Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. 5 reasons to take your business banking to a credit union Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. And if you’ve already picked a partner, it might be worth taking a closer look at that relationship, especially if it’s a bank. You might not know what benefits a credit union can offer your business. Serve all of your business banking needs If you’ve been fed the myth that credit unions offer fewer business banking services than banks, we have news for you. Whatever your needs are as a new or established business, a credit union is well equipped to handle them, from lending and checking to credit and investments. Credit unions might often have a small town feel, but they’re built to support big businesses. Credit unions are member-owned The key difference between a credit union and a bank is not their banking services. It can actually be boiled down to one word: profit. Banks are for-profit and their profits go to their shareholders. Credit unions are not-for-profit and member-owned. You might notice the difference in the rates for business loans and business lines of credit. Banks usually charge higher rates than credit unions. Credit unions are also able to offer higher yield on savings accounts. It’s their way of returning their profits back to their members. Credit union fees are designed to benefit members If you long for the days without having to pay annual credit card fees and monthly checking fees, bank with a credit union. As a not-for-profit organization, it means they have less incentive to charge their account holders with a laundry list of extra fees. In fact, Vibrant Credit Union actually charges no fees for all business accounts. If you’re a business owner, imagine how much you could save without having to pay transaction fees. Account accessibility is not a problem There’s a school of thought that bigger banks have bigger wallets to afford better technology. But even if there might have been a technology gap at one point between banks and credit unions, that gap has long since been closed. Credit unions are not blind to the fact that business owners need to be able to bank from anywhere these days. That’s why they’ve stepped up their game in terms of online and mobile banking services. So even if you’re not near one of their branches, you can still access your account, transfer funds, make remote deposits, and more. Partner with a lender that is relationship-focused and community-driven The best professional partnerships are built on personal trust. Because credit unions answer only to their members, that is where their focus lies. They want to build long-term relationships. There’s also a good chance that your average credit union has greater ties to the local community than a national brand bank. You may see them sponsoring events that benefit the local community, or making donations and offering scholarships. If you’re interested in learning more about what a credit union can do for your business, please get in touch with us . Previous Item Next Item

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Get one of the best high-interest checking accounts available anywhere. Apply online in minutes and start earning more. Earn 4.00 APY* on your checking balance up to $24,999 That could add up to nearly $1,000— and you won't even have to pay monthly fees or sign up for direct deposit to qualify. Get Premier Checking Best for Deposit Rates Used with permission. ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Earn 4.00 APY* on your checking balance up to $24,999 That could add up to nearly $1000— and you won't even have to pay monthly fees or sign up for direct deposit to qualify. Get Premier Checking No monthly fees No minimum balance required. 24/7 mobile banking Deposit checks, pay bills, and keep track of your credit score from your smartphone. So many perks Get ticket discounts and VIP access at Vibrant Arena , special offers from Vibrant Music Hall , plus much more. Open a checking account Which account is right for you? Premier Checking Get a high-yield checking account with no hoops to jump through—just the high rate you deserve. No minimum balance required No direct deposit required No minimum monthly debit card transactions required Encrypted debit transactions with Google Pay and Apple Pay Federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000 per account holder Featured rate 4.00% APY* on balances up to $25,000. Everyday Checking It's everything you want in a basic checking account—nothing more, nothing less. No minimum balance requirements Encrypted debit transactions when using Google Pay and Apple Pay Federally insured by NCUA Featuring Get payment reminders and notifications of debit transactions as they happen when you use the Vibrant app. Checking account rates $ 0 – $24,999 4.00% Premier Checking Any 0.00% Everyday Checking Average Daily Balance APY* $25,000+ 1.50% – 4.00% *APY = "Annual Percentage Yield." APYs accurate as of November 14, 2025. Rates subject to change without notice. $5 Membership Share account required. Federally insured by NCUA. Premier Checking is a tiered account. For this account the specified Dividend Rate for a tier will apply only to the portion of the account balance that is within that tier. Limit of one Premier Checking account per member. The closest branch is as near as your phone Apple Find a nearby ATM, check your balances, or transfer funds on the go. Download the Vibrant app Android Find a nearby ATM, check your balances, or transfer funds on the go. Download the Vibrant app Frequently asked questions How old do I have to be to open an account? You'll need to be at least 18 years old to open an account online. If you're younger than 18, you can open an account as long as at least one of your parents or legal guardians opens the account with you. Schedule an appointment to talk with a banker or call 1-800-323-5109 for more information. Do you offer overdraft protection? All Vibrant checking accounts include Overdraft Privilege. Vibrant will automatically pay overdrafts for checks and automatic bill payments at our discretion. You can also choose Overdraft Protection and authorize Vibrant to pay overdrafts for debit card and ATM transactions when you open your account. If you'd like to add Overdraft Protection, contact us during regular business hours or send us a secure message through your online banking account. How long does it take for a mobile deposit to appear in my account? You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately after your deposit is accepted, but your funds will not appear until they’ve been processed. On business days, we post deposits at noon, 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. CT. If you make a deposit after 4 p.m. or on a holiday or weekend, your deposit will appear at noon on the next business day. How do I get a replacement debit card? Visit a branch to order a new debit card or send us a secure message through your online bank account to request a new one. You can also call our member services team at 800-323-5109 during regular business hours. How is interest calculated on Premier Checking? Interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of $100, you'll earn the interest rate listed for that amount at the end of the month. How often is interest paid on Premier Checking? Interest dividends are paid to your account at the end of every month.

Learn about the latest developments at Vibrant and check out our blog for sound advice about your finances. News Vibrant CTO Pete Nohelty joins Metal Blockchain Advisory Council His appointment brings unparalleled expertise in tailoring blockchain solutions for credit unions, focusing on critical areas such as digital payments, stablecoins, digital identity, and private subnets, thereby amplifying Metal Blockchain's value for financial institutions. Read more at Metal Blockchain > Read more in American Banker > Vibrant named among top 50 "Best Credit Unions to Work for" Vibrant ranked #41 on American Banker's survey of the Best Credit Unions to Work for. Winners were chosen based on two employee surveys asking their assessment of their employer's leadership and planning, corporate culture, communication, and overall engagement. Listen at Gallup.com > Investing in and developing people leaders at Vibrant In Gallup's Called to Coach webcast, Jon Sexton (senior vice president of culture and leadership development), VP of corporate services Jennie Powless, retail sales director Lola Williams, and branch manager Jane Evans talk about Vibrant's leadership development training and how it's helped them grow in their careers. Visit OurQuadCities.com > Vibrant shows off more images of updated arena Moline-based Vibrant Credit Union shared some additional images that were introduced at Thursday’s announcement of the renaming of the TaxSlayer Center to Vibrant Arena at The MARK effective Sept. 1. Read more > Quad-City Times: Art creates good vibes A Quad Cities artist is creating custom murals at Vibrant branches across the region. Visit Quad Cities Business > New HQ captures Vibrant Credit Union’s culture Vibrant's new corporate headquarters, located in a former Sam's Club building, is "by far the coolest building I've ever worked on," Russell Construction project manager Sarah Perkins told the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal. “Most banking facilities feel very banking-like … this one has an overall collaborative feeling.” Visit CUTimes.com > CU Times: Vibrant PPP loan lending supports businesses The credit union originated more than $200 million in PPP loans for companies across the United States. Read more > Vibrant Credit Union launches the Be The Good Foundation The new foundation deepens our mission to bring more good into the communities we love. Read more > Kids take over—again! Vibrant Credit Union, Junior Achievement, and Quad City Storm bring back the ‘Kids Run the Show’ hockey game for year two. Read more > Why the federal reserve changes rates (and why savers shouldn’t wait too long.) Read more > Why savings rates are changing — and why that’s still good news for you When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, it affects nearly every part of the financial world — including your savings account. So, if you’ve noticed an update to our deposit rates, here’s what’s happening and why Vibrant Credit Union remains one of the best places to grow your money. Read more > Meet the new Vibrant: The best place to move your money Relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors, Vibrant is devoting its energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. Read more > Will a checking account affect your credit score? Opening a checking account is a big deal for a lot of people. Suddenly, you have a place to put your money besides your wallet, your piggy bank, or under your mattress. But what does a checking account mean for your credit? It may not be as important as you might think, but knowing what does and does not affect your credit score can be helpful as you start to build your credit history from scratch. Read more > Understanding why interest rates change Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Read more > 5 reasons to take your business banking to a credit union Any business is only as good as their relationships. Not only with their customers, but also with their financial institution. Whether you’re an established company or a start-up, finding the right financial partner is a key step in growing and maintaining your business. Read more > Understanding recent bank failures and what they mean for you With the back-to-back-to-back failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate Bank, followed by widespread turmoil in the financial markets, it's only natural to wonder whether your own money is safe where it is. Read more > Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) right for you? With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. Read more > What to do if your personal data is compromised If your personal or financial information has not yet been compromised by a data breach, count yourself lucky. In 2022, Statista reports there were 1,800 data breaches reported in the United States, everywhere from Twitter to Uber to the credit reporting agency Experian. Read more > 4 tips for better money management Have high prices got you looking for ways to stretch your dollars? We’re sharing our money management best practices to help you stretch your dollars, create an inflation-proof budget, and increase your savings. Discover how you can manage your money wisely in any economy. From the blog

The new foundation deepens our mission to bring more good into the communities we love. Vibrant Credit Union launches the Be The Good Foundation The new foundation deepens our mission to bring more good into the communities we love. Moline, IL — January 13, 2026 Vibrant Credit Union announced the official launch of the Be The Good Foundation , a philanthropic initiative designed to power more kindness, more opportunity, and more “good stuff” in communities across the Midwest. For years, Vibrant has believed that doing good shouldn’t be a side project — it should be part of who we are. The Be The Good Foundation brings that belief to life, supporting organizations that are building brighter futures through financial literacy, youth development, and community enrichment. “Good doesn’t happen by accident,” said Tiffany Haedt, President of the Be The Good Foundation. “It happens when people roll up their sleeves, show up for each other, and decide that doing the right thing is worth the effort. This foundation lets us invest in the people and nonprofits already making that kind of magic happen.” The Foundation’s focus areas reflect Vibrant’s long-standing belief that thriving communities start with strong building blocks: Financial Literacy: Because understanding money is a superpower everyone deserves. Youth Development: Preparing the next generation of leaders, creators, helpers, and big thinkers. Community Enrichment: Supporting programs that make our neighborhoods feel safer, healthier, and more connected. Guided by values like optimism, integrity, joy, and compassion, the Foundation chooses projects that don’t just sound good on paper — they make a real difference. “We’re here for the changemakers,” said Megan Anderson, Vice President. “The people who get up every day and do the work. If we can fuel that, we’ll gladly bring the spark.” The Foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors — Matt McCombs, Amy Henderson, Marsha Wolff, Nick Tarpein, and Trista Beise — who believe in transparency, responsibility, and the power of small actions that become big outcomes. Nonprofits can now submit grant proposals. Application materials, eligibility details, and FAQs are available at: VibrantCreditUnion.org/BeTheGood “Communities thrive when people lift each other up,” said Marsha Wolff, Secretary/Treasurer. “The Be The Good Foundation is here to help that lift go farther.” About the Be The Good Foundation Be The Good Foundation, founded by Vibrant Credit Union, supports programs that expand financial literacy, empower young people with life and career skills, and strengthens communities. The foundation operates with a simple belief: when you put more good into the world, the world responds in kind. About Vibrant Credit Union Founded in 1935, Vibrant Credit Union is a federally insured credit union built on strong roots and a forward-looking mindset. Vibrant delivers competitive deposit rates, intuitive digital banking, and fast, flexible money movement designed to make everyday finances easier. Beyond products, Vibrant is deeply committed to giving back — supporting nonprofits, strengthening communities, and championing its call to Be The Good through meaningful partnerships and measurable impact. Because great financial tools matter, but what you do with them matters even more. Previous Item Next Item

Vibrant Credit Union, Junior Achievement, and Quad City Storm bring back the ‘Kids Run the Show’ hockey game for year two. Kids take over—again! Vibrant Credit Union, Junior Achievement, and Quad City Storm bring back the ‘Kids Run the Show’ hockey game for year two. Moline, IL – December 31, 2025 After an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s inaugural event, Vibrant Credit Union—alongside the Quad City Storm hockey team and Junior Achievement of the Heartland—is proud to bring back the second annual QC Kids Run the Show hockey game. This unique, fan-favorite experience returns to give young leaders another chance to step into the spotlight for a night of excitement, confidence-building, and unforgettable memories. Happening on Friday, January 9, 2026 , at Vibrant Arena at The MARK, QC Kids Run the Show invites local kids to take over key roles behind the scenes and on the ice. Participants will once again get hands-on experience announcing plays, running in-game entertainment, assisting coaches, collaborating with the media team, and helping stage a professional hockey game from the inside out. “Seeing the impact of last year’s event made it clear—we had to bring it back for 2026,” said Vibrant Credit Union President and CEO, Matt McCombs. “Kids Run the Show gives young people a chance to build leadership skills, try new challenges, and have a whole lot of fun doing it. We’re thrilled to continue this partnership with Junior Achievement and Quad City Storm to inspire even more local kids in 2026.” The fun doesn’t stop at the puck drop. Throughout the night, Vibrant will shine a light on its High Yield Savings Accounts to help kick off easy, real-life conversations about saving and smart money habits with students, families, and fans. It’s all about giving people tools they can actually use and rates that give back—another example of Vibrant’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. Junior Achievement, known regionally for championing youth leadership and financial empowerment, is excited to return for year two. “Last year proved how transformative hands-on learning can be,” said Lysa Hegland, President of Junior Achievement of the Heartland. “We’re thrilled to once again partner with Vibrant Credit Union and the Quad City Storm to give kids real-world roles that boost their confidence and expand their vision for the future.” The Quad City Storm team is also energized to welcome their young collaborators back to the rink. “Hockey is always better when the community is involved—especially its youngest members,” said Brian Rothenberger, Quad City Storm Team President. “We loved what the kids brought to game day last year, and we can’t wait to see them take charge again.” Tickets for the 2026 QC Kids Run the Show game are available now at bit.ly/QCkidsruntheshow . For each ticket purchased, $5 will be donated to Junior Achievement of the Heartland . Families, fans, and community members are invited to join in cheering on both the Quad City Storm and the next generation of local leaders. #QCKidsRunTheShow About Vibrant Credit Union Founded in 1935, Vibrant Credit Union is a federally insured credit union rooted in agricultural manufacturing and built for what’s next. Now a national leader in deposit rates, Vibrant delivers top-earning accounts, intuitive digital banking, and fast, flexible money movement—giving customers across the country a smarter way to bank. Beyond financial performance, Vibrant is driven by purpose, providing specialized solutions for nonprofits and small businesses and championing its call to Be The Good . Staying true to its origins while pushing forward, Vibrant also powers outdoor equipment manufacturers nationwide through relationship-driven, education-first equipment financing programs About Junior Achievement Junior Achievement is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Locally, Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves 24 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. About Quad City Storm The Quad City Storm is in its 7th year of serving as the community's team; providing unmatched excitement, energy and entertainment while giving back to and supporting the QCA. To date, the Storm has donated more than half a million dollars to local non-profit organizations. The Storm is a locally and Veteran owned team that competes in the SPHL. To learn more about the Storm follow us on social media and visit QuadCityStorm.com. Previous Item Next Item

According to an Investopedia survey, American couples spent an average of about $20,000 on their weddings in 2021—a decrease of about $9,000 from the previous year, but still enough to buy a decent new car or pay for a year of tuition and board at your state’s flagship university. How to set a wedding budget and stick to it According to an Investopedia survey, American couples spent an average of about $20,000 on their weddings in 2021—a decrease of about $9,000 from the previous year, but still enough to buy a decent new car or pay for a year of tuition and board at your state’s flagship university. How much is a realistic wedding budget? According to an Investopedia survey, American couples spent an average of about $20,000 on their weddings in 2021—a decrease of about $9,000 from the previous year, but still enough to buy a decent new car or pay for a year of tuition and board at your state’s flagship university. Yet even with that five-figure budget, many brides and grooms will admit they still had to scale back their wish list to avoid spending even more—by inviting fewer people, having a cocktail reception instead of a sit-down dinner, or hosting the event in a park instead of a hotel ballroom. Many of us expect a wedding to be the most perfect day of our lives, a day when every detail is the most beautiful it can be. This is a risky way to approach wedding planning—partly because there are so many opportunities for things to go wrong, but mostly because couples can wind up spending a lot more than they planned on. The fact is, you can throw a pretty wonderful wedding for $10,000, $5,000, or even $1,000. (For that last amount, it helps if the bride already owns an appropriate dress, and you’re okay with a wedding reception that takes the form of dinner for 12 at a favorite restaurant.) Start with a dollar figure and plan your wedding accordingly Wedding planners generally advise that, no matter the size of your budget, you should plan to allocate your expenses along the following lines: 50% – venue, food, and drink (including your wedding cake) 12% – photography 9% – clothes, makeup, hair, and accessories 8% – décor 7% – entertainment 3% – wedding planner or coordinator 2% – invitations and thank-you cards 2% – officiant and license 2% – transportation 2% – wedding bands 2% – gifts for guests and attendants If you’re absolutely certain that you’ll be happy with an MP3 player and a Bluetooth speaker instead of a live band or that you won’t need a wedding planner, congratulations! That’s more money for your food and drink budget. Now it’s time to see how to get the most bang for your buck with the items you do want. Save money on your wedding venue by choosing the right date You really can get married on a day other than Saturday and in a month other than June. In fact, your venue rental could be significantly less expensive if you choose to get married in January, March, April, or November. In addition, Mondays are generally the least expensive day of the week to rent a venue, with prices rising the closer you get to the weekend. Of course, it may be difficult for your out-of-town guests to make it to a Wednesday wedding—or for locals to make it to work the day after if you do it up right. Save money at your reception by offering a limited selection of alcoholic beverages If you plan to serve alcohol at your wedding, you don’t need to resort to a cash bar to keep it affordable. Consider limiting your selection to beer and wine only. If you can’t imagine getting married without sipping a Negroni because that’s what you drank on your first date, make them your signature cocktail. Mixing just one type of drink will make it easier on your bartender and minimize your total bar bill. If you don’t plan to serve alcohol at your wedding, imagine the people who you know will grumble about the lack of booze, and then … Save money on your reception by trimming your guest list Think back on the weddings you’ve attended. Even setting aside the ceremonies where you served as someone else’s plus-one, you can probably think of a few where you were invited because your parents are friends with the couple’s parents, because you're good friends at work, or because the groom is your cousin, and your grandma would be sad if you weren’t there. Cutting your guest list can be one of the most painful negotiations you’ll ever make with your spouse, your parents, and your in-laws. It’s also a guaranteed money-saver. Finally, choose carefully now, and maybe you won’t feel a pang 10 years from now when you realize the last time you saw your old college friends was at your wedding reception—that happens more often than you’d think. Save money by skipping a fancy cake Those multi-tiered wedding cakes are expensive—and after they're sliced, there’s not a lot of difference between them and any other cake. In fact, they’re as much décor as they are food—they cost more not because they taste better than regular cake, but because it’s a practical challenge to bake a single cake large enough to serve 50 people. Still want a dessert that will look lovely on display at your reception? Consider getting a tiered stand (or a couple!) and filling it with cupcakes. Save money by understanding your priorities While the guidelines above offer a good starting point for how you’ll spend your budget, take a look at your priorities. If you’ve always looked forward to wearing a beautiful custom-fitted dress that makes you feel like a princess, but you don’t care as much about floral centerpieces on every table, go ahead and adjust accordingly. If you’ve always imagined stepping out for your first dance as a live band plays "Wouldn’t It Be Nice", but you don’t care about fancy invitations, skip the save-the-date cards and multiple envelopes and choose a design from a big-box office supply store. One more thing to keep in mind: Most couples are so busy preparing for the ceremony, posing for photos in their wedding finery, and visiting with guests that they actually have very little time to enjoy the food or the decorations. So, make sure you have a good photographer so you can enjoy the details later, remind yourself your guests aren't there for the food, and remember: You’re getting married to someone you love enough to imagine spending the rest of your lives together. Your day is already perfect. Previous Item Next Item

Did you know that it only takes a deposit of $5 to start a savings account at Vibrant? Go ahead and pluck that five dollar bill out of your wallet, where it’s more likely to end up spent than saved. By putting it in a savings account for safe keeping, you’re planting a seed. How quickly that seed sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower depends on where you’ve planted it. Tips for choosing a savings account Did you know that it only takes a deposit of $5 to start a savings account at Vibrant? Go ahead and pluck that five dollar bill out of your wallet, where it’s more likely to end up spent than saved. By putting it in a savings account for safe keeping, you’re planting a seed. How quickly that seed sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower depends on where you’ve planted it. Did you know that it only takes a deposit of $5 to start a savings account at Vibrant? Go ahead and pluck that five dollar bill out of your wallet, where it’s more likely to end up spent than saved. By putting it in a savings account for safe keeping, you’re planting a seed. How quickly that seed sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower depends on where you’ve planted it. To help you find the best place to grow your savings, here are four tips for choosing a savings account that is going to turn your five dollar bill into so much more. Aim high for your interest rate Opening a savings account is about growing your money, and how quickly that money grows will depend on the interest rate . The higher the interest rate, the more you’ll earn from your deposit. Most lenders will offer a basic savings account with interest rates as low as .01%, but keep an eye out for high-interest savings accounts that could help you earn more at a faster rate. Pay attention to minimum balance requirements Behind every savings account are a set of terms and conditions. You might be tempted to skim them, but do yourself a favor and give them a read. Different lenders will have different minimum deposit requirements, ranging from $1 to $10,000. You might also be expected to maintain a minimum balance to earn interest. There could even be fees for dropping below the minimum required balance. Always take the time to read the terms and conditions. Shop local for the best rates No two savings accounts are the same. Different financial institutions are going to offer different types of savings accounts with different interest rates, fees, and minimum balances. It’s up to you to look around and find the best savings account for you, and the best place to start is your local credit union or community bank. Because they’re nonprofit and member-owned , credit unions generally offer higher interest rates than banks, so be sure to give them a look. Ask about mobile banking Having a brick-and-mortar location close by is convenient, but in this day and age, most people expect to be able to handle the bulk of their financial transactions through their phone. You should be able to manage your savings account from anywhere, so be sure to ask about online and mobile banking services when kicking the tires on different financial institutions. If you’re interested in opening a savings account, get in touch with us ! Previous Item Next Item

Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Understanding why interest rates change Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. Interest rates are interesting. See what we did there? Word play is fun. Interest rates? Maybe not so much. Like we said, interesting is a more appropriate descriptor. They can often be an obstacle when you’re trying to get approved for a loan. Everyone wants a lower interest rate, but not every lender is willing to offer one. In most cases, lenders will use your credit history to determine your interest rate, but there are outside influences that can also affect interest rates. If you’re willing to follow along as we peel back the curtain, you can get a better understanding of what interest rates and how they are impacted by the world around us. What is an interest rate? Interest rates are the cost of doing business. If you want to borrow money from a lender, they’re taking a risk and expect a reward in return. You might be able to borrow money from a friend with nothing more than a promise to pay them back, but lenders don’t work on an honor system. The interest rate determines how much of a reward the lender gets. If you are approved for a loan with a 2 percent interest rate, in the end the lender will get back the total amount borrowed for the loan, plus an extra 2 percent. Think of that extra 2 percent as a tip for services rendered. One term you might see mentioned alongside the interest rate is Annual Percentage Rate (or APR). The APR is the total amount you pay each year to borrow money. Not only does that include the amount of interest paid, but it also considers any fees charged for the loan. Why do interest rates change? The answers you’ve been waiting five paragraphs for are here. Now that you know exactly what an interest rate is, you’re ready to see who is pulling the strings. Government. If the economy is a train, the U.S. Federal Reserve is the conductor. It wants to keep the train moving. If the economy is starting to slow down, the Federal Reserve can lower interest rates. When the interest rates are lower, people are more open to borrowing and spending money, which helps fuel the economy. Lower interest rates also make it cheaper for businesses to borrow money and use it to invest and create new jobs, reducing unemployment. The Federal Reserve is also known as the “central bank” of the U.S. It can create more money and deposit it with commercial bankers, increasing their supply of money. With more money in the bank, lenders can often lower interest rates to their borrowers. Supply and Demand. We all know the feeling of opening up the refrigerator, only to find it empty with nothing inside to satisfy our hunger. Well when you apply for a loan from a lender, they might not have money for you to borrow. They don’t have an infinite supply of cash. If the demand for money is greater than their supply, lenders will charge higher interest rates. Because they may have to borrow from another lender, they will be charged a fee, which the borrower ends up paying for. Inflation. Remember when a ticket to the movies was 25 cents? You probably don’t because that was the price of admission in 1920. Unless of course you’ve invented time travel, in which case we’d love to hear more about that. But back on topic, inflation has dramatically affected the value of our money over time, and that has consequences. Lenders will consider future inflation when figuring out interest rates to ensure that their return will still be profitable at the end of your loan. If you have any questions about interest rates or are in fact a time traveler willing to share your secrets, please get in touch with us . We’re here to help you! Previous Item Next Item

With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. Is a Certificate of Deposit (CD) right for you? With interest rates high, now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. You shouldn’t expect to become fabulously wealthy by opening a Certificate of Deposit (CD). But if you’re looking for a safe place to earn a guaranteed return on your savings, right now is a great time to consider adding a CD to your financial portfolio. With interest rates rising, many CDs are paying the highest rates consumers have seen in more than 20 years. How is a CD different from an ordinary savings account? In simple terms, a Certificate of Deposit is a type of savings account—one that pays higher interest on your balance in exchange for your promise not to withdraw any funds for a set period of time, which at Vibrant can range from 3 months to 5 years. Further, so long as your deposit balance doesn’t exceed NCUA insurance limits ($250,000 in total deposits per account holder at a single credit union), those returns are guaranteed so long as you don’t need to withdraw your cash early—and it never hurts to have an extra level of assurance considering recent volatility in the banking sector . Talk to us if you’re interested in depositing more than $250,000 for cost-free strategies for maximizing your deposit insurance coverage. The kinds of people who should consider investing in a CD If your current financial goals fall into any of the following categories, a CD might be the right solution for you. You’re saving for a short-term goal If you’ve been setting aside money for a down payment on a home, a new car or boat, a dream vacation, or a wedding, then putting your savings in a CD is a good way to grow your nest egg faster without committing to a long-term investment. You want to jump-start your retirement savings Even if retirement is a long way off, you can invest in an IRA CD at any age—and, right now, potentially earn a better rate of return than you would through your 401(k). With an IRA CD, your investment itself is tax-deductible (similar to the way that 401(k) contributions are made with pre-tax dollars). And, unlike a conventional CD, an IRA CD enables you to put off paying taxes on the interest income you earn until it’s time to make a withdrawal from your retirement plan. You can even roll over your IRA into a different retirement savings plan without tax penalties once your 401(k) starts earning more. You want to protect your cash against inflation When inflation is high, the value of your savings decreases. Putting your savings into a CD can help protect your money by locking in a fixed interest rate until the economy improves. You want a safe and secure place to park your savings CDs are a low-risk way to grow your money. The interest rate is fixed, so you know exactly how much money you will earn. Further, Vibrant CDs are insured by the NCUA, which means your money is protected up to $250,000 per account holder (and you can talk with a banker about strategies to maximize your NCUA coverage if you want to invest more). You want a great rate but don’t have a lot of money to invest While many financial institutions require a minimum deposit amount in the four figures to get their best CD rates, all of Vibrant’s CDs are available with a minimum $5 deposit. The bottom line Before you put your savings in a CD, think carefully about when you will need to access the money you’re setting aside. All financial institutions charge some kind of early withdrawal penalty if you need to close a CD before it reaches maturity—up to and including giving up all the interest you’ve earned to date. Once you decide how long you can afford to set aside your savings, compare your options to find the term and interest rate that work best for you. See Vibrant’s current CD rates, then reach out to one of our personal bankers for help opening an account or open an account online . Disclosures Before you open a Certificate of Deposit, be aware that there may be penalties imposed if you withdraw your money before the end of the term. Unless you specify otherwise, Vibrant's certificates will automatically renew at the end of the term—the 13-month CD automatically renews into a 12-month CD at maturity. Vibrant will contact you before your CD reaches maturity to help you choose not to renew or if you'd prefer to renew for a different term. All Vibrant CDs are federally insured by NCUA. Previous Item Next Item

What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What is a certificate of deposit and how does it work? What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." What’s a CD? For some, CD stands for compact disc, which was used to record and play music once upon a time, in an age before smart phones and iPods. But that’s not the type of CD we’re talking about here. In the financial world, "CD" stands for "certificate of deposit." If you’re unfamiliar with certificates of deposit, it’s an investment tool that allows you to turn the tables on the lender. Instead of paying interest on a loan, the bank pays you interest on a deposit. What is a certificate of deposit? As the name suggests, a certificate of deposit is a deposit. You deposit a specific dollar amount with a lender, but you agree not to withdraw that deposit for a certain length of time. It could be three months, a year, or even as long as 10 years. For as long as you agree to leave the deposit with the lender, you will earn interest on that deposit. Once your certificate of deposit has reached what’s called its “maturity date,” you can withdraw that money, penalty-free. Like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae, you’ll also get to pocket the interest. How does a CD work? The most important parts of a certificate of deposit are the interest rate and the length of the deposit. Generally, the longer you are willing to leave your deposit with a lender, the better the interest rate they’re going to offer you. CDs are an appealing alternative to a traditional savings account because the interest rates are often higher and the rates are fixed. It’s considered a safe investment tool because you’re not at the mercy of the market. CDs are also federally insured, so your deposit is protected. You also have the freedom to shop around and find the lender that offers the best CD interest rates. Is a CD right for you? Do you have a chunk of cash tucked away that you don’t need right now? Instead of collecting dust, that money can collect interest in a CD. It can grow into a bigger chunk of cash that you can then use toward a home, a car, or even a boat if you’re looking to set sail. The risk is obviously that, in the event that you find yourself in a bind, you can’t withdraw the funds without paying a penalty. So it’s best not to think of this deposit as an emergency fund. On the flip side, it can remove the temptation to spend that money. You can consider the CD as safekeeping for savings you might be tempted to spend under the right circumstances. If you’re interested in a Certificate of Deposit, get in touch with us ! The sooner you make your deposit, the sooner you can start growing that deposit into something more. Previous Item Next Item

(and why savers shouldn’t wait too long.) Why the federal reserve changes rates (and why savers shouldn’t wait too long.) Rates don’t tap you on the shoulder before they move. One shift in the Federal Reserve’s outlook, and the entire landscape can start to slide, sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once. If you’re sitting on maturing CDs or simply watching rates closely, here’s the key takeaway: waiting to act can mean earning less , especially when the market expects rates to trend lower. Why the Fed changes rates The Federal Reserve adjusts rates to keep the economy from running too hot or too cold. Its two big goals are stable prices (inflation control) and a strong job market . When inflation is high, the Fed often raises rates to slow demand. When inflation cools and growth softens, the Fed may lower rates to support the economy. In short: the Fed moves rates to steady the economy, but those moves ripple directly into what savers earn. What the outlook is signaling Policymakers’ projections (often summarized through the Fed’s “dot plot”) suggest a general expectation of lower rates ahead . And when markets anticipate cuts, deposit rates across the industry can begin to follow. The best time to position your savings is often before the crowd hears the music change. Why this matters right now If rates trend lower in 2026, the savings and CD rates you see later may not look like the ones available today. That’s why rate-conscious savers don’t just watch the Fed, they plan around it. Where we’re putting our best value: Vibrant’s core savings and checking products If you want strong earning power with everyday access, these are the accounts we built for members who pay attention to rates. Our top-tier option for members who want industry-leading performance of their funds. These are not side products for us. They’re the main course. We’re dedicated to being an industry leader in the accounts members rely on most, especially when the rate environment is shifting. Preferred Savings: high-yield for balances under $15,000. If you want a strong rate without turning your life into a checklist, start here. Featured rate: 4.00% APY on balances up to $14,999.99 No monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements Unlimited transfers and withdrawals Premier Savings: built for serious savers If you typically keep a higher savings balance and want a better-than-average yield, Premier Savings is designed for that lane. Featured rate: 3.25% APY on balances of $25,000 and up No monthly fees, unlimited transfers and withdrawals Elite Savings: CD-like earning, savings-like access Elite Savings is for members with larger balances who want strong yield without the “hands off the money” feeling CDs can bring. Featured rate: 4.25% APY on balances of $1 million and up No monthly fees, no transaction limits Premier Checking : stop treating your checking account like a dead zone Checking is where money goes to sit around (usually)… unless you put it in an account designed to earn. Featured rate: 4.00% APY on balances up to $24,999 No monthly fees, no direct deposit required, no minimum debit transactions required The takeaway If you’re waiting for “the perfect moment,” remember: rates can change while you wait . With expectations leaning toward lower rates ahead, now is a smart time to move cash into accounts designed to earn competitively and stay flexible. Previous Item Next Item