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Feb 26, 2021

Why it Pays to Switch to a Credit Union

Credit unions are the way to go if you’re looking for a great financial partner for you and your community. Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that directly contribute to your hometown. 

Local banking makes a substantial economic impact (think loans and jobs).

A strong community requires a healthy economy. Hiring local employees is one way C.U.’s support local economies. Another is by helping local small businesses. Small businesses, the biggest job creators in the country, often turn to credit unions for loans. In addition to offering better rates and fewer fees, credit unions typically process loans locally. The process helps streamline applications and gives credit unions the ability to better understand a borrower’s unique situation before making a loan decision.

And, as local lenders, credit unions reinvest their deposit dollars back into the community. Open an account with a credit union, and you’re helping support businesses and families right near you.

Credit unions are involved in the community.

It’s not just the impact credit unions can have on the economy; it’s community development, too — the good they do for the people they serve in your community.

While many financial institutions give to charity, credit unions are unique. They primarily focus on causes and organizations that impact and are important to the members, industries, and communities they serve.

And, because no one is born knowing how to manage money, credit unions commit themselves to education. Showing and empowering you to save and manage your money wisely is a big part of what they do.

Customer service is still personal.

Personal service at a credit union isn’t just a cliché. It’s the difference between working with someone who understands your financial goals and a faceless, blanket conversation with no vision for the future. 

Local familiarity also factors into how credit unions make decisions. Sure, the math matters, but the person matters too.

Your local credit union has all the right securities.

Credit unions are insured like any other financial institution; the NCUA (National Credit Union Association) insures your deposits up to $250,000 if your C.U. faces trouble for any reason.

Credit unions are subject to federal security standards and safety protocols. Any financial institution has to meet rigorous compliance standards; we’re no exception. It’s our job and our privilege to guard and grow your money!

Credit unions like to say “thank you” in cash.

Your relationship means more, and your money goes further at a credit union. Trusted community service backed by free checking accounts, low-rate loans, and high-earning savings – you’ll be amazed at all your options. (Seriously, this list hardly scratches the surface).

Switching is easier than you think.

No doubt, switching financial institutions can be a hassle — but switching to a C.U. doesn’t have to be complicated! With personal service and a local representative to help you, the switch can be (dare we say it? Yes.) rewarding! 

If you’re ready to make the switch, getting help is as easy as picking up the phone. We’re prepared to help you get started! Let’s meet! 

(P.S. – If you’re more of a Social Media person, D.M. us on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll personally set you up with someone perfect for you and your goals.)

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Our branches will be closed on Monday, September 7 Our branches will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day, but you can still bank with our app wherever your weekend takes you.⁠
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Online & mobile banking are available 24/7, whether you’re at home, on the road, or even at Ryan’s favorite spot in the forest.⁠
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Enjoy your long weekend! We’ll be back on Tuesday for regular business hours.
🚨 Scam alert! 🚨⁠ .⁠ Scammers are getting creative, 🚨 Scam alert! 🚨⁠
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Scammers are getting creative, and we want to help you stay one step ahead.⁠
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If you get a suspicious call, don’t share personal or account information. Hang up and call us directly using our official number to make sure you’re talking to us.⁠
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When it comes to your information, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Stay alert, and as always, we’re here if you need us!⁠
We’re so grateful for our members and the communit We’re so grateful for our members and the community where it all started for us.💚
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Laurel Member BBQ! We loved spending the day with you and celebrating the people who make Altana what it is.
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#AltanaFCU #LaurelMT #MemberBBQ
Throwing it back to our Board of Directors, who've Throwing it back to our Board of Directors, who've always held it down behind the grill at our Laurel Member BBQ. 🍔🌭 Some things never change, including how grateful we are for our members.⁠
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Join us next Thursday, August 27, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for this year's Laurel Member BBQ! Whether you're stopping by for lunch or taking care of your banking, we'd love to see you and say thank you for being an Altana member. 💚
Back-to-school shopping usually means pencils, bac Back-to-school shopping usually means pencils, backpacks, and approximately 47 things your kid swears they need. 🫠⁠
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But there’s one thing worth putting on the list that doesn’t come from the school supply aisle: real-world money skills.⁠
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With Zing, kids and teens can start learning how to spend, save, and manage money with a parent or guardian right there alongside them.⁠
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New school year. New skills. More financial confidence.⁠
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Learn how Zing works at https://altanafcu.org/zing-banking-for-the-next-generation/
Life feels better when the numbers make sense, whi Life feels better when the numbers make sense, which is why we don't gatekeep the math it takes to get you to your goals. ⁠
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Our website has every calculator you need to work out a budget for your next adventure or to estimate loan payments. They're free (and dare we say, fun) and take the guesswork out of your money decisions.⁠
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And we bet you can't guess how many times our calculators were used in 2025! Give it a guess in our stories. 🤭⁠
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Check them out on our website; the link is in our bio or pinned to our highlights📌
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