Community First Credit Union Expands Velera Partnership With Debit Card and ATM Support

Tampa, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Velera, the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider, is pleased to announce it is providing Community First Credit Union (Community First) with debit card processing and ATM terminal driving services, along with continued full-service credit card processing support.

With $921 million in assets, Community First serves approximately 72,000 members across seven counties in Northern California. Founded by Sonoma County teachers in the 1950s, the credit union combines modern digital banking tools with personalized service and a commitment to keeping members’ money local.

As Community First evaluated solutions to support its evolving card and ATM strategy, the credit union sought a partner with the experience and expertise to manage complex transitions, backed by strong project management and a deep understanding of credit union operations. As a trusted partner already supporting Community First’s credit portfolio, Velera was the leader for its ability to support card, ATM and digital banking conversions while providing responsive, hands-on guidance throughout the process.

“Partnering with Velera felt right from day one, because they operate with a true cooperative mindset,” said Monika Besancon, Chief Operating Officer at Community First. “As a premier CUSO, Velera understands our operational needs and the vision for our next phase of growth. The relationship has been collaborative and supportive from the start, with a shared commitment to our mission and the members we serve.”

Velera began providing debit card processing and ATM terminal driving support to Community First in July 2026.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Community First as it brings its card programs together under Velera,” said Yvonne Stepflug, SVP, Client Growth Management. “This collaboration creates an opportunity to strengthen portfolio performance, increase usage and deliver greater value to the credit union and its members.”

About Velera

Velera is the nation’s premier payments credit union service organization (CUSO) and an integrated financial technology solutions provider. With over four decades of industry experience and a commitment to service excellence and innovation, the company serves more than 4,000 financial institutions throughout North America, operating with velocity to help its clients keep pace with the rapid momentum of change and fuel growth in the new era of financial services. Velera leverages its expertise and resources on behalf of credit unions and their members, offering an end-to-end product portfolio that includes payment processing, fraud and risk management, data and analytics, digital banking, instant payments, strategic consulting, collections, ATM and POS networks, shared branching and 24/7/365 member support via its contact centers. For more information, visit velera.com.