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Back to School, Back on Track

A student with a yellow shirt is smiling as he stares at his laptop screen.

When Alex started college last year, he had a lot on his plate—figuring out his schedule, adjusting to dorm life, and trying not to blow through his entire budget in the first month.

This fall, he’s heading back with a fresh mindset. Here’s how Alex is getting back to school (and back on track), with a little help from his local credit union, Vantage West:

Open a Checking Account

Last year, fees caught Alex off guard more than once. This year, he opened an Essential Checking account1 with no monthly maintenance fees. It’s straightforward, and he can easily manage day-to-day expenses—textbooks, takeout, and all—right on his phone.

Start Saving with a Money Market Account

Alex picked up a part-time job over the summer and finally has a bit of savings. He’s putting it to work in the Launch Money Market2, where his first $1,000 earns more than a basic savings account—without needing a huge balance to get started.

Get a Credit Card That Works for Students

Between grocery runs and weekend gas money, Alex needed a more flexible way to pay. A Vantage West Platinum Visa® credit card3 gave him just that—plus the chance to build credit early, with no annual fee and helpful online budgeting tools that make it easy to stay on track.

Learn the Money Stuff They Don’t Teach in Class

No one tells you how to manage money when you’re signing up for classes. Luckily, Alex found Vantage West’s Financial Wellness Program, which offers members free resources, coaching, and guidance on things like credit scores, budgeting, and saving for the future.

Alex isn’t aiming for perfection—he just wants to feel a little more in control this semester. And with the right tools in his financial toolkit, he’s already off to a strong start.

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Disclosures

1 All products, loans, and services are subject to approval. Membership required. Certain restrictions may apply.

2 $100 minimum opening deposit. Limit one (1) Launch Money Market per member.

3 Twelve-month introductory period range from 9.99% APR to 25.99% APR. Introductory rate offered only for new Platinum credit cards and does not apply to increases, conversions or re-opening of a closed credit card. Introductory APR offer subject to change without notice.

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Disclosures

APY(s) = Annual percentage yield(s). Offer subject to change without notice. Subject to approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Federally insured by NCUA.