Benefits at Emory come in a variety of forms. Health and life insurance,
courtesy scholarships for dependents, and the ability to take classes
are just a handful of the higher profile benefits of belonging to
the Emory community.
Maybe not as well knownbut certainly a perk of significant
importanceis the fact that Emory employees are eligible for
membership in Emory Federal Credit Union (EFCU).
Credit unions, which differ from traditional banks in several ways
(they are nonprofit and rarely open to the public, for instance)
are hardly new entities, nor are they uncommon. The United States
has more than 13,500 of them, in fact.
With consolidation in the U.S. banking industry becoming the norm,
criticsand more than a few customershave begun looking
for new options.
There is a lot of frustration with banks, said Jill
Kelley, the credit unions marketing director. There
are too many fees. Service is an issue. People are beginning to
get fed up.
And EFCU is ready to welcome these people with open arms.
A full slate of services is available at each of the credit unions
three locations: the Candler Building at Crawford Long, the Dobbs
Center and the main office at 1237 Clairmont Road, just south of
the N. Decatur Road intersection.
The credit union, through its Total Access program,
offers all the features expected of a full-service financial institution:
credit cards; loans for cars, homes or other reasons; a variety
of checking and savings accounts, and a great deal more.
For instance, EFCU offers an auto locator service. To utilize the
service, a credit union member simply fills out a form specifying
the make and model of new car (as well as special features and color)
he or she wants, and the credit union finds it. The entire process
can be completed in one day and dealers deliver the car, so customers
dont ever have to step foot on a lot. The process is applicable
to leased vehicles as well.
This service, like most of EFCUs offerings, comes without
related fees or service charges.
Joining the credit union is simple. Filling out the application
takes about 10 minutes; all thats necessary is a photo ID
and proof of membership eligibility (e.g., a paycheck stub or work
ID). Once a member, it is possible to not step inside the building
again.
All transactions (save home purchases financed through EFCU) can
be completed
over the phone or online (www.emoryfcu.com).
A minimum deposit of $25 is necessary to open a Share Saving Account,
while opening a checking account requires an initial opening deposit
of $100. All Emory employees (as well as their immediate family
members) are eligible to join the credit union, and a job change
has no effect on membership.
The website, according to Kelley, is a versatile tool that credit
union members may use to pay bills, apply for a loan or perform
dozens of other tasks.
The website is a portal, Kelley said. You can
check stock quotes, order a credit report, or even check the weather
or news updates.
EFCU was founded by 22 Emory employees and chartered in 1968 as
a full-service financial institution. It now boasts more than 18,000
members and some $70 million in assets, ranking among the top 20
financial institutions in Georgia in both categories. In fact, the
credit unions assets have doubled over the last four years.
For more information about the credit union, visit the EFCUs
website or contact the nearest branch office in the Dobbs Center
(404-727-9450), Crawford Long (404-686-2559) or Clairmont Road (404-329-6415).
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