Although you may use Facebook or Twitter to connect with old friends and family members, you can leverage your credit union’s social media site to your advantage. Consider how to maximize your interactive credit union experience:
Increase Personal Service
While credit unions are known for delivering exceptional one-on-one service, your credit union’s social media portal can provide you with additional opportunities.
For example, when Bellco Credit Union ($2 billion, Greenwood Village, CO) member Laurie Smith was having trouble downloading the credit union’s mobile app, she posted her query on the Bellco Facebook page. Within only a few hours, she received a friendly greeting and a link to download the mobile banking app from a Bellco employee.
Over at Consumers Credit Union ($323 million, Kalamazoo MI), members are sharing comics and jokes with their credit union. Member Ellen Rohl posted a comic that showed a little boy getting a puppy and his dad saying, “You can name her whatever you like but be sure it’s something you can remember. You’ll be using it as a security question for the rest of your life.” A credit union employee followed the post by telling the member that the cartoon made everyone’s morning.
Members at Navy Federal Credit Union ($49 billion, Vienna, VA) had no problem figuring out when they will have a shred day or when specific branches will receive a coin machine. After member Tonya Marshall asked about both possibilities on Navy Federal’s Facebook page, her question was followed with a response within 20 minutes. Marshall said that she appreciated the credit union’s prompt response.
Check for Promotions and Giveaways
Credit unions want you to visit and “like” their page so many run contests from time to time giving away a slew of cash and prizes.
Interested in Nokia HF-210 Bluetooth Speakerphone? Last month IBM Southeast Employees’ Federal Credit Union ($800 million, Boca Raton, FL) gave away one during a random drawing for those who “liked” their page. This credit union holds ongoing social media giveaways ranging from gift cards to cash so members tend to check back often.
Currently, Genisys Credit Union ($1.4 billion, Auburn Hills, MI) is promoting International Credit Union Day by giving away a $75 Visa gift card when members post why they chose a credit union as their financial institution. Like IBM Southeast EFCU, Genisys holds monthly social media contests and has given away cash, gift cards, and even a free loan payment.
If you are looking to win money for your favorite charity, then check out Pioneer Credit Union’s ($525 million, Green Bay, WI) “Check-in 4 Charity” social media fundraising blitz. Starting Monday, October 1, the credit union is donating money to favorite member charities every time a member “checks in” through Facebook at a Pioneer branch.
Get Smarter
If you want to learn more about how to maximize your cash, check out your credit union’s Twitter or Facebook page. Most credit unions take pride in providing free financial education at both the branch level and online. Now many credit unions are taking financial education to social media channels by re-posting financial articles, announcing opportunities within the community and sharing financial tips and insight.
Northwest Georgia Credit Union ($60 million, Rome GA) posts financial articles on its Facebook page, covering topics such as mobile banking and budgeting to live seminar announcements held at one of the credit union’s branches.
For South Carolina Federal Credit Union ($1.3 billion, Charleston, SC), it’s all about informing the membership about community involvement and ways to give back. The credit union’s Facebook page is full of posts about ways members can help the American Red Cross, blogging at the local high school football game and pleas to help the Lowcountry Food Bank.
Finance Center Federal Credit Union ($425 million, Indianapolis, IN) is reminding members on its Facebook page that credit unions are a better option than banks. The credit union recently posted an article written by NAFCU about bank fee hikes.
Join a Credit Union
Haven’t looked for your credit union’s Facebook or Twitter page? Find a credit union and discover the endless possibilities presented through social media.
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