A brand new program for kids 12 and under.
The VyStar KIDS CLUB is a fun and educational way to give
your kids a head start in saving money and learning about financial matters. At
VyStar, we want to help our younger members, age 12 and under, learn respect for
money’s three distinct purposes: spending, saving and sharing.
Joining is easy and can make a lasting impression.
Parents or guardians can stop by any VyStar branch to open a Kids Club Savings Account.
If possible, we encourage you to bring your kids along with you. It may be their
first visit to a credit union branch or first time to participate in opening an
account with their own money. It only takes a $5 deposit - or more if you like -
to open a Kids Club Savings Account. Important Note: For minors (under 18 years of
age), you will also need to have a certified copy or original of their birth certificate
and social security card with you, or a state identification card.
As a new member of this exclusive club, kids will receive their very own VyStar
Savings Account and much more! VyStar Kids Club Membership benefits include:
- Interest-bearing Savings Account: so kids can begin to make money from their money and have a place to keep it safe; it’s a great way to start learning about basic finance.
- Spend, Save and Share Bank: to encourage kids to develop their own goals, wishes and positive experiences, they will receive special money-boxes to assemble and begin saving money. We are also handing out free Kids Club bookmarks.
- Personal Kids Club Membership Card: a great way to show they belong to a credit union and to use for future trips to the branch.
- Free Kids Passbook: similar to a check register and designed especially for kids to help them keep track of their savings, deposits and withdrawals.
- Free Coin Counting Machines: in every branch, kids can use our new machines to cash in their coins for deposit into their account. It’s free.
- Free Admission to Marineland: with their new Kids Club account kids will receive two vouchers, each for one free general admission ticket to the Dolphin Conservation Center at Marineland, Florida.
It’s fun...it’s free...and it’s just for kids.
Take advantage of this valuable opportunity and educational experience for kids
(and their parents). Help your kids become a part of our exclusive Kids Club today!
Watch for more fun Kids Club activities throughout the year and don’t forget to visit
our website. Elementary school-age children and younger can go to our website
at www.vystarcu.org for more educational activities designed especially for them
in the “STUDENTS & KIDS CENTER” from our home page. The Five-Spot Clubhouse
has free online games, financial tools, stories and other fun activities to help
kids begin to learn basic money concepts and teach them about spending and saving.
A common question we hear from American consumers, "what does belonging to a credit union really mean" has taken on even greater significance over the past few years. This leading question is asked because people sometimes are unclear about the differences between banks and credit unions or unfamiliar with the type of services we provide, or also for reassurance. Will we always be there for them? Are we able to hold up through these unprecedented economic conditions?
During this slow economic recovery, credit unions continue to hold up well and have become a beacon for consumers. Why? Because we represent a constant, well-performing presence whose sole purpose is to serve our members to the best of our ability. Basically, we have two responsibilities – taking care of the needs of our members and giving back to the communities we serve. Our members come first in everything we do.
The establishment of a financial cooperative, or credit union, begins with its members’ deposits. Only our members may deposit money with VyStar, or borrow money from us. As such, we are able to provide quality financial services at a much lower cost and focus more on our members’ financial well-being. At VyStar, we strive to set the best possible rates on savings and loans, and keep our fees to a minimum. We are well capitalized and financially strong so you can conduct your financial business with peace of mind.
While some financial institutions may still be scrambling to adjust to current realities, VyStar is growing, capable and striving at all times to provide service excellence. Our “People Helping People” spirit symbolizes our firm commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our membership, who own VyStar, and to offering the value of belonging to a credit union to more people.
People are looking for a financial institution they can rely on long-term. Many of our members have literally grown up with us. When someone first joins, we open their savings account with a deposit of $5 or more. (Your deposit is considered your share of the ownership in your credit union.) From that day forward, we work to provide enhanced programs and services that will help you save, build assets and plan for your future.
We are conservatively managed and federally insured. The deposits you have in VyStar are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), an arm of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), for up to $250,000 per individual account. Accounts are often insured for more depending upon how they are set up. Ask a VyStar Branch or Call Center Representative to help you understand how your accounts are insured.
At VyStar, we want all our members to be successful savers. We also realize that a basic understanding of money achieved in the early years of development can make good future savers. This month we introduced The VyStar Kids Club for newborns through age 12 (until they turn 13).
The VyStar Kids Club is exclusively for kids and is free-of-charge. Establishing a program for our youngest members will help them discover the value of money and grow up with lots of fun activities to promote financial education. We hope to make it their first positive experience with a credit union, and one that can last a lifetime. If you stop by a branch today, you will notice the new Coin Machines we have installed that will help kids count the money they have saved and deposit it into their VyStar account. This new service is also free to all members.
At VyStar, we appreciate our families – and we appreciate this opportunity to be able to provide another valuable program and service that will help our youngest members learn about money.
Our new Kids Club is just one of many programs VyStar has provided its young people over the years. During 2007, we began offering student accounts – VyTeen, Bravo, and Achieve Accounts – for ages 13 to 25. These are critical years in learning fiscal responsibility and developing good savings habits. By joining and opening a savings account with the help of their parents, our VyTeen members (age 13 through 17) can purchase a CD with savings increments as low as $25, be able to access Internet Banking and ATM service, and qualify for their first checking account. As they grow in years and their financial needs change, older students starting college, getting out on their own, or just starting a career can apply for a VyStar credit card or auto loan, set up free direct deposit of their pay, and be introduced to investment services.
To further assist our students and their parents, VyStar offers a Reloadable Student Visa® Program – RSVP Card – for age 13 and older. This Visa card can be reloaded with money to make purchases and teaches important lessons on spending and money management. It is safer than carrying cash, there are no loading or transaction fees, and no credit check is required. Our student programs go hand-in-hand with VyStar’s successful Academies of Business and Finance with student-run branches at Bartram Trail, Fleming Island, and Pedro Menendez High Schools. We plan to open more high school branches in the future to help students.
It is never too early or too late to learn more about finance. We encourage all our members to take a look at their money to see if they are headed in the right direction toward reaching their personal goals. Are you saving enough money? Do you know where your money is going?
VyStar is your financial partner for life and can help you sort through all of your financial options. You can always use an unbiased opinion of where you stand and what can be improved upon. During Money Makeover 2010, come see us (or call) for a free financial assessment, and then, follow our Money Makeover Contestants (on CBS 47/FOX 30 TV or online at www.actionnewsjax.com) as they learn valuable lessons and face their own financial challenges over the next several months.
At various times throughout the year we also conduct educational seminars at our branches you may want to attend that will give you a different perspective on your money and how to manage it. We urge everyone to take full advantage of all these valuable services to members.
Members are discovering every day that joining a credit union is a wise consumer choice. Credit unions are among the most stable institutions in America. At VyStar, whether you are one or ninety-one, you can rely on our strength and commitment to provide the best services available in the financial services industry now and throughout your lifetime. We are in the business of protecting the interests of our member/owners and ensuring that your financial needs are met in every way possible.
In April VyStar celebrated its 58th anniversary. VyStar was chartered in April 1952 by twelve people who pooled their resources totaling $60 as a place for members to save and obtain loans. We wanted to improve members’ and their families’ financial well-being. Today, that same mission remains as strong as ever with our goal to help people save money and to be a source of lending when needed, all the while focusing on helping them improve their financial well-being. And those 12 people have grown to over 362,000 members and that $60 has grown to almost $4.1 billion in assets we manage for our members. Thank you for making your credit union the success it is for thousands of members and their families.
Thank you for being a valued member of VyStar – we never forget that it’s your money.
Terry R. West,
President/CEO
VyStar Credit Union
Is that spare change jar overflowing? Bring it into any VyStar Branch and run it through one of our new coin machines for deposit directly into your VyStar account. VyStar’s new Coin Counting Machines are another great service – free to all VyStar members (including Business members and Kids Club members).
Account access for members on-the-go.
VyStar Mobile Site is a condensed version of our website that gives members using web-enabled mobile devices access to their credit union, financial information and allows them to manage their money. Having the ability to take care of your financial needs safely and securely via a mobile platform is important for businesses, travelers, and anyone who is routinely on-the-go.
VyStar Wireless Banking
Wireless Banking is VyStar Internet Banking service from a web-enabled mobile device. Through our Mobile Site, members who are already enrolled in Internet Banking can login to their VyStar accounts to manage their money and utilize many other services.
Here’s how it works: Type in www.vystarcu.org to be directed to Mobile Site. Select “Login” and perform your normal Internet Banking Login procedure – (Login ID, Password and Computer Recognition Security). Then, manage your money with access to view and monitor account transactions, check account balances, pay bills, transfer money and more.
What type of device is needed: VyStar Mobile Site can be accessed by any cell phone, PDA, BlackBerry or iPhone device that is set up with a wireless web plan giving Internet access. If you have questions about your mobile device and its capabilities, speak with your carrier/service provider.
VyStar Text Message Banking
This free automated system allows Internet Banking users to request the last three transactions they have performed on their VyStar account and/or get account balance alerts via a text message or email on their cell phone or wireless device. Make sure your device has text messaging or can receive email. It does not have to be Internet-capable but you will need to go to www.vystarcu.org first to register, create a PIN and select your option to receive on your device (account balances, last three transactions or both). If you need more information about mobile services including guides, diagrams and instructions, go online to www.vystarcu.org – INTERNET & E-SERVICES CENTER.
Taking your VyStar credit cards with you on vacation? Anytime you travel Electronic Security Protection (ESP) monitors your card transactions that occur overseas and in destinations here at home - places you don’t normally visit. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to call VyStar a couple of weeks before you leave. This will make us aware of a change in your card activity.
Watch for Money Makeover broadcasts on CBS 47 and FOX 30 and follow our TV families’ blogs and video updates at www.actionnewsjax.com.
Money Makeover is for you too! Anyone can get a free Money Coach and financial assessment. We are willing to spend any amount of time with you to help get your finances into better shape. Visit www.vystarcu.org for more.
some of the lowest in decades. VyStar Auto Loan Rates are some of the lowest in decades - and we are lending money to qualified borrowers.
That means it’s buy time! Get a loan from VyStar to finance your next new or used car purchase. If you have a higher interest loan from another creditor, let us show you how much you can save by refinancing with us. Moving your loan to VyStar won’t cost you a thing - there are no fees.
There’s a reason why we are the #2 Used Car Lender in the area. Our loans and service excellence can’t be beat. Call us at (904) 777-6000 or 800-445-6289 or stop by any VyStar Branch for assistance. We give advice and will help you compare. You can also apply via Internet Banking at www.vystarcu.org.
Annual Percentage Rate effective as of 5/20/10 - subject to change. Rate may vary based on your individual credit history and includes an Optional Rate Discount (ORD) of .25% for loans set up on automatic payment method. All payments are based on the standard rate without the ORD. Subject to credit approval.
All VyStar offices will be closed on: JULY 5th — in observance of INDEPENDENCE DAY
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 service (funds transfers,
monitor transactions and balance)
- 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