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Happy 75th, ICU Day!

October 10, 2023

Credit Union Members Know the Difference

When it comes to your financial life, selecting a trusted partner is extremely important. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of International Credit Union Day, let’s take a look at the top 75 reasons to make your partner a credit union.

75 Reasons to Join a Credit Union

  • Caring Team: At a credit union, you’ll find real people helping people everyday.
  • Lower Interest Rates on Loans: Credit unions often offer lower interest rates on loans, which can save you money over time.

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  • There for Your Biggest Firsts: Credit unions help you finance your first car, get your first mortgage, establish a savings for your first born child, and more.
  • Local Focus:Around here, we have a strong understanding of the communities we serve.
  • Great Rates on Savings Accounts: Earn more on your savings with competitive interest rates at a credit union.
  • Innovation: Credit unions offer the same suite of online services and apps as bigger banks. 
  • Member Ownership: As a member, you’re also an owner, with a say in how the credit union operates.
  • Goodbye Un-needed Fees: Community Choice recently eliminated numerous ‘nuisance’ fees for members.
  • Not-For-Profit Structure: Credit unions are member owned and not-for-profit, so earnings go back to members in the form of better rates and services.

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  • Community Involvement: Credit unions actively participate in community events and support local causes.
  • Credit Unions Care! You may find it less stressful to engage with a credit union to qualify for small personal loans when compared to the experience at traditional banks.
  • Local Decision Making: Local member centers have the authority to make decisions that benefit their members.
  • Member-centric! Credit unions offer quality service personalized for the needs of individual members.
  • Member Rewards: Check out Community Choice’s GetBigReward$ program for complete details on how Community Choice rewards its members!  
  • Convenient Locations: Credit unions give you convenient access to your accounts at numerous member centers.

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  • ATMs Everywhere! Credit unions offer thousands of ATMs across the country through credit union networks.
  • e-Deposit: Community Choice helps you deposit checks using your smartphone for added convenience.
  • Community Investment: Credit unions often reinvest in the local community through scholarships, sponsorships, and small business loans. 
  • Shared Branching: Credit unions work together to let you use other credit union branches like your own.
  • Personalized Financial Counseling: Get expert advice tailored to your financial goals on your personalized Choice Map.
  • Lower Credit Card Rates: Enjoy lower interest rates on credit cards, saving you money.
  • Competitive Mortgage Rates: Find affordable home financing options at favorable rates.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: The Community Choice Foundation supports students of every age.

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  • Home Equity Loans: Tap into your home’s equity for home improvement or other expenses.
  • Auto Loans: Get financing for your vehicle purchase with competitive rates.
  • Financial Education: Community Choice’s financial wellness program, Choice Map, provides certified credit union advisor that can help members identify and meet their financial goals. 
  • Recreational Vehicle Loans: Finance your dream RV, boat, or motorcycle purchase.
  • Personal Loans: Borrow for various needs, often with flexible terms and low interest.
  • Online Account Opening: Easily open new accounts online.

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  • Business Loans: Credit unions offer business loans to support local entrepreneurs.
  • Student Loans: Secure affordable financing for education expenses.
  • Credit Score Monitoring: View your current credit score, and identify ways to maintain or improve your score.
  • Debt Consolidation Programs: Combine high-interest debt into a more manageable payment plan.
  • Overdraft Protection: Avoid costly overdraft fees with overdraft protection.
  • Tutorial Videos: Learn tips and tricks related to your financial life.
  • Identity Theft Protection: Receive assistance and protection in case of identity theft.
  • Insurance Products: Access insurance products to protect what matters most.
  • Individual Retirement Accounts: Plan for retirement with competitive IRA options.
  • Certificates of Deposit: Lock in a fixed interest rate with CD accounts.
  • No Hidden Fees: Credit unions are transparent about their fees, ensuring you know what to expect.
  • e-Pay: Simplify bill payments online by paying within e-Banking.
  • Wire Transfer Services: Securely transfer funds domestically or internationally.
  • Payment Options: Obtain money orders or cashier’s checks for secure payments.

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  • Notary Services: Get documents notarized conveniently at your credit union.
  • 24/7 Account Access: Access your accounts at any time, day or night, with e-Banking.
  • Express Pay: Members can receive direct deposit up to two business days early!
  • Online Loan Applications: Apply for loans online for added convenience.
  • Member Rewards: Community Choice rewards members for their everyday banking with the GetBigReward$ program.
  • Youth Savings Programs: Teach kids financial responsibility with youth savings programs.
  • Teen Checking Accounts: MyChoice members can learn to manage money with their own checking accounts and debit cards.
  • Financial Literacy Workshops: Attend workshops to improve your financial knowledge.
  • Trust Services: Establish trusts and ensure your assets are managed as per your wishes with the assistance of CU Trust.
  • Business Banking: Credit unions offer a suite of business banking services.
  • Merchant Services: Businesses can access payment processing and other Treasury Management services.
  • Business Checking Accounts: Manage business finances with convenient checking accounts.

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  • Member Appreciation Events: Enjoy exclusive events and promotions as a credit union member.
  • Skip-a-Payment Programs: Credit unions offer the option to skip a loan payment during tough times.
  • Member Referral Bonuses: Earn rewards for referring new members to the credit union.
  • Online Budgeting Tools: Access tools to help you budget and manage your finances.
  • Discounts on Entertainment: Members with Choice Checking get discounts on entertainment and more!
  • Low Minimum Balance Requirements: Many accounts have low minimum balance requirements.
  • Online Calculators: Use calculators to plan your financial future.
  • Online Account Management Tools: Manage your accounts efficiently online.
  • Mobile Wallet Integration: Use mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay with your accounts.
  • Charitable Giving Opportunities: Participate in charitable initiatives through your credit union.
  • Social Responsibility Programs: Support organizations and causes that your credit union is involved in.
  • Online Chat Support: Get quick assistance through online chat services.
  • Access to Investment Advisors: Consult with financial advisors from Community Choice Investment Services.
  • Enhanced Online Security: Credit unions prioritize online security to protect your accounts.
  • Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs): Access a line of credit based on your home’s equity for various expenses.
  • Reach Your Goals: Access the products and services to help reach your goals (without any pressure to use products and services just so the credit union can reach its goals).
  • Cash Fast! Express Cash gives access to emergency funding with only 6 clicks in 60 seconds.
  • Join the Team: Find career choices you may have never considered and surround yourself with the good kind of different.
  • Community = Everyone: Employees in the cannabis industry sometimes have issues accessing even the most basic banking services elsewhere. Community Choice welcomes members of the cannabis industry with open arms.
  • Keep Savings Goals in Sight: Community Choice’s goal-based saving tool, Targets, is simple; choose the dollar amount you want to save, set a timeline to achieve your goal, and Targets will help keep you on track!