November 5th is Bank Transfer Day
Bank Transfer Day is a movement launched by Kristen Christian, a 27-year-old owner of the Le Spec Gallery in LA. In an effort to education younger people on their banking choices, Christian is calling on the 99% to transfer their dollars out of major banking institutions like Bank of America and Chase and into Credit Unions + Local Banks.
I thought it might be helpful if you were aware of some Chicago options so you can be sure to make a smart move. I mean, don’t you want your financial institution to be a not-for-profit or B Corporation anyway?! Shouldn’t YOUR money stay YOUR money?
Chicago has over 70 credit unions! Here’s a list of the Chicago Credit Unions + their membership numbers.
I pulled out some of the larger ones to showcase the membership opportunities. This first one is where I bank. Not a credit union but a certified B Corporation run by lovely people who I trust + know.
GreenChoice Bank - “GreenChoice Bank is the Midwest’s first community bank that is dedicated to the environmental, social, and financial well-being of our communities and our planet.” They have 3 locations in Chicago and are a member of the Star Network which means you can use any Star ATM for free. There are tens of thousands of them (every 711 ATM is on the Star Network). Their newest location is in the Green Exchange on Diversey at 90/94. They provide excellent online banking tools. B Corporation
US Employees Credit Union - “U.S. Employees Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution dedicated to helping members acquire financial stability by providing comprehensive services to meet their changing financial needs while continuing to maintain financial strength of the credit union.” Anyone who lives in Chicago automatically qualifies for membership. They also have 3 locations and are on the Star Network. Non-Profit.
Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union - “The Chicago Patrolmen’s Federal Credit Union is the only full service financial institution solely dedicated to servicing the financial needs of the Chicago Police Officers and their families.” Approved employee groups have been expanded to include Full-time Civilian Employees of the Chicago Police Department and Full-time Employees of the Office of Emergency Management Communications. Members’ spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters and Domestic Partners meeting criteria, may also join. Retirees and their families from eligible groups also qualify for membership.
United Credit Union - Community Membership in United Credit Union is limited to any one who lives or works, or worships in the area described as follows: starting at the intersection of Lake Cook Road and Route 53, going east to Lake Michigan, then follow the Michigan Lake border south to the Illinois/Indiana line, then south following the Cook County line, then continue west following the Cook County line, then north and east, continuing to follow the Cook County line until it intersects with North Avenue, then west on North Ave. to Route 53, then follow Route 53 to Lake Cook Road.
I know how long it took me to finally make the switch from Bank of America to GreenChoice Bank. It wasn’t for lack of desire it was however something I was dreading because I assumed it would be a big deal. I had my new accounts set up in under 30 minutes!! I changed over two direct deposit accounts in 10 minutes. I spent under 1 hour to make the switch and I could not be happier or more relieved. AND, I’m saving over $300 a year in fee’s!!! You know what else? When I walk into my bank, they know my name + actually care how my day is going. It’s amazing.
Make the decision to protect your money and make a POWERFUL statement about what matters to you. On November 5th make the switch.
