FAQs for New Customers

Why did I receive a joint welcome letter from ESL and Generations?

This letter was sent from ESL and Generations to provide high level information on the acquisition to all Generations customers.

Will ESL be sending more information in future?

Yes. We're developing a series of robust communications to help make the conversion process as smooth as possible. Regular updates will be available as we have more information to ensure everyone is informed.

What steps do Generations customers need to take today?

There is no action needed at this time. We will share additional information by the end of December.

How do I ensure you have my correct contact information?

If you recently moved or updated your email address, we recommend contacting Generations at 315.568.5855 or 833.971.3495 to confirm your contact information is up-to-date.

When will Generations accounts be converted to ESL accounts?

The account conversion is currently planned for February 1, 2026. We will send more detailed information to you regarding how this will impact specific accounts and services by the end of December.

Will my account number or account names change with the account conversion?

Yes. Account names will change for all customers and account numbers will change for only a few customers. You’ll receive more information on any account changes at least 30 days in advance of the conversion.

What products and services does ESL offer and how do they differ from those offered by Generations?

For a complete list of products and services offered by ESL, please visit the Personal and Business sections on our website.

Will I need to update my Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions such as Social Security, payroll, payments, etc.?

For the majority of customers whose account numbers are staying the same, your existing ACH payments and deposits will continue to clear through 2026. We will communicate the timeline for routing number changes closer to the end of 2026 . If you set up any new payments or deposits that require a routing number after conversion, please use ESL’s routing number (222371863). If your account numbers are changing, you will need to contact any business that uses your account information for ACH payments or deposits and provide them with your new ESL account and routing numbers. We will inform any impacted customers of any account number changes at least 30 days prior to account conversion.

Will Generations routing number change?

Yes, Generations' routing number will continue to be valid through 2026. We will communicate the timeline for routing number changes closer to the end of 2026. Please note if your account number is not changing, there is no need to update your account information immediately following conversion.

What is ESL Federal Credit Union’s routing and transit number?

ESL’s routing and transit number is 222371863.

Will my Generations checks still work, or do I need to order new ones?

If your account numbers are not changing, your existing checks will continue to clear through 2026. We will communicate the timeline for routing number changes closer to the end of 2026.

When will I receive my account statement from ESL?

Following the account conversion, you will receive your first ESL account statement. That first statement will serve as reference to verify balances and other information.

Will my beneficiaries transfer over with my account(s)?

Any previously designated beneficiaries will follow the account and continue to be in the same beneficiary role on the account when integrated with ESL’s system with no action required on your part.

Will my certificate rates change?

Your certificate rates will stay the same. All certificate products will retain their structure and term after the conversion.

Will fees change?

You will receive a copy of ESL’s fee schedule in future correspondence. While you may notice different terminology and intervals at which fees may be charged, it is our goal to be transparent in how fees are served for all products and services. In general, you’ll find that ESL’s fees are more favorable.

Does ESL support digital wallet transactions?

Yes, ESL supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Apple Pay is a trademark of Apple, Inc. Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC. Samsung Pay is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Does ESL carry deposit insurance? How does it differ to the FDIC insurance I had with Generations?

Beginning January 1, 2026, deposit accounts will no longer be insured by the FDIC and will instead be insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per account owner per account category. The NCUA is a federal agency created by the United States Congress, which administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund and offers similar deposit insurance to that of the FDIC. Click here to learn more about NCUA insurance coverage.

What is a member number?

As an ESL member, you have a unique member number that identifies you and your relationship with ESL. You will receive your member number prior to the conversion.

When will I receive my member number?

We will be sending our welcome packets to all Generations customers prior to the conversion. This will include your member number and account information along with other important information relevant to the conversion.

Are deposit accounts insured at ESL like they were at Generations?

Yes. ESL is insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which currently covers individuals up to $250,000 per account owner per account category. Please click here for more information about NCUA insurance coverage.

Will new debit cards be issued?

Yes, new ESL Visa® Debit Cards will be sent to replace your Generations debit card. You will receive your new card prior to conversion. Please continue to use your Generations debit card through the conversion weekend. On February 1, 2026, activate your new ESL Debit Card by following the activation instructions that come with your card. Be sure to destroy your Generations debit card after activating your ESL card.

Will new credit cards be issued?

If you have a Generations credit card issued by Elan, your account will not be impacted by the conversion and you can continue to use your card as you do today.

Will I have access to ATMs with my new ESL debit card?

Yes, after the conversion you may make unlimited transactions at ESL-owned ATMs with no fees. If you use your ESL debit card at a non-ESL owned ATM you will be charged a fee by ESL and potentially the owners of the ATM. You’ll receive ESL’s fee schedule, which will include this fee at least 30 days prior to the conversion.

How do I activate my ESL Debit or ATM Card?

Activate your new ESL Debit or ATM Card by following the activation instructions that come with your card. We will provide additional information regarding your cards prior to conversion.

Will my loan(s) remain the same after conversion?

If you have a loan with Generations it will transfer automatically with the same terms. You will receive more information closer to the conversion.

How will the conversion affect my loan payments?

You will continue to make loan payments to Generations until the conversion is complete. After the conversion, you will make loan payments to ESL. If you currently make loan payments via direct debit or automatic payment, your direct debit or automatic payment will continue to process without any further action required on your part. If changes must be made to your loan payment, ESL will contact you directly.

When will mobile and online access be available?

Generations’ current online and mobile banking platform will be available as “read-only” for 30 days beginning on January 30, 2026. For the next 30 days, you will be able to view your Generations account information, but you will not be able to perform transactions using Generations’ online and mobile banking platform. On February 2, 2026 you will need to enroll in ESL Mobile/Online Banking. Once enrolled you will be able to use ESL Mobile and Online banking to perform transactions. More information regarding access and initial login to ESL mobile and online banking will be sent in future communications.

Why did ESL choose to acquire Generations?

ESL and Generations have been committed to serving the needs of their respective communities for more than 100 years. Generations was founded in 1870 and is known for their connection to community. The founding of ESL dates back to 1920 by business leader and philanthropist, George Eastman. We look forward to continuing our commitment of delivering superior experiences to our newest customers.

What's the difference between a bank and a credit union?

While banks and credit unions offer many of the same products and services, the core differences are aligned with their business and ownership structure. Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned organizations, whereas banks are for-profit, shareholder-owned businesses. Credit unions are regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

What are ESL’s hours?

To learn more about ESL branch and Contact Center hours, please visit our Customer Service page.

Who can join ESL?

ESL offers many ways to qualify for membership, including but not limited to:

Living in these NYS counties (Cayuga, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, or Yates) AND:

• Have a family member or member of your household who’s already an ESL member
• Live, work, worship, or attend school in the geographic boundaries of the City of Rochester
• Are an employee or retiree of one of these great companies
• Are a member of one of these groups and associations; or
• Are a member, employee, retiree, or volunteer at the George Eastman Museum.

And once you become a member, your immediate family automatically becomes eligible for membership, too.

How can I connect with ESL?

To connect with ESL, call us directly at 585.336.1000 or 800.848.2265. Our TTY Line is 585.336.1399 or 800.243.6722.

We also encourage you to follow us on social media:
Facebook: @ESLFCU
LinkedIn: ESL Federal Credit Union
X: @eslfcu
Instagram: @eslfcu
YouTube: @eslfcu

How can I learn more about ESL?

We encourage you to review the ESL in the Community Report showcasing a comprehensive overview with how ESL interacts with our customers, employees, partners, and community.

Does ESL offer account access by phone or chat?

Yes, ESL offers telephone banking and Live Chat services. Agents are available via phone Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Agents are available via Live Chat Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Service is accessible when calling our toll-free number 800.848.2265.

What is the ESL Owners' Dividend, and will I be eligible as a new customer?

As part of the ESL mission, we pledge to share our financial success with our members. Each year that ESL earns more than necessary to keep us strong and healthy, we return a portion of our earnings to members via our Owners' Dividend in the form of a cash dividend. You must be an active ESL member in good standing on December 31 and at the time of payout to be eligible for an Owners' Dividend payout. You also cannot be 60 days or more delinquent on any loans owned or serviced by ESL as of December 31. Lastly, you cannot be overdrawn on any ESL checking, savings, or IRA account for 30 days or more. Payment of a Dividend is not guaranteed. Qualification for the Owners’ Dividend is subject to eligibility requirements.