5 Ways Credit Unions Say Thanks Every Day
‘Tis the season for expressing gratitude and counting your blessings. Thanksgiving offers the perfect opportunity to reflect upon everything that is wonderful in our lives and to show our gratitude for each and every gift we’ve been given. And although this season may look a little different than past years, there is still so much to be thankful for. This and every year, credit unions say thanks to the people they impact by the way they do business every day.
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When you’re a credit union member, you own a piece of the “pie”
Credit unions are a different kind of bank: owned by you and working for you to give you control of your financial future. Because they’re a different type of financial institution that’s owned by its members, YOU get a piece of the pie. Credit unions offer the same products and services as banks, but the profit cycles back to members instead of shareholders. In fact, credit union “shareholders” are the everyday Americans who do business with them - their members. And their earnings? They are returned back to members in the form of reduced fees, higher savings rates, lower loan rates, and dividends! At a credit union, your money = your choices.
Credit unions have your back, always.
No matter who you are or where you’re from, credit unions have your back. Credit unions put people first all across America. Today, a large network of credit unions form a group of financial cooperatives that have $1.5 trillion in assets: Collectively they serve more than 100 million people with modern financial service solutions to meet the needs of a growing membership that is as diverse as the United States. And just like banks and the FDIC, individual credit union deposits are protected up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration. The world can be a scary place, but not with a credit union.
At a credit union, you’re a person, not a bank account number.
Credit unions are small enough to know you and your neighbors, but big enough to bring the world to your fingertips. They care about who you are, and what you dream of. This means they offer you honest, personalized service to help make your financial future brighter. April, a member of Pyramid Federal Credit Union in Tucson, AZ, said it best, “Everyone that works here that I have talked to or dealt with has always been awesome and they have made me feel like a part of their family.”
96% of credit union members favor their experience over a bank. Numbers don’t lie. They put people over profits. That’s the credit union difference.
Credit unions meet you where you are.
Regardless of where you are in achieving your financial goals, credit unions are for you. The absence of a national bank corporate office enables credit unions to be more flexible about offering lines of credit. They don’t have to abide by overly strict credit qualifications—and neither do you! That makes it easier for you to open a new line of credit, even if your existing credit isn’t perfect. Credit unions also provide financial coaching and products designed to help you achieve your financial goals. Shellay G., a member of Horizons North Credit Union in Westminster, CO, experienced the credit union difference first-hand. “A while ago I needed a car and getting a co-signer was not an option. I was young, with little to no credit, and needed some serious help. I got a car through Horizons North and they were nothing short of a perfect partner to help me understand the process.”
Whether you’re trying to establish, improve, or maintain your credit score, credit unions meet you where you are.
Credit unions have better rates and lower fees.
Since credit unions aren’t paying dividends to stockholders, that means they can return earnings to members in the form of higher interest rates on savings products and lower interest rates on loans and credit cards. In addition, if credit unions do charge fees, they are nominal and generally lower than what banks demand. Credit unions want to help you keep as much of your money as possible. Kevin O., member of Farmers Insurance Group Federal Credit Union in Burbank, CA says, “great personal service and a competitive rate/terms.” Stephanie D, another member, agrees with this saying, “No ATM fee and friendly service.” Credit unions are here to help your wallets, not hurt them!
