Utilities Employees Credit Union

With the recent celebration of Turkey Day and the rest of the holiday season approaching, I find myself concentrating on the things I’m thankful for. Being a credit union member definitely ranks high on my gratitude list – and I’m not the only one. If you don’t believe me, just check out the many Credit Union Fans making noise on social media or paying homage to CUs through their own websites or creative endeavors. Some, like the “acoustic thrift-rock duo” The Disclosures, have even made news with their songs, which celebrate the Credit Union Difference.

We all have our own reasons, but as a proud member of Utilities Employees Credit Union, these have become the Top 4 Reasons I’m Thankful to be a Credit Union Member:

1. FEWER Fees. Credit unions have developed a reputation for low or non-existent fees, which sets them apart from big banks. As a cooperative, not-for-profit, credit unions are trying to keep more money in our members’ pockets. So, while other financial institutions make the news for adding or increasing customer fees for using basic financial services, UECU continues to do member-focused business as usual. Check out our lengthy Fee FREE Schedule for all the great no-cost benefits we give members – try finding that at a bank! For those fees absolutely necessary to cover operational costs, UECU even goes above & beyond, stretching our dollars further than most credit unions. The average UECU member household saves $74 more in fees each year than if they used an “average” credit union!*

2. BIGGER Savings Potential. UECU loves to help our members save – that’s why we return our profits to members with better savings rates. Even members who stick with a basic Share Savings Account earn significantly more interest than the national average – for this month, when you compare current rates, UECU has a savings rate more than 4X higher.^** What’s more, we make it easier to save with lots of deposit account options and automatic fund transfer tools like e-Vantages™ by Web that can help you automatically move a set amount of money from your UECU credit union checking account into your savings.

3. LOWER Loan Payments. Speaking of savings, UECU doesn’t stop with our great deposit accounts. When you combine the annual savings from both deposit earnings AND savings from paying lower loan interest rates – the average UECU member household receives $295 more in savings than the average credit union.* That’s just compared to other credit unions – imagine how much more you’re saving than at a typical bank! Just look at the amazing credit union loan rates on our website – take our popular Auto Loan – with current rates, you could be buying your new car for as little as $8 per day – that’s a new car for the price of lunch!^ And that’s just the beginning. You can read more about UECU’s loans for utility workers at uecu.org. We also offer great rates and 24/7 loan application service for home equity loans, mortgages, boat & RV loans, personal loans and much more!

4. MORE Rewards. Who doesn’t love more rewards? UECU believes managing your personal finances should be a rewarding experience for credit union members. And we prove it with not one, but two credit union rewards programs for UECU members – our VantagePoints™ and MyChoice™ programs, which reward members for using their credit union for a mix of products and for their everyday financial activities. And we just can’t help getting in the holiday spirit – so we’ve just begun a Double Points Special to give 2X the usual VantagePoints™ rewards when members make purchases with their UECU VISA® check card or credit card through December 31^st.† We’re even planning to announce a third rewards program in the New Year, so keep visiting us for updates!

And finally, the BONUS – if you’re an energy or utility worker, you’ve found the credit union that caters directly to you. Utilities Employees Credit Union has been serving Utility and Energy Employees and their Families since 1934. So join today and remind your company’s HR department you could all join – you won’t regret it – I promise I’ve just scratched the surface of all our credit union member benefits. Already a member? Why not refer a family member or utility co-worker today? Did I mention you’ll earn 500 VantagePoints™ per referral – yes indeed, isn’t it nice to be a credit union member?

Written by Amanda Y.

* Source: Raddon Financial Group, 2011 CEO Strategies Reports.

**UECU savings rate compared to national average savings rate as reported by Datatrac.com on 11/08/2011.

^ Daily payment comparison based on financing $13,000 of your total car purchase with a 60-month loan, calculated as of 11/15/2011 at a rate of 2.99% APR. Your terms may differ based on age of vehicle and evaluation of credit worthiness. Our lowest rate is based upon an evaluation of credit-worthiness criteria, and maintaining an active UECU checking account (at least one transaction per month); your actual rate may differ. Certain auto model year and minimum loan amount restrictions apply Limited time offer. Offer is subject to change without notice. Refinancing of existing UECU auto loans are not eligible. Visit uecu.org for details.

† Transactions must be signature-based; PIN-based transactions do not earn VantagePoints™. Points are earned net of credits. DOUBLE points for the purpose of this promotion cannot be combined with double points earned on the first 30 days after receipt of your new card. This promotion runs from 11/25/2011 until 12/31/2011 but can be withdrawn at any time.

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

Utilities Employees Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender.