credit unions are...

Transcription

1 credit unions are...

2 ...places that take care of your money. Over 652,000 Albertans save or borrow money at a credit union. Credit unions special ize in serving small- and mediumsized businesses. They re everywhere: 208 branches in 126 Alberta cities and towns. Customers people like you own credit unions. Anyone can join, and everyone has a say in how they re run.

3 Credit unions are profitable, but not profit-driven. Members benefit from profit-sharing, no fees or low fees, and competitive rates. Credit unions are good for Alberta. They have $ billion in assets, employ 3,580 Albertans, and contribute significant local economic benefits each year. take a closer look. credit unions are

4 credit unions are owned by customers Credit unions are financial co-operatives. This means that every credit union customer is also a member and an owner. In Alberta, credit unions serve more than 652,000 members who share a pool of over $20 billion in assets. Everyone is welcome, and it s easy to join. You ll become a member as soon as you open your first account. 625,000 members? That s 1 in 6 Albertans!

5 credit unions are focused on people, not profits Credit unions work for you, not for corporate investors or institutional shareholders. Our goal is to help you succeed. And when we succeed, every member benefits. After expenses are paid and reserves set aside, surplus earnings are returned to members in the form of low-cost or free services, and profit sharing. In recent years, Alberta credit unions have returned an average of $65 million in annual dividends to members. $65 million is a lot of money in members pockets.

6 credit unions are a one-stop financial resource Need a mortgage or a business loan? A savings account? RESP or RRSP? Credit unions are a full-service resource, offering easy access to a wide range of banking, borrowing and investing services. We re also a trusted source of advice, so can you count on us to help you grow and secure your wealth in every phase of life. All the usual bank services, except I own the place.

7 BUSINESS LOANS It s easy to work with a credit union, because we specialize in loans for small and mid-sized businesses. LOANS & MORTGAGES Local decision-making makes the approval process smoother, and quicker. SAVINGS Your credit union can help you choose savings options that fit your needs, from GICs to RRSPs to TFSAs.

8 credit unions are a friendlier way to manage your money People helping people: that s the reason we re in business. It s why we remember your name, and take time to find out who you are and what your financial goals are. You may prefer to do your credit union transactions online or at an ATM. But if you want the personal touch, you ll always get a friendly welcome at your branch. Nice to have someone on my side.

9 credit unions are close to home Whether you live in the city or the country, chances are there s a credit union near by. In fact, there are 208 branches in 126 communities in Alberta. What s great about dealing with a credit union is that we re empowered to make decisions locally, so we can respond quickly. We don t have to check with a head office in another city or even another country to approve a mortgage or business loan. And because we have close ties to the communities we serve, we re also in a good position to understand the local economy and the needs of our members. We hire local people, too. Approximately 3,500 Albertans are employed full-time by credit unions and their affiliates. And all of the economic benefits we generate stay right here in Alberta. It pays to keep it local.

10 credit unions are run by people like you Credit unions are designed for and run by their members. No preference is shown to any single member, even a major business. Every credit union member has a vote and a voice, and everyone is welcome to run for the board of directors. The board makes decisions with members best interests in mind. Their role is to help improve performance and services to benefit you our owners. I have a say!

11 RETIREES SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS People launching or growing a business find credit unions responsive, helpful and easy to work with. Many credit union members have been customers for decades, and find our insights especially helpful during retirement planning.

12 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Associations, clubs and non-profit groups choose credit unions because we support them financially, and through volunteerism. FAMILIES Families count on credit unions to help them handle everything from buying a house to saving for a trip or financing tuition. STUDENTS Young people join credit unions, too. They call on us for guidance with money management, and they love our low-fee and no-fee products.

13 credit unions are big on small business The majority of our business clients operate small- or medium-sized companies. While most financial institutions focus on large corporate accounts, credit unions specialize in serving clients who run smaller operations. If you re starting or growing a business, you may find it easier to get a loan if you have a relationship with a credit union, because we take your character and reputation into account, not just your collateral. Business people find our rates competitive, and they appreciate our insights into the local business climate. Decisions are made locally, and we also have tools on hand to help you develop a business plan. I don t have to run a giant corporation to get attention.

14 credit unions are 100% guaranteed Alberta credit unions have been here since 1938, and they re here to stay. Right now, there are 208 branches in 126 communities, representing $ billion in assets and $400 million in members equity. Strong management practices, prudent risk-taking and sound cost-management help keep members funds safe. For unparalleled peace of mind, there s a 100%, no-limit guarantee on deposits and accrued interest. This guarantee is the strongest in Canada, and it s not available at banks, which have a $100,000 deposit-protection limit. One of the safest piggy banks in Canada.

15 credit unions are making a difference in the community The spirit of co-operation drives credit unions. We believe in playing an active role in local communities. It s not just about making donations. It s about participation everything from flipping burgers and hauling sandbags to cheering on your teams. Alberta credit unions contribute an average of $5 million in donations, gifts-in-kind, sponsorships, scholarships and bursaries each year. The majority of these funds are used to help charities, organizations and causes within our province. Giving where we live!

16 credit unions are keeping pace with you It s our business to evolve with our customers. That s why our services and the way we deliver them always reflect your changing needs and preferences. We know convenience is crucial, so we serve you your way. All our services can be accessed online, at one of our 208 branches, or at 268 ATMs across the province. ATM customers get a break nationwide, via our ding free network of surcharge-free ATMs. There s even an app to help you find the nearest ding free ATM. More great products and service options are coming your way. It may surprise you to learn that credit unions have a history of innovation. Did you know Canadian credit unions were the first to introduce full-service ATMs, fully functional online banking, debit card service, open mortgages and cheque imaging? We also pioneered loans based on borrower character. They re here for me, wherever I am.

17 268 ATMs, 0 surcharges Our ding free network gives credit union members access to 268 surcharge-free ATMs in Alberta, and 1,800 across Canada. Ding free to go Where s the nearest ding free ATM? There s a locator app, and it s free. A history of firsts Did you know... Canadian credit unions pioneered full-service ATMs, fully functional online banking and cheque imaging? Anytime, anywhere Can t make it to a branch? Every credit union service can be accessed online or via an ATM.

18 in short, credit unions are owned by customers, focused on people, not profits, a onestop financial resource, a friendlier way to manage your money, close to home, run by people like you, big on small business, 100% guaranteed, making a difference in the community, keeping pace with you.

19 To find your nearest branch, or learn more about Alberta credit unions, please visit: albertacreditunions.com.

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