DEPTFORD, N.J.—Credit unions across the country have rolled out numerous additions to their product menus recently, ranging from special perks for college grads to high-yield checking packages to relationship banking offers to the ability to make cash deposits at retailers. To help readers stay on top of all that is new (and perhaps offer an idea or two), the CU Daily has compiled some of its recent reporting on new offerings here.
This reporting is part of the CU Daily’s ongoing Profitability Imperative series.
First Harvest CU in Program Offering Perks, Giveaways to Recent Grads
DEPTFORD, N.J.–First Harvest Credit Union is participating in Rowan University’s Caps Off to the Community initiative, which offers recent graduates exclusive perks and giveaways at participating businesses throughout the Glassboro community and surrounding area.
As a part of the commencement celebration, the $4725-million First Harvest is offering Rowan graduates a Rowan Commencement T-shirt and $5 Dunkin’ eGift Card when they visit any of the credit union’s six branch locations, while supplies last. Graduates who stop by First Harvest or other participating businesses wearing their Rowan cap or tam are eligible to receive special discounts or complimentary items, the credit union added.
For the full story, go here.
New Checking Package Intro’d by WestStar
LAS VEGAS–WestStar Credit Union has launched a newly enhanced checking account lineup that is being led by the introduction of Radiant Star Checking, which it said represents a “value-packed account designed to deliver meaningful benefits that go far beyond everyday spending.” “Radiant Star Checking redefines what members can expect from a checking account by combining financial convenience with personal protection, money-saving discounts, and lifestyle support services, all for just $7 per month,” the credit union said.
What’s Included
Radiant Star Checking includes:
- Shop Local, Save Local – Access to local discounts and national retailer deals on shopping, dining, travel, and more.
- Cell Phone Protection – Coverage when members pay their cell phone bill with their checking account.
- ID Theft Aid – Identity restoration, credit monitoring, payment card fraud resolution, and identity monitoring.
- 24/7 Telemedicine – Around-the-clock access to licensed clinicians via video or phone.
- Pet Care Services – Preferred pet insurance rates, virtual pet care, ID tags, prescriptions, and more.
- Bill Negotiation Services – Expert assistance negotiating or canceling unwanted subscriptions and household services.
For the full story, go here.
ASE CU Offering a $26 Closing Cost Offer to Promote Home Equity Loans
MONTGOMERY, Ala.–As part of a promotion tied to home equity lending, ASE Credit Union is offering a deal that involves just $26 in closing costs.
The $461-million credit union, which serves Alabama state employees, said its “26 in 26” lending special is designed to help homeowners access their home equity with minimal upfront fees.
ASE Credit Union serves more than 41,000 members across Alabama, with physical branches across multiple markets.
For the full story, go here.
First Entertainment Relaunches the ‘A List’
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., First Entertainment Credit Union said it has relaunched its “The A List” relationship-based banking program, introducing a tiered structure designed to better align with the irregular income patterns common in entertainment careers.
The $2-billion credit union said the updated program reflects the financial realities of professionals whose earnings are often project-based, with fluctuating income and gaps between paychecks—conditions traditional banking models may not fully address.
“The A List” formalizes the organization’s relationship banking approach into two tiers tied to combined average daily balances:
For the full story, go here.
Shell FCU Intro’s ‘You Deserve More’ Campaign; Improved Digital Pathways
DEER PARK, Texas–Shell Federal Credit Union has announced an expansion of its field of membership, along with a new marketing campaign titled “You Deserve More.”
“For generations, Shell FCU has been built on the philosophy of people serving
The $2 billion SFCU said the membership expansion will provide more people with the opportunity to benefit from competitive loan rates, low-cost checking options, personalized financial guidance, and a full suite of products designed to support every stage of life.
As part of this growth, Shell FCU said it has introduced streamlined digital pathways for both consumer (www.bankwithus.shellfcu.org ) and business (www.businessbanking.shellfcu.org) membership, making it easier than ever to explore eligibility and begin a relationship with the credit union.
For the full story, go here,
People’s Credit Union Partners With Newport Gulls on ‘Gully Youth Savings Account’
MIDDLETOWN, R.I.–People’s Credit Union said it is partnering with the Newport Gulls collegiate summer baseball team to launch the “Gully Youth Savings Account” to encourage children to save by teaching them good financial habits.
Named after the team’s mascot, the savings account is designed for children of all ages and has a tiered interest rate which rewards account holders for steady saving, according to the credit union, which said any child who signs up for a new account will receive a co-branded plush “Gully” toy at account opening and will be eligible for future discounts and promotions.
For the full story, go here.
SchoolsFirst FCU Offering Mortgage Grants to Help With Downpayments, Closing Costs
ROSEVILLE, Calif. — SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has launched a mortgage grant program aimed at helping California educators and school employees overcome the upfront costs of buying a home, according to the credit union.
The School Employee Mortgage Grant Program offers eligible school employee members $7,500 to be used toward a down payment or closing costs on a California home purchase.
SchoolsFirst FCU said the program was created in response to growing affordability challenges facing teachers, instructional aides and classified school staff, many of whom can afford monthly mortgage payments but struggle to save enough for upfront homebuying expenses.
For additional details, go here.
SAFE CU Now Offering New Biz Banking Members a ‘Welcome’ APY of 3.3%
FOLSOM, Calif.– SAFE Credit Union is offering business banking members can receive a “Welcome” Introductory 3.30% APY for three months on a new Business Money Market account.
To be eligible for the introductory APY, members must open and maintain a minimum balance of $2,000 in a new Business Money Market account for three months with SAFE Credit Union. The introductory APY is applied to balances between $2,000 and $25,000.
The full story can be found here.
USAlliance FCU Members Can Now Deposit Cash at Retailers
RYE, N.Y.—USAlliance Financial Credit Union said it has launched a new feature called Add Cash for its MyLife Checking account, allowing members to deposit cash at major retail locations nationwide through the credit union’s mobile banking app.
According to a statement from the $3-billion credit union, the service is powered by InComm Payments and enables members to add cash at retailers including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens and participating 7-Eleven locations.
USAlliance said members using its digital banking app can generate a one-time barcode, present it to a cashier and complete a cash deposit in several steps.
The full story is available here.
TruWest CU Hosting ‘New Member Days’ Campaign Throughout May
TEMPE, Ariz. — TruWest Credit Union has launched a monthlong “New Member Days” campaign offering cash bonuses, referral incentives and in-branch events aimed at attracting new members and rewarding existing ones, according to the credit union.
The promotion runs through the end of May and includes incentives for consumers who open a TruWest membership and rewards checking account during the campaign period.
According to TruWest Credit Union, eligible new members may receive a $200 cash bonus if they enroll in online banking and complete 15 debit or credit card purchases within a single calendar month during the first 90 days after opening the account.
Additional details are here.
Transit Riders Getting Free Rides on Certain Days Thanks to Allegiance CU
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Transit riders in this city can ride free every third Friday from May through September under a new promotion launched by Embark, the public transit agency, and Allegiance Credit Union.
Third Friday Free covers fixed-route buses, RAPID NW, Zone 1 Paratransit bus, the OKC Streetcar and Oklahoma River Cruises. The promotion runs May 15, June 20, July 18, August 15 and Sept. 18.
Oklahoma River Cruises operate seasonally from April through November on a Wednesday through Friday schedule. According to Embark, it is encouraging riders to arrive early on free fare days, as river cruises have limited capacity and high demand is expected.
Additional reporting in the CU Daily is here.
Patelco CU Members Save Nearly $220K in Emergency Funds Through ‘SPARK Your Savings’
DUBLIN, Calif. — Patelco Credit Union is reporting its 2025 SPARK Your Savings program helped low-income members save nearly $220,000 in emergency funds, according to Independent News.
The $9.5-billion credit union said the program is aimed at helping participants build emergency savings and long-term financial stability through a combination of financial education and incentives designed to encourage consistent saving habits.
According to Independent News, 61 participants completed the program last year and collectively deposited $219,956 into savings accounts.
The full report can be found here.
Incentives Offered to First-Time Homebuyers
FOLSOM, Calif. — SAFE Credit Union is offering qualifying new and existing members incentives aimed at reducing homebuying costs as mortgage rates remain elevated and energy costs continue to pressure household budgets, according to the credit union.
The $4.4 billion credit union said the promotion, available through June 30, includes:
A 0.25% mortgage rate discount
A $2,000 lender credit that can be applied toward closing costs
The full report is here.
Hawaii State FCU Intro’s ‘Always Saving’ High-Yield Account
HONOLULU—Saying its responding to the high cost of living, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union has launched Always Saving, a new high-yield savings account it said is designed to help members build financial stability over time.
The account rewards steady balance growth with tiered interest rates, offering up to 5.00% APY) on balances up to $5,000 and up to 3.00% APY on balances above $5,000.
“We see firsthand how rising housing, food, and everyday living costs are making it harder for many of our members to build their savings,” President and CEO Andrew Rosen said in a statement. “As a member-owned credit union, we have a responsibility to respond to those challenges in ways that are practical and accessible. This account is designed to encourage consistent saving behavior and reward steady progress, helping members build long-term financial stability.”
The full story is here.
