100 Reasons to Join NWFCU
- We work for you –You're not a “customer” here…you're a member-owner, with voting rights and unrestricted access to all that we have to offer.
- Your money works harder – Unlike banks, we're non-profit, so assets after operating expenses are returned to you in the form of better rates and low or no-fee services.
- Your loan rates are lower – Our rates are typically lower than national banks and other lenders.
- Family membership – You'll want to share our great members-only services with everyone in your family so they can save on financial products too.
- Convenient locations – Full service Virginia branches in Herndon, Chantilly, Vienna, and Manassas plus 3,500+ shared service centers across the U.S. and a network of more than 33,000 free ATMs mean you're never far from your funds.
- Extended evening and Saturday hours – Our Chantilly, Herndon Manassas and Vienna branches are open until 7:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am - Noon on Saturdays.
- Secure online account access – Internet banking, online bill payer, electronic statements and opt-in account alerts utilize the latest technology to ensure privacy and help deter mail fraud – all FREE.
- 33,000+ free ATMs – Includes an unlimited number of completely free ATM transactions at more than 33,000 CO-OP Network and Alliance One ATMs nationwide – that means no surcharge fees and no NWFCU fees.
- Extensive educational resources – Our website offers free financial calculators; we host a myriad of seminars and members-only special events; and our BALANCE Financial Counselors can help you control your financial security.
- Lifetime of financial services – From insurance and investments to travel services and more, we're a one-stop resource for all your financial needs.
- Checking choices – Choose your checking account, based on your needs and lifestyle.
- Premier Checking account – Earn dividends, get an auto loan discount and a certificate rate bonus with this top-tier checking account.
- Access Checking account – Pay no monthly fees when you use our key services and get an auto loan discount.
- Basic Checking account – This simple, straight forward checking account is perfect is you’re looking for “just the basics” with no fees or minimum balance requirements.
- First Checking – Exclusively for members age 15-22, this checking account combines the benefits young adults want, with FREE services they need.
- Direct deposit – Save hassle by having your paycheck automatically deposited to your account.
- Heritage Club – Qualifying members age 62 and older can enjoy exclusive benefits such as a certificate rate bonus, reward points and more.
- Savings choices – Whether your savings goals are short term or long term, we have the right dividend-earning account for you.
- Share savings – Your $5 deposit establishes your membership in the Credit Union.
- Youth Club Accounts – Children earn higher dividends and receive special perks while learning money management skills with these free club accounts.
- Add-on Certificates – Giving you the unique flexibility to add to your investment over time by giving you the option to deposit additional funds to your Certificate over the term.
- Money Market accounts – A savings account featuring a higher dividend rate than a regular share savings account.
- Custodial accounts – A convenient way to put money away for your child's future and safeguard the funds until the child reaches adulthood.
- Holiday Club accounts – A special account to help you save money for seasonal expenses.
- Share Certificates – Earn higher dividends with terms ranging from 30 days to 5 years.
- Certificate rate bonus – Earn up to 0.25% bonus dividend rate on certificates with Premier Checking or with our Heritage Club for qualifying members age 62 and older.
- IRAs – Several options to help you achieve your retirement goals.
- Trust accounts – We can help you secure your family’s financial future while avoiding probate.
- Mortgages – A wide array of loan options with great rates and low fees and lifetime servicing.
- Skilled, non-commissioned mortgage representatives – We’ll help you choose the right loan for your needs with no surprises down the road.
- Online loan application with 24-hour approval – Apply anytime, day or night.
- Free mortgage pre-approvals – Know how much you can afford before you start your home search.
- Realtor on Duty program – No-pressure, in-person real estate advice from seasoned experts available in our branches.
- Real estate rebate program – With CU Realty, you can access the same database the pros use to search for your new home; research neighborhoods and schools with a few mouse clicks; and when you buy or sell using one of our affiliated Realtors®, you get a cash rebate at closing.
- Home Equity loans – A low, fixed-rate loan with a variety of terms available.
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) – A variable rate, revolving line of credit that lets you draw funds as needed.
- Mortgage seminars – Topics range from buying or selling a home to reverse mortgages.
- Professional loan officers – Available to help with you any loan you may need.
- Visa Platinum – Enjoy all the benefits of a Platinum card with a low variable rate.
- Travel Rewards Gold MasterCard – Earn 1 point for every $1 spent to use toward flights or cash back.
- FirstCard Visa Platinum Credit Card – A low non-variable rate Visa credit card exclusively for members age 15-22.
- New and used vehicle leasing – Perfect choice if you prefer driving a new vehicle every 2 -3 years and commute less than 15,000 miles a year.
- Discounted auto loan rates – Save on your next loan when you have Premier or Access Checking.
- Auto loan refinancing bonuses – Refinance an auto loan from another lender and get a rebate up to $100.
- Online Auto Auction – Online auction for pre-owned vehicles.
- Auto Resources – We offer free convenient services to help you before, during and after your vehicle purchase.
- Pre-Approved Auto Loan (PAL) check – A fully negotiable, live check that you can take to any dealership and present as payment-in-full on a new or used vehicle.
- Auto Locating & Delivery Service – We do all the legwork and find your new car, negotiate price and deliver it to you.
- Free CARFAX reports – Get the history of your used vehicle before you purchase.
- Business loans – We can help your business grow by lending funds you need for real estate, equipment, and expansion.
- NorthwestXpress bank-by-phone service – Account access 24 hours a day from any touch-tone phone.
- Debit MasterCard – Make purchases directly from your checking account wherever you see the MasterCard logo.
- The latest technology – NWFCU is constantly exploring and adding new technology and security features to help you effectively manage your finances.
- NWLink Internet Banking – Free online banking providing access to your accounts and transfers to other NWFCU accounts via a secure Internet connection.
- NWLink Bill Payer – Pay all of your bills conveniently from your computer, with this free option of our home banking program.
- Mobile banking – Check rates & access your accounts from any web-enabled cell or PDA at go.nwfcu.org.
- eStatements – Provides a secure alternative to U.S. postal mailed paper statements and helps the environment.
- e-LERT Service – A free, opt-in email notification service to keep you updated on your accounts, rates and potential fraud.
- Online financial calculators – Planning calculators designed to answer questions such as “how much will my mortgage payments be?” or “what will it take to become a millionaire?”
- Online credit card management tools – Get up-to-date account transactions and pay your credit card bill online.
- Coin counting machines – Free machines available in our branches to automatically count coins and deposit them directly into your account.
- Safe Deposit Boxes – Secure containers to store your valuables.
- Payroll deduction – A convenient way to direct funds to specific accounts and pay NWFCU loans.
- Pre-authorized transfer – Move funds from one account to another, or even transfer funds to pay loans.
- Fee-free overdraft protection – Fee-free checking account overdraft protection funded by your share savings, Money Market Account, credit card, or line of credit.
- No fee for incoming wire transfers – Have funds wired to your account at no charge.
- Free domestic wire transfers – A special benefit for Premier Checking holders.
- Bank-by-mail – Mail deposits or payments from anywhere in the country with this handy kit.
- Bank-by-phone – Just dial to transfer funds, obtain balance information, make withdrawals, and apply for loans – no matter where you are.
- TTY service – Hearing impaired? Conduct CU business via TTY.
- U.S. Savings Bonds – Series EE bonds can be purchased and redeemed at any NWFCU branch.
- Visa TravelMoney card – A prepaid, PIN-based, reloadable Visa debit card which offers a safe and convenient alternative to traveler’s cheques and cash.
- Insured Deposits – Your deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and your IRA’s are insured separately up to $250,000. Insurance coverage can actually be much more than $250,000 depending on the ownership of the account.
- My Travel Wallet – An online foreign currency and traveler’s cheque service.
- Free Notary Public service – Stop by any branch any time you need a document notarized.
- CU Student Choice education loan – A lower cost student loan that fills the gaps that savings and Federal aid can leave behind.
- Financial education for all – NWFCU is committed to helping you manage your money with various resources and tools.
- BALANCE – A free and confidential service featuring unbiased money management counseling.
- iSekurity – Identity theft prevention subscription service that helps you deter theft, restores your financial good name, defends yourself against future crimes, and seeks justice should you become victimized.
- Northwest Financial LLC Investments & Insurance – Make the most of your funds with prudent planning and cost-effective solutions.
- Nationwide Shared Branches – 3,500+ nationwide locations; conduct transactions as if you were at NWFCU.
- Online location wizard – Locate an ATM or shared branch complete with directions and maps.
- ATMs at 5,800 7-Eleven stores – Around the corner or around the country, ATM access for free.
- Point-of-sale cash back – Like a free ATM every time you make a purchase with your debit card.
- NWFCU Foundation – Helping our local communities improve through financial education initiatives.
- Ben DeFelice Scholarship program – Awarded annually to deserving students who demonstrate leadership, dedication and commitment in school, at home and in the community.
- Children’s Miracle Network support – Raising funds for 170 Children’s Hospitals through the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and Miracle Day Merchandise & Donations.
- Penny Power – Reading and puppet program designed to teach local elementary school children the importance of earnings and savings.
- Westie – NWFCU’s West Highland White Terrier mascot makes saving fun for kids.
- Reality Store – Role-playing event with high school students that helps them understand and plan for expenses of everyday life.
- Blood drive – Partner with Inova Blood Donor Services to help keep local blood banks full.
- Smiling faces – Friendly staff in branch to help you with all of your financial needs.
- Lollipops – Always available at the teller line – Great for kids and members of all ages!
- Responsive management – We listen to your needs.
- Responsive Board of Directors – Made up of members, working for members.
- Member-ownership rights – Every member has a voice and a vote.
- Annual Member Appreciation Day – Free event with food and fun exclusively for our members.
- On-site Shred-It – Free secure document destruction event held twice a year.
- 60+ years of service – History of service excellence, quality and financial stability.
- Once a member, always a member – Once you join, you remain a member no matter where you live or work.
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