CHICAGO —Additional details have been released around a savings and homebuying program designed to guide consumers from building a down payment through purchasing and moving into a home that has been launched by Alliant Credit Union and Neighborhood Intelligence
As the CU Daily reported earlier here, the program, called Journey Home, was developed by Alliant in collaboration with Neighborhood Intelligence through its Bed Bath & Beyond brand. It will be offered through Alliant, Neighborhood Intelligence’s portfolio of home-focused businesses and other partnerships established by the credit union.
Journey Home includes separate services for consumers who are saving for a home and those who are ready to buy, according to the companies.
How Program Works
Under the Journey Home Savings program, members who save for at least 18 months and use the funds to purchase a home financed by Alliant may receive a match equal to the cumulative interest earned on the account, up to $1,500. The match applies to interest earned rather than the amount deposited.
Alliant said the savings account was offering a 3.01% annual percentage yield as of July 30, compared with a cited national average savings rate of 0.18% as of July 6. Rates are subject to change.
“Journey Home Savings is designed to reward the work that happens before a home purchase,” Alliant President and CEO Mike Dobbins said. “Members can earn a high savings rate, establish the discipline of contributing consistently, and qualify for an additional reward when they finance their home through Alliant.”
For consumers who are ready to purchase a home, Journey Home will connect home searches, real estate professionals, Alliant financing, closing assistance, moving resources and other home-related services, the companies said. The program also will offer rewards and savings after a purchase is completed.
‘More Accessible’
Marcus Lemonis, executive chairman and CEO of Neighborhood Intelligence, said the companies want to make the homebuying process more accessible by combining education, savings tools and services.
“Homeownership is one of the foundations of the American Dream, and reaching it requires education, discipline and saving,” Lemonis said.
The program follows the companies’ Sept. 15 announcement of a five-year partnership to create Beyond Credit Union, a financial services platform powered by Alliant and scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2027.
Alliant, which has approximately $20 billion in assets and nearly 1 million members, will serve as the platform’s exclusive financial services provider. The credit union will be responsible for underwriting, credit decisions, rates, fees and financial institution operations, while Neighborhood Intelligence will provide branding, marketing, technology and connections to its retail businesses.
The Product Lineup
Beyond Credit Union is expected to offer checking and savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, home equity products and other financial services.
Journey Home will be featured within the Beyond Credit Union platform but also will be distributed more broadly by Alliant, the companies said.
Neighborhood Intelligence’s portfolio includes Bed Bath & Beyond, The Container Store, Overstock, buybuy BABY and Kirkland’s, along with its home services and homeownership businesses.
The company, formerly known as Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., adopted the Neighborhood Intelligence name Aug. 14
