First, a little history
Both of my parents were bankers. My Dad worked for one of the big five Canadian banks from age 18 to 55 before retiring. My mom worked at the same big bank for more than 20 years.
If I wasn't a designer, I'd probably have ended up being a banker. So naturally, you can guess where I did my banking. My first car loan, my first GIC, my first mutual fund, my first mortgage, you get the picture.
Second, a confession
Imagine my predicament coming from a banking family and having established a business that supports and is supported by the credit union industry! I felt strongly that I needed to walk the walk if I were to talk the talk, so to speak. I've had a credit union account for more than a decade, but the switch had to be 100% made so I could confidently say that my primary financial institution was, indeed, a credit union.
The idea was very exciting to me. My conscience would be clear and I would get to take part in the superior service and social consciousness that I had been promoting for all of these years.
After shopping around for the credit union that I felt would best serve my business and my family, I have slowly transitioned all of my banking from the bank to a great credit union. The people are engaged, the service is superior, and I feel more connected than I ever did over there.
Third, so what's the big deal?
The thing that makes this bloggable though is the lack of a fight! First, I moved the mortgage, second my investments, thirds my credit cards, and finally my business account. Obviously, I was never the top customer over there, but I heard nothing. Nada. Not a peep!
We left the business account open for a few months just to make sure all of the pre-authorized payments transitioned properly. So, today, I took my statement, walked up to the counter, and said, "I would like to close this account please."
"Yes sir, can I see your driver's license?" Stamp, print, sign, stamp, print, sign.
"Thank you. Is there anything else?"
I wanted an opportunity to stand on my soapbox and rant. I wanted to say, "Well, we work with credit unions all over the country and it only makes sense for us to do business with a credit union. And by the way, credit unions are better, and they care more, and they contribute to the community, and decisions are made locally, and, and, and..."
As I left the branch, I noticed a brochure for the current promotion. The headline reads, "Let your banking take you away."
It did. Long live the credit union movement!
Tim