memberCONNECTIONS

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE WITH ACCOUNT ALERTSManage Your Money – At a Glance

Staying on top of your account activity just got a little easier with Account Alerts. Automatic notifications make checking your account(s) one less thing to remember.

With Account Alerts you can set up automatic reminders to be emailed to you for several transactions like balance information, direct deposits and Visa® ATM/ Debit Card purchases. They can also help prevent fraud.

You can even remember birthdays and anniversaries by creating custom alerts!

No matter where you are, you’re surrounded by many different ways to access your account information, conduct transactions, obtain financial services and more. Learn more about Account Alerts and other Online Services on the Credit Union Web site.

Manage your accounts with ease through Account Alerts.

S u m m e r 1 1 | 8 0 0 - 3 8 8 - 7 0 0 0 | w w w. B C U . o r g

Gas prices are high. Your APR doesn’t need to be.

More than 1,300 members saved money by transferring their existing auto loans to the Credit Union last year. Our rates start as low as 1.99% APR,1 and you may qualify for a 60-day no payment option.2

Plus, you’ll receive $100 just for transferring your loan.3

Apply online or visit a Service Center and take advantage of this offer!

1. APR is Annual Percentage Rate. The rate listed assumes an automatic payment method and includes a 0.50% discount for having two of the following relationships: direct deposit of at least $500 or more into your Credit Union checking account; at least $25,000 on deposit with the Credit Union; or a loan in good standing. Rate applies to 2010 and newer vehicles with a loan term of 0-48 months, up to 100% LTV (loan to value). Rates as low as 2.24% APR for older model year vehicles.

2. Offer subject to credit criteria.3. An auto loan must be transferred

to the Credit Union from another financial institution to qualify. A minimum loan amount of $5,000 is required. $100 will be deposited to your checking or savings account after the loan is booked at the Credit Union.

S u m m e r 1 1 | 8 0 0 - 3 8 8 - 7 0 0 0 | w w w. B C U . o r g

Dear Members,

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Mike ValentinePresident/CEO

2

July 8, 2011 marked a significant milestone in BCU’s history – our 30th year of service to you, our members. During this time, we have experienced solid, continuous growth and have successfully managed through changes in the financial services industry and in our nation’s economy. Through it all, our focus has never changed. Stay close to our members, provide unparalleled service and constantly evaluate how we can improve the value, convenience and security we provide to our diverse member population.

The doors of our Credit Union opened in 1981. Established with just $500 in member funds, BCU has grown into an award winning organization with over $1.5 billion in balance sheet assets, serving approximately 135,000 members in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. We see this as a testimony of our members’ loyalty and responsiveness to the competitive product and service offerings provided by the Credit Union. The positive momentum that began over 30 years ago has fueled our growth and improved the lives of our members, who we consider extended family.

As we reflect on the last 30 years, our focus is clear. Through our members’ eyes, we see the fulfillment of the BCU vision – to personalize your experience, reward your loyalty, exceed your expectations and commit to your prosperity. In summary, we are always putting our members first in everything we do. We have built this Credit Union from the ground up – TOGETHER. And we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family for generations to come.

In celebration of our 30th Anniversary, we will be hosting a series of special appreciation events at select locations, offering product and service specials and introducing our “30th Anniversary Celebration Trivia” game on our Facebook page. So if you have not already checked out the page, now might be a great time to “Like” us and play to win fun prizes. Good luck!

Best Regards,

Mike ValentinePresident/CEO

FREE CHECKING LIVES ONMany of the nation’s biggest banks are dropping their free checking programs and adding fees – which means the era of free checking may be coming to a close – for bank customers.

Why is this happening? New laws have been enacted recently that have led to shrinking revenues for banks, so they’re looking for alternative ways to make money for their shareholders. At the Credit Union, by contrast, the focus remains on serving members’ financial needs. You are an owner as well as a member of this not-for-profit institution, so we look out for your best interests.

Here are a few bank fees that may be increasing:• Account maintenance fees. A bank checking account may now require you to use your debit

card regularly to avoid fees.

• Service fees. Watch for fees to deposit a check at a bank branch or to use a debit card for purchases.

• Balance requirements. Many banks are requiring their customers to keep more of their funds in low-interest checking accounts to avoid a monthly fee.

As your Credit Union, it is our goal to serve our members rather than make a profit. We offer checking accounts that make money management easy and affordable. To find out more about our available checking accounts or how we can help you accomplish your financial goals, call or visit our Web site.

3

Still Haven’t Tried Online Bill Pay?

4 REASONS TO PAY BILLS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Do you remember life before direct deposit? Perhaps you enjoyed catching up with the teller every payday and the satisfaction of completing the transaction in person. You may have hesitated to switch to an automated process fearing that it was less reliable and secure. But once you converted, chances are you never looked back. If you have similar excuses for not using online bill pay, we have just as many reasons why you should.

EXCUSE NO. 1: It’s not safe. The Credit Union uses security certification, password protection and an encrypted network, which helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing your account information. What’s more, having fewer personal checks in your mailbox keeps you safer from identity thieves.

EXCUSE NO. 2: I already have a good system in place. Online bill pay automatically produces an organized, accessible record of all of your payments. You can easily generate reports to see where your money goes. And our system is compatible with personal accounting software that you may already use.

EXCUSE NO. 3: It will take too long to set up. It takes a short time to enter your billers’ information. But the process is simple, and once it is set up, paying bills requires just a few clicks of the mouse. In fact, you can pay all of your bills from one screen, at one time. You can even set up recurring payments.

EXCUSE NO. 4: It’s too expensive. Online bill pay is free to use, so it can actually save you the cost of postage and reordering checks. And as long as you schedule the payments far enough in advance of the due date, you won’t have to pay late fees.

Getting started with online bill pay is simple. Just give us a call, stop by a Service Center or visit the Web site to sign up. We bet you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.

CREDIT CARDS YOU CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT

Frustrated with your current bank credit card? Now is a great time to start using a Visa® Platinum or Visa Platinum with Cash Back credit card from your Credit Union. Our cards offer lower rates and fees and great rewards options – all from a lender you can trust.

Our Visa Platinum card offers: • Our lowest card rate

• No annual fee or balance transfer fees

• No default rate APR (an increased APR due to a single late or returned payment)

• The protection of Visa’s Zero Liability Policy

With our Cash Back card, enjoy the Platinum Card benefits, plus: • Earn 2% cash back* on purchases at

restaurants, grocery stores and automated fuel dispensers

• Earn 1% cash back* on all other purchases.

• No opt-ins required to earn maximum cash back amount

• Rebates will be conveniently credited to your Credit Union savings account once each quarter.

It’s easy to apply for a Credit Union credit card. Simply call, apply online or visit your nearest Service Center.

* Rebates are automatically earned by making eligible purchases with your Credit Union Visa Cash Back card. Each Eligible Purchase made by the cardholder or authorized user(s) shall qualify for the cardholder cash-back rebate as follows: you will earn a 1% base rebate for each $1 of net purchases (defined as purchases minus purchase returns and allowances and purchase discounts plus transaction). You will also earn an additional 1% bonus rebate for each $1 of net purchases, up to a maximum of $2,000 per month on eligible net gas, grocery and restaurant purchases made at retail establishments that classify their merchant location for Visa in one of the following bonus categories: automated fuel dispensers, grocery stores/supermarkets and quick service payment/fast food restaurant/restaurant. Non-automated fuel purchases at gas station locations in the bonus category shall be treated as a regular purchase and will only earn the 1% base rebate.

4

This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia. ©2011 BCU.

A New Benefit of Membership

BALANCETRACK PERSONAL FINANCE EDUCATION CENTER

The Credit Union is dedicated to helping you realize your financial goals, which is why we are excited to announce your newest benefit of membership: BalanceTrack, an online personal finance education center.

BalanceTrack allows you to explore all of the essential elements of personal finance. Each of the learning modules is interactive with links to helpful resources and has a quiz to allow you to test your knowledge of the subject.

In addition to BalanceTrack, you also have access to free, unbiased money management information and financial counseling. All you have to do is make a toll-free phone call to our partner, BALANCESM, at 888-456-2227. A certified financial counselor can answer many of your

questions immediately – from how long an item stays on your credit report to whether it’s better to lease or buy a car.

For more complex issues, such as debt elimination or budget development, an appointment will be scheduled – giving you the personal attention you need to meet your objectives. If bills have

gotten out of hand, your counselor may be able to arrange a Debt Management Plan in which your creditors may reduce interest and fees so you can pay your debt quickly

and efficiently.

We recognize that money concerns have a serious effect on our quality of life. Now, via the Web site or via phone at 888-456-2227, financial education is available to you free of charge as a benefit of your membership with the Credit Union.

WE ACCEPT 401(K) ROLLOVERS!A rollover is a tax-free transfer of assets from a retirement plan to either a Traditional IRA or another employers’ retirement plan.* Rollovers generally come from 401(k) plans and other types of defined contribution plans.

You can benefit from a rollover because:• It’s not a taxable distribution.

• It allows continued tax-deferred growth of funds and investment flexibility.

• You may be eligible to make additional contributions.

• It’s a convenient way to consolidate IRAs and prior employer-sponsored plans into one manageable account.

If a rollover is done properly and all rules are followed, there are no taxes or penalties. To ensure your rollover is handled correctly, consult with a BCU Investment Advisor.**

For information about our services and investment products, or to schedule a no-obligation financial consultation, call 800-388-7000, ext. 8700. We look forward to serving you.

** This financial institution does not give tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor.** Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial

Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the Credit Union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. BCU has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to Credit Union members. BCU Investment Advisors is a trade name for the investment services available at BCU.

Financial education and counseling is available to you free of charge.