KENT, Ohio–717 Credit Union has entered into an affinity card partnership with Kent State University.
The announcement came during the latest Coffee and Connections networking event hosted by 717 Credit Union and The Business Journal at the credit union’s Kent branch.
The new card allows users to support Kent State athletics through everyday purchases. Every swipe of the card returns 7.17 cents to Kent State University’s student athletics programs.
John Demmler, CEO of 717 Credit Union, said the card also offers a 7.17% balance transfer rate that remains in place for the life of the balance.
“It has the lowest rate in the country,” Demmler said during the event. “Today the national average interest rate for a credit card is 24%. This is a third of that interest rate, so you can transfer your balances over, and that stays at that rate for life.”
Largest Crowd to Date
Demler noted the $2-billion 717 traces its roots to the Kent State Students Credit Union before a series of mergers eventually formed the current organization.
The Coffee and Connections series is held monthly at various 717 Credit Union branches and aims to foster relationships and collaboration among business and community leaders throughout the region.
