Interview With a Local Newport News Credit Union: 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union
Are you aware of the benefits of joining a Newport News credit union? If not, learn about one of the top local institutions in Newport News, VA–1st Advantage Federal Credit Union–and how you can improve your finances by switching.
What sets 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union apart from other local banks and credit unions?
1st Advantage FCU offers competitive low mortgage and loan rates, low to no fees and special offers that give members fantastic money-saving incentives. As a not-for-profit financial co-op, we also pride ourselves on being actively involved in the community.
Do you offer your members online banking and support? Describe some of these services.
We have Advantagenet, a free 24-hour home banking site that gives members access to their accounts 24/7.
We also let members manage their finances anywhere, anytime with Mobile Banking at www.find1a.com. With our Mobile Banking, members can view account balances, account history and more. We also offer free Bill Pay and free eStatements.
Does 1st Advantage FCU participate in an community programs? In what capacity?
As part of our “Life. Shared” philosophy, 1st Advantage prides itself on giving back to the community. Therefore, we work with a variety of non-profit organizations, including, but not limited to, Relay for Life, Operation Homefront Hampton Roads and The Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. Through fundraisers, donations and community organized events we help raise awareness and funds for these organizations.
Why should someone choose a small local financial institution over one of the well-known national chains?
First, 1A doesn’t implement unnecessary fees, unlike many big banks. However, we do offer the same products and services that big banks do.
Second, we make it easy for someone to switch their checking account to 1A with a new service called SwitchAgent.
With SwitchAgent, all a person has to do is visit any 1A branch and one of our qualified representatives will help them open their new checking account and schedule a call with SwitchAgent. Best of all, you’re dealing with a person, not a computer.
Finally, 1A is proud of being a local financial institution. Since 1951, we’ve worked hard to give our members a financial institution where they feel secure when it comes to investing their hard-earned money. At 1A, money is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, so we’re both safe and solid.
How do you see the web impacting your customers’ finances? Have you seen a shift in your walk-in vs. online members?
For members that do not have time to visit a branch, we offer several convenient online services that allow members to conduct their business anytime day or night. We have online applications, including mortgage, auto and credit cards. Members can also keep track of their finances 24/7 with Advantagenet, our home banking site.
However, we will never lose sight of the importance of basic human interaction which some businesses are these days. A good portion of our members prefer to speak to a person whether that’s in a branch or on the phone. We respect that and will always offer our members the privilege of dealing with a representative one-on-one.
What type of special promotions do you offer your members?
We are currently offering members 2 types of Share Certificate Specials, an Auto loan special and several mortgage specials.
Tell us about your most popular deposit product–What are the requirements for opening this account?
FREE Checking: As long as the member qualifies for a checking account they can open this account. No balance is needed to open this account, there is no monthly fee, Free VISA Check Card, no fee on check card transactions and free bill pay with eStatements,
What are typical turnaround times for a mortgage loan or auto loan application to be processed and funded?
Generally, all applications can be processed within 24 to 48 hours.
How have the recent changes in service fees with banks positively or negatively affected 1A?
We are receiving great feedback. Many people are turning to 1st Advantage because they realize that we have little to no fees, great loan and deposit rates, a lot of free services and products and personal hometown customer service.
We invite anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school on the Virginia Peninsula to check us out today at www.1stAdvantage.org!
