BRIGHT HORIZONS
Local. Knowledgeable. Reliable. Choose GECU for your mortgage
You have many decisions when buying or refinancing a home. Who you choose as a lender is a big one! Here’s why it’s beneficial to keep your financing �close to home” with GECU.
1. Personalized member experience
Some lenders may pass you between representatives throughout the process, making it impersonal and difficult to get consistent answers or updates. As a local lender, we emphasize service excellence by providing a dedicated point of contact, so you’ll always know who to call.
2. Loan servicing you can rely on
Some lenders sell loans to large companies to free up funds for issuing new loans. While this doesn’t change your loan terms, it can create confusion by requiring you to reestablish payment methods, create new accounts, or navigate a new platform. We maintain our loan servicing, allowing you to manage your mortgage through us until the end of its term!
3. Convenient tools to manage your loan
We also offer advanced tools that make the process easier all the way around: a quick, online application process and free payment options via Online Banking or our mobile app.1 Set up automatic payments from an internal or external account so you never miss a due date.
Enjoy a streamlined process, competitive rates, and GECU Genuine Care with personalized service on your mortgage. As a not-for-profit organization, we take a member-focused approach to ensure you have the mortgage that’s right for you. From fixed-rate loans, rate reduction options, and closing cost options as low as $0, 2 we’ll help you find the right fit for refinancing or buying a home.
Closing costs as low as
Our expert team can match you with the perfect financing package. Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/mortgage
A message from our President and CEO
I am pleased to share General Electric Credit Union (GECU) has received the Best Credit Union in Cincinnati title for the eighth time, a recognition that will be featured in CityBeat Magazine ’s 2024 “Best of” publication. In addition, we have been recognized by MemberXP, our member survey partner, as one of North America’s best credit unions in providing an outstanding experience in five categories: New Member Experience, New Account Experience, Mortgage Experience, Online Banking Experience, and Mobile App Experience. We feel incredibly honored by these awards and are grateful for your continued trust in us as your financial partner.
Our commitment to excellence will remain unwavering as we continue navigating the current economic climate with you this year. While there are some positive indicators like strong employment numbers, other major factors continue to impact everyday life for Americans. Many are faced with elevated debt burdens, while persistently high prices are straining household budgets and overall spending. Although the economic outlook remains mixed, you can continue to rely on your Credit Union for exceptional service. We invite you to discuss your finances with us in whatever way you’re comfortable, knowing we are always
Timothy D. Ballinger
The more you engage with our services, the better we can provide personalized solutions.
listening and ready to assist. The more you engage with our services, the better we can provide personalized solutions to meet your needs and support your financial journey.
We are excited to enhance your experience with the revamp of our chat service and the introduction of our new virtual assistant, Violet. Recognizing that you may need assistance outside of regular business hours, Violet is available 24/7/365, through Online Banking and our mobile app, to answer any number of questions related to our products and services, as well as general support. We are also bringing the branch experience to you, wherever you may be. Our Virtual Branch service connects you with a locally based Virtual Relationship Consultant who can help you open an account, or apply for a credit card or loan, via phone or video. It’s a convenient alternative to visiting a branch, while still providing personalized support from one of our Team Members.
Additionally, this year, we’re focused on strengthening our internal technology to streamline processes and enhance communication within our teams. By leveraging
What transfer limits do I have? What credit cards do you offer? Violet can answer these questions and more!
Our newest team member is available within Online Banking or our mobile app to assist you with common questions 24/7/365. During normal business hours, she can even seamlessly connect you with a Team Member for further assistance! Learn more about her capabilities by scanning the QR code or visiting: gecreditunion.org/meet-violet
technology to simplify workflows and make it easier for our team to complete projects and initiatives, we can better focus on improving response times and delivering a smoother experience for you.
Our 70 th Annual Meeting is just around the corner, taking place on Wednesday, April 30 th. During this meeting, we will discuss several of our key initiatives for the year. Additionally, we will soon be announcing the winners of our Robert A. Cunningham Memorial Scholarship programs. Since 1998, we have awarded more than $260,000 to 141 college-bound students in the area who have demonstrated the spirit of volunteerism. We will be broadening our support with these programs with future expansions aimed at including those pursuing trade school education and current college students.
Whether it’s through new service enhancements or giving back to those in our community, our mission of Improving the Quality of Financial Lives continues to drive everything we do. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the year and thank you for being a valued GECU member.
Holiday Closures
Memorial Day Monday, May 26th Juneteenth Thursday, June 19th 4th of July Friday, July 4th
Our ATMs/ITMs, Online Banking, and mobile app are available 24/7–even on holidays!
choices: Look for
now and in
When choosing a checking account, it can be tempting to prioritize immediate perks like a one-time sign-up bonus. These offers alone don’t deliver lasting value. Instead, focus on both short- and long-term benefits.
Why sign-up bonuses fall short
Sign-up bonuses may offer an immediate reward, but they often come with conditions such as maintaining a high balance, hidden fees, or limited benefits. A checking account with consistent, long-term perks is often a smarter choice for financial health.
Checking account perks with long-term value
Value-packed accounts deliver on-going benefits. At GECU, our Simply Free Checking account1 comes with:
No monthly maintenance fee or minimum daily balance requirement1
Convenient cash access with our network of over 100,000 free ATMs2 and Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) at your nearest branch
Early Pay to access funds faster3
Round-Up, which rounds everyday debit card purchases up to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into your savings account. We even match 5% of your rounded-up funds, up to $350 a year in debit card rewards!4
You deserve better checking
All three checking account options give you access to a wealth of features and perks, making them perfect for everyday purchases.
Open one online in minutes and get more information on switching over automatic payments and direct deposits by scanning the QR code or visiting: gecreditunion.org/checking
1Simply Free Checking: $25 deposit is required to open. The account must be funded within 30 calendar days; otherwise, the account may be closed. Simply Free Checking is a non-dividend bearing account. There is no minimum balance required to maintain this account. 2 ATM Network: Our ATM network is fee-free for withdrawals for General Electric Credit Union (GECU) debit cardholders and includes: In-network ATMs include: GECU, Allpoint, MoneyPass, CULIANCE, and Fifth Third ATMs. Foreign transaction fees apply to out-of-network ATMs, see Fee Schedule for details. 3EarlyPay: Visit gecreditunion.org/early-pay for more information, including product restrictions and details. 4Round-Up: Round-Up is available with a GECU Simply Free, Choice, or Amplified High-Yield Checking account and GECU savings or money market account. Upon enrollment in Round-Up and when using your GECU debit card (provided with your GECU checking account), we’ll round up each purchase to the nearest dollar and transfer the difference from your checking account to your GECU savings account of choice daily. The 5% savings boost match will be paid on the sum of rounded up transfers at month end with an annual match limit up to $350; match is reportable on IRS Form 1099. We may cancel or modify the Round-Up service at any time without prior notice. Round-Up is not available for business debit cards.
Add your card to a digital wallet for fast and secure payments
Digital wallet1 mobile apps allow you to add your GECU debit or credit card(s) to devices like your phone and smartwatch to make everyday purchases faster and more secure. Merchants never receive your card number, so you’re better protected against fraud. Link your card in minutes: gecreditunion.org/digital-wallets
long run Ready to open a new account? Schedule a virtual appointment! Our locally-based Virtual Branch team is ready to help you open an account or apply for a credit card or loan—from the convenience of wherever you are!
Schedule today! Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/appointments 1Digital
365 Days of giving
GECU Cares, our team member giveback program, is one of the ways we give back and strengthen bonds within the Greater Cincinnati community. In 2024, we:
Helped fight food insecurity during Hunger Action Month
Created craft kits for young patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Banker Build
Built furniture for individuals rebuilding their lives at New Life Furniture Bank
Fulfilled local families’ wish lists through our Holiday Cheer Program
This is just a highlight of our 2024 efforts, as we support over 60 non-profits annually. Visit: gecreditunion.org/GECUCares or scan the QR code to learn more.
Explore our on-demand webinars covering estate and retirement planning, budgeting, and more on our YouTube channel! Simply search our handle or scan the QR code.
GECU is once again the proud sponsor of Zoo Babies at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Join us in May to celebrate the newest, cutest additions!
For details on discounted tickets, visit: gecreditunion.org/ZooBabies Use code: GECU
Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/financials
