The Credit Union Difference - Membership

As a member of West Texas Credit Union, you are uniquely positioned to manage your finances and watch your money grow on the best possible terms. Like the member of an elite club, you are entitled to exclusive privileges and individualized service, courtesy of your credit union. Let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits you can enjoy as a member of WTCU. 

1.) Highly personalized service 

Credit unions are well known for the highly personalized and attentive service they provide to members. A 2017 American Customer Satisfaction Index Finance and Insurance Report found that members rate credit unions with better service than banks, scoring an average of 82 out of 100. It’s part of what makes credit unions unique. 

When you step through the doors of West Texas CU, you know you’ll always be welcomed by familiar faces, warm smiles and friendly greetings. There are no aloof tellers who don’t know you or your financial situation—just our helpful service representatives who treat you like family. Our outstanding member service means we’re personally invested in your financial well-being and only want to see your success. To that end, we’ll grant you a loan quicker than most big banks, graciously looking past some tarnished credit history and skipping the overly thorough background check. We also host Reality Fairs for the younger community throughout the year, enabling them to broaden their budgeting knowledge and to learn how to make smarter financial choices. 

2.) Increased value for your money 

As a not-for-profit cooperative, your credit union has modest overhead and marketing expenses. WTCU is proud to pass these savings on to you in the form of low or no account fees, better loan terms and higher dividend payments on your savings. 

According to a report by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) that studied credit unions in New York from March of 2017 through March of 2018, credit unions provided average financial benefits that were equivalent to $85 per member and $178 per household. Another 2018 study performed by Bankrate found that 84 percent of the nation’s 50 largest credit unions offered their members checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee. 

At WTCU, we don’t have to answer to outside investors. This enables us to be more attuned to your needs without worrying about increasing our own worth. Our not-for-profit status frees us to offer you optimal terms on Share Certificates, Savings Accounts and more. It’s more money in your pocket just for being a member!

3.) A voice in how the credit union operates 

As mentioned, your credit union does not need to answer to stockholders. Instead, West Texas CU is member-owned, operating with only your best interests in mind. 

As a full-fledged member, you have a voice in how your credit union runs. You are invited to cast your ballot at our Annual Meetings in which we vote on a volunteer board of directors. The board is then charged with oversight of the credit union and forming all official decisions regarding the way the credit union operates. Our board is comprised of members of the credit union, just like you. This means the decisions they make will always be advantageous to our membership and to the general community instead of trying to pander to outside stockholders. We’re all about doing what’s best for our members. 

4.) A chance to give back to the community 

Here at WTCU, we’re strong believers in giving back to the community. We support many community initiatives and organizations, and are committed to making decisions that benefit the entire community. When you choose West Texas CU, you’re choosing to give back to the community, too. 

As a member of West Texas CU, you are entitled to enjoy all of these benefits and so much more. Whatever your particular needs are, we’re here to help you manage your finances every step of the way. Call, click, or stop by today to learn how to make your membership work for you in the best way possible. Experience the credit union difference. 

SOURCES:

https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/difference-between-credit-union-and-bank/%3Famp

https://www.thestreet.com/amp/personal-finance/credit-unions-vs-banks-14626262

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/credit-unions-vs-banks/