International Credit Union Day is coming up this week — on Thursday, October 19.

This year, the event commemorates 75 years of the credit union movement.

Not to toot our own horn, but CommonWealth One was an influencer before influencers were a thing! Earlier this year, we celebrated our 79th birthday!

If you’re ever asked about the difference between a bank and a credit union, keep this email handy! Here are 5 reasons credit unions — and especially CommonWealth One — are superior to your other financial options.

1. Knowledge is power! CommonWealth One and other credit unions focus on empowering their members to make the best possible financial decisions through education. The more you know about money, interest rates, savings, borrowing and other topics, the better off you’ll be. CommonWealth One offers a ton of educational resources free for our members, including financial counseling, webinars and self-guided classes.
2. Low rates, low fees. Unlike big banks, credit unions are not-for-profit and return all profits back to members in the form of lower interest rates on loans and much lower fees on services, including ATMs.
3. Higher dividends. Because CommonWealth One and other credit unions focus on keeping their costs low, we can give you better savings rates and dividends on items like certificates, savings accounts and more.
4. Higher education. Because we believe in education and we want you to be successful in life, CommonWealth One supports students by awarding $12,000 in scholarships each year to members who are furthering their education.
5. Community support. CommonWealth One doesn’t just talk about giving back to the community — we put our money where our mouth is. In addition to volunteering our time and supporting local events and organizations, CommonWealth One’s “Big Giver Contest” gives away $14,000 to local charities on behalf of our members.

And one more reason CommonWealth One is better than your bank? Free snacks! Stop by the branch this Thursday, October 19 where we’ll be celebrating International Credit Union Day with special treats.

Plus, keep an eye out for our upcoming contest, where members like you can win cash for sharing your personal story about how CommonWealth One membership has empowered you.

See you soon!