121 Financial Credit Union

Personalized Service: Just One More Reason to Bank with a Credit Union

Millions of Americans already know about the benefits of banking with a credit union: lower interest rates on loans, competitive mortgage rates, and lifetime membership. If you’re mulling over making the switch, consider one of the defining differences between banks and credit unions: personalized service.

Banks have become increasingly remote and impersonal over the last few decades. Many modern bank practices—including higher interest rates, irritating ATM fees, and tacking penalties onto accounts without warning—have become legendary among former bank customers. Worst of all is the sense of helplessness many bank account holders feel. Most large banks feel no sense of obligation even toward long-time customers; if one account holder leaves, after all, it scarcely affects their bottom line.

After dealing with a bank, banking with a credit union feels like a breath of fresh air. Instead of disinterested, often rude customer service representatives, you will be talking to credit union employees who will greet you by name and answer all your questions directly. It’s the kind of old-fashioned, friendly service your grandparents might have enjoyed at the neighborhood bank—and it’s delivered with the efficiency and convenience that today’s customers have come to expect.

Credit unions work to make access to your account as convenient for you as possible. You won’t be charged any ATM fees or penalized for periods of inactivity. You can also sign up for a program to protect your account information from identity thieves. Customer loyalty is recognized: 121 Financial Credit Union offers its customers a number of exclusive benefits such as restaurant coupons and cash-back rewards.

At 121 Financial Credit Union, we have worked to build a strong connection with the Jacksonville community for more than seven decades. Our employees volunteer community service time every year, and we are involved with a wide range of charities and organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Autism Speaks, and the Jacksonville Humane Society. To learn more about the benefits of banking with us, call our Jacksonville office today at (904) 638-8026.

Can You Spot a Scam?

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Credit Union Night with the Sharks!

Discounted Tickets to the Sharks Game for Credit Union Night!  For more information click here.
 

Identity Theft Protection in the 21st Century

Identity theft happens when an unauthorized person uses your personal information—usually your name, Social Security number, or credit card information—to impersonate you, usually to make purchases or commit a crime. According to the Federal Trade Commission, as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen every year. If you’re concerned about having your identity stolen, talk to your credit union about how you can protect yourself.

Your personal information can be obtained by an identity thief in numerous ways. It can happen in the most obvious way, of course—when your wallet or purse is stolen. But today’s identity thieves usually work in subtler ways:

• If you have ever thrown away a piece of mail with an account number or credit card number, that mail can be retrieved and used to access your account.
• If you have ever used a public computer to check your bank account or make a payment, a thief may be able to access your personal information.
• Some identity thieves use a technique known as phishing to steal your information online. In this trick, a pop-up window or spam email will disguise itself as a legitimate site, asking for your information.

One way to reduce your risk of identity theft is to check your credit union account every day for purchases you have not made. Shred sensitive documents before throwing them away. If you receive a suspicious-sounding email or phone call asking for personal information, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

You should also ask your financial institution about any identity theft prevention services they offer. If a suspicious purchase is made—such as one in another state or even another country—your credit union can put a hold on your account until you have authorized it. At 121 Financial Credit Union, our Benefits Plus program provides you with effective defense against identity theft.

If you would like to switch to a credit union in the Jacksonville area, contact 121 Financial Credit Union. We have been providing outstanding service to our members since our founding in 1935. Call our office in Jacksonville today at (904) 638-8026 for more information.

121 Financial Credit Union Awards Bicycles During National Credit Union Youth Week

            Jacksonville, Fla.; May 17, 2012 – 121 Financial Credit Union gave away eight bicycles as a special incentive to celebrate National Credit Union Youth Week.

            121 Financial Credit Union conducted a series of activities to teach young people to be more aware of their finances and to start saving at an early age.

            To encourage active participation by children during the week, 121 Financial held  drawings for bicycles at each of its eight branches. Also, representatives at each branch were available to talk with kids about the importance of saving and how the credit union can help them learn and earn money through long-term financial strategy with a 121 Youth account.

            121 Financial also offers a special Youth Financial Workbook that helps young customers identify their savings goals and outline the best way to obtain those goals. The workbooks are free and are available at any 121 Financial branch.

            121 Financial Credit Union offers full banking and loan services to any individual and small businesses located throughout Northeast Florida. Established in 1935, 121 Financial Credit Union has over 36,000 members. Deposits are federally insured by NCUA. For more information, visit www.121fcu.org.

Photo Caption: Mason Williams, one of eight winners, shows off the bike he won during 121 Financial Credit Union’s celebration of National Credit Union Youth Week.