Welcome Bucks First FCU!
Welcome Bucks First FCU to the shared branching network. Bucks First went live on the network in October as an issuer only.
For your convenience, attached is the updated PaCUSC Contact Listing.
Several changes have been made to the attached PaCUSC Contact Listing, so please make sure you provide to your staff. We also noted in the CU Name column if a credit union’s contact preference for resolving or questioning a member transaction is via phone call or e-mail.
Attention CO-OP Shared Branching Acquirers: The Importance of the ISO/BIN File
Shared branching acquirers are required to update their ISO/BIN file on a weekly basis. The ISO/BIN File contains the unique BIN, routing and transit number, name, address, phone numbers and other pertinent information of all participating financial institutions in the shared branching network. The routing and transit number data in this file is also used for endorsement information on the back of checks deposited by credit union members.
It is important for CO-OP Shared Branching to be able to maintain an accurate, current ISO/BIN file so we can effectively serve our credit union members through the network. Having an outdated ISO File can cause a credit union to turn away members. This can be especially frustrating for newer credit unions that will then need to convince their members to give shared branching another try. Outlets failing to update their ISO files may be fined for each occurrence of members being turned away, so please be sure to keep your files up to date to avoid these fines.
In updating the shared branching acquirer ISO/BIN file, your credit union is assisting other participating shared branching credit unions and their members. This will enable them to receive the most accurate and up-to-date shared branching services either when a member visits an outlet, or through a credit union’s marketing plan. CO-OP and PaCUSC would like to thank you in advance for assisting with this very important routine update. For further information or questions, please contact Sandy Shenk.
Member Service at Shared Branching Locations
We have heard concerns from several credit unions over the aggravation of servicing shared branching members. Credit unions have expressed concerns that these members are very demanding, especially when it comes to transactions they may not be able to perform at a shared branching location. We want to make sure shared branching is a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all parties involved.
We would like to ask credit unions to remind their members shared branching is a benefit of membership. Make sure they understand there are certain transactions shared branching members can not perform, or could be limited in performing, at shared branching locations. Remember not all locations do certain transactions, such as check withdrawals, as well as the limited sale of certain ancillary items.
Acquirers need to keep in mind shared branching members should be receiving the same level of service their own credit union membership receives daily. Tellers should not be treating them any differently because they are not a member of their credit union. You want to make sure you are servicing these members like you want your members serviced at other shared branching locations.
We want to make sure every member has a pleasant experience with shared branching since it is a reflection on all parties involved. If your credit union has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Sandy Shenk.
CO-OP Shared Branching Data Center Upgrade
During the month of September, CO-OP Shared Branching performed a series of upgrades to the Duluth, Georgia data center that houses the Next Generation Network (NGN). These upgrades were performed to enhance NGN’s ability to meet business continuity requirements, and included reconfigurations of the HVAC, electrical and server infrastructure. The new structure will create the ability to have quicker redundancies to better serve credit unions participating in CO-OP Shared Branching, and to prepare for future growth.
As a part of the overall initiative, CO-OP Shared Branching successfully transitioned over to the disaster recovery data center in Southfield, Michigan. NGN was able to perform successfully from Sunday, September 9th until Wednesday, September 26th. The success of this transition substantiates the ability of NGN to fully operate in the event of a disaster to the main data center.
Please contact Sandy Shenk with any questions.
CO-OP Insight Vault Blog
CO-OP Financial Services’ official blog, the
CO-OP Insight Vault blog features entries from different thought leaders from CO-OP, including a recent post from Nathan Rogers, Manager of Channel Strategy and Market Innovation titled
“When the Best Solution is the Easiest One”. His post discusses shared branching and the importance of reaching members both in person at the branch, and virtually through mobile and other remote services.
The CO-OP Insight Vault blog gives CO-OP’s leaders a chance to communicate with others in the industry while providing valuable information to the readers. You may comment on any of the articles and reader feedback is encouraged. Check out the CO-OP Insight Vault blog today and provide your comments!
CU4Kids Holiday Icon Campaign: At a CMN Hospital, Every Dollar Makes a Difference
When your credit union participates in a
Credit Unions for Kids fundraiser, every dollar you raise goes to help children in your community. And every dollar makes a big difference in the life of a sick child.
- Wee Pee sized diapers, for babies weighing less than 800 grams, cost $0.41
- Preemie sized diapers, for babies weighing up to 4 pounds, cost $0.50
- Size 1 blood pressure cuffs for the smallest child patients, cost $1.08
- Baby blankets in the Neonatal and Infant Critical Care Unit, cost $4.00
The
Holiday Icon Campaign is a fun, turnkey and cost‐free opportunity for your credit union to raise much needed funds for your local Children’s’ Miracle Network Hospital. Demonstrate your support of hospitalized kids by “selling” the fun, winter‐themed icons to your members for a dollar donation.
Helping kids has never been easier!
Click here to order your icons today.