Fourth New Location Serves Growing Membership of 40,000 in Phoenix Metro

For 65 years, Vantage West Credit Union has served the financial needs of Members, primarily across southern Arizona. Now, with approximately 40,000 Members in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Vantage West continues to expand its footprint in the Valley of the Sun, by adding more convenient options to serve its Members.

On January 11, the fourth new branch since 2018 opened in the Phoenix metro—Vantage West at Crismon Gateway (1815 S. Crismon Rd, Suite 102 in Mesa).

The 1,925-square foot space supplements the 71 branded ATMs placed at Target and CVS locations throughout the Valley in 2018, and at the other five branches in the Phoenix area. To better serve all Members, Vantage West also performed an online banking refresh in 2019.

According to Tony Isom, the location’s manager, “Our Members are able to manage much of their account activity through online and mobile banking options. But for those Members whose needs require in-person consultation or who prefer in-branch banking, we are excited to offer accommodating locations.”

A focal point inside the branch is a scenic mural showcasing the Superstition Mountains and surrounding saguaro landscape. It is just one symbol of Vantage West’s commitment to active participation in the communities it serves. Vantage West employees engage in local Chamber of Commerce activities and enjoy networking, supporting, and volunteering with a variety of local organizations.

A new way to bank

Vantage West at Crismon Gateway embraces the banking model commonly referred to as “relationship banking.” This model is one that innovative financial institutions across the country have adopted.

Relationship banking creates a convenient and interactive experience while retaining personal and individual attentiveness.

In contrast to traditional banking models, this framework trains Relationship Bankers to provide virtually any service Members need, in a customized and engaging environment.

Vantage West at Crismon Gateway is prominently located in the developing Crismon Gateway Village shopping center. Neighboring businesses in the plaza are a brief walk away—including Black Rock Coffee, Sassy’s Café & Bakery, Radius Fitness, and Martin Dental, among others. The Mountain Vista Medical Center and Superstition Springs Center are also nearby.

Local partnership

Vantage West has partnered with DBSI, a banking design-build firm named Most Innovative, Most Admired, Top Design Firm, and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company. Chandler-based DBSI and Vantage West’s partnership has proven to be a valuable collaboration for both companies. The partnership with DBSI enables Vantage West to address the specific needs of its Membership by applying proven and leading technological solutions.

The expansion into the Phoenix market aligns with the credit union’s vision for strategic success through market growth and fulfills its mission to “ignite collaborative relationships with Members and the communities it serves, so all can thrive together.”

What is a credit union?

If this sounds like just another bank growing in the Phoenix metro, think again. If you were to ask people what they think the difference is between a bank and a credit union, you would likely hear answers like, “It’s like a bank, only smaller,” or, “Credit unions only accept certain people,” as though they are exclusive clubs.

It is true that many credit unions do exist to serve specific professions or groups, like labor unions, government employees, and military members. But many credit unions are community-based and only require you to live, work, worship, or attend school in a specific community.

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.

Credit unions like Vantage West are not-for-profit cooperatives. That means the credit union employees and members collaborate to achieve a common goal—taking care of each other and strengthening their communities.

Credit unions offer many of the services banks offer, including:

• Checking accounts
• Debit cards
• Savings accounts
• Credit cards
• Home, car, personal, and business loans

Often, the rates on these products and services are better than bank rates, because credit unions invest their profits back into their membership.

According to the 2019 Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Member Benefits Report, the annual benefits for a Vantage West Member household is an average of $358. That reflects lower loan rates, higher dividends, and lower fees when compared to local banks. The number goes up to $1,982 in direct financial benefits for “high-use Member households.” 

If you have not looked into a credit union, please consider visiting VantageWest.org. At the time of this writing, social distancing measures remain in place and Vantage West asks Members to schedule an appointment at VantageWest.org/Locations prior to visiting any branch. Vantage West hopes to see you at Crismon Gateway or one of the other Phoenix locations.

Vantage West Phoenix Branches

Cooper Square
1671 South Cooper Road, Gilbert, AZ 85233

North Stapley
1239 E. McKellips Road, Suite 110, Mesa, AZ 85203

Dobson Ranch
1955 W. Baseline Road, Suite 110 Mesa, AZ 85202

Crismon Gateway
1815 Crismon Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ 85209

Black Canyon
3416 North 24th Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85015

Shea
10440 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85028

About Vantage West Credit Union

Vantage West is the largest credit union in southern Arizona. It was established in 1955 to serve airmen at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Since then, the credit union has expanded to serve Members in Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, and Cochise counties. Vantage West offers consumer and business banking services, and is federally insured by NCUA.