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

Your emergency fund should be safe, accessible—and earning interest. Learn the best place to keep your emergency savings and how to make your money work harder. The Best Place to Keep Your Emergency Fund (Without Losing Access) Your emergency fund should be safe, accessible—and earning interest. Learn the best place to keep your emergency savings and how to make your money work harder. Where Should You Keep Your Emergency Fund in 2026? An emergency fund should give you peace of mind—not sit in an account earning next to nothing. But that’s exactly what’s happening for a lot of people right now. Even as interest rates have increased, many traditional savings accounts are still paying very little. Which means your emergency fund may not be working as hard as it could. So where should you keep it? Let’s break it down. What an Emergency Fund Needs to Do Before choosing where to keep it, it helps to define the job. Your emergency fund should be: Accessible — You can get to it quickly Safe — Your balance isn’t exposed to market risk Earning — It should grow, even while sitting idle If an account misses one of these, it’s not doing its job. Option 1: Traditional Savings Accounts Traditional savings accounts are familiar and easy to use. They offer: Security Simple access No surprises But many still come with very low interest rates, which can limit how much your money grows over time. For an emergency fund, that tradeoff matters more than most people realize. Option 2: High-Yield Savings Accounts This is where more people are starting to make a shift. A high-yield savings account is designed to do the same job as a traditional savings account—but with significantly better earning potential. You still get: Easy access to your money A safe place to store your funds But you also get: a more competitive rate that helps your balance grow over time For most people, this is the best balance of access and earnings for an emergency fund. Explore your options: High-yield savings accounts A Simple Way to Approach It For most people, the goal isn’t to find the most complex place to store an emergency fund—it’s to find the most efficient one. That usually means: Keeping your money fully accessible Earning a competitive rate Avoiding unnecessary restrictions A high-yield savings account checks all three boxes. Some people choose to keep a small amount of cash readily available for immediate needs, while storing the rest in a higher-earning account. This approach keeps your money both accessible and working for you. The Bottom Line Your emergency fund shouldn’t just sit still. It should: Be there when you need it Grow quietly in the background The good news is you don’t have to choose between access and earning potential anymore. See current savings options and rates: High-yield savings account Previous Item Next Item

Add external accounts instantly Add your checking or savings account with an external financial institution to your Vibrant dashboard in a matter of minutes with our new upgrade. Scroll below to check out the desktop and mobile directions. Note: The names on the accounts you're linking must match. On Your Phone Sign in to your mobile app . Click the Transfers widget.Note: The tab bar on iOS devices may display differently on your settings. Additional widgets will display by clicking the More widget. Tap the Add Account option. Tap the External Account tab at the top. Select the Add account instantly option. Select from one of the financial institutions listed or search for yours in the search bar below the list. Log in to the external financial institution's account. Select one or more accounts to add for transfers and click the Submit button. The Verify screen will display. Click the Continue button. Once the accounts are verified, they will immediately be made available. Hitting an error message? Don't worry; you can still add your account manually ! On Your Computer Sign in to online banking. Not enrolled yet? Click here . Navigate to the Transfers widget here . Note: The widget menu may display differently based on your settings. Additional widgets will display by clicking the More... widget. Click the Classic tab on the top. Click Add an account to make a transfer link. The Add an Account window will display. Click Add an account instantly. Select from one of the financial institutions listed, or search for yours in the search bar below the list. Log in to the external financial institution's account. The Verify screen will display. Click the Continue button. Once the accounts are verified, they will immediately be made available. Hitting an error message? Don't worry; you can still add your account manually ! Previous Item Next Item

Deposit a check There are three ways to deposit a check: at a Vibrant branch, at Vibrant ATMs located at our Moline (South Park and Vibrant HQ ) branches, or via the Vibrant mobile app. Download the mobile app for Anroid or Apple devices. Open the app and choose DEPOSIT CHECK from the menu at the bottom of the screen. Endorse your check, along with the words “For Mobile Deposit Only.” Choose the account where you want the deposit to go, enter the amount of the deposit, then take a photo of the front and back of the check. Submit your deposit! (If it’s before 4 p.m. CT on a business day, your deposit will appear by 6 p.m. at the latest. If it’s later, your deposit will post at noon on the next business day.) You'll receive an email from enstenta.monitor@jackhenry.com confirming your deposit. Previous Item Next Item

Update your password Before you go to the trouble of resetting your password, a reminder about your current password. It must contain:At least 10 characters At least 1 lowercase letter At least 1 uppercase letter At least 1 number At least 1 special character (!@"#$%&+;<=>?[]{}-_) Didn’t help? Okay, time to reset your password . Read and accept the disclosure. On the next screen, choose the “Reset my password” option. To verify your identity, you will need to provide your user name , Social Security number, and date of birth. Choose whether you want to have the password reset link sent to your email or texted to you via SMS. Enter the six-digit verification code. You will be prompted to enter a new password. Your new password must: Your password must include:At least 10 characters At least 1 lowercase letter At least 1 uppercase letter At least 1 number At least 1 special character (!@"#$%&+;<=>?[]{}-_) Previous Item Next Item

We are Vibrant Credit Union. Our goal? To empower people to become the best financial version of themselves — and in doing so, return the greatest possible value back into their lives and their communities. We are Vibrant Credit Union. Our goal? To empower people to become the best financial version of themselves — and in doing so, return the greatest possible value back into their lives and their communities. we are vibrant. Our goal? To empower people to become the best financial version of themselves — and in doing so, return the greatest possible value back into their lives and their communities. our mission Be the best. Partner with the best. Propel people to their best selves. We exist to give back — especially to those who partner with us. We believe that your dollars should work harder for you. That value should flow back into your hands, into your health, and into your future. Be the best. Partner with the best. Propel people to their best selves. We exist to give back — especially to those who partner with us. We believe that your dollars should work harder for you. That value should flow back into your hands, into your health, and into your future. Our mission our core values our core values own every opportunity We take initiative and embrace responsibility, treating every challenge and chance as if it were ours to shape. We step up, follow through, and hold ourselves accountable for results, big or small. our core values be open, honest and authentic We speak truthfully, listen deeply, and act with integrity. We show up as our real selves, creating a culture where transparency and trust thrive — because great things grow from genuine connection. our core values bring contagious energy Our passion is palpable. We show up with enthusiasm, positivity, and purpose — lighting up the room, inspiring those around us, and turning momentum into meaningful progress. our core values be swift and relentless in the pursuit of greatness We move with urgency and focus, always striving to raise the bar. We don’t settle — we push boundaries, iterate fast, and keep going until excellence is not just reached, but redefined. our core values think, speak, act for the collective good We put the team before the ego. Every decision and action is guided by what's best for the whole — our colleagues, our members, and our community. Together, we shine brighter. our core values own every opportunity We take initiative and embrace responsibility, treating every challenge and chance as if it were ours to shape. We step up, follow through, and hold ourselves accountable for results, big or small. our core values be open, honest and authentic We speak truthfully, listen deeply, and act with integrity. We show up as our real selves, creating a culture where transparency and trust thrive — because great things grow from genuine connection. our core values bring contagious energy Our passion is palpable. We show up with enthusiasm, positivity, and purpose — lighting up the room, inspiring those around us, and turning momentum into meaningful progress. our core values be swift and relentless in the pursuit of greatness We move with urgency and focus, always striving to raise the bar. We don’t settle — we push boundaries, iterate fast, and keep going until excellence is not just reached, but redefined. our core values think, speak, act for the collective good We put the team before the ego. Every decision and action is guided by what's best for the whole — our colleagues, our members, and our community. Together, we shine brighter. Our core values What drives us Reciprocity with Purpose We’re redefining banking to be digitally-led, people-assisted — every interaction, every deposit, every moment should return value that matters. Community-Fueled We’re rooted in relationship-based health. Our community isn’t just who we serve — it’s what we build. Together. Rebalanced Returns We return the highest level of value possible — not just in rates or rewards, but in your ability to thrive over time. what drives us Reciprocity with Purpose We’re redefining banking to be digitally led-people assisted — every interaction, every deposit, every moment should return value that matters. Community-Fueled We’re rooted in relationship-based health. Our community isn’t just who we serve — it’s what we build. Together. Rebalanced Returns We return the highest level of value possible — not just in rates or rewards, but in your ability to thrive over time. Vibrant Credit Union & Be The Good Foundation Vibrant is more than just a 90-year-old credit union — we’re something new. Think of this as our rebirth. We’ve always been a place where people can count on us as a credit union and for support, but now, we’re intentionally building around a deeper purpose: total health. We see total health as having four pillars: Physical Health – Feeling strong, energetic, and cared for. Mental & Emotional Health – Feeling grounded, supported, and connected. Financial Health – Feeling confident, capable, and empowered. Foundational Health – The systems and support that make the first three possible. That’s community. That’s relationships. That’s us. Our Be The Good Foundation supports initiatives and ideas that increase these kinds of pillars within our community — because when you thrive, we all do. Vibrant Credit Union is here to help you become the best version of yourself — and then send that version back into the world. That’s how communities grow stronger. That’s how people gain balance, even when the balance in life shifts. Think of us as all that, and more. We’re not just holding your money — we’re holding space for your potential. And then giving everything we can right back to help you realize it. To make you brighter, bolder, and even more Vibrant. Smart banking made simple Flow like a pro Life moves fast—so should your money. Our fee-free checking is like the zen of banking: effortless, intuitive, and always in the moment. Tap, swipe, transfer—repeat. With tools to keep your spending in check, you’re not just tracking your money, you’re mastering the art of financial flow. Learn more Grow what matters Saving doesn’t have to be all spreadsheets and self-restraint. With a Vibrant savings account, your money does the adulting while you dream big. Stash your cash, skip the nonsense fees, and earn like a boss. It's like planting a money tree—only real, and less likely to attract squirrels. Vacations? Guitars? That inflatable hot tub you swear you’ll use? Yeah, that kind of growth. Learn more The future, sealed with certainty Think of it as a time capsule for your money. Lock it in, let it chill, and come back later to find it’s grown—no guesswork, no drama. With fixed rates and flexible terms, our CDs are a simple way to say, “Hey future me, you’re gonna love this.” Learn more Vibrant Credit Union is always looking for ways to help you get the most out of your money. While we focus on offering some of the best rates around for checking, savings, and CDs, we also want to make sure you have access to great options for your other financial needs. That’s why, after doing our homework and taking the time to find the right fit, we've teamed up with trusted companies who are experts in what they do — and who share our commitment to giving you the top-notch service you deserve. Responsible growth Extended secure account coverage From dreams to driveways Collaborating for your financial success Vibrant is always looking for ways to help you get the most out of your money. While we focus on offering some of the best rates around for checking, savings, and CDs, we also want to make sure you have access to great options for your other financial needs. That’s why, after doing our homework and taking the time to find the right fit, we've teamed up with trusted companies who are experts in what they do — and who share our commitment to giving you the top-notch service you deserve. responsible growth extended secure account coverage from dreams to driveways secure peace of mind collaborating for your financial success Vibrant Credit Union's complete offerings No gimmicks. Just smarter banking that puts you first. Discover the Vibrant difference today. Premier Checking Account learn more Everyday Checking Account learn more Everyday Savings Account learn more Preferred Savings Account learn more Premier Savings Account learn more Elite Savings Account learn more Certificate of Deposits (CDs) learn more Personal Credit Cards learn more Community Business Checking learn more Community Business Savings learn more Business Credit Cards learn more Insured Money Market Accounts learn more Home Loans learn more Skip-a-Pay learn more Life Event Loans coming soon

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

Detect potential scams Want to make sure your Vibrant accounts stay safe? We've put together some helpful tips for helping you recognize fraud attempts before it's too late. Unsolicited: If a person, business, or organization you don't have an existing relationship with asks you for money or personal information, be on guard. Make sure they are who they say they are. Unexpected: If you’re contacted out of the blue by an organization you DO have a relationship with, don’t respond directly. Instead, contact the organization via their publicly available phone number or email address so you can verify it's a legit request. Urgent: Scammers know the more time you have to think, the more questions you’ll ask. Even in a genuine emergency, no one will ask you to disclose personal or financial information before you do anything else. Watch out for spoof calls and text messages Your Caller ID may tell you Vibrant is calling, but it could be a scammer. If a caller asks you to provide any of the information below, this could be an attempt to access your personal account. Say nothing and hang up! Anything more than the last 4 digits of your debit or credit card Any security or verification code you receive via text or email Your account or routing number Your complete Social Security Number Your account password Your PIN Does Vibrant ever verify my identity by texting or emailing me a code? If you’ve set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account—and we highly recommend it—you will receive a code via text or email when you try to log in to verify it’s really you. While you'll need to enter that code on your browser or mobile app to complete your login, Vibrant will never ask you to tell us what the code is. Can a scammer access my account even I don't tell them my password? Unfortunately, yes. Scammers may find your login information through a data breach, on the dark web, or through other phishing tactics. Two-factor authentication (2FA) offers additional protection, but it's not foolproof. A common scam is to try bypass 2FA by pretending to be a legitimate caller who wants to verify your identity by sending you a security code, which they'll ask you to read back to them. If you tell them the code, unfortunately, they can use it to log in from their device How do I set up my two-factor authentication on my account? Log in to your account and go to Settings, then choose the Security tab. Toggle the on/off switch next to Two-Factor Authentication to ON to require a second security code via email, text, or voice call (you'll have the option to choose the method that works best for you any time you log in). What if a caller tells me I owe money and they need immediate payment? Legitimate organizations, including the IRS, your local tax assessor, or your financial institution, will never ask you to provide payment via a gift card, prepaid debit card, or wire transfer. If you get a a call demanding immediate payment and they want you to use one of these payment methods, it's a scam. In addition, a legitimate caller will never threaten to alert law enforcement, immigration officials, or other authorities to collect a debt. What should I do if I think I may have been scammed? Contact us immediately to report the incident. We’ll place a fraud alert on your account and help you reset your login information. (And no, we won't ask you to tell us your new password.) Previous Item Next Item

Get in touch with us any time via phone, email, or secure messaging through the Vibrant mobile app. Need to get in touch? Current Vibrant members Send a secure message through your online banking app. We'll get back to you as soon as possible during our regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday). New to Vibrant? Get started with an online application or schedule an in-person meeting. Become a new member Email us at hello@vibrantcu.org with any other questions FAQ I need help with my account. When is your member services team available? Our regular business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon CT on Saturdays. If you need to report your debit card lost or stolen and it's after our regular business hours , please call 1-800-379-6724 to prevent unauthorized charges. I got locked out of my online account. What do I do? Listen, it happens to everyone occasionally. Call 1-800-323-5109 to reset your account. We can also confirm your username and reset your password. I forgot my password. What do I do? Reset your password online. How do I set up an automatic payment? If you’re setting up a payment for a Vibrant loan or credit card, you can choose “Pay” from your dashboard. On the next screen, select the appropriate option, then your desired payment frequency. What is the Vibrant routing number? 271183646 How do I keep debit transactions from being blocked while traveling? Going on a trip? While traveling, provide us with your plans to prevent potential card interruptions. To share your travel plans, visit 'Travel Notices' under 'Manage Cards' on online banking. On the mobile app, select 'Cards' from the main menu. Choose the card you plan on taking and select 'Travel Notices' to enter date and destination information. You can set travel alerts on multiple cards, but it must be set up individually per card. I got a text message about a fraudulent charge. What should I do? If you receive a message about a potentially fraudulent charge, let us know whether you recognize the transaction by replying to the text or calling us at 1-800-323-5109 . What should I do if I lose my card? During regular business hours, reach out to our Member Contact Center by calling 1-800-323-5109 to let us know and request a new card. For after hours support on your debit card, please call 1-800-379-6724 to prevent unauthorized charges. FAQ Send us a message Have an issue that involves personal or sensitive info? For your security, we can’t handle those types of requests over email—things like account problems, login troubles, or personal detail updates. Instead, reach out through the secure messaging option in online banking or give us a call. We’ll make sure you’re taken care of safely. *By filling out this form and clicking the submit button, you agree to be contacted by Vibrant Credit Union via phone, email, and/or text message for this product or service. For your protection, please do not provide any personal account information. To communicate specific account information with us please give us a call at 800.323.5109, message us through online banking or stop into any of our branch locations.

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. 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. 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. If you receive a notification that your personal and/or financial information has been compromised, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Change your passwords. And while you’re at it, make sure you’re not using the same passwords for more than one login. That’s easier said than done when the average person has dozens of logins to manage, so consider using a password manager like 1Password or Dashlane . These applications will not only remember your login information at every site, they’ll make it easy to choose a unique, hard-to-crack password any time you create an account. But don’t get overconfident—even the password manager LastPass experienced a data breach in 2022 —that’s how common data breaches are.) Set up multi-factor authentication—especially for that password manager you probably just started using. Multi-factor authentication enables you to add an extra layer of protection between your password and your data. After your login information has been correctly entered, with MFA, you’ll automatically receive a phone call or a text message asking you to confirm that you’re the person attempting to access your account, along with a one-time code you can use to prove you’re really you. Take advantage of any free credit monitoring or identity theft protection services you are offered by the organization that was breached. Most companies will offer these services as compensation for the inconvenience they have caused you. Consider adding a verbal PIN or passphrase to your financial accounts. If identity thieves acquire enough of your personal information, it’s possible that they can assume control of your checking and savings accounts by contacting your financial institution and pretending to be you. One way to protect yourself at Vibrant—call us and set up a verbal PIN or passphrase we’ll ask you to provide every time you call. Scammers won’t know you have one unless they call – and it’s much more difficult to crack a password on the phone. Consider setting up a credit freeze. You can place a credit freeze on your credit report, preventing any lender or retailer from pulling your credit as part of a credit application. If you’re not actively in the market for a loan or credit card, then setting up a security freeze on your credit report is an effective way to keep identity thieves from signing up for credit cards of their own. If you later need to apply for credit, you can remove the security freeze either temporarily or permanently. The process is simple, free and can be completed online, via phone, or through the mail. Make sure to contact all three main credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to ensure you’re completely protected. Get complete instructions on setting up a credit freeze from USA.gov. Watch your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious transactions. If you see a transaction that doesn’t look familiar, contact your financial institution immediately to file a dispute. If your card has been compromised, your financial institution can issue you a new number and close the old account. Check your credit report regularly to make sure no one is taking out credit in your name. If you’ve signed up for online banking with Vibrant, it’s easy to keep an eye on your credit report. Log in , go to the TOOLS menu, and choose CREDIT TRACKER. You’ll receive an alert any time your credit report updates—from decreases in your available credit to new accounts added. Consider investing in identity theft insurance. Many homeowners and renters policies include optional identity theft protection that can cost as little as $15 a year. This coverage can provide compensation for attorneys’ fees, lost wages if you need to take time away from work to rectify the damage, and for administrative costs including certified mail, long-distance calls, or notary fees. Talk to our partners at Vibrant Insurance Group to find identity theft coverage that fits your needs. Feeling overwhelmed? Get expert advice from IdentityTheft.gov . This free program from the Federal Trade Commission will walk you through everything you need to do in the event of a data breach or documented case of identity theft (e.g., you have found a fraudulent charge on your credit card). Previous Item Next Item

Learn how my interest is calculated 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 approximately 31 cents in interest at the end of the month. Interest dividends are paid to your account at the end of every month. On our Savings Accounts , interest dividends are paid monthly on your average daily balance for the month. So if you have an average daily balance of, say, $104.35 in a Preferred Savings account, you'll earn 4.00% APY on that amount. Previous Item Next Item

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. 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. Want to be more financially savvy? These tips will help you skillfully manage your money 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. Create an inflation-proof budget Rising prices can make it feel impossible to create a budget that allows you to enjoy life and still build your savings. But it is possible. Here's how to get started. Review your expenses. The first step to creating a budget is to review your bills and expenses. This is a great way to track where your money goes each month. Are you spending too much on dining out? Could you get a better deal if you switch cell phone providers? Are you paying for music and video streaming services that you don’t use anymore? Reviewing expenses gives you a better understanding of how your money is being spent and how you can modify your choices to live a more financially successful life. Increase your income. Take a look at your current salary and compare it to other people in similar roles (Glassdoor's salary index is a great place to start). Is it in line with industry averages for your role? If not, consider negotiating a higher salary with your current employer. Another option is to move to a different company. Protocol reports professionals who job-hopped in the past few years “received a 30% increase in salary.”If increasing your salary isn’t possible now, there are other ways to grow your checking account balance. Many individuals are starting side-hustles to supplement their income. If you have many years of experience in an industry, you can offer consulting or training services. If you have musical talent, you can perform at gigs or give music lessons. And, if you’re on social media all the time, consider that social media management and blogging are considered some of the most profitable side jobs. Expand your professional skills. Learning new skills can open up new job opportunities—and access to industries where you may not have experience. Start saving In addition to modifying your budget and increasing your income, saving money is a vital part of money management. Set aside a fixed amount to deposit into your savings account each month. It doesn’t have to be a large amount—you can start with 5 percent and increase that amount as your earnings increase. What’s important is to make savings a habit. Consider setting up an automatic transfer to savings every time you get paid. Invest for the future Investing can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Investing is simply making your money work for you instead of having it sit in your bank account. Even if you’re not ready to invest in the stock market, putting your money in a high-yield savings account or a certificate of deposit can produce profitable results. If you’re not sure how or where to start investing your money, talk to a financial adviser for help evaluating your various investment choices. Review your retirement options Planning ahead for your golden years ensures your retirement will be enjoyable and relatively stress-free. If your employer offers a retirement plan like a 401(k), it’s a great idea to start investing in it as soon as you can, especially if they offer a matching contribution. If you don’t have access to an employer plan, or if you want to save more than your employer’s plan allows, you have two options for opening an individual retirement account (IRA). Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) A traditional individual retirement account is funded with pre-tax money. This means you have the benefit of getting a tax deduction on your contribution. Be aware: This means you may owe taxes on the money when you withdraw it. You will also not be able to withdraw funds until you reach the age of 59½. Expect your retirement savings needs to change over time, especially if you change employers. Investopedia notes, “Rolling your money over into an IRA will often reduce the management and administrative fees you've been paying.” Your financial advisor can counsel you on the best course of action to take for your retirement funds. Sign up for Vibrant Credit Union’s personal banking services Transforming into a financially savvy superstar is easy when you take advantage of Vibrant’s personal banking services. Our friendly and knowledgeable team makes banking services easy to understand so you can achieve your financial goals. Contact us to discuss all that we can help you achieve. FAQs Q: What do I need to open a Vibrant checking or savings account? A: To open an account, you’ll need to provide the following: Full name Address Social Security Number Valid, government-issued photo ID: driver’s license, passport or military ID. Minimum deposit of $5 to activate your account. Every Vibrant member must open a membership savings account with a minimum $5 deposit before they can take advantage of other products and services. Q: How much money should I keep in my checking account? A: We recommend keeping 1–2 months of living expenses in your checking account. Q: How do I open an IRA? A: Schedule an appointment with a Vibrant personal banker to review your goals. They'll set up your account and help you choose a portfolio that's the right fit. Previous Item Next Item