AUTO LOAN RATES JUST REDUCED
VyStar is ready to lend you money. Discover all the advantages you have in a VyStar new or used no fee auto loan – now, with REDUCED RATES. Get the car you want with a loan from someone you know and trust. Get a discount on your rate when you set up automatic payments. Get your loan ahead of time so you can focus on getting the best deal. If you are at a dealership without a loan, no problem. Ask about VyStar financing right in their showroom. Apply Today!
Call (904) 777-6000 or 800-445-6289
Stop by any VyStar Branch
Apply online at www.vystarcu.org
We do refinancing. With our new reduced rates, now might be the time to refinance your loan from another financial institution. Ask us!
*Annual Percentage Rate effective 1/25/10 - subject to change. Rate may vary based on your individual credit history and includes Optional Rate Discount (ORD) of .25% for loans set up on automatic payment method. All payments based on the standard rate without ORD. Subject to credit approval.
SHOPPING CREDIT CARDS? CHECK WITH US.
Determine what type of needs you have. Some cards, like our Platinum Rewards Visa®, offer a rewards benefit where you earn points that can be redeemed for free merchandise and travel opportunities.
Fees are important to look at, now more so than ever. Some card companies have increased their fees or the number of fees they charge. Watch for fees charged for simply having a card (annual fee) or for making cash advances and purchase transactions. There can even be a charge for not using your card enough. At VyStar, our fees are minimal and many of our card members don’t pay any fees at all. We don’t charge a fee on balance transfers so you can move your balances from other creditors to a VyStar Visa® free of charge. On February 22, there will be no “over-the-limit” fee on our cards. We have never charged fees for cash advances or purchase transactions.
The interest rates on credit cards can vary greatly. Some institutions have changed their card programs to variable rates. Consumers have experienced rate increases, even when they have good credit, use their card often and have never missed a payment. VyStar’s cards give you purchasing power with a competitive interest rate that will remain the same (fixed) on purchases and cash advances you make now.
Credit card companies have become very competitive. Some try to entice with deals like a temporary low rate that expires in a short period of time. It is important to understand all the terms associated with a credit card. High fees and interest rates often can be the beginning of credit problems related to card use.
With so many credit offers out there it is also easy to just pick any card and once you have a card, just keep it. To get the most out of your money, you should always shop around and find the card that best meets your needs. Comparing all the factors, from rewards to fees to interest rates, will help you get a better idea of what card is right for you. We hope it will be a credit card with VyStar.
Apply for a VyStar credit card today! We can help you evaluate your current loans and show you practical ways to save money. We can also help move existing balances from other creditors or increase your credit limit. We never forget that it’s your money.
Move Your Other Cards To VyStar Today
If you feel buried in all the credit card bills you receive each month or are seeing rate and fee increases on some cards that make them more costly, it might be time to consolidate your debt onto one card with one easy payment. By taking a look at your loans and other financial commitments and switching to VyStar, you can benefit from:
- a rate that is fixed on the purchases, cash advances and balance
transfers you make now - our rates have remained competitively low
- fewer (to no) fees than most other card companies
- reducing the number of creditors you owe - fewer bills to
pay
- an easier way to budget and manage your spending
- preserving your credit score and financial future
- lower loan rates, higher savings rates and more free or low
cost services for all members - credit unions return their "profits" to their member/owners
- our Platinum Rewards Visa® card that earns points on qualified purchases
The Benefits of VyStar Platinum Rewards Visa®
If you do not have a VyStar credit card, would like to consolidate your credit card debt onto one card with great benefits, or increase your credit limit - call us today!
- No annual fee
- No inactivity fee
- No minimum finance charge
- No transaction fees for purchases or cash advances
- No penalty rates that increase with a late or missed payment
- No over-the-limit fee (effective 2/22/10)
- Free CURewardsTM with Platinum points-earning program
- Free travel accident insurance
- Free electronic payment services
- Free electronic security protection and monitoring services
From VyStar's President and CEO
It is a well-known fact today that loans have replaced cash savings as a means for most people to finance their larger purchases. Getting a loan to buy a car, pay for college, or finance a home has become the norm for most of us. But what happens when credit becomes more difficult to obtain?
Because of the recent credit crisis, many financial institutions have tightened loan qualification requirements which have made it more challenging to obtain credit when needed. As a result, consumers have suffered significant side effects – learning of changes that could impact their loans, having to meet tougher criteria to qualify for a loan, and being denied basic forms of credit like a credit card, auto loan or mortgage. Some consumers have even resorted to less attractive loans with higher rates and fees or added more to their already overloaded credit cards because they cannot get other types of loans that would be a better value for them. With many traditional loans becoming more difficult to obtain, where should people turn for help?
Consumers are turning more and more to their credit union for all their borrowing needs.
Borrowing money is not a bad thing to do. Good debt can be financing a car for transportation to get you to work, paying for school that helps someone get a better job and increases earnings, or buying a home that usually appreciates in value. On VyStar’s business services side, we provide collateral loans such as real estate, equipment and vehicle loans as well as credit cards to our qualified business members to help them flourish and achieve their goals.
We are routinely asked by our members what kind of terms can they get on their loan? What will their monthly payments be? How much interest and fees will they pay before the loan is paid back? Can improving their credit score help lower the interest rate?
At VyStar, we are happy to reveal all the details about our loan programs and feel in most cases they are a better value for our members. We also believe financial management education is the key in helping understand how to meet your commitments.
It helps to have as much information about a loan as possible before signing on the dotted line. No matter what type of loan you are thinking about, it is important to understand the loan and borrowing process before making any decisions. At VyStar there are no fine print surprises. We make available the details of a loan in easy to understand terms – the current interest rates and whether the loan is fixed or variable, the length of time it will take to pay off the loan, and the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan. Our members are given options like discounted rates on most consumer loans when they set up an automated method of payment. And unlike some other lenders, our members pay fewer and often no fees at all.
We also work with our members to help them improve their current financial condition and show them ways to improve their credit score to help qualify for a lower rate on a loan. This can save money on a new loan or when refinancing an existing loan from another lender with VyStar.
With the slump in our nation’s economy, households are becoming more focused now than ever in trying to reduce expenses. This involves closer attention to how much money is going out and how much money is coming in. We encourage our members to take advantage of our free Money Makeover program that assigns you a personal Money Coach to help find ways to save and get your finances in better shape.
We welcome you to compare our loans with those offered by other financial institutions. Even if you already have a loan set up elsewhere, please take a look at what we offer and consider switching to VyStar.
If you have a stack of cards in your wallet, compare VyStar’s credit cards with the other cards you are carrying. Unlike many financial institutions, we have decided to keep the interest rate on credit card purchases you make now the same (or fixed) and we have recently done away with the “over-the-limit” fee (effective 2/22/10). We feel these decisions are in the best interest of our members during a time when there are so many financial challenges facing consumers. Please refer to the article about credit card benefits in this issue. When you are ready, let us help you apply or move your existing balances from other cards over to a VyStar Platinum, Gold or Classic Visa® card.
When borrowing money you should also consider saving money – borrowing and saving go hand-in-hand.
You may think it strange to mention savings in the middle of an article about lending money, but saving money is an important element of good financial health. During your lifetime you will most likely have a need for cash to help with a down payment on the purchase of a new car, a home, or even a business venture. Putting cash down could lower the cost of a loan by qualifying you for a more favorable interest rate, shortening the time it takes to pay off a loan, or lowering the payments. And there are also those unexpected emergencies that can be a drain on anyone’s budget. It is wise to always save some money out of every pay check. Even if it is a very small amount, it will build over time and be there for those future needs.
Having money in a Share Savings Account or Certificate of Deposit (CD) can also be helpful in providing another type of lending option qualified members can consider – a share-secured loan. There are valid reasons to take out a share-secured loan. Borrowing against a CD, for example, can help you get a loan at a lower cost and since the CD is just used as collateral, it will continue to earn interest during the term of the loan.
Loans at VyStar are not only a wise choice for members but they are also a contributing factor in the healthy operation of your credit union to the benefit of all members. VyStar is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that gives the money we make on loans back to members in the form of low cost services, lower loan rates and higher dividends. We are able to operate and enhance service to members with Branches, ATMs, Internet Banking, and expand our programs. It makes sense that the more we increase our loan volume, the stronger and more beneficial we become – for all members.
Credit unions were founded on a simple operating principle – people pooling their money together and making loans to one another. Historically, we are known for extending credit to those who may not have been able to obtain it elsewhere. This still holds true today. At VyStar, we understand the ups and downs of the industry and the impact an uncertain economy has had on our members. We have also been very conservative with our lending practices over the years and remain financially sound so that our members can continue to borrow and save to get the things they need and want, virtually uninterrupted.
Your dedicated VyStar Officials who serve on your behalf and without compensation and your VyStar management and staff are focused on serving the financial needs of members and improving their financial well-being. This, along with combined experience, careful decision-making and customer service excellence has helped us achieve top lending status within our Northeast Florida communities. What does this mean? It means that more and more people are coming to VyStar for loans – making us the #1 used car lender and the #2 mortgage lender in the area.
Discover the difference your credit union can make for you today – come to VyStar for all your loans. Whether you are considering collateral backed or share secured, an auto loan or mortgage, let us help you develop a plan that can tap into your borrowing power when you need it. With the practice of basic budgeting in the short run; planning for what you need in the next few months or years, and putting into place methods that will slowly but steadily gather money for the future, you will be able to reach your goals and achieve the American dream. At VyStar, we never forget that it’s your money – thank you for being a valued member.
Terry R. West,
President/CEO
VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Investment Services Financial Advisors Among "Women of Distinction"
CUNA Brokerage Services Inc. has selected VyStar Investment Services Financial Advisors Cathy Barnes and Jane Kilby to be among twenty recipients who will receive the honor of “2009 Women of Distinction”. They are recognized for their performance, value to their program, client service and overall contribution to the financial services industry. Congratulations on this prestigious honor!
VyStar Investment Services, and through its alliance with the CUNA Mutual Group, gives members access to a full range of savings, investment and insurance programs to help them achieve their short- and long-term financial goals. Call VyStar Investment Services at (904) 908-2495 for mutual funds, annuities, investment advice and insurance services.
Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free 800-369-2862. Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members. FR011021-B26C
Something Is New on Your VyStar Monthly Statement
A new “chart” has been added to your VyStar Member Statements beginning with your January 31, 2010 statement. The chart will appear on both paper and electronic statements under savings, money market, and checking accounts and report any non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees if any occurred during the month. This includes “overdraft” and “returned item” fees with totals for this period and running totals for year-to-date. The Overdraft fees category will include items that were paid and a fee assessed, such as a debit or Check Card NSF. The Returned Item fees category will include items that were not paid and a fee assessed, such as an NSF fee for a check that was returned or an ACH fee for an ACH item that was not processed.
Note: Members who are not charged these types of fees on their savings, money market, or checking accounts during the year will see totals "$0.00" on their statement chart.
We hope that by providing NSF fee information, members may realize negative activity on their accounts and fees that could possibly be avoided. If you would like to find out how you can avoid paying fees such as these, please call us at (904) 777-6000 or 800-445-6289 or stop by any VyStar branch. A VyStar Representative will be happy to help you.
Almost Everything
You Need Is Online
Have you visited our website lately? Just about
everything you need in financial information and account services are available
online at www.vystarcu.org. That’s right. Whether you are at home, at work, or on
the road, VyStar’s website and Internet Banking are there for you 24-hours a day.
You decide when and how you choose to interact with us and access your money.
Use "VyChat" to conduct a live communication online with a VyStar Representative
during Call Center hours. In Internet Banking, view your 2009 tax forms along with
your e-Statements, prepare and file your taxes with Turbo Tax Online and so much
more. All our services are designed to help you manage your money and make life
easier.
Take full advantage of all that VyStar has to offer. Join our members who now login
to Internet Banking via VyStar Mobile Site at www.vystarcu.org. Use your web-enabled
cell phone, PDA, Blackberry or i-Phone device to access your credit union and account
information online - anywhere, anytime. Go to VyStar’s website to learn more and
find out how to get started.
Do your taxes online via Internet Banking at www.vystarcu.org
TurboTax® Online is an easy, accurate and secure way of doing your taxes. Now, within VyStar Internet Banking users can quickly and easily transfer information directly from their credit union right into their tax forms.
Prepare, plan and file tax returns within the online session. TurboTax Online will help you get the maximum refund possible. To complete the process, arrange direct deposit of your refund into your VyStar account. Go to www.vystarcu.org today - login to (or enroll in) Internet Banking and click the TurboTax tab at the top of the screen to get started.
QUICK TIP FOR YOUR REFUND
Direct deposit is the safest and easiest way to receive your tax refund. This year,
direct the IRS to send your income tax refund electronically to your VyStar account.
When setting up an electronic transaction, use your entire Account Number (on your
account statement or at the bottom of your checks – account type “savings” or “checking”)
and VyStar's Routing Number: 263079276.
VyChat when you need help
More members are using online communication, live with a VyStar Representative, when they have a question or need assistance. VyChat is open during Call Center hours. Go to “Contact Us” at www.vystarcu.org; or via Internet Banking, click “VyChat” at the top of the screen.
VyStar Electronic Statements - it’s like paper, only better
If you are still receiving your statements and newsletter in the mail, you may be missing an opportunity for greater convenience, security and easy access to up to 12 months of your statement history anytime you like. Also, if you already use Internet Banking to view your accounts and do not really use your paper statement when it is delivered, we ask that you please enroll in e-Statements.
Joining the thousand of e-Statements members who have already signed up could help save your credit union literally thousands of dollars a year - money that could be put to work for you elsewhere in the form of more low cost VyStar services and programs to meet your financial needs.
Enrolling in VyStar e-Statements takes just a minute of your time. Login to Internet Banking at www.vystarcu.org, select “Statements” from the list of services on your screen, click “Accept” your agreement and you’re done. Get an email reminder your statement is ready each month along with your VyStar Facts newsletter.
View Tax Forms Online
Members that get e-Statements can also view their 2009 Tax Forms online via Internet Banking when they click on “Statements”. Sign up for e-Statements today if you would like this added benefit.
CURewards Points - all in one place
VyStar Platinum Rewards Visa® credit card and VyStar Visa® Check Card members have discovered improvements to their CURewards™ service. All their points are now in one place via VyStar Internet Banking at www.vystarcu.org. This is the same place you can monitor and manage your credit card and checking accounts.
In the past, there were different methods to retrieve and redeem points and members were required to remember more than one login. You also had to call us when you wanted to combine Check Card points onto a Platinum card. Now, simply login to Internet Banking and find all CURewards points earned from VyStar’s Platinum and/or Check Card qualified purchases combined into one convenient place. Login to Internet Banking and select the SERVICES tab and CURewards.
2010 Education Exchange College Grant Program
The ACCEL/Exchange Network will award $50,000 in college grants to 34 graduating high school seniors who are college-bound in 2010 (other selection criteria apply). Through their Education Exchange College Grant Program, a total of four $5,000 and thirty $1,000 grants will be awarded. Applications are available at any VyStar branch location. Entry deadline is March 15, 2010. Students selected as grant recipients will be notified by July 15, 2010.
2010 Annual Meeting
VyStar’s 2010 Annual Meeting will be held on March 3, 2010, at 5 p.m. (EST) at VyStar Credit Union’s Corporate Headquarters, 4949 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL. The candidates selected to fill three open positions on VyStar Credit Union’s Board of Directors will be formally announced.
Holiday Closing
All VyStar offices will be closed on:
PRESIDENTS' DAY
February 15th
Using VyStar’s electronic and automated services will be a big help when you are
on the go. You can have access to your accounts anytime, day or night. Set up these
services today!
- Internet/Mobile Banking (account information, funds transfers, free Bill Payer,
e-Statements)
- Text Message Banking from your cell phone
- Free Magic*Touch voice response phone service (funds transfers, monitor account/pending
transactions and balance information)
- ATM Service with your ATM or Check Card
- Free Direct Deposit of pay and retirement checks
- Free Easy-Pay automatic credit card payment service
© 2010 VyStar Credit Union