The Advantages and Disadvantages of Refinancing Your Mortgage

Homeowners refinance for a variety of reasons, some of which include opting for lower interest rates as they become available, taking advantage of built-up equity in their home by borrowing additional amounts, and moving from an adjustable mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage. There’s a variety of refinancing options, but it can be hard to know all the pros and cons of refinancing before you commit. Take a look at some advantages and disadvantages of refinancing.

Disadvantages

When weighing the disadvantages of refinancing your mortgage, consider what you will ultimately gain in savings from refinancing. How much will you be spending in fees, closing costs, penalties, and paying points? Will it be worth it to move forward and refinance? Will you be paying more in higher interest rates if you move from a fixed-rate mortgage to an adjustable rate mortgage?

Another thing to consider is that depending on the term and length of a new loan, it may take much longer to pay off your home than it may under your current plan. Equity may make a difference in how you consider refinancing. Taking equity out of the house may mean you owe significantly more money. Taking cash out may decrease equity in your home, which can trigger a few additional maneuvers on your part—one of which could require you to carry private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Advantages

While there can be many disadvantages that may make you hesitate when it comes to refinancing, there can be many advantages that can make refinancing the best option for your financial future.

Refinancing can help you better define the terms of your payments. It can shorten repayment time, reduce your interest rate, and lower monthly payments. Taking advantage of low rates could improve your loan period and grant you more leverage in negotiating. Greater flexibility means improving your chances of obtaining a favorable deal.

Consolidation of loans can also streamline your repayment plan, and make your repayment plan more manageable. Another advantage of refinancing your mortgage is that you could potentially avoid the risk of rising interest rates if you move from an adjustable to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Before you decide on or against refinancing your mortgage, do your research to find the best fit for your finances. Speak to a professional financial expert to help you weigh the pros and cons of refinancing your mortgage. Contact one of our specialists at Financial One Credit Union in order to make great strides in your financial security today.

Nine Reasons to Pick a Local Lender

If you are looking for a lender who can offer you personalized assistance and has an outstanding reputation, look no further than Financial One Credit Union. Local lenders can provide you with better rates and better service than national and online lenders. Take a look our top nine reasons to pick a local lender:

1.     Develop a Relationship

Don’t be just another number in the system. Choosing a local lender that is a member of the community gives you the opportunity to develop a real relationship with your money-managing institution. With a local lender, you will have someone advocating for you that understands the history, members, and potential of the community.

2.     You Can Trust Your Local Lender

Especially with online lenders, there is a great risk of fraud, scams, and illegal business practices. Establishing a relationship built on trust and reliability will create a partnership that you would not receive from an online national lender. That trust and reliability will go a far way in ensuring a successful lending process.

3.     Get Reliable References.

From previous lenders to community partners, your local lender will be able to obtain personal testimonials for your consideration. With trusted references, you will have a sound mind knowing that your local lender has successfully helped other members of your community, not just nameless faces.

4.     They Get to Know You Personally

There are a variety of benefits that come with getting to know your lender personally. For starters, they know how to cater to your personal needs. They can also give you advice that pertains to your personal situation as well as prevent you from making financial mistakes. Local lenders can establish a personal repertoire and offer you superior customer service.

 

5.     Local Lenders Know the Rules

Local lenders in your state will know all of the regulations, rules, standards, and everything else involved in the process of procuring a mortgage. This can make the process go much more smoothly since they know what they are doing not just in reference to everyday banking, but specific to your community.

6.     Local Lenders Cause Less Stress.

With the assurance of a trusted and professional local lender, you can rest easy knowing that they will take care of all your questions and concerns personally. Having a relationship with your local lender will alleviate much of the uncertainty and stress that coincides with getting a mortgage, auto loan, student loan, and a variety of other financial transactions.

7.     They Can Get You A Better Deal

In advocating on your behalf, local lenders will often shop around for a variety of different lenders and loan programs to find the best deal. This can help you save money and enjoy the most appropriate plan for your needs.

8.     Benefit From Immediate Help

Rather than wait for email responses or be put on hold with 1-800 numbers, local lenders can provide immediate help. They will also be less likely to misinterpret your questions, and be better able to provide immediate answers to your concerns. Quick responses can also help you close deals rather than waiting and potentially losing out on special offers.

9.     They Care

When you work with a local lender, their work doesn’t stop at the application. Local lenders will personally follow-up on your process during and after to ensure you are receiving what you want.

For anyone in the process of lending, we recommend that you understand the importance of selecting the right lender. Find a knowledgeable and experienced lender that can cater to your needs. Credit unions like Financial One are not for profit, we’re for you and we’re for our community. For more information on our loan process, visit Personal Loans page at Financial One Credit Union.

Win Money by Saving Money

Exciting news if you’re looking to save money in 2016: Financial One Credit Union will be taking part in WINcentive Savings, an incentive program that repays you for saving!

According to a survey done by bankrate.com in June of 2015, nearly 78% of Americans don’t have enough savings to cover them for six months if they were to lose their job. While this may be shocking, it’s even more disturbing that 29% of Americans don’t even have a saving account. Financial One is hoping to reverse this trend by partnering with WINcentive Savings and rewarding members for saving with cash prizes.

So how does WINcentive work?  

Think of this program like a lottery, only you can never lose. For every $25 you deposit into your WINcentive capable savings account, you will be entered into a drawing to win $100 monthly, $500 quarterly and $5,000 annually. Four entries per month are permitted; that means if you deposit $25 per week, not only will you have been entered to win the prize money, but you would have also saved $100 - a complete win-win. Financial One is one of 14 credit unions in Minnesota taking part in this incentive program that started on January 1st. Visit mncun.org for more information on the WINcentive program.

Not sure how you want to save?

Financial One not only has a well-informed staff that can help you figure out what’s important to you, but we also offer a variety of savings accounts to meet your individual needs. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are ideal for planning for the future, and Health Savings Accounts are perfect for members who want to set aside funds for medical expenses before they arise. These are just a few of the accounts offered; you can learn about more ways to save on our website.

For more information contact us on the web, or give us a call at (763) 404-7600.  The first WINcentive Savings drawing for January deposits begin in February, so now is the perfect time to start saving!

Alternative Valentine's Day Ideas That Won't Break The Bank

Valentine’s Day - that wonderful day filled with chocolate, gifts and celebrating the love between you and your significant other. However, Valentine's day can also be expensive. A fancy dinner, a nice gift (traditionally flowers or jewelry) and possibly a new outfit for a fancy dinner. For those of us on a budget, this day of love can turn into a nightmare. It doesn’t have to be that way. We have a few ideas that you and your significant other can enjoy the day without breaking the bank.

Dinner for Two

Skip the stuffy, undoubtedly packed restaurant and make dinner together at home. Although this may seem obvious and bland, cooking together is a great way to connect and you won’t have to wait an hour to get a table. Also, cooking at home is less expensive. On average a chicken dinner out is about $14-$20 not including drinks, whereas the same dish cooked at home is about $6-$10 and you can take as long as you want to eat since there isn’t a waiter trying to turn over tables.

Creative Gifts

Okay, so dinner is planned - now about that gift… This is where you will have to get creative but if you don’t want to drop a large amount of money on one item, give them the gift of yourself. Make a coupon book for your significant other filled with fun coupons like “You win this fight” or “I’ll do the dishes.” This is a great gift for both men and women, plus there are many different websites where you can print the perfect customized coupons for your partner.

Thinking of You...

On Valentine’s Day, a lot of people have flowers sent to their special someone at their work. However, flowers and delivery are expensive. Here’s an alternative: Plan ahead, write a heartfelt letter to your love and mail it to them. Most people only get work-related mail at their office so this will be just as special and will let them know that you are thinking about them. Also, sending a letter is less than a dollar.

Tradition on a Budget

Still like the idea of a bouquet for Valentine’s Day? A normal bouquet of roses runs about $50, though can be much higher during valentine’s day, and are even more if they come with a vase. Our suggestion - look into alternative bouquets. Dollar stores offer a wide variety of balloons for, you guessed it, a dollar. These balloon bouquets are great and you are able to find the balloons to fit your partner.

If you are still insistent on buying the traditional chocolates and flowers, wait a day. Most stores have huge after Valentine’s Day deals that you can take advantage of. So talk with your love about postponing celebrating.

The most important thing when planning your alternative Valentine’s Day is to remember that the day is about celebrating the love you have for each other in your own special way. If you need more help with figuring out how much you can afford this Valentine's Day give Financial One a call at (763) 404-7600 or check out our website; we can help set you up with a budget and get you on the right track.

There’s No Place for Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season is here, and there’s a good chance your wallet has already taken a couple of blows. With all of the enticing deals, gifts to buy, and social gatherings during this time of the year, it becomes rather easy to overspend and run short on money. This may be especially true if you found yourself tempted into buying something you didn’t need on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Regardless of how it happened, running low on money can be a very stressful situation, especially during the holidays.

Have no fear - Financial One is here to help! Whether you’re running low on money for gifts, or looking to afford a holiday trip, we have your solution. We are offering a special holiday solution loan, which can be applied for now. The rates on this loan are fantastic (we recommend checking them out), and it might just be your ticket to a stress-free holiday season.

A Holiday Solution Loan is not the only option - we also offer budget-friendly financing on personal loans and lines of credit, which come without annual or prepayment fees. You will receive helpful, member-first service throughout the entire process, and we will tailor your financing to fit your unique situation. After all, not everyone’s financial situation is the same. Not to mention, we handle the process in-house, which helps ensure that we get you money as soon as possible.

Regardless of your plans this holiday season, there’s no need to stress. Whatever you want to do, Financial One is here to get you there! Stop by one of our branches or give us a call at (763) 404-7600 if you have any questions regarding our holiday solution loan, personal loans, or lines of credit. We’d love nothing more than to help you make this holiday season one to remember.

Tis’ the Season of Giving

With the season of giving heading into full swing, many people are looking for ways to give back to their community. Giving back to our community is a huge part of who we are at Financial One Credit Union. However, we understand the ability to give varies from person to person, as it is often dependent on an individual’s financial situation and amount of free time. If you are in search of ways to give back to your community this holiday season, check out some of the ideas below. You’re sure to find one that fits your budget and your schedule.

The Salvation Army

During the holiday season, the Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers to be bell ringers. By volunteering for just one shift as a bell ringer (which is two hours long), you will be able to raise enough money to provide a week’s worth of groceries to a family in need. If bell ringing isn’t your thing, there are several other opportunities to give back through the Salvation Army.

Greater Twin Cities United Way

Another great organization to give back with is the Greater Twin Cities United Way. It is their mission to create better lives for both individuals and the community by uniting people in the fight against poverty. They offer a variety of ways to give back, which include volunteering, donating, and participating in events.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

If you’d like to give back to children this holiday season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities is a great option. This organization focuses on helping children realize their potential and start building their futures. They also have several ways to give back, which include donating, volunteering, and participating in events.

Toys for Joy

Similar to Toys for Tots, Toys for Joy is a charitable organization that collects Christmas toys for underprivileged children. The difference is that all of the money raised stays in Anoka County. They have volunteer opportunities available and also welcome donations of food, toys, and funding.

Meals On Wheels

This association works to ensure that seniors and people with disabilities in your community receive the nutritious meals and social interaction they need to live independently at home. You can give back through Meals On Wheels by volunteering to deliver meals to these individuals or helping provide meals.

At Financial One, we encourage you to find a way to give back to your community this holiday season. The list we provided contains some great opportunities to give back, but they are just a few of the many ways you can do so. Check out other great opportunities at Anoka County Online.

Create Purchase Power with Financial One

Imagine this: You've just graduated college and put in a few resumes. You feel anxious about hearing back from your new potential employers, and then... yes! You get a call to schedule an interview for the job you've had your eye on! This is PERFECT! The only problem is, you've been so busy studying for finals and working to pay for school that you haven’t been thinking about or saving for clothes shopping. You have no professional clothes whatsoever, and this is an event that requires more than yoga pants. Problem solved; you apply for Financial One’s Rewards Visa Credit Card and get approved! Now you can shop online or in store with no issue.

With Financial One’s Rewards Visa Card, there are no annual fees or balance transfer fees. Also, there are no fees for cash advances, so while you’re out, go ahead and borrow a few extra dollars to treat yourself to lunch. Financial One offers competitive fixed rates so there’s no time wasted comparing them to all the other cards sending you offer after offer.

In addition to the awesome credit offerings, this card will pay you for shopping! You will earn one point per every dollar spent. There is no limit to the amount of points you can earn, and they never expire. You also have the opportunity to earn bonus points by shopping with participating retailers. Earn 2x, 3x, 4x, or more points by shopping at places you already do! Rewards can also be redeemed for travel expenses such as airfare, hotels or even a cruise! Or you can use your points to get gift cards from Best Buy, Macy’s or Amazon. This card also offers easy management of payments. You can pay your bill 24/7 online!

With Financial One Credit Union’s Rewards Visa Credit Card, you find a solution to your financial setback and gain Purchase Power!

The Best Home Loans for Your Financial Planning

Finding the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood in the perfect town for your family is a big enough feat as it is. Why spend more time stressing out about how to finance your home? Luckily, Financial One Credit Union offers a variety of options for home financing.

Financial One offers competitively low rate solutions for whether you are buying, building, or refinancing your home. Better yet, our home loans are available for primary residences, second homes, vacation homes, mobile homes, and investment properties- meaning you can take care of both your house and your lake cabin with us.

Partnerships with Cambria Mortgages and local neighborhood consultants are available to help keep you informed so you can make the best decision. They offer members personal guidance as well as mortgage loan calculators to help you research home mortgage loans and sift through the best deals for you in terms of competitive rates and repayment plans.

Better still, Financial One offers home equity loans for your home improvement renovations whether large or small. Your could finance up to $15,000 with rates as low as 3.99% and payments as low as $50 per week. Financial One makes this loan process easy and convenient. You can apply online at any time, then once approved, you can sign electronically at home and receive funding in as little as 24 hours. This means you can start your dream home renovation project this weekend!

At Financial One Credit Union, we take care of our members and what matters most to them. Financing your home should not be a chore. Start with a visit to our website and then follow up by meeting with our home loan consultants to take advantage of what we have to offer with our home loans and payment protection plans that will protect your dream home and family today.

Hops For Hunger

Financial One Credit Union, as well as Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) is proud to present the third annual Hops for Hunger! On Saturday, March 28th, brewers such as Boom Island, Dangerous Man, Fair State Brewing Coop, Sociable Cider Works and many, many more will be in attendance. Tickets are $35 and that cost includes the entry fee as well as tasting samples from all of the vendors that will be in attendance.

Not only will there be plenty of tasty beer to sample, but this event also includes live music from The
Brandon Projekt and Ash St. Johns Music, a silent auction that will include some awesome prizes, and a raffle if you are feeling lucky. Don’t forget to try some of the amazing food from Chowgirls Killer Catering.

The best part of this event is that all proceeds will go to benefit the Southern Anoka Community Assistance food shelf. SACA is a nonprofit that serves the communities of Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Fridley, and Spring Lake Park. In past years, Hops for Hunger has allowed SACA to purchase 175,000 pounds of food! It will again take place at the Solar Arts Building, 711 15th Ave NE, Minneapolis, just upstairs from Indeed Brewing.

Financial One Credit Union is excited to be a part of this event and thank you for supporting SACA. Your help allows them to help our local communities. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday evening at Hops for Hunger III! Purchase tickets here: http://bit.ly/1xd4abr

Tips When Buying A Used Car

Buying a used car can save you a ton of money on your next vehicle. But with that comes risk as well. Minimize your risk by taking a look at these 5 easy steps on how to locate, price and negotiate.

Build a List of Cars You Want 

Avoid going into the process with only one car in mind. Put together a list of 3-5 makes and models that have you interested. Remain flexible, and you will have the best chance to find value in your price range.

Check the History of the Vehicle 

By using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate, you can access history reports about any car you would like. These reports often have information that is crucial to the buying process. If the report is negative, try looking for a completely different vehicle.

Give it a Test Drive 

Trying out the car in person is your best bet to seeing if it is in good condition. It’s also your chance to see if it fits you right. Is it easy to get in and out? Is there enough room? How about the visibility? These are all vital to the final purchase of the vehicle

Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate 

People usually tense up when it comes to negotiation. Head into the conversation relaxed and make sure you are comfortable with the seller. Start with a low offer, but make sure it’s not too outrageous. Make sure you know exactly how high you will go before talks begin. Be patient, but never be afraid to walk out.

Close the Deal 

Before you make the final purchase, keep in mind that you have just bought a used car “as is”. That means there are no promises or guarantees after the sale is finished. After you have completed the purchase make sure the old owner has transferred title and registration to you. Also, make sure you update your insurance policy as soon as possible.

Team up with Financial One Credit Union to get a great interest rate and repayment options on your next used car loan! We provide helpful, member-focused service throughout the entire process.

Wherever you are, wherever you're going, we're here to get you there!

DIY Holiday Gift Ideas

Like many of us, you’re probably feeling the holiday spirit this season. While it is supposed to fill you with cheer, it can sometimes leave your wallet empty. Keep the spirit of giving going this holiday season with these inspired DIY gifts. Easy to create and fun to give, the magic of Christmas generosity lives on with a budget that even Scrooge would be comfortable with.

Paperwhites in Mason Jars

Happy little growers just add water.

You’ll need:

-Paper white bulbs

-Mason jars

-Colorful stones or glass

Your paperwhite bulb will not need chilling in order to bloom, and will grow easily without soil. You can find the bulbs at most gardening stores or nurseries. Fill mason jar ¾ full with stones, and set paperwhite bulb on top of stones. Secure lid over the bulb, allowing bulb to stick out of lid. Add a decorative flare with pine trimmings, twine or ribbon, and attach a homemade instructions card.

Stylized Porcelain Mugs

For the coffee enthusiast, a pretty way to brighten any morning.

You’ll need:

-Porcelain mug

-Sharpie paint oil based markers or Decoart glass paint markers

-Oven

Wash mug and stencil on design with pencil, or using painters tape. Draw design with paint markers (we like metallic gold for polka dots or chevron designs) and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes to set paint. Allow to cool in oven. Voila! Mugs are dishwasher safe, but for best long term results, hand wash only.

Coffee Bean Soap 

A little bit of homemade luxury.

You’ll need:

-1 lb package melt and pour soap base

-Ground coffee beans

-Milk and honey fragrance oil (find at any craft store)

-Soap mold

Measure out how much soap base you will need, per soap mold instructions and cut soap base into cubes for melting purposes. Place soap in microwave safe bowl for melting and heat at 15 second intervals, stirring between each, until soap base is melted. Once melted (be sure not to overheat), quickly add in coffee grounds and stir, adding in fragrance oil and stirring (fragrance will come with amount directions). Pour soap into molds, nixing bubbles on the top of molds with a spritz of rubbing alcohol if needed. Soap will take 1-3 hours to harden. Pop out of molds and soap is ready for gifting!

His Favorite Beer Glasses 

Turn used bottles into treasured glasses.

You’ll need:

-Favorite beer bottles

-Acetone

-Small dish and rag

-Scrap string

-Sandpaper

Fill sink with cold tap water and handfuls of ice. In a small dish, pour enough acetone to soak your string. Cut a piece of string long enough to wrap bottle 5-6 times around, and tightly wrap string around bottle where you want to separate the glass you’ll have from the top of the bottle. Tie a knot in the yarn and trim extra from ends; slip off of bottle and submerge in acetone. Slip soaked yarn back onto bottle where the cut will be made. Hold bottle horizontal over sink and light the string with lighter, rotating the bottle until flame burns out after about 30 seconds. Once flame burns out, submerge bottle and string in ice bath and the top should separate where the yarn was (if top does not come off, repeat process until bottle separates). Use sandpaper to smooth the edges, and you’ve got a guy-approved gift!

The holidays should be a season for spreading cheer and spending time with family and friends. Don’t let the financial strains of the season stop you from getting into the Holiday gift-giving spirit. From all of us at Financial One, we hope you have a safe Holiday season and a very happy New Year!

Holiday Scams and How to Prevent Them

‘Common Holiday Scams and How You Can Prevent Them’

For every family looking to enjoy a safe and exciting holiday season, there awaits a thief or criminal looking to take advantage of holiday goers. To prevent a Scrooge from harming your family and identity, take the following common holiday scams into consideration.

Gift Cards

Gift cards often are an excellent way to ensure that your loved one will receive something they love and will use. They are also one of the most common scams during the holiday season. Scammers take advantage of holiday shoppers by either scanning the magnetic strip on the card or by counterfeiting cards. To avoid this problem, consider purchasing cards from the customer service desk, and always ask for the card to be scanned if it is pre-loaded.

Delivery Targets

The holidays are an exceptionally busy time for delivery services. Many thieves take advantage of this and develop multiple scams involving delivery companies. One such scam involves leaving a notice at your door that states you missed a package and that you must call and arrange for delivery of the package. Once you call, the scammer asks for your personal and private information such as your PIN or your social security number. Call the postal office or delivery carrier to ensure if your expected package has arrived. Your local postal office, UPS, or FedEx does not require such personal information to deliver your package. Be wary of this very common scam.

Phishing Scams

Checking your email during the holiday season most likely means you are bombarded with emails on discounted merchandises, final holiday sales, coupons, and much more. While many of these emails may save you a ton in your holiday budget, be wary of emails and links that hold malicious malware and viruses. Identity theft would be a rather unwanted holiday present. Unfortunately, there is no surefire way to guarantee that an email is 100% safe, so if you are tempted by a link or offer, travel to the website itself to see whether the email was indeed legitimate.

Facebook and Grandparent Scams

Facebook hacks and grandparent scams are done year-round, but are even more prevalent during the holiday season. The scams often start with a social media account posting or a phone call claiming to be a loved one who claims to be in trouble and in need of some money. Often hackers will obtain personal information in the hopes of making the scam seem more authentic. To prevent this if you have a loved one traveling, consider setting up a secret code word or registering with the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov/step/ to help with communication in emergencies.

Old Scams are Still Common for a Reason

Warning: Not all holiday scams happen electronically. Thieves can still act as door to door salesmen casing homes or criminals who tail delivery services and are prepared to snatch your package up when you are not home. During the holidays, people are generally in high and giving spirits. Unfortunately, scammers are more than prepared to take advantage of this. Fake charities often spring up looking for people to trick into donating. To ensure whether or not a charity is legitimate, check out www.charitynavigator.org.

Holiday scams occur nearly every year and it may be likely that you or your loved one may be a victim of a scam. To help ensure you are not, use common sense and read the fine print before giving your personal information away. Research and double check before each and every purchase. Or consider setting up a cash only policy in your household instead of a debit or credit card during the holiday seasons. Consider all these tips to have a safe and exciting holiday season.

KASASA This Holiday Season!

Thank you for being a member of Financial One Credit Union. With our recent rebrand we wanted to let our members know what’s new and what’s different! We decided to partner with BancVue, also known as KASASA. KASASA is an effort to fight against “big banks” and show people that banking should be free and you should be rewarded for having your money at our financial institution.

What is new with Financial One? We will now be offering high yield checking accounts that pay up to 2% APR, or a 4% cashback on purchases up to $20. You also have the option of an iTunes reward account that will allow you to earn up to $5 per month in iTunes or Amazon credits with a $20 sign up bonus, just for using your checking account.

Each account does have qualifiers: you must have e-statements and you must login to online banking at least once in a qualifying period (usually the 1st of the month thru the 29th or 30th depending on the month). You must also use your debit card at least 12 times within that same qualifying period.

What is different with Financial One? We have always offered free checking accounts to our members, but now you will also have the option to earn rewards! Members decide which reward program to be in based on the accounts mentioned above. In addition to the newly added reward accounts, we also have a new website which allows our members to access our products and services with greater ease than in the past. Also, with the new website, members and non-members can now open accounts online rather than having to come into the branch.

We hope you will enjoy the changes to Financial One Credit Union. If you have any questions about KASASA please do not hesitate to contact us.

Big Changes at Financial One Credit Union!

Thank you for being a member of Financial One Credit Union. With our recent rebrand we wanted to let our members know what’s new and what’s different! With the rebrand we decided to partner with BancVue, also known as KASASA! KASASA is an effort to fight against the “big banks” and show people that banking should be free and you should be rewarded for having your money at our financial institution.

What is new with Financial One? We will now be offering high yield checking accounts that pay up to 2% APR, or a 4% cash back on purchases up to $200, or an iTunes reward account that will allow you to earn up to $5 per month in iTunes or Amazon credits with a $20 sign up bonus, just for using your checking account.

Each account does have qualifiers! You must have e-statements and you must log in to online banking at least once in a qualifying period (usually the 1st of the month thru the 29th or 30th depending on the month) as well as use your debit card at least 12 times within that same qualifying period.

What is different with Financial One? We have always offered “free” checking accounts to our members, but now you will also have the option to earn rewards! Members need to decided to be in the accounts mentioned above. In addition to the newly added reward accounts, we also have a new website which allows our members to access our products and services much easier than it was in the past. Also, with the new website, members and non-members can now open accounts online rather than having to come into the branch!

We hope you will enjoy the changes to Financial One Credit Union. If you have any questions about KASASA please do not hesitate to contact us!