Are you as excited as we are to celebrate International Credit Union Day on Oct. 19, 2017?
It’s a day to share your experiences as a member and to reflect upon all the benefits you enjoy by being a part of your credit union. It’s also a day to have fun! Credit unions vary in how they celebrate, but some of the typical celebrations include contests, fundraisers or free promotional materials at local branches. At SIU Credit Union, we are having another Super Shredder event at our Carbondale East location, and you’re welcome to come in to any of our branches and enjoy a cookie and some fellowship.
As it’s done in the past, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) will team up with Credit Unions for Kids for Shop for Miracles 2017. All participating credit unions will make a donation to a local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital for each transaction that’s made by their members on ICU Day.
Each year, CUNA and the World Council of Credit Unions chooses a theme for ICU Day. This year’s theme, which was selected via an online poll of credit union professionals, is “Dreams Thrive Here.” As a credit union member, you know this statement is true. Credit unions help your dreams thrive by helping to make them possible.
In the spirit of ICU Day, let’s take a quick look at four factors that make credit unions the best choice and allow your dreams to thrive, and there’s always more detail at www.siucu.org.
1.) Members first
As a member of a credit union, you own a piece of the organization. That’s why it’s often referred to as a cooperative. Your credit union is not betrothed to Wall Street – we only want what’s best for you. This means we can focus on offering superior service and policies that are as member-friendly as possible.
2.) Lower fees
Banks earn much of their profit through fees and pushing unnecessary product on their customers. While a credit union will also have fees attached to products and services, these tend to be lower than similar fees you’ll find at a bank.
3.) We’ve got your back
A credit union will be willing to work with you through rough patches. While a bank is more likely to turn down a borrower who has a poor credit history, a credit union member representative will be happy to meet with you and work to find a loan that best suits your needs. If necessary, we can also help you learn the basics of budgeting and may offer programs to help you cover unexpected expenses.
4.) Better dividend rates
Credit unions offer higher dividend rates on savings accounts and lower interest rates on loans. We only need to cover operating costs, and all the money we save is passed down to our members in the form of favorable rates, enhanced services, increased operations and more.
As you can see, we’ve got lots to celebrate!
Here at SIU Credit Union, we’re gearing up for a fun-filled, memorable day. Join us on Oct. 19 as we mutually celebrate everything that makes a credit union special. Can’t wait to see you!
Your Turn: What’s your favorite part about being a credit union member? Share it with us in the comments!
SOURCES:
https://www.woccu.org/networking_education/icuday
https://www.woccu.org/newsroom/releases/2017_International_Credit_Union_Day_Theme_Announce
https://www.cuinsight.com/press-release/2017-international-credit-union-day-theme-announced