The Benefits of Banking with a Credit Union

If you were to ask people about the difference between a bank and a credit union, you might hear answers like, “It’s like a bank, only smaller,” or, “Credit unions offer limited financial services…” But those are misconceptions.

The truth is, credit unions exist in many sizes, and most offer a robust lineup of financial products and services. The difference is that unlike big banks, which exist to maximize profits for their shareholders, credit unions exist to serve the needs of their “Member-owners.” That’s right, as a credit union member, you literally own the organization and get to vote on your credit union’s elected leadership. Credit unions are focused on the unique needs of their member-owners and offer specialty products that cater to their needs. For example:

• Vantage West Credit Union’s Launch Money Market rewards savers with a premium dividend rate on lower balances, which helps Members get an early boost on their savings.
• Credit unions like Vantage West often have lower opening deposit requirements on higher dividend savings accounts, like CDs.
• As an alternative to high-interest payday loans, CashPlease® offered through Vantage West, saves Members on interest and fees, and gets cash in their account in 24 hours or less (upon approval).
• Citizenship Loans can help with the costs of the naturalization application and legal fees associated with the process.
• Vantage West’s Community Business Checking offers local nonprofits many benefits, including fewer fees and low daily balance requirements
• Credit Central is a free online service that allows Members to check their credit score, set up monitoring alerts, and work towards credit goals, without affecting their score.

• Supporting Members and the Community

  As a not-for-profit cooperative, credit unions return profits to their Members in the form of better rates, lower fees, investments in more convenient branch locations and technology. Plus, credit unions like Vantage West are locally operated businesses in the communities where they exist. When you bank with a credit union like Vantage West, your money stays local. As a Tucson-based credit union, Vantage West has a passion for giving back to organizations making a difference in Arizona. Recently, we sponsored Arizona Bilingual’s Giving Community events, where hundreds of gift cards for free Thanksgiving turkeys were given out. We also sponsored the Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival and have a long history of supporting community events and local nonprofits, from Chicanos Por La Causa to the YWCA.

  We also offer scholarships to students continuing their education in Arizona, and even paid off the total fall 2022 lunch debt for Tucson Unified School District.

  Financial Education

  Every Vantage West branch has Certified Financial Coaches to offer free, personalized guidance to help Members set goals, overcome challenges, and create a plan to achieve their financial goals. Children under 18 can take advantage of Vantage West’s Super Saver Club, a youth savings program designed to educate kids on the importance of financial education and reward them for meeting savings goals.

  Committed to the Hispanic Community

  Based in Southern Arizona, Vantage West recognizes the significant impact of the Hispanic community and proudly serves many Hispanic and Spanish-preferring Members. In recognition of that, we were the first credit union in Arizona to receive the Juntos Avanzamos (Together We Advance) designation, which is awarded to credit unions dedicated to addressing the needs of Hispanic and immigrant consumers. For more information, visit Inclusiv.org/Juntos-Avanzamos.

  Learn More

  Want to learn more about the benefits of joining a credit union? Visit VantageWest.Org/Advantage for more information.

  Grand Opening Celebration

  You’re invited to the grand opening of our new I-19 & Irvington branch located at 4850 S. Landing Way in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday, January 25 from 3-5pm. Come, spin the prize wheel, enjoy refreshments, and learn about exclusive offers for new Members. We’ll see you there!