHO employees and their families and we are steadfast in our commitment, relationship, and partnership with PAHO/WHO. Our new name honors our roots and allows us to become a stronger financial institution in this next chapter.

No. It simply acknowledges that today we serve a much broader membership representing healthcare, education, and public service organizations.

There will be no changes to your accounts with our name change. Your relationship with us and your day-to-day banking will not change when our name changes. Beginning on September 1,  2026, you will see changes to our website, building signage, branch design, stationery, brochures, mobile apps etc.

YES! We will continue to be a financial cooperative owned by You, our member.

No. Our services will remain the same during and after our name change. You can continue to expect the same high-quality service, products, and support you’ve always received from us. Changing our name will allow us to better serve our community.

No. Our account services to members outside the United States do not change. If you require special assistance with an account transaction due to the name change please contact us at FCU@pahowhofcu.org or give us a call at 1-866-724-6328 or 202-974-3453.

If you have any questions about our name change to Bienestar FCU please send your inquiry to FCU@pahowhofcu.org or give us a call at 202-974- 3453 or 1-866-724-6328.

Account FAQs

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.

No. You can continue mailing deposits or loan payments to our mailing address at P.O. Box 17460, Arlington VA 22216.

No. Your accounts and membership will remain unchanged. You can continue to access your accounts and enjoy the same benefits without interruption. New debit and credit cards will be issued with our new name over time, but you won’t need to take any action.

Your PAHO/WHO FCU checks and debit cards will still be good! Newly designed checks and debit cards will be available after the Sept 1 name change. Our routing number will not change, so you may continue to use your checks until you need to reorder. Once available, Bienestar debit cards will be sent when your card expires, as replacements for those lost or stolen, and to new cardholders. There is nothing that you will need to do!

Cards branded to PAHO/WHO FCU will still be good and do not need to be replaced until their expiration date. Rewards World Mastercard® credit cards issued or re-issued in the fall of 2026 will be branded to Bienestar Federal Credit Union.