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Today more than 4.9 million Canadians are credit union members, enjoying all the advantages of "big banks" but as owners, not clients, with a voice in how their credit union is run and how their money is spent in building stronger communities.
1st Choice Savings is proud to maintain the long-standing credit union philosophy of "People Helping People" to the benefit of hundreds of members throughout Southern Alberta.
11 Reasons to Become a 1st Choice Savings Member
1. 1st Choice Savings is Focused on People, Not Profits
Most traditional banks exist to make a profit. While there's nothing wrong with that in principle, the focus shifts from the people they serve to a few select shareholders. At 1st Choice Savings the highest quality service is extended to all members, without exception. Since 1st Choice Savings is a cooperative, every member gets the same preferential treatment.
2. You Have a Voice
As a member, you are also an owner of the co-operative. Bank customers don't usually have a voice in how the bank is run, but 1st Choice Savings is democratically controlled by a volunteer board of directors who are elected by the membership.
3. Trained and Helpful Staff
1st Choice Savings places a great deal of value on the people who work there. This translates into better service for members. Ongoing training, supportive working conditions, community involvement and other incentives result in informed and dedicated employees.
4. It Pays to Become a Member
There are no outside shareholders to take profits out of the institution. So the profits we make are either distributed to our members in the form of dividends, better interest rates, lower fees, or retained as capital to ensure we remain a very strong financial institution.
5. Leadership in Banking Trends
1st Choice Savings has been on the leading edge of banking technology since introducing the first automated teller machines (ATMs) in 1976. We were also among the first Canadian financial institutions to make it possible to pay for purchases with a debit card. 1st Choice Savings stays on top of banking trends with a firm commitment to finding ways for technology to make your 1st Choice Savings experience even more convenient. The most recent example is viewing cheques written by members via a secure internet connect.
6. Flexible Financial Services
Because we are driven by the mandate to serve all members equally and to the best of our ability, we have an open door policy regarding the negotiation of loans and investments no matter what the size of your account balance is. From mortgages to agricultural lines of credit, wealth management, financial advice to small business banking, 1st Choice Savings provides the same range of products and services as traditional banks.
7. 1st Choice Savings is Financially Responsible
1st Choice Savings must answer to our members, so we are obligated to make prudent and sustainable financial choices. This provides an enviable level of security for 1st Choice Savings members. There is also the added benefit of provincial legislation, which dictates that 1st Choice Savings must retain reserves to draw upon in the event of financial downturns. These reserves are drawn from revenue generated by annual growth.
8. Building Jobs and Community
A central directive of 1st Choice Savings is to contribute to the well-being of our communities. We are highly visible participants in regional economic development, sports, culture, education, health and the environment. We also direct revenues into our local communities, creating jobs and opportunities. In addition, 1st Choice Savings donates generously to charitable and community-based organizations. Many 1st Choice Savings employees also volunteer in a variety of community initiatives.
9. Working Together
1st Choice Savings join forces with other credit unions across the country, allowing us to compete with large multinational financial institutions and offer comparable or services, technology, support and resources.
10. Total Protection
The Credit Union Deposit Guarantee guarantees 100% of member deposits, without limit.
11. You are in Control
The ultimate benefit of 1st Choice Savings membership is peace of mind. When you're a member you're also an owner. That automatically makes your best interests our best interests.
Call 320-4600 to speak to a 1st Choice Savings associate or enroll online.
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