July 20, 2023

Can Your Bank Do This? (Aha Moments of Services)

 

Introducing the notion of “aha moments,” those times of sudden insight or realization when the right solution to a problem becomes clear. Banking services are no exception. From checking accounts to investments, member-friendly credit unions offer a wide range of products and services that can have an immense impact on your financial well-being. So, let’s explore the question: Can your bank do this?

Here are just a few of the many ways in which Interior Federal can help you manage your money more effectively and efficiently.

No Annual Fee on our Credit Card (in addition to No Balance Transfer, Cash Advance, or Foreign Transaction Fees)

At Interior Federal, you can manage your money more effectively and efficiently with our no-annual-fee credit card. There are also no balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, or foreign transaction fees, just an easy way to use your credit. In comparison, many banks charge fees for using their credit cards.

  • Annual fee – The average annual fee for bank cards is typically $99-$150, but can range from as low as $39 to as high as $699 for premium travel cards.
  • Balance transfer fee – Balance transfers may incur a 3-5% fee of the total balance transfer.
  • Foreign transaction fees – foreign transaction fees average 3% per transaction. These fees can add up when traveling abroad.
  • Cash advance fee – Cash advances also come with an additional fee – most commonly 5% or $10, whichever is greater – along with a higher APR than that of regular purchases. Interior Federal cash advance APR is the same as the one for regular purchases!

95,000 Free and Convenient ATMs and a Total of 5,400 Shared Branches Across the Country

While many credit unions offer ATM access, here at Interior Federal, our members have access to over 95,000 totally free ATMs nationwide, 5,400 shared branches for personalized service, and 24/7 digital banking. Services offered include: withdrawals up to $1,000 from a savings or credit union checking account, transfers of funds, loan payments, balance inquiries, and more.

24/7 Customer Care

Interior Federal offers digital banking and 24/7 member service so you can bank with ease. The member support team is always available if something goes wrong, whether it’s a technical issue or something more complicated.

8 Ways we Save our Members an Average of $2,800 per year

  • Save $450 on car rentals, hotels, events, theme parks, and concerts.
  • $60 in checking account dividends
  • Insurance discounts: $1,000 on Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance, $4.80/month on Term Life Insurance, $700 on Auto Insurance
  • $200 on bank fees
  • Up to $600 in loan promo discounts
  • $120/year in savings on earnings from Purchase Rewards 
  • $120 ShopSPOT debit card points and rewards
  • Redeem credit card points for $0.50 off per gallon of gas. Right at the pump!

Competitive Rates on Certificates, Home Equity, Mortgage, Auto, and Student Loans

To help you manage your finances better than ever before. No matter what stage of life you’re in, we have a solution that fits your needs.

Interior Federal offers competitive rates on certificates and loans. Certificates offer a higher rate of return than regular savings accounts while loans provide the flexibility to refinance large purchases such as cars and homes. We also offer competitive home equity, mortgage, auto, and student loan products.

Fewer Fees than Other Financial Institutions

As a not-for-profit financial institution, Interior Federal is committed to providing its members with the best rates and fees available. We pride ourselves on providing lower fees than those of traditional big banks (and many credit unions, too), while still delivering unbeatable service.

​Fuel Redemption Rewards on Our Credit Card (redeem right at the pump)

Interior Federal Members can benefit from fuel redemption rewards by swiping their Member Rewards Credit Card at a participating gas location and selecting “yes” to receive a $.50 per gallon discount, with a maximum limit of 20 gallons (or $10.00 off) per visit. Receipts will show the discount received after purchase.

Skip a Payment on Your Bill

We offer skip-a-pay on eligible Vehicle, Signature, and Personal Lines of Credit up to $2,500 per month. You can only do two skips per calendar year with a minimum of six months between payments. To qualify, you must be in good standing with the credit union.

Cash Back Redemption Rewards on our Credit Card

The Member Rewards Program and ShopSPOT® Program offer cardholders and members with a checking account the opportunity to earn rewards points for everyday purchases. With the Visa® Platinum Rewards Credit Card, users can earn 1 point per $1 spent. Points earned through both programs can be combined to redeem as cash-back rewards, as well as discounts on fuel, travel, gift cards, merchandise, experiences, and live events.

Discounts on Travel, Entertainment, Car Rentals, and More through Working Advantage Partnership

Unlike banks, Interior Federal members can now take advantage of discounted prices on travel, entertainment, and car rentals through the Working Advantage partnership. By using the exclusive code in online banking, members can save money on theme parks, airfare, concert tickets, and more!

Discounts on Auto and Home Insurance (as well as Life, AD&D, and Health Insurance)

Interior Federal members may qualify for discounts on auto and home insurance through the TruStage program. Auto insurance offers savings, nationally recognized companies, friendly 24/7 service, inflation protection, and discounts for multiple vehicles. Home insurance provides coverage for damages or loss due to various events, potential savings, discounts for multiple policies, temporary housing assistance, and more.

Rebates from Realty Services for Buying and Selling a Home

HomeAdvantage is a free to use program we offer our members when buying/selling a home. This program is through our partner, CUMA (Credit Union Mortgage Association). They offer hand-picked knowledgeable agents, rebates, valuation tools, and more! 

Free Credit Counseling

GreenPath offers a variety of free services to help individuals and families achieve financial health. These include free credit counseling, webinars on financial wellness topics, debt counseling, housing counseling services, student loan counseling, budgeting, and credit building. Through these services, GreenPath provides the first free consultation and helps to set people on a path toward improved financial security.

Real-Time, Self-Service Card Management

Interior Federal can offer you the convenience of real-time, self-service card management. This allows members to take full control over their debit and credit cards with features such as:

  • Card lock/unlock: You can lock your card anytime, anywhere, to prevent unauthorized use. You can also unlock it with just a few taps on your device.
  • Transaction notification: You will receive real-time notifications of all the transactions you make on your card.
  • Transaction control: Specify merchants you do not want to make purchases from, and block those transactions from occurring.

Money Management for all Financial Accounts

Money Management allows you to easily review and track all of your financial accounts from one convenient dashboard.

This can be a great tool for budgeting, as it allows you to quickly see how much money you have coming in and how much money you’re spending each month. You can set up alerts to be notified when transactions occur or thresholds are met. It’s like having a personal assistant helping you stay on top of your finances.

We Volunteer Within our Community Throughout the Year

At Interior Federal, we strive to be active in the areas we serve, helping to bridge the gap of financial wellness in the nationwide communities we serve. We have participated in Great Outdoors Month with The Corps Network and National Public Lands Day at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, just two examples of how we are engaging with our members and community. This allows us to make a positive contribution while strengthening our relationships.

Any Questions About These Benefits?

From free ATMs and shared branches across the country, to a no-fee credit card, competitive rates on certificates and loans, cash back redemption rewards, fuel redemption rewards, realty rebates for buying or selling a home, free credit counseling, and more, Interior FCI has something for everyone. With so many features and credit union benefits, it’s no wonder that our average credit union member can save up to $2500 a year! 

If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Contact us today!

 

Related Content: Streamline Your Busy Lifestyle with Interior Federal

Want more credit union information?
Subscribe to eNews