New BECU Locations Expand Member Access

Takeaways: Where and Why BECU is Adding Locations

• BECU is expanding its physical footprint to make in-person financial support more accessible, while continuing to grow and refine digital tools that support everyday banking needs.
• New locations are chosen based on member demand, usage patterns and proximity to where people already spend time, helping reduce travel time and improve access.
• Branches are designed to give members flexibility to move between self-service and one-on-one support when decisions are more complex.
• BECU uses a mix of teller and tellerless locations, providing options for transactions, financial guidance and digital support.
• Expansion into new communities also includes local investment and partnerships, supporting nonprofits and strengthening community ties.

For all the speed and convenience of online, mobile, video and AI-supported banking, sometimes you just need to talk to someone in person about financial matters.

That's why, as BECU continues to expand members' digital options, we're expanding our physical footprint, too.

With five new locations opening in 2026 and more planned in the next few years, additional locations mean shorter drives to in-person financial services, less congestion at busy branches and new BECU support for local nonprofits.

"Our growth strategy is anchored in expanding financial access, strengthening financial health and providing a seamless experience," said Jason Rudman, BECU's executive vice president and chief member and digital experience officer. "Every new branch and digital innovation is a step forward in bringing the credit union difference to more members and more communities."

How BECU Chooses New Locations

The decision to open a new location starts long before signing a lease or breaking ground. According to Kim Lybecker, BECU's vice president of retail strategy and optimization, the process is rooted in real-world data and member feedback.

"We look at where demand exists for a new location based on a number of factors," Lybecker said. "We consider deposits, loans and any loan servicing needs. If nearby locations are really busy, we look at how we can relieve that volume to improve the overall member experience."

BECU targets roughly six new locations per year from a long list of candidate sites. Analytics coupled with research on membership patterns and the physical characteristics of each space help narrow down candidates.

For example, when evaluating sites, the team looks for spots where members already spend time — such as near grocery stores, pharmacies or retailers — so that a stop at BECU fits into their usual errands. Good parking, street visibility, corner placement and the ability to install clear signage are among the physical criteria.

Members also shape the location map.

"Members love to give us feedback," Lybecker said. "They tell us where they'd like to see branches."

That member feedback, along with our commitment to meeting members' needs, is driving BECU's continued expansion in Eastern and Western Washington, where members have been asking for more local in-person services.

Opening more branches doesn't mean pulling back on digital options.

"Expanding our digital and physical presence is about providing members with convenient and consistent access to self-service tools and in-person expertise," Rudman said. "Members should be able to get what they need quickly online and have people to turn to when their financial decisions warrant a personal touch. This is how we deliver on our digital-first, human-always vision for our members."

Every location is designed to work alongside digital tools, including video banking stations.

Where We're Adding Locations

BECU's recently-opened locations include Lakewood, Bainbridge Island and Stanwood. Plans for new or remodeled locations include:

• Auburn: A new 2,900-square-foot neighborhood financial center in Lakeland Hills, scheduled to open in August.
• Mercer Island: A new location east of Seattle, scheduled to open in winter of 2026.
• Liberty Lake: A new location in east of Spokane, scheduled to open by early 2027.
• Everett: This financial center is currently open and serving members while undergoing a refresh that will be completed in winter 2026.
• Bellevue: The Eastside Financial Center is also planned for a winter 2026 refresh, which will add teller services and update the branch environment.

BECU Location Types

When you walk into any new BECU location, you'll notice many similarities, including the bold red-and-white logo and straightforward language. Cushioned chairs and custom millwork warm up spaces for private one-on-one conversations about money.

But not every interior looks the same. In fact, one big difference is that the photos on the walls inside each location reflect real local community members.

BECU also operates two main formats — tellerless and with tellers: Tellerless neighborhood financial centers are staffed with member consultants while teller locations are staffed with member consultants and tellers. Both types of BECU locations offer ATMs for members to make deposits and withdrawals.

Lybecker said BECU's network is designed as a "hub-and-spoke" model: "We place in-person teller services in locations that can support higher transaction volume, while tellerless locations focus on financial advice, self-service and digital support," she said.

The goal is to provide the right mix of services based on how members use each location, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

"When we see sustained demand in a region, adding a location helps us deliver a better, more responsive experience," Rudman said.

At all locations, members and prospective members can schedule appointments with member consultants to talk through products and services. Booking ahead means a consultant is ready for you when you arrive, and you have a set time for your visit.

Video banking stations, available at many locations, let members connect privately with member consultants and mortgage specialists who aren't on-site, including Spanish-speaking team members.

Tellerless BECU branches don't have a cash drawer, so transactions that require large amounts of cash or coins need to happen at one of BECU's six teller locations. If you're not sure which services are available at the location closest to you, Lybecker suggested checking location details on the interactive locations map or logging in to your online account and using the online chat function to ask, "Can I do this at my local branch?"

Some locations offer more. For example, BECU's Gig Harbor location offers a community room available at no charge for local organizations and serves as a space for financial education seminars and business service sessions. Not every location has the square footage for it, but BECU incorporates these spaces where possible.

How New Locations Support Communities

New locations support communities and local economies directly by providing jobs and purpose-led financial services to people and businesses.

Whenever BECU expands its physical footprint, it takes a philanthropic step forward into a community, too. For example, in Auburn, BECU has worked with nonprofits that include Orion Industries, Junior Achievement of Washington and Young Money Matters Mentoring.

In the Spokane area, BECU has supported the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Launchpad Inland Northwest, and helped with last year's opening of The Scale House Market.

We also engage in community efforts, such as the Spokane Lilac Festival.

In 2025, BECU provided over $8.1 million in philanthropic funding to community partners.

Plans Outside Washington

Beyond Washington, BECU has two tellerless locations near Boeing facilities in North Charleston, South Carolina. BECU is also preparing for its intended 2027 combination with SAFE Credit Union in Northern California. Once complete, the combined credit union would operate more than 80 locations under BECU's charter.

BECU also recently increased the number of surcharge-free ATMs, now spanning 77,000 locations after BECU added the Allpoint network in February 2026. Combined with the BECU contact center and video banking from your own device, members outside Washington have more ways to reach BECU than the locations on the branch map.

Find CO-OP and Allpoint branches, surcharge-free ATMs and BECU locations finder.

More BECU locations are planned as we expand into new regions.

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