SIUE Credit Union Expansion
SIUE Credit Union Greatly Expands Enrollment Eligibility to Area Residents
Increased Membership Means Higher Returns, Lower Rates for Current Members
Every time you stop into SIUE Credit Union, there’s a good chance you’ll bump into a coworker who’s also there to take advantage of our great services and low rates. But beginning this summer, you’ll also start spotting your friends and neighbors in the lobby or drive-up lane.
Starting in July, SIUE Credit Union is opening membership to those living in Madison and St. Clair Counties! While expanding eligibility provides access to more area residents, it will also pay off for SIUECU’s 2,000 current members – thanks to higher returns on savings, lower rates on loans, and fewer fees on banking services. Further, it will keep ownership of the organization in the hands of those who live, work and teach in our region.
Community-focused, customer-driven
From the day we opened our doors in 1959, SIUE Credit Union has been focused on the Edwardsville community, helping our members grow and prosper financially right here at home.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve witnessed a rapid increase in credit union mergers due to increased regulations, infrastructure costs and technology challenges. According to American Banker, there were 670 mergers between 2015-2017, and right here in Illinois, the number of community and professional credit unions has dwindled from a height of 857 in 1991 to 261 as of March 2018.
With our stable financial foundation and solid member base, the SIUE Credit Union board of directors knew we were one of the few remaining independent credit unions that could continue to stand strong on our own. However, to keep rates competitive for our current members, that would also require additional growth. At our Annual Meeting in March 2017, the decision was made to welcome the residents of Madison and St. Clair Counties to ensure that the SIUECU remains community-focused, customer driven, and financially strong.
The financial benefits of membership
While some members may be concerned about expanding services to those outside the education field, the financial benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
“It all comes down to efficiency through volume,” said Kathy McKinnon, president and CEO of SIUE Credit Union. “With more members, we can negotiate a better rate structure for our members and take advantage of the influx of lending in St. Clair and Madison Counties. That means less money the members have to spend to fulfill their dreams, whether that is a new home, a new vehicle, or college education.”
At the same time, increased growth allows SIUE Credit Union to expand our investment in technology that makes banking easier and more efficient for our members. We’re continuing to upgrade our online presence, and later this fall, an enhanced mobile app will elevate your mobile banking experience.
Said McKinnon, “Technology costs are a top reason for the merger of community credit unions. However, SIUE Credit Union understands the importance of online banking and remains at the forefront of the industry to meet the diverse needs of our members.”
As always, your satisfaction with SIUE Credit Union remains our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service department at 618-650-3760.
