UWCHLAN TOWNSHIP — Citadel Credit Union will be expanding its physical footprint. The Chester County-based credit union has announced plans to open a new branch in Philadelphia.

Citadel has signed a lease for the branch — at 7557-61 Haverford Ave., in the Overbrook Park neighborhood of Philadelphia. The expansion marks the beginning of a “bold new chapter in community-centered banking,” according to a press release announcing the new branch.

The new branch is slated to open in early 2026, and will be Citadel’s 25th branch location. At 2,880 square feet, the Philadelphia branch will be one of Citadel’s largest branches.

It is the first of several Philadelphia branches the financial institution has committed to opening. The expansion is part of an investment that extends beyond a physical presence, “reflecting a long-term commitment to economic equity and inclusive growth across the entire city,” the company said in its release announcing the new location.

“We’re not just opening doors to a new branch; we’re opening doors to opportunity,” Bill Brown, CEO of Citadel Credit Union, said in a statement. “This space is designed for people, not just transactions. Whether someone is starting a business, buying a home, or just looking to learn more about money, we want to support them in their journey.”

The new Citadel branch in Overbrook Park will be a full-service financial center with personal and business banking, mortgage lending services, and financial counseling. It will also provide community space. An onsite community room will be available at no cost to local nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and Citadel partners to support meetings, workshops, and events, according to the release.

“This space is a physical promise that we’re here to serve the community, not just as a financial institution, but as a partner,” Claudia Hellebush, chairwoman of Citadel’s board, said in a statement. “It’s a place where people can come to learn, grow, and access the tools they need to achieve financial strength, and we’re committed to growing alongside the communities we serve.”

While the branch is set to open in early 2026, Citadel is already active in Philadelphia — partnering with local organizations to deliver financial education, support affordable housing, and small business development. In addition, nearly 15,000 of Citadel’s members live, work, or worship in Philadelphia, the company said.

As part of its broader commitment to Philadelphia, Citadel has focused in several areas:

• Advancing Financial Education & Literacy, including: Workforce re-entry financial literacy through First Step Staffing; continued financial education with Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC); youth financial education via an upcoming collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; homebuying workshops with organizations throughout Philadelphia

• Supporting Housing & Small Business, including: $7,500 donation to Affordable Housing Centers in Philadelphia; collaborative planning with the Urban Affairs Coalition, Urban League of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.; workshops with SEPTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program; continued support for women- and minority-owned businesses through WORC

• Philanthropic & Community Engagement, including: $2.1 million raised since 2019 as presenting sponsor of CHOP’s Parkway Run & Walk; $100,000 4-year commitment to Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, with Chief Lending Officer Michael Desimone serving on its board; sponsorships including One House at a Time’s Bed for Kids program, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, ACHIEVEability, and the Juneteenth Parade; empowering partner sponsorship of the Juneteenth Parade

Stefanie Seldin, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia said the organization welcomes Desimone to its board, and Citadel’s investment in the organization’s mission.

“This partnership will help us reach more families and preserve more homes in neighborhoods that need support the most,” Seldin said in a statement.

With its headquarters in Uwchlan Township, Chester County, Citadel Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution serving more than 270,000 members in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.