FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@fscc.com
FSCC and CU Wireless Make Text Banking Affordable for All
ONTARIO, CA - February 14, 2011 — FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest and most convenient shared branching network with over 6,500 network locations, along with CU Wireless, a credit union service organization of MaPS Credit Union based in Salem, OR, announced today the release of MyCUAnywhere, offering mobile text banking capability to all FSCC affiliated credit unions. The latest in the family of MyCU services, MyCUAnywhere uses secure, SMS/text banking technology to access account information including balances, transaction history, loan status and funds transfer.
Now, credit unions, large and small, can offer shared mobile text-based account access to their members — no minimums or set-up fees required. MyCUAnywhere represents another value-added component to the services and products credit unions participating in the FSCC Shared Branching Network can offer their members. Bringing banking to the palm of one’s hand, MyCUAnywhere answers the demand of consumers for convenience and instant access while allowing participating credit unions to judge the viability of a custom built option for their credit union.
FSCC participating credit unions can choose to direct members to register for the service by visiting www.cuswirl.com/anywhere. Credit unions can learn more about the service and how to promote it to their membership by visiting www.fscc.com/my-cu-anywhere.
“CU Wireless is thrilled to be partnering with FSCC to bring this innovation to such a large group of credit union members,” said Chris Giles, General Manager of CU Wireless. “Text banking services are one of the easiest ways members can increase their day-to-day engagement in their financial health, and that is the reason we offer our SMS-based service to credit unions throughout the country. After so many successful years saving credit union members money on their wireless phone bills, we began looking for new ways to help members manage their money. Because text service is so widespread among cell phone users, introducing that technology to credit unions was the next logical step to allow members to check balances and transfer funds on the go. The FSCC partnership will help us get this technology in the hands of even more members.”
According to CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association)®, there are over 292 million cell phones in use in the United States, of which 98 percent have texting capability. Last year alone, 1.81 trillion texts were sent. Although teens and pre-teens account for 94 percent of text users, they are by no means the only generation using this style of communication. Text usage has increased to 64 percent for those under 50; 46 percent for individuals 50 and older. Demographic research supplied by Vlingo Consumer Mobile Messaging Habits Report of May 20, 2009 indicates usage increased an average of 10 percent among all age groups from 2008.
“We’re excited to include MyCUAnywhere in our portfolio of MyCU services and products. FSCC is committed to staying abreast of technological advancements in the industry and delivering products and services that add value. Mobile text banking is a fast, simple and affordable way for members to monitor and track their accounts. Text messaging has become part of our culture. Now text banking can easily become part of a member’s routine,” said Sarah Canepa Bang, President/CEO, FSCC.
About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)
FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,500 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $144.8 billion in total assets and 12.2 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $14.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.
About CU Wireless
CU Wireless is a leader in low-cost wireless phone plans for credit union members. It launched Text Banking by CU Wireless to help credit unions of all asset sizes provide mobile banking services to all members. CU Wireless is a CUSO of MaPS Credit Union, which is based in Salem, OR.
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Posted on
Mon, February 28, 2011
by Micah J. Parker