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. 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. What Happens When the Fed Lowers Rates When the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, it encourages more borrowing and spending to help the economy grow. Lower rates make it cheaper for businesses and consumers to borrow money — but they also reduce what financial institutions earn on loans and investments. That’s why you’ll often see banks and credit unions adjust deposit rates shortly after the Fed makes a change. It’s not about cutting corners — it’s about staying aligned with the larger economy. How Rate Changes Affect Your Savings Deposit rates tend to move in the same direction as the Fed’s benchmark rate. When the Fed cuts rates, the “cost of money” across the financial system drops. To keep everything balanced, banks and credit unions adjust savings rates too. This ensures they can continue operating responsibly while offering competitive returns. Why Lower Rates Aren’t a Bad Sign A lower savings rate doesn’t mean something’s wrong. In fact, it’s a sign that we’re managing funds wisely. Staying in step with the market helps Vibrant maintain financial stability, protect member value, and continue offering strong deposit rates within our suite of products such as our Premier Checking and Preferred Savings accounts, along with services that benefit everyone. A Quick Term to Know: Basis Points You’ll often hear changes described in basis points . One basis point equals one one-hundredth of a percent (0.01%). So, if the Fed lowers rates by 25 basis points, that means a quarter of a percent (0.25%). Using basis points makes it easier to describe small but meaningful shifts clearly and consistently. Balancing Member Value and Stability Every rate change is about balance. By managing what we pay on deposits, we can also keep loan rates low — helping members borrow affordably while still earning a fair return on savings. It’s part of how we make sure the credit union stays strong for the long haul. There’s More to It Than the Fed While the Fed’s rate plays a major role, it’s not the only factor we look at. We also consider market trends, liquidity (how much cash we have available to lend), loan demand, and how other financial institutions (both big banks and credit unions) are adjusting their rates. Our goal is always the same: to stay nationally competitive, responsible, and member-focused. Part of a Bigger Financial Strategy These rate adjustments aren’t quick reactions — they’re part of our long-term financial strategy. By maintaining a healthy balance between deposits, loans, and investments, we can keep earning enough to reinvest in our members, our products, our team, and our communities. What to Tell Friends (or Yourself) Who Miss the Old Rate It’s natural to feel a little disappointed when savings rates go down. But it helps to remember that your rate reflects larger economic trends — and that we’re doing everything we can to stay transparent, consistent, and competitive. Your money is still working hard here. Especially in Vibrant’s Premier Checking , Preferred Savings , and our CDs accounts. When Rates Rise Again We monitor the market closely and respond thoughtfully — never rushing, but never lagging either. Our goal is always to make smart, sustainable choices that benefit our members. Still Among the Best Even after this adjustment, our deposit rates remain among the top tier in the nation compared to many other credit unions and big banks. In fact, many large institutions offer significantly lower returns on savings accounts — and fewer personalized benefits. The Vibrant Difference We’re proud to be digitally led and human assisted — giving you powerful online tools backed by real people who care. That balance lets us stay efficient and innovative while never losing sight of what matters most: you. Even as rates shift, we stay focused on total member value — trusted services that keep you confident in your financial future. With industry-leading rates and our promise of no hoops, no hassle, and always great rates , Vibrant makes banking refreshingly simple. It’s a difference that’s been recognized nationally — The Wall Street Journal’s Buy Side named us one of the best for deposit rates , a testament to the value and experience our members enjoy every day. In Short: Rates change. Our commitment doesn’t. We’ll always make thoughtful, transparent decisions that balance market realities with what’s best for our members. Your money remains in a secure, competitive, and community-focused place — exactly where it belongs. Vibrant — No hoops. No Hassle. Always great rates. Federally insured by NCUA. Previous Item Next Item

Find your account number To find your account number, you have a few different options: Refer to your Member Service Agreement that was sent to you via email shortly after your account was opened via DocuSign Grab a check and check out the two strings of numbers at the bottom. The first number starting with 2711..is our routing number. The second is your account number. Send us a secure message through online banking. Previous Item Next Item

See current rates, dealer incentives, and connect to everything you need to access equipment financing through Vibrant. Welcome to Vibrant Equipment Lending Are you new here? Send us an email to set up your account and gain access to the dealer portal. Email us to get started Find Your Financing Program Select your manufacturer below to view rates, promotions, and financing details tailored to your equipment lineup. Vibrant Equipment Lending (VEL) Yanmar & YCENA McCormick Wacker Neuson Manitou & Gehl Vibrant Equipment Lending (VEL) Yanmar & YCENA McCormick Wacker Neuson Loan Portal Create new applications, check on the status of applications in progress, and more. Open the Loan Portal Business Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. CT Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. CT Note, hours adjust seasonally. Questions? Reach out to your relationship manager. Or email us at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 800-479-6206 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 800-479-6206 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Cale VanGenderen SVP, Equipment Finance Natalie Newcomb Equipment Finance Manager nnewcomb@vibrantcu.org Jessica Voges Account Manager 800-479-6206 jvoges@vibrantcu.org Kari Neff Account Manager 800-479-6206 kneff@vibrantcu.org Shawn LaBarge Account Manager 800-479-6206 slabarge@vibrantcu.org Drew Watkins Account Manager 800-479-6206 awatkins@vibrantcu.org Brayden Sechser Relationship Manager AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY 503-851-4895 bsechser@vibrantcu.org Carson Thomas Relationship Manager CT, DE, IN, KY, OH, MA, MD, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV 309-269-1586 cthomas@vibrantcu.org Chuck Ellis Relationship Manager LA, NM, OK, TX 817-999-3717 cellis@vibrantcu.org Marc Brown Relationship Manager AR, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, MS, ND, NE, SD, TN, WI 563-514-4844 mpbrown@vibrantcu.org Michael Schneidermann Relationship Manager AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA 800-479-6206 mschneidermann@vibrantcu.org Make REV Insurance part of every deal REV Insurance is a simple way to help protect your customers’ equipment and keep their loan secure. It’s built for real-world use and easy to include in the financing process. Be sure to introduce REV Insurance as part of every deal. You can review coverage details in the Quick Reference Guide . Learn more about REV Insurance Frequently Asked Questions What’s the relationship with Vibrant Credit Union? Vibrant Equipment Lending is an exclusive loan processing and servicing partner for individual consumer and small business in the United States. We're here to make it faster and easier for your customers to get the financing they need to complete their purchases — and give you immediate access to funds. We worked to build a secure lending platform that fits your needs, and we're continually refining that technology based on feedback from you. As a member-owned nonprofit, we're committed to offering affordable loans to our members based on a holistic appraisal of their financial situation, and we've created a portfolio of flexible financing products to fit practically any budget. What information will I need to provide to set up my dealership account? Get in touch with your Relationship Manager or email us here . How long does it take to receive a decision on a loan application? Over half of applications are auto-approved on the spot with our flexible, risk-based scoring model. On those occasions when an application is not automatically approved, our lending team individually reviews the customer's financial information before making our final decision. Most of the time, we find a way to say yes in 30 minutes or less! Do you finance purchases of used equipment? We do! Loan terms and amounts will be based on the applicant's creditworthiness as well as the age/usage of the equipment being financed. See here for details. Where should I direct customers to manage their loan account and make payments? Vibrant has created an online account portal for customers where they can manage their accounts. They have three options for paying their loan: Pay online with their debit card. They can pay online with an ACH transfer from another bank account. Or, they can just mail us a check! Remind them to include their account number on the memo line for faster processing. Vibrant ATTN: Payments PO Box 1550 Moline IL 61266 I need help with my account. When is your dealer services team available? We run on seasonal hours (see above). You can reach us at 1-800-479-6206 during office hours or email us any time at loanprogram@vibrantcu.org . What do I need from my customer to obtain financing? Your customer will need to provide their government-issued ID (driver's license or U.S. passport). You'll also need a sales order with the year, make, model, and SN/VIN for all equipment being financed. Complete an application in the dealer portal and get a decision within minutes. I have a question about the program, who do I contact? Vibrant has a dedicated relationship management team to assist dealers with any loan program or banking needs. Our relationship managers are ready to answer all your questions! See above to find your RM! Who are the Account Managers and what do they do? Our account management team is here to work every loan application from start to finish with you. After you submit an application, one of our account managers will email or call you within a couple of minutes to update you on the initial loan decision and requirements and confirm your sales order is complete (including year, make, model, and VIN/SN for all equipment). Once we have all that information, we can issue a final approval and send documentation to your and your customer to complete online via DocuSign.

Welcome, Modern Woodmen of America! Check out these helpful videos to get started with your Chapter account. Desktop How to log in for the first time Navigating online banking Ordering checks Getting Started with Your Vibrant Chapter Account Mobile How to log in for the first time Navigating online banking How to make a mobile deposit 5 tips for making mobile deposit easier Navigating online banking

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

Vibrant is proud to be the official sponsor of the Quad City Strikers youth soccer organization. Want to save money? Sign up to receive special offers from Vibrant plus VIP access to exclusive Strikers apparel and gear. Yes, I'm interested! Add a Title Want to save money? Sign up to receive special offers from Vibrant plus VIP access to exclusive Strikers apparel and gear. Yes, I'm interested! Dear Strikers Family, Our ongoing partnership with the Strikers has been an amazing experience. From watching each team take the field for the first time in their Vibrant jerseys to cheering as they distinguished themselves in competition, it's been exciting to see these kids growing in skill and ability. We're proud to be a part of an organization where players learn to be their best on and off the field—and we’re excited for what comes next. Vibrant | #bevibrant Stay tuned for more great perks As the Strikers' corporate partner, we've worked with the organization to ensure players have access to trainers, indoor practice facilities, and great new jerseys. As the new season gets under way, we'll be pitching in to provide special try-out shirts, team photos, and unique gear for our hard-working coaches.

We all start a new year with the best of intentions, but building new habits is hard. If you want to take better control of your personal finances in 2022, here are a few things you can do that won’t require a lot of time—or a lot of willpower. 5 New Years resolutions that will be easy to keep We all start a new year with the best of intentions, but building new habits is hard. If you want to take better control of your personal finances in 2022, here are a few things you can do that won’t require a lot of time—or a lot of willpower. We all start a new year with the best of intentions, but building new habits is hard. If you want to take better control of your personal finances in 2022, here are a few things you can do that won’t require a lot of time—or a lot of willpower. Resolution #1: How to save more money One reason New Year’s resolutions fail is because they are too easy to break. You can turn regular savings into a habit by automating the process. Set up an automatic transfer each pay day that transfers a small amount of cash into your savings account. It’s okay to start small—you don’t want to be tempted to cancel your transfer because you suddenly need that money for something else next month. You can always increase the amount in the future. Time required: 2 minutes to log in to online banking and set up a new automatic transfer Resolution #2: How to reduce your debt One of the fastest ways you can reduce your monthly debt expenses is by reducing your borrowing costs. With interest rates still near record lows, it’s a great time to explore refinancing your mortgage, your auto loan, or consolidating your debt into a single monthly payment. Right now, for instance, credit card rates average about 16% APR (annual percentage rate). If you have good (or better) credit, you can probably find a personal loan that charges considerably less. Time required: 60 minutes (and often far less) to fill out an application, talk with a banker, and sign documentation Resolution #3: How to reduce your spending Are you spending money right now on things you don’t even use? Take a look at your subscriptions—streaming services, magazines and newspapers, websites—and think hard about the value they provide. Do you watch enough baseball to justify a $129 subscription to MLB? Are Spotify’s ads really that annoying? Time required: 5 minutes or less to cancel an account, depending on whether it's one of those companies that makes you call instead of letting you cancel online (definitely stop giving those guys your money) Resolution #4: How to earn more money (easy mode) First, an easy thing you should check right now: Are you earning your full employer match on your retirement savings? Many employees, including Vibrant, will match your contribution dollar-for-dollar up to a certain percentage. If you’re not contributing at least that percentage of your salary to your retirement plan, you’re essentially telling your employer to keep an extra 1, 2, or even 5 percent of your annual salary for themselves. Time required: 15 minutes or less to ask your HR department what you need to do to increase your contribution Resolution #5: How to earn more money (advanced) Second, there’s never been a better time to think about changing jobs—or renegotiating your current salary. The latest economic data shows there are more than 10 million open jobs right now, while the number of Americans collecting unemployment is lower than 2 million. Lots of people are finding better jobs right now—which could mean that your current employer might be more willing to increase salaries to keep experienced workers from moving on. It’s probably a good time to mention that Vibrant is hiring—and we offer a 401(k) match up to 6 percent of your salary. Check out our current openings . Time required: As little as a couple of weeks to six months or longer, depending on your field and your location 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

(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. See featured rate here 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. See featured rate here 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. See featured rate here 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. See featured rate here 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

Not sure which Vibrant account is the best for you? Take this short quiz about your financial habits and get recommendations. Take the quiz

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. 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. Does opening a checking account affect my credit score? Even though opening a checking account is usually the first box you check when you first take steps into the financial world, the cold hard truth is that your credit score does not care. As far as your credit score is concerned, your deposits and withdrawals are your business. There are a handful of exceptions, though. The lender you open your account with may perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. To be clear, this isn’t the norm. Most financial institutions will only make a soft inquiry before opening a new checking account. Soft inquiries have no impact on your credit score, but a hard inquiry could drop your score a few points. Lenders have also been known to make hard inquiries if you sign up for overdraft protection. On that same note, not signing up for overdraft protection and then overdrawing your checking account could impact your credit score. Should you fail to repay the amount in a timely fashion, the lender could turn the matter over to a collections agency. The same thing could happen if you close your account with a negative balance and don’t pay the lender back. Long story short, your credit score is not as excited as you are about your new checking account, but it will be paying attention if you mismanage that account. What affects my credit score? What exactly is a credit score? And who exactly is keeping score? Two good questions that not everyone knows the answer to — even if they might pretend like they do. “Credit score” is such a common financial term today that many people never even question it, when actually understanding how it is calculated can help you boost your score. Credit bureaus are the ones who calculate your credit score. Each of them has their own unique algorithm for calculating credit scores and they are all as tight-lipped as a magician’s assistant when it comes to revealing the specific math behind their algorithms. But what we do know is that five basic financial categories are the keys to determining your score: Payment history. Your payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score. Credit utilization. The amount of credit you have available to you and the percentage of that credit you are using regularly accounts for 30% of your score. Length of credit history. The age of your accounts is 15% of your credit score. The longer your credit history, the better your score, usually. Types of credit. The different types of credit you utilize — credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, etc. — accounts for 10% of your score. New credit. The final 10% of your credit score is determined by how many new lines of credit you have applied for. Opening multiple new accounts in a short period of time can be seen as a sign of financial troubles to a lender. What is a good credit score? Your credit score is a number between 300 and 850. If your score is less than 600, you have what is considered a poor credit score. The sweet spot is between 661 and 780, which is where the good credit scores live. If you’re an overachiever, aim for 781 or higher. If ever you find yourself with a credit score higher than 781, you have done pretty well for yourself. You deserve a gold star, but you’ll have to settle for a great credit score instead. If you are interested in opening a new checking account or have questions about your credit score, please get in touch with us . Math is our specialty! Previous Item Next Item

Foundation invites community organizations to apply for future funding through the Vibrant Credit Union website. Be The Good Foundation Awards Inaugural Grant to Living Lands & Waters Foundation invites community organizations to apply for future funding through the Vibrant Credit Union website. Moline, IL — February 26, 2026 Be The Good Foundation proudly presented its inaugural grant to Living Lands & Waters , marking an exciting milestone in the Foundation’s mission to strengthen and serve our communities. Living Lands & Waters, a nationally recognized environmental nonprofit dedicated to river cleanups, watershed conservation, and community engagement, was selected as the Foundation’s first grant recipient in recognition of its meaningful impact and ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources. The $500 grant was formally presented during a check ceremony with representatives from both organizations. The event celebrated a shared commitment to service, stewardship, and creating positive change. “Launching Be The Good Foundation with Living Lands & Waters as our first recipient reflects exactly what we stand for — action, impact, and community,” said Tiffany Haedt, President of Be The Good Foundation. “We are proud to support organizations that are making a tangible difference.” Be The Good Foundation was established to invest in initiatives that uplift communities, support meaningful causes, and embody the spirit of doing good in both big and small ways. Now Accepting Grant Applications Be The Good Foundation invites nonprofit organizations and community groups to submit grant requests via the Vibrant Credit Union website. Organizations with missions aligned to community improvement, service, and positive impact are encouraged to apply. To learn more or submit a grant request, visit the Be The Good Foundation page . Together, we can continue to build stronger communities — one act of good at a time. 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