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- Skip-a-Pay | Vibrant Credit Union
Stretch your budget with Skip-a-Pay. You can skip up to two personal, auto, or equipment loan payments per year and pay no fees until the end of your loan term. Take a break from your bills If you’re between paychecks or simply want some extra cash in your pocket now, Skip-a-Pay is the fast and easy way to stretch your budget. Take a break from your bills If you’re between paychecks or simply want some extra cash in your pocket now, Skip-a-Pay is the fast and easy way to stretch your budget. How it works When you Skip-a-Pay, you pay absolutely nothing now: Your skipped payment is added to the end of your current term Processing fees are based on the amount of the skipped payment and will not be due until the end of your loan term* Who can apply? Anyone with a Vibrant auto, personal, or Loan Program (equipment) loan can apply if: Your balance is current Auto and personal loans: You've made at least 1 loan payment, it’s been more than one payment cycle since you last used Skip-a-Pay, you have fewer than two (2) skips in the last calendar year, and you've skipped fewer than 6 payments total Loan Program Consumer (Equipment Finance loans): You've made at least 1 loan payment, you haven't requested a skip in the previous 12 months, and you've skipped fewer than 3 payments total GetMyCash loans are not eligible for Skip a Pay. What to expect To apply, all you need is your account number and current balance: Check your inbox for confirmation and a form from DocuSign to agree to the Skip-A-Payment terms If you use autopay, make sure to adjust any scheduled payments Apply now *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. A Vibrant employee may follow up with additional questions. All Skip-a-Pay requests are subject to Vibrant Credit Union approval. Non-real estate closed-end consumer loans only. Email documents will arrive from DocuSign and may arrive in your junk/spam folder. Processing time may take 1–2 business days. This payment skip will extend the final maturity date of your loan by one (1) month. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance. All principal, interest and fees will be due at the maturity of your loan. By participating in Vibrant Credit Union’s Skip-a-Pay program, you request that Vibrant defer your loan payment(s) as indicated. You agree and understand that: 1) finance charges will continue to accrue at the rate of your original loan agreement; 2) deferring your payments will extend the term(s) of your loan(s); 3) you will be required to resume your monthly payments the following month; 4) loan must be current. The processing fee per loan is $100 for loan payments up to $200 and $180 for loan payments over $200. The processing fee will be added to the loan. Each non-real estate loan is allowed a maximum of two (2) skipped payments per 12-month period and are limited to six (6) total for the life of the loan. There must be one full payment made between skips. Loan Program loans are eligible for one (1) skip per 12-month period, after at least one initial payment on the loan has been made and are limited to three (3) for the life of the loan. It is the member's responsibility to make adjustments to their automatic payment(s). This policy is subject to change without notice. If your loan includes GAP coverage, this payment and any fees associated with it may not be covered in the event of a total loss.
- TPC Community Business Disclaimer | Vibrant Credit Union
TPC Community Business Disclaimer Giveaway Overview: Individuals who attend a community banking meeting (in person or virtual) are eligible to receive up to four (4) TPC Deere Run golf passes per person, while supplies last. Schedule your meeting here . Participants may also qualify by referring a friend. Once the referred individual completes their meeting, both the referrer and the referee will be eligible to receive two (2) golf passes each. Submit your referral here . By providing your email address, you consent to receive marketing communications. Unsubscribe at any time. OFFICIAL RULES FOR GIVEAWAYS OR DRAWINGS NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. The Giveaway (“Giveaway or Drawing”) is sponsored by Vibrant Credit Union. (“Vibrant” or “Credit Union”). Each Giveaway is governed by these Official Rules (“Official Rules”). By participating in a Giveaway, each entrant agrees to abide by these Official Rules, including all eligibility requirements, and understands that the Giveaway results, as determined by Vibrant and its agents or representatives, are final in all respects. The Giveaway is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with any social media platform such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc. Any questions, comments, or complaints regarding any promotion should be directed to Vibrant, not to the social media platform. ELIGIBILITY The Giveaway offer is limited to U.S. residents aged eighteen (18) years of age or older. Vibrant, Board of Directors, Committee members, and all immediate family members are ineligible to participate in the Giveaway. Vibrant has the right to verify the eligibility of each entrant and, in its sole discretion, disqualify any individual from participating in the Giveaway. The Giveaway is void where prohibited. The Giveaway and these Official Rules will be governed, construed, and interpreted in accordance with Illinois law and any applicable federal law. GIVEAWAY PERIOD The Giveaway begins and ends on the dates specified in the Guidelines for the particular promotion. All entries or submissions must be received on or before the time stated. Vibrant reserves the right to extend or shorten the Giveaway at their sole discretion. HOW TO ENTER Entrants must follow all required rules of entry to participate in the Giveaway. For social media specific Giveaways, rules may include “Liking” a post on Vibrant’s corresponding social media or commenting on a Timeline as instructed. No post or tag etc., on a personal timeline will be considered. After complying with the instructions and submitting the required information, the entrant will automatically be entered to win. You may enter as many times as you wish unless specifically prohibited by in the Guidelines for the particular promotion. By entering, the entrant agrees to be bound by these Official Rules and by the decisions of Vibrant. WINNER SELECTION All eligible entries received during the Giveaway Period will be gathered into a database at the end of the Giveaway Period. A certain number of winners will be chosen at random by Vibrant with the number notated on the Credit Union’s corresponding Guidelines to the specific promotion. Some Giveaways may have as few as one (1) winner but may have more than one as announced. The winner(s) will be announced after the Giveaway Period ends. Announcements and instructions for prize collection will be sent via a posting on Vibrant’s social media and/or by other means in Vibrant’s discretion. The prize or prizes shall be selected at the discretion of Vibrant and will be notated on the Credit Union’s social media with other applicable information. Each entrant is responsible for monitoring Vibrant’s social media for posts regarding prize notification and receipt or other communications related to the Giveaway or as specifically stated in the Guidelines. Vibrant may at its discretion contact winners using email, social media messaging or by comment on a Post. Potential winners must pick up their prize within ten (10) business days of the Winner Announcement, otherwise they forfeit the prize and such will be awarded to another randomly selected eligible winner. SOCIAL MEDIA GIVEAWAYS AND DRAWINGS The number of Giveaways, prizes, and winners is at the discretion of Vibrant. Specific details relevant to a particular Giveaway are posted on Vibrant’s social media and by other means at Vibrant’s discretion. PRIZES, TAXES AND LIMITATIONS Prizes may consist of tickets for entry to a local venue or include gift cards or other items announced by Vibrant. Terms and conditions may apply. Incidental expenses and all additional costs and expenses that are not explicitly listed as part of a prize in these Official Rules and may be associated with the award, acceptance, receipt, and use of all or any portion of the awarded prize are solely the responsibility of the respective prize winner. All federal, state, and local taxes associated with the receipt or use of any prize are solely the winner's responsibility. Vibrant will not be responsible for reporting any winnings to the IRS. Odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received. ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS Prize(s) is non-transferable. No substitution or cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. Vibrant, its agents, and representatives are not responsible for any typographical or other errors in the o giveaway ffer or administration of the Giveaway including, but not limited to, errors in any printing or posting or these Official Rules, Guidelines, the selection and announcement of any winner, or the distribution of any prize. Any attempt to damage the content or operation of this Giveaway is unlawful and subject to possible legal action by Vibrant. Vibrant reserves the right to terminate, suspend or amend the Giveaway, without notice, and for any reason, including, without limitation, if Vibrant determines that the Giveaway cannot be conducted as planned or should a virus, bug, tampering or unauthorized intervention, technical failure or other cause beyond Vibrant’s control corrupt the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper play of the Giveaway. If any tampering or unauthorized intervention may have occurred, Vibrant reserves the right to void suspect entries at issue. Vibrant and its agents, and representatives, and any telephone network or service providers, are not responsible for inaccurate transcription of entry information or for any human error, technical malfunction, lost or delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, line failure, or malfunction of any telephone network, computer equipment or software, the inability to access any website or online service or any other error, human or otherwise. INDEMNIFICATION, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND USE OF PLATFORM By entering the Giveaway, each entrant agrees to indemnify, release and hold harmless Vibrant and its agents and representatives, social media platforms, administrator(s), advertising and promotional agencies, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents from any liability, damages, losses or injury resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from that entrant’s participation in the Giveaway and the acceptance, use or misuse of any prize that may be won waiving any and all causes of action related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of, or in connection with, directly or indirectly, the Giveaway, drawing, prize, acceptance, possession, use of, or inability to use any prize (including) without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity, privacy or defamation, whether intentional or unintentional) whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty, or other theory. Vibrant does not collect users’ content or information, or otherwise access social media platforms, using automated means (such as harvesting bots and robots) or deploy the use of an automated system to generate invites, etc. Vibrant does use Social Media platforms for the promotion of commercial business, interaction with customers and potential customers alike as a means to promote its commercial enterprise. If a subject prize is within the control of a third party, or if the prize consists of the obligation of a third party to perform (e.g., without limitation, a coupon, a gift card from a retailer, or a ticket to an event), then Vibrant assigns all rights to performance and all entitlement to the prize winner. However, Vibrant does not guarantee the third-party's performance. The prize winner agrees that Vibrant is not liable or responsible to the prize winner for the failure of the third party to perform. Vibrant and its agents and representatives do not make any warranties, express or implied, as to the prize's condition, fitness, or merchantability. Vibrant and its agents and representatives, advertising and promotional agencies, and all their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, and agents disclaim any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from access to or the download of information or materials connected with the Giveaway. Vibrant reserves the right to change these Official Rules at any time, without prior notice, and in its sole discretion to suspend or cancel the Giveaway or any entrant's participation in the Giveaway. RELEASE Upon the request of Vibrant, the potential winner will be required to return a Release and Prize Acceptance Form. The winner is responsible for all applicable state, federal and local taxes associated with the prize(s) if any. If a potential winner fails to comply with these Official Rules, that potential winner will be disqualified. Prizes may not be awarded if an insufficient number of eligible entries are received. All prizes are non-transferrable. PUBLICITY By participating, each entrant or winner grants Vibrant permission to use their name, likeness, photo, voice, image, statements, or comments for publicity purposes including web, television, and print without payment of additional consideration, further authorization, or notification; except where prohibited by law. NO ENDORSEMENT OR SPONSORSHIP Vibrant may obtain prizes by purchase or donation from third parties. Vibrant’s offering of a prize, or use of the logo of others to publicize the prizes, does not suggest the endorsement, sponsorship, affiliation, association, or authorization by the third-parties. ENFORCEABILITY If any portion of these Official Rules is determined to be unenforceable, it will not invalidate the other terms and provisions of these Official Rules. Any unenforced terms or conditions of these Official Rules will not constitute a waiver of any of the terms mentioned above, and all remaining terms and conditions of these Official Rule will remain in full force and effect. Only a written, signed amendment, agreement, waiver or like-kind construction will constitute a waiver of these Official Rules by Vibrant. ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO ENTER GIVEAWAYS For an alternative way to enter, email your first and last name along with your phone number to marketing@vibrantcu.org . QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Any questions or comments regarding this Giveaway should be directed to the Vibrant Marketing Department by phone at 1-800-323-5109. Orig. 04/2025 Previous Item Next Item
- Closing your Vibrant digital banking account | Vibrant Credit Union
Closing your Vibrant digital banking account Want to close your account? We're sorry to see you go. Once you close your account, you will no longer be able to access your account information through our online banking platform or mobile app. 1. Close your account in person. Visit one of our branches and request to close any or all of your accounts. Bring your current state-issued ID or driver's license. Talk to a staff member and let them know which account(s) you'd like to close. We'll ask you to sign an account closure form. We'll refund your balance in cash, with a cashier's check, or through a wire transfer to another financial institution. 2. Close your account by phone. Call us at 1-800-323-5109 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT on Saturday. When you connect, press option 1, then option 3. Tell our member contact center agent which account(s) you'd like to close. We will confirm your identity, then get your signature on an account closure form. You can choose to have us mail you a cashier's check for the balance of your account or help you transfer the remaining funds to another financial institution by wire. To learn how Vibrant handles your personal information and data while you're an account holder, as well as after you close your account, please see our privacy policy . Previous Item Next Item
- Add Vibrant to your digital wallet | Vibrant Credit Union
Add Vibrant to your digital wallet If you never leave home without your smartphone, at least you can leave home without your wallet. Your Vibrant debit or credit card works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. No more swiping! Apple Pay Open the Wallet app and tap the plus (+) sign to add a new card. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV code and tap NEXT. Vibrant will automatically verify your card info. To pay from your phone, wave your phone in front of any contactless card reader or tap it against the ))) symbol. Google Pay Open the Google Pay app and tap the +ADD TO WALLET button. Choose PAYMENT CARD, then ADD NEW PAYMENT CARD. Enter your card details manually or use your phone camera to automatically scan your card. Vibrant will automatically verify your card info. To pay from your phone, hold it against the contactless payment symbol on the card reader. Boop! You're ready to go. Samsung Pay Open Samsung Pay on your phone. Tap MENU (the three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, and then tap CARDS. Tap ADD CARD (look for the icon with a credit card with a plus sign). Tap ADD CREDIT/DEBIT CARD. Follow the instructions to register your card. When you add a card, you must agree to the card's terms and conditions. Vibrant will verify your card info. That's it! Hold your phone against any contactless card reader to pay. Previous Item Next Item
- 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. 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
- Privacy Opt-Out | Vibrant Credit Union
Ask Vibrant not to share your personal information with marketers or other third-parties. Complete a privacy opt-out form. Privacy Opt-Out
- Escrow Change Form | Vibrant Credit Union
If you have a home loan from Vibrant, you can make adjustments to your escrow account by completing this form. Changes are due by Dec. 30, 2023. Make changes to your escrow account
- News & Blog | Vibrant Credit Union
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 > Award-Winning. Again. (Not our words, the WSJ's.) Read more > How to Know When a Financial Tip Online Actually Applies to You And how to know when you can keep scrolling Read more > 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. 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 > 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. From the blog
- Loan Program Consumer | Vibrant Credit Union
If you've purchased equipment and financed it through a Vibrant loan, find out how to manage your payments, update your account, and more. Can't wait to get back to work? Don't worry—managing your equipment loan is fast and easy. Manage your account Add a Title Can't wait to get back to work? Don’t worry—managing your equipment loan is fast and easy. Manage your account Set up your account Access your account online to view statements, manage payments, and review your payment history. Pay by ACH transfer... Set up an ACH transfer from your financial institution to your loan account using your account and routing number. ...Or pay by debit card Set up automatic payments or make a one-time payment online using your debit card. Go to our loan payment portal Getting started Getting started Set up your account Access your account online to view statements, manage payments, and review your payment history. Pay by ACH transfer Set up an ACH transfer from your financial institution to your loan account using your account and routing number. ...or pay by debit card Set up automatic payments or make a one-time payment online using your debit card. Manage your account FAQ Am I a Vibrant Credit Union member? Yes! You are now eligible for all our products—checking, credit cards, and more! Visit our website to learn more. How will I get my loan documents? You will receive your loan documents through DocuSign. Please save a copy of your documents at the time of signing. Where are you guys located? Our headquarters is located in Moline, Illinois, and we have branches in Iowa and Illinois. Can you help me set up an ACH transfer? Absolutely! If you're not comfortable setting up a transfer through our online portal we're glad to set it up for you. Call us at 800-323-5109 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT on Saturday. How can I make a payment? You have three options for paying your loan: You can pay online with your debit card (where you can also access your account statements and payment history if you set up an account). You can pay online with an ACH transfer from your bank account. Need help setting up your transfer? Call us at 800-323-5109 and we'll take care of it. If you prefer, you can just mail us a check! Vibrant ATTN: Payments PO Box 1550 Moline, IL 61266 How can I set up an automatic payment? Log in to your loan account and choose "Pay my bills" under your latest invoice. When you enter your payment information, you can choose a one-time payment or a recurring payment. Can I pay by mail? Yes! You can send a check to the address below if you prefer to pay by mail. Remember to include your account number on the memo line for faster processing. Vibrant ATTN: Payments PO Box 1550 Moline, IL 61266 FAQ Business hours Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – noon CT Need a hand? Get personal support from our team. Call 1-800-323-5109 or send an email to connect with us.
- 5 Smart Habits That Make Managing Your Money Easier (Not Harder)
Managing money shouldn’t feel like a part-time job. 5 Smart Habits That Make Managing Your Money Easier (Not Harder) Managing money shouldn’t feel like a part-time job. 5 Smart Habits That Make Managing Your Money Easier (Not Harder) Previous Item Next Item
- 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. 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. Moline, IL — April 3, 2024 Last fall, Vibrant Credit Union decided it was time to start offering members something they couldn’t find at any other local financial institution: interest on their savings and checking balances that adds up to more than a handful of pennies a year. Interest rates on consumer borrowing, especially car and home loans, have risen significantly over the last 2+ years as the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate to combat inflation. At the same time, interest rates on consumer deposits—the funds that financial institutions use to make many of those loans—have remained stubbornly low. Most big banks still offer a measly 0.01 percent annual percentage yield on consumer savings—meaning that if you deposit $10,000 in a savings account, by the end of the year, you’ll earn a single dollar in interest. Put that same $10,000 in Vibrant’s new Preferred Savings account, though, and you’ll earn $450. Further, the account has no monthly service fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no hidden conditions about setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of debit card transactions each month to qualify. It's a strategy that’s proving wildly successful for the credit union. In February alone, current and new members moved an additional $26 million in deposits to Vibrant. So why aren’t other financial institutions following suit? Matt McCombs, Vibrant’s president and CEO since 2015, thinks it’s because Vibrant’s new model goes against the conventional wisdom of what a credit union is supposed to look like. “Over the last few years, we’ve taken a long hard look at where we’re spending our members’ money and how well that aligns with what they actually want us to spend money on,” says McCombs. “For instance, a decade ago, more than half our members did at least some of their banking in person at one of our branches. Last year, that number was down to about 16 percent, and it’s continuing to drop. “So we asked, what if we invested more in the technologies and services our members are actually using—like our online banking platform and our call center? What if we close some of our branches outright and use the savings to pay our members more interest on their deposits?" That’s the new Vibrant: relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors and 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. “It’s a matter of understanding our strengths and doubling down on them,” says McCombs. For now, it means that Vibrant doesn’t look like anyone else in the area. But McCombs is confident Vibrant’s model is the way of the future. “The days of getting all your financial needs met by a single institution are over. When someone wants to buy a house, they can get on Rocket Mortgage. When they want to buy a car, they go straight to the dealership. We don’t mind if our members get the best deal on their loans from someone else, because that means we’re able to give them the best deal on their deposits.” Even given the rise of so many internet-only financial institutions, McCombs also sees an important place for credit unions like Vibrant. “In general, people prefer to do business with local people,” McCombs says. "When they have questions, they want to be able to talk with someone they know. They want to support local jobs. They're just not going to do it at the expense of passing up a much better deal online. Our savings and checking options give people an excellent reason to keep their money here in our communities.” About Vibrant Vibrant was founded in 1935 as a federally insured credit union with its roots in agricultural manufacturing. Now an industry-leading deposit rate competitor, customers across the country can bank with the best utilizing easy access apps and money movement-friendly accounts with top earning rates. In the community, Vibrant strives to bring specialized products to nonprofits and small businesses to foster all to "be the good." Not far from their roots, Vibrant also provides relationship- and education-focused equipment financing programs to outdoor equipment manufacturers nationwide. Previous Item Next Item

