All About SFPCU s Visa Credit Card

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1 APB OCTOBER 2014 FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS POSITIVE REFLECTIONS: As of August 31, 2014 Assets... $768,287,672 Loans... $443,727,509 Shares... $658,047,770 Members...34,895 IN THIS ISSUE: Are You Creditworthy?... PAGE 2 How to Read Your Credit Score...PAGE 2 The SF Police Credit Union Awards for Employee Excellence... PAGE 3 Strategic Planning Preparing for the Future... PAGE 4 Current Promotions... PAGE 5 Car Sale... PAGE 5 Upcoming Shred Days...PAGE 6 Find us on Facebook! Search for SF Police Credit Union and Like our page today. sfpolicecreditunion SF Police Credit Union All About SFPCU s Visa Credit Card Tired of credit cards that promise the moon but fail to deliver? Stop settling for fine print failings and offers that seem too good to be true and consider switching to a Visa Platinum card from SF Police Credit Union. SFPCU s Visa Platinum card delivers the purchasing power and flexibility you ve come to expect from SFPCU. Personalized, Perfect for Points and Powerful Protection Oh My! Our Visa Platinum card offers many great features, including: Competitive rates and a low monthly payment No setup or maintenance fees Identity theft coverage Online account access, E-Statements and 24-hour information service available by phone Lost luggage reimbursement and travel accident insurance Earn one CURewards TM point for every dollar spent ($1=1 point). Redeem points for cash, gift cards, brand name gifts or travel. Customized designs through our Design Your Own Card service Discover Chip Technology Coming soon, the SFPCU Visa Platinum card will include the latest in chip technology. Each card will contain a unique microprocessor chip, which works to protect the cardholder s transaction data at the register and thwart thieves and hackers from getting important information. Make the Change Today Ready to switch to a SFPCU Visa Platinum card? You can apply online, by visiting any one of our branch locations, or by calling us at For more information on our many card services, head to to learn more! Check Out Our Exclusive Offer! We are offering a 0% APR for introductory rates on purchases and balance transfers. To learn more, see page 5.

2 Are You Creditworthy? Not too long ago most people paid with either cash or checks. Seniors may have spent the majority of their lives managing their money using cash and a checking account, and not bothering with credit cards. Unfortunately, not ever paying with credit issued in your own name can cause older consumers to have no credit history. This can create challenges for those who wish to buy a home, a car or apply for a credit card. Know Your Rights According to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) it is unlawful for creditors to discriminate based on age. To avoid being turned down for credit, these simple things may increase your creditworthiness. Establish a credit history. Apply for a secure credit card or a small line of credit from SF Police Credit Union to help build your credit history. Even if it has a low limit, establishing a pattern of purchasing items and paying them off on time each month can help build a positive credit history. Check your credit report. Knowing what is in your credit report can help you arm yourself with the information necessary to build better credit. Visit to request a free credit report. You re entitled by law to a free copy of your report from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 12 months. Consider your income. If your income comes primarily from Social Security or a pension, it may not be high enough to qualify for the credit you seek. Consider telling creditors about other assets or sources of income, such as your home or stocks and bonds. This may help to show the lender you have enough to repay the loan. Come See Us Visit SFPCU to learn more about increasing your creditworthiness. We re here to help. How to Read Your Credit Score Your credit score is a three-digit number that is extremely important for a wide range of activities. It can help determine your eligibility for credit cards, home and auto loans, apartment rentals and may even affect your chances of landing a job. Credit scores also have an effect on the interest rate you pay for credit. The higher your score, the lower your interest rate for new loans. That s because people with higher credit scores are considered a lower risk to lenders, so they can charge lower rates. Payment history is the biggest factor in determining your credit score. It also reflects your credit utilization your balance of credit versus your credit limit as well as the length of credit history, new credit and types of credit used. Here is a breakdown of what various credit scores mean: 720+: Excellent Credit Those in this range have a long history of great credit utilization. As a desirable lending candidate, you have access to a wide range of lenders who offer benefits such as rewards programs or extremely low interest rates to attract your business : Good Credit Scores in this range are above average and often qualify you for lower rates and the ability to choose between credit options. Continue good financial habits such as low credit utilization and on-time payments to keep improving your credit score....continued on page 6 2

3 Call Box A QUARTERLY INSERT TO YOUR APB NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2014 RECOGNIZING U The SF Police Credit Union Awards for Employee Excellence In July, members of the SFPCU staff, management team and volunteers took time to recognize credit union employees for their outstanding job performance. A new annual award was added this past quarter. Developed at the suggestion of Director Mike Hebel, The Board of Directors Emeritus Award was named in honor of those volunteers who have unselfishly dedicated more than 20 years of service to the credit union. Currently the annual award honorees are Dave Mayer, Willie Frazier and Jim Hennessy. To be eligible to compete, the candidate must be a full-time employee with over 12 months continuous employment, have an overall performance rating of greater than 4.5 within the prior year and have met all performance standards and goals. Nominations are made by SFPCU department managers, and are then reviewed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors looks at the following performance areas: Participation in community involvement activities Participation in strategic SFPCU projects/committees Service as a SFPCU peer mentor Quality Loop Scores and Internal Departmental Service Scores Professional development activities as individuals and in assigned teams Past recognition received and given via the Recognizing U Program This year, the winner was Cissy Yin, who exemplified the can do spirit of a credit union employee. As part of the award, Yin was presented with $2,500, a framed certificate, and her name displayed on a perpetual crystal trophy in the Irving St. main lobby. Check it out next time you are there! Additional awards were given to other credit union employees recognizing commitment, innovation, outstanding achievement, teamwork and front-line service. Congratulations to all our award winners and we d like to urge our members to let us know if they see an employee who goes above and beyond so their good work can be acknowledged by all. 3

4 Strategic Planning Preparing for the Future Earlier this year, the SFPCU Board of Directors, the Supervisory Committee and our new CEO, Eddie Young, met in San Francisco to discuss future strategies for building on the Credit Union s successes. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. James This of the Paragon Group. The Strategic Planning Process The strategic planning process was broken down into three areas to help identify our next steps: Focus Clearly define the purpose of the Credit Union Establish strategic directions for the next five years Communicate directions and goals to everyone in the Credit Union Develop a sense of ownership of the plan Prioritize Identify priority actions and initiatives for the next year that align with the purpose, strategic directions and performance objectives Focus the Credit Union s resources on key issues Measure Establish measurable performance objectives Provide solid criteria for evaluation and reward Why Is It Important? This process took place over two days of discussion, planning and brainstorming. The result was the development of a plan that will unfold over the next five years, giving clear, short-term and long-term direction to employees, management and volunteers. According to Director Jim Hennessy, The strategic planning process was invaluable in guiding the Board and leadership in developing a roadmap for the future that places a primary importance on growth while ensuring the continued financial security of our members. What Is the Purpose of the Credit Union? The Board agreed that the purpose of the Credit Union is to become the principal financial institution able to meet the fiscal needs and contribute to the financial well-being of our members. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Glenn Sylvester, states, Strategic planning is ESSENTIAL for the sustainability of our organization, now and in the future. The world continues to evolve, and we must do the same as your financial partner, all while taking into account our loyal members, upcoming generation(s) and new potentials. I have the utmost confidence that our meeting was very productive. 4

5 CURRENT PROMOTIONS To learn more about any of these promotions, please call or visit our website at REFER A NEW MEMBER. Refer family or eligible co-workers for SFPCU membership Unlimited Member Referrals Once they join, we ll give you $25 and they ll get $25 for their opening deposit. Plus, your new member can earn an additional $100 if they open a Global ATM Checking Account. * Offer valid 09/15/14 through 11/15/14. New Member Bonus: $25 will be used as opening deposit for the new member s account and shall be reversed and returned to SFPCU if the account is closed within 12 months after the date opened. Business accounts are ineligible. Minimum account balance to open account and obtain APY is $ Current Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on a regular share account is.10% as of 09/01/14. Checking Promotion Bonus: To qualify for the $100 bonus the new member must open a new Global ATM Checking account with a $25 minimum opening deposit during the promotion period. Also, within 60 calendar days of account opening, a $500 monthly direct deposit must be initiated. The bonus will be deposited into the new checking account within 30 business days after meeting the $500 direct deposit requirement. Bonuses may be tax-reportable. All new accounts are subject to the SFPCU account opening procedures and standard account terms and conditions. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change. GET $25 for yourself, Up to $125 for them!* SFPCU PLATINUM VISA THE PERFECT HOLIDAY HELPER Now through December 31 st, transfer your high interest credit card balances to an SFPCU Visa, and take advantage of our low, 0% APR for 6 months with no balance transfer fee! If you re not already an SFPCU Visa card holder, open a new SFPCU Platinum Visa account by December 31 st and you ll get this great rate on balance transfers AND retail purchases. 0% APR* Introductory Rate on Purchases and for Balance Transfers! * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Offer valid 10/1/14 12/31/14, purchases and balance transfers must be made during this period to qualify. The Balance Transfer rate of 0% APR is valid for 6 months from each transaction date. The Introductory rate of 0% APR is valid for purchases on new accounts opened during the promotional period, and is valid through your June 2015 statement. After the introductory periods, the promotional rates will return to standard purchase/ balance transfer rate (Rate based upon Prime Rate + a Margin of 6-12%). Offer is only valid for balance transfers from existing credit card balances at other financial institutions. All new applications are subject to terms, conditions and credit approval. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply, and show ability to repay future balances or apply with a co-signer if you are under the age of 21. Rates, fees and terms are subject to change at any time, for current rates contact us at VEHICLE LOAN DISCOUNT, RATES AS LOW AS.99% APR*: 90 DAYS NO PAYMENTS Whatever vehicle you prefer, you re always on the road to savings with an SFPCU Vehicle Loan. New, used auto or early model auto and motorcycle Free Auto Buying Service Rates as low as.99% APR* * APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate discount offer valid through 12/31/14. Offer valid on New, Used, Early Model Autos and motorcycles. Loan amount must be $15,000 or higher to qualify. Example rate of.99% with 36 monthly payments = $28.21 per $1,000 borrowed, assumes 1.00% maximum promotional discount of.50% for SFPCU home loan,.25% for SFPCU Visa and.25% discount for enrollment in automatic payments. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Internal refinances are not eligible. Out-of-state, dealer transaction vehicles are eligible. HOME LOAN FLAT-RATE FEE $599! HOME LOANS. Purchase or refinance for a flat fee of $599 No hidden costs or pre-payment penalties Choose from fixed and adjustable rate mortgages Fast and easy application process Offer valid through 12/31/14. $599 flat fee covers Appraisal, Credit Report, Courier/FedEx, Appraisal Review, Tax Service, Wire Transfer, Underwriting and Flood Zone Certification (does not include title insurance, escrow or other fees not listed). Offer valid on 1st mortgages only. Flat Fee Offer, exclusions, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. APR= Annual Percentage Rate. Example rate of 2.625% APR with 360 monthly payments (30 year) = $ monthly per $100,000 borrowed. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change at any time, you may contact us for current information at Purchase or Refinance with $599! a flat fee of THE SF POLICE CU PRE-OWNED SALES EVENT Saturday, October 11 th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 12 th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Gibraltar Drive Pleasanton, CA Large selection of used vehicles available: Imports, domestics, luxury vehicles, SUVs, mini vans, trucks and sport performance vehicles. The summer of Audi event. 5

6 Take Advantage of Shred Days This October Branch and ATM Locations In addition to SFPCU locations, as an SFPCU member you also have access to fee-free CO-OP ATMs, Shared Branch locations and Bank of The West ATMs. Find fee-free ATM locations nearest you: /locations. Got papers piling up at home? Stop by one of our shred events to rid yourself of unnecessary clutter. Join us by bringing your personal and confidential documents to our San Mateo, Irving or Oakland branch location. We will have staff on-site to assist with shredding. Many of our members have confidential papers due to the nature of their work. SFPCU is happy to be able to provide you with a safe, secure way to dispose of unneeded documents. Private items such as tax records, old bills or other sensitive documents that are no longer needed can be disposed of in a secure manner. Shred Days branch locations, dates and times: Oakland Branch Thursday, October 9 th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. San Mateo Branch Friday, October 10 th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Please abide by the following guidelines for a smooth Shred Day: Up to three medium-sized moving boxes are allowed per member. Irving Street Branch Saturday, October 11 th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ensure all material for shredding is free of batteries, binders, books, binder clips or any other metal objects that may damage or jam the shredder note staples and paper clips are OK....continued from page 2 HOW TO READ YOUR CREDIT SCORE : Fair Credit If you fall in this range, your score is around average. Often people in this range have a large amount of bad debt, such as near-maxed credit cards. To improve your credit score, and qualify for lower rates, work out a plan to pay down current debts. <620: Poor Credit Credit scores below 620 are very low. Those who fall in this range often have gone through bankruptcy, consistently missed payments or have no credit history such as young adults just starting out. Individuals in this range may benefit from starting a history of on-time payments and can make use of a secured card to establish credit history. Improve Your Score SFPCU offers a variety of credit options that can help build a positive credit history. For those with limited credit history, we offer a Visa Share Secured card to build your credit. For those with more credit history, we offer Platinum Visa and our CU Rewards program. To apply, visit a branch or go online to. SFPCU Online Online Banking / Mobile Banking: / iphone and Android Mobile Banking App: Search for SF Police CU in the iphone App Store or Google Play to download our apps for free! Facebook: SFPCU Contact Information 24/7 Call Center: or MemberLink 24-hour transactions: or Members_Info@sfpcu.org Other SFPCU Services MEMBERS Financial Services: BALANCE SM Program: No-cost Auto Buying Service: HOLIDAY NOTICE SF Police Credit Union branches will be closed: Columbus Day Monday, October 13 th Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11 th Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 27 th Thanksgiving Friday Friday, November 28 th Christmas Eve (closed at noon) Wednesday, December 24 th Christmas Day Thursday, December 25 th For assistance during closed hours, call our 24/7 Call Center at or MemberLink, the 24-hour transaction line, at or ; or access SFPCU Online Banking at. This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Websites not belonging to this organization are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied. Images may be from one or more of these sources: Thinkstock, istock, Fotolia SF Police Credit Union Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration Equal Housing Opportunity