Vantage West Advantage

 

Federally insured by NCUA

When we ask people what they think the difference is between a bank and a credit union, we often hear answers like, “It’s like a bank, only smaller,” or “Credit unions only accept certain people,” as if they are some kind of exclusive club. The primary difference between a bank and a credit union is that a bank exists to enhance the wealth of its shareholders while a credit union serves the unique needs of its Members. By holding an account with a credit union, you essentially become a shareholder yourself. We wanted to address this and other misunderstandings regarding credit unions and provide a few reasons why you might want to consider adopting one like Vantage West as your financial partner. Check out the perks and incentives of becoming a Vantage West Member.

6 Benefits of Choosing Vantage West:


Your Money Stays in the Community

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being part of a credit union is that you are supporting your community. While most banks are headquartered in New York, San Francisco and other major cities, credit unions are local institutions. That means your Membership helps fund local businesses and helps your community thrive. Because at Vantage West, we believe that when our Members thrive, our communities thrive.

Customer Service is Localized

Few things are as frustrating as dealing with customer service over the phone. Most of us have experienced the twilight zone scenario of being transferred to multiple operators before you reach the right representative. Meanwhile, you have to repeat your account number each time, like an infinite loop of unhelpfulness. You’ll never go through this with Vantage West because we are run by Members of your community. Rather than explaining your issue to someone in another state, you’re more likely to see a credit union customer service agent ahead of you in the checkout line. Vantage West strives to know all of our Member’s names to assure that you’re treated like a person, not a number.

Easier Access to Personal and Business Loans

At most big banks, you’re simply a mass of data on a screen. Unfortunately, this abstract data determines whether or not you get accepted for a loan. Conversely, at Vantage West we work with loan applicants on a one-on-one basis. This allows us to assess the applicant’s specific needs and help them make necessary adjustments to their applications to better ensure approval.

Credit Unions Are Also Insured

Another common misconception is that credit unions aren’t covered under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), so your deposits aren’t insured. This also isn’t true. Credit union deposits are covered under the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which insures deposits up to $250,000, the same amount as the FDIC. While it’s a different name, the NCUA serves the same function to keep your money safe.

We Play Well With Other Credit Unions

Another common misconception is that credit unions have fewer branches and ATMs, so your money is more difficult to access. But these statements don’t consider that most credit unions take part in the Shared Branching Co-op network. While big banking has become a cut-throat business, Vantage West has found that it’s more helpful to collaborate. In Southern Arizona alone, Vantage West has 33 branches and 38 ATMs spread across various credit unions. At these shared branches, you’re able to make withdrawals, deposits, loan payments and make transfers between accounts.

Discounts and Other Member Perks

Vantage West offers a number of perks and incentives for our Members, including:

Discounts to the Reid Park Zoo, ADT Home Security, TruStage Insurance and more

Identity Theft and Fraud Education

Overdraft Protection

Visa Checkout

Annual Skip-A-Payment

Much more

Customer Loyalty

Vantage West vs. Credit Unions & National Banks

Vantage West
71%
Credit Unions
59%
National Banks
9%