Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union

As an educator, or someone connected to the vibrant educational community of the Lehigh Valley, have you ever felt that traditional banking institutions don't quite understand your unique financial journey? From managing daily expenses to planning for retirement or even securing a first home, financial decisions can be complex. But what if there was a financial partner built specifically to serve your needs, prioritizing your financial well-being over corporate profits?

Enter the Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union (LVECU), a financial institution deeply rooted in the community it serves. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union, from its rich history and member benefits to the wide array of services designed to empower your financial success.

Understanding Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union: A Partner, Not Just a Bank

The Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union is more than just a place to keep your money; it's a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. Unlike traditional banks that operate for the benefit of stockholders, credit unions like LVECU exist to serve their members. This fundamental difference often translates into better rates on savings and loans, lower fees, and a more personalized banking experience.

A Rich History of Supporting Education

The story of Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union began on January 12, 1934, when it was founded as the Allentown Teachers Credit Union. It started as a volunteer operation in the home of Edwin Clauss, serving employees of the School District of Allentown and their families. Recognizing the need to extend its reach, the credit union expanded its field of membership in 2003 to include educational employees in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties. This expansion led to the name change to Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union in 2004, solidifying its commitment to the broader educational community. Today, LVECU proudly serves over 15,000 members with assets exceeding $400 million.

Who Can Join Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union?

Membership at Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union is specifically tailored to the educational sector and its extended family. You are eligible to join if you are:

• A faculty or staff member, or an employee of an approved educational or related institution located within Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, or Schuylkill Counties. This includes public, private, and parochial schools, colleges, and universities.
• An immediate family member of an existing LVECU member. Immediate family includes grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, stepchildren, stepparents, stepsiblings, and in-laws.

Becoming a member is straightforward: you simply need to open a share savings account and maintain a minimum deposit of just $5.00. This small deposit establishes your "share" in the credit union, immediately making you eligible for all the benefits of membership.

The Credit Union Difference: Why Choose Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union?

Why should you consider moving your financial services to Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union? The "credit union difference" is significant, especially for those who value community, competitive rates, and a personalized approach to banking.

• Member-Owned, Member-Focused: As a not-for-profit organization, LVECU's earnings are returned to its members through higher savings rates, lower loan rates, reduced fees, and free services. This contrasts sharply with banks that aim to maximize profits for external shareholders.
• Competitive Rates: Whether you're saving for a rainy day, buying a car, or securing a mortgage, LVECU strives to offer competitive rates designed to benefit its members.
• Personalized Service: At LVECU, you're not just a customer number; you're a valued member. The staff is dedicated to providing helpful and well-informed service, often cited by members for their fantastic and polite assistance.
• Community Investment: Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union is deeply invested in the well-being of the local community, particularly through educational initiatives. They actively support programs like Cops 'n' Kids and Toys for Tots, and run various donation drives throughout the year.

Key Services Offered by Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union

Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services designed to meet diverse needs, from daily banking to long-term financial planning.

Everyday Banking Solutions

• Checking Accounts: Manage your daily finances with ease.
• Savings Accounts: Build your savings with competitive rates.
• Youth Accounts: Programs like the "Level Up Youth Program" help kids and teens develop smart money habits, from saving to budgeting.
• Debit Cards: Convenient access to your funds.
• Prepaid Cards: A secure option for controlled spending.

Lending Options for Every Milestone

• Auto Loans: Competitive rates for purchasing new or used vehicles.
• Home Loans: Including mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) to help you achieve homeownership or leverage your home's equity.
• Personal Loans: Flexible options for various personal needs.
• Student Loans: Assistance with financing higher education.
• Credit Cards: Offering competitive rates and benefits.

Convenient Digital Banking

In today's fast-paced world, access to your finances anytime, anywhere is crucial. Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union offers robust digital banking solutions:

• Online Banking: Securely manage your accounts from your computer.
• Mobile App (LVECU Mobile Access): Check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks remotely, and send payments directly from your smartphone. Members praise the app for its convenience, often eliminating the need for physical branch visits.

Additional Member Benefits & Services

Beyond core banking, LVECU offers a range of valuable services and exclusive benefits:

• Direct Deposit & Payroll Deduction: Simplify your finances by automatically depositing your paycheck and allocating funds to savings or loan payments.
• Wire Transfers: Efficiently send or receive funds electronically, both domestically and internationally.
• Coin Counting Machines: Free for members at both locations, allowing you to easily convert loose change into usable funds.
• Medallion Signature Guarantee & Notary Services: Essential services for various legal and financial documents, available to members by appointment.
• Scholarship Program: LVECU is dedicated to supporting education beyond banking, offering scholarships to high school seniors to help with educational expenses. Since 2001, over $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded.
• "Love My Credit Union Rewards": An exclusive program providing discounts and benefits from reputable partners on services like tax preparation (H&R Block, TurboTax) and insurance (TruStage™).
• Discount Tickets & Car Rental Discounts: Members can enjoy savings on local attractions and car rentals through partnerships with Enterprise, Alamo, and National.

Joining Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union: A Simple Process

Ready to experience the benefits of belonging to Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union? The process is designed to be straightforward:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you or an immediate family member work for an approved educational institution within the designated counties (Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill).
2. Open a Share Savings Account: This is your foundational account. You'll need to deposit and maintain a minimum of $5.00.
3. Provide Identification: Have an unexpired government-issued photo identification with your current address, along with your social security number, ready.

Once these steps are completed, you're officially a member, ready to access the full range of services and benefits offered by Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union.

Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union's Commitment to the Community

Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union's dedication extends beyond financial services to actively supporting the community it serves. Their commitment is evident through various initiatives:

• Monthly Donation Drives: LVECU organizes "Items of the Month" donation schedules, collecting essential goods like hair care products, dental care items, first aid supplies, baby care products, toiletries, school supplies, and winter gear throughout the year.
• Cops 'n' Kids: LVECU is a long-standing supporter of Cops 'n' Kids, a non-profit focused on fostering literacy and community connection by collecting new or gently used books.
• Toys for Tots: Each holiday season, LVECU proudly serves as a drop-off location for new toy donations for the Toys for Tots Foundation, contributing to spreading holiday cheer for less fortunate children.

These initiatives underscore LVECU's mission to empower not just individual members, but the broader Lehigh Valley community.

Conclusion: Your Financial Future with Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union

The Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union stands as a testament to the power of a financial institution truly dedicated to its members and community. With a rich history spanning decades, a clear mission to empower financial success, and a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the educational community, LVECU offers a compelling alternative to traditional banking. From competitive rates and personalized service to a strong commitment to local causes, joining LVECU means becoming part of a cooperative that puts your financial well-being first.

Are you ready to explore a financial partnership that understands and supports your journey? Visit the Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union website or one of their convenient locations in Allentown or Schnecksville to learn more about how they can help you achieve your financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary difference between Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union and a traditional bank?

A1: The main difference is ownership and purpose. Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, meaning profits are returned to members through better rates and lower fees. Traditional banks are for-profit institutions owned by stockholders, aiming to maximize shareholder returns.

Q2: Who is eligible to join Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union?

A2: Eligibility primarily extends to faculty, staff members, and employees of approved educational and related institutions within Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties. Immediate family members of existing members are also eligible.

Q3: What types of loans does Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union offer?

A3: Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union offers a variety of loans, including auto loans, home loans (mortgages and HELOCs), personal loans, student loans, and credit cards, all designed with competitive rates for their members.

Q4: Does Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union have a mobile app?

A4: Yes, Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union offers the "LVECU Mobile Access" app, allowing members to check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, and manage their accounts conveniently from their mobile devices.