Pennsylvania Credit Union Association

Share It Marketing Campaign

Today is the start of the Share It marketing campaign!  The campaign will run through July and August.

Participating credit unions should begin distributing campaign material to your members.  Display posters and counter signs in a high visibility area within your branch lobby.

Help spread the word about shared branching!  Remind members to visit the website - shareit.coop; for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card by “sharing” a shared branching story with us.  We will be selecting a new winner each week.  Members have eight weeks to submit an entry for a chance to win!!

Reminder: Keep ISO Files Up to Date

CO-OP Shared Branching distributes ISO file updates via email on a weekly basis to participating acquirers in order for their ISO files, which contain pertinent information for all participating credit unions, to remain up to date. These updates include:

• the addition and/or deletion of participating credit unions;
• change of credit union name, address, phone number, and/or fax number; and
• other important information.

It is vital that acquirers make these updates to their ISO file each week.

Cases of outdated ISO files have become more frequent, and in some recent instances, members of newly added credit unions have been denied service due to the outlet location not having their list of participant credit unions up to date. This not only leads to frustrated members, but it also becomes frustrating to the newly added credit unions whose members cannot be serviced in these cases.

Credit unions should make sure that a representative is responsible for making these updates at least weekly in accordance with CO-OP Shared Branching network policies.

Updated Network Rule Changes

Effective August 15, 2011, all credit unions must follow the updated network rules (click here). 

The Teller Reference Guide has been updated to reflect the changes to the rules.  Please provide your tellers with the updated copy (click here).

Introducing CO-OP Mobile Text

CO-OP Financial Services has introduced CO-OP Mobile Text.  CO-OP Mobile Text offers text banking as a standalone service for $0.12 per transaction with no additional account verification fee, enabling credit unions to offer mobile banking fast and affordably.

“CO-OP has offered a multi-platform mobile banking solution for more than a year, but with CO-OP Mobile Text, it is now easier than ever for credit unions to start and manage a mobile banking program,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services.  “CO-OP Mobile Text allows credit unions of any size to attract groups such as the young and those living in rural areas, which prefer mobile devices as their access points for everything from music to news.”

Credit unions currently using the CO-OP Next Generation Network (NGN) switch for shared branching, check imaging and other services area able to implement CO-OP Mobile Text immediately.  Simply opt-in the NGN service to be activated.

CO-OP Mobile Text offers a credit union member a text message for an account inquiry and receives information back promptly.  The service enables members to verify balances, view transaction history and transfer funds within their accounts.  CO-OP Financial Services provides the short code to minimize credit union expense.

CO-OP Mobile Multimode Platform is the company’s full-service mobile banking solution, supporting text banking, mobile browser, downloadable applications and remote mobile deposit for iPhones.  Visit www.co-opfs.org for more information on CO-OP Mobile Multimode.

CO-OP Mobile Enhancements

In April, CO-OP Financial Services made enhancements to CO-OP Mobile Multimode.  This provides members access to mobile banking on any type of device they may own.  With SMS text message banking, mobile web browser banking, and downloadable application banking, members are able to check balances, make transfers and find CO-OP Network ATMs and CO-OP Shared Branching locations.

Included is the addition of the Android downloadable mobile banking application, which can be downloaded through the Market App Store.  The addition of the Android device will allow credit unions to reach more members since the Android is one of the most popular smart phones on the market.

CO-OP Mobile also enhanced the mobile browser interface which is similar to the downloadable application.  This enhanced browser is currently available for iPhone, Android and Palm OS devices.

New, Free Shared Branching Marketing Materials Now Available

CO-OP Shared Branching participating credit unions have a brand-new portfolio of powerful tools available in 2011 to educate their members about the benefits of shared branching.  Recognizing that the time and cost of developing their own marketing campaigns can be a strain for many credit unions, CO-OP’s turnkey solution provides easily customizable materials at no charge.

2011 materials include:

• Statement insert
• Tri-fold brochure
• Direct mailer
• Poster/standee
• Location card
• Card holder book
• Web banner
• E-Statement Web banner

Leveraging the relationship - and ROI-building potential of membership is as easy as visiting CO-OP’s Shared Branching Marketing Resource Center (MARC) at www.marketingresourcecenter.net.