Security Service Federal Credit Union to offer Apple Pay

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) has officially signed on to provide Apple Pay to its more than 900,000 members.  The announcement comes as Apple Pay and MasterCard officially launch the service world-wide.

“Apple is the master of generating user excitement,” says Jim Laffoon, President and CEO of Security Service Federal Credit Union.  “This technology has the ability to rapidly re-define consumer behavior and we want to make sure our members are armed with the proper tools to navigate the changes to the mobile services landscape.”

SSFCU is currently working with MasterCard® and Apple to activate the Apple Pay service for its members.  Once activated, members will have the ability to use their Security Service Power Debit and Credit MasterCards® on iPhone 6, Apple Watch, iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 to shop at more than 220,000 merchants.

“This is just now beginning to roll out with merchants and Security Service will be one of the first credit unions in the country to offer this service,” said Laffoon. “We fully expect Apple Pay to be available to our members by early 2015.”

SSFCU will notify members electronically, through social media and at www.ssfcu.org once this service is available.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

SSFCU launches no annual fee, high rewards power products

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) introduced a new credit card with an ultra-low variable APR of 6.49% and no annual fees Tuesday. It’s one of the credit union’s new Power products, which include a new checking account solution and two additional credit cards that feature rewards of up to three points for every $1 spent on gas, travel and dining; no annual or cash advance fees; and some of the lowest APRs in the market for rewards cards.

“We spent a great deal of time re-designing our new products around the feedback we received from our members,” said Jim Laffoon, president and chief executive officer of SSFCU. “They told us they wanted lower fees and better rewards. We delivered.”

In addition to 6.49% low APR card, SSFCU launched a reward card with no annual, balance transfer or cash advance fees; one point for every dollar spent and a low APR (starting at 12.75%). A second reward card is a high-end travelers card offering three points for every dollar spent on gas, travel and dining; one point per dollar on any other purchases; an additional annual points bonus of 10 percent on points earned; no annual, cash advance or balance transfer fees, 0% APR for the first six months and points bonuses for opening the account and using it. “It’s one of the strongest travel reward cards on the market right now,” added Laffoon.

With the new Power Checking and Power Youth Checking accounts, members can choose to get ten cents cash back on every debit card swipe or rewards points for signature-based transactions. The accounts feature no hidden fees, no minimum balance and an interest rate that grows with deposits. If members also hold a rewards-based credit card and they choose reward points on their checking account, SSFCU will automatically combine debit and credit card points, helping members rack up rewards even faster.

In an effort to combat fraud and increase security sooner rather than later, all newly-issued SSFCU Power credit cards will be EMV chip equipped starting in October 2014, with EMV-chipped Power debit cards rolled out in 2015.

“We wanted to offer our members in Texas, Colorado and Utah the choice of highly competitive financial products,” said Laffoon. “These new no annual fee options are great for members who are actively looking to lower costs and build rewards.” Earlier this year, SSFCU also rolled out a new Power Mortgage with no closing costs up to $5,000, no origination fee and low interest rates on both home purchases and refinances

Individuals must qualify for membership, but there are more than 2,600 different ways to join SSFCU. For more information, and for details on ways to qualify for membership, visit www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Membership eligibility required. “Swipes” do not include ATM transactions, returns, any checks that access your account, or overdraft advances. The term “interest” refers to dividends. Security Service Power Checking is a Blended Rate Tier account, which means the dividend rate will only be paid on the portion of your daily balance within each Balance Tier. Rate is variable and may change after the account is opened. For complete rate and tier information, visit ssfcu.org. Visit a branch or ssfcu.org for details. Federally insured by NCUA.

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Other rates may apply based on credit worthiness.
Power Travel Rewards Credit Card subject to credit approval and income requirements. Receive 10% annual point bonus on the points earned in one year with the Power Travel Rewards Credit Card. Annual bonus is calculated on anniversary date of account enrollment and credited to the account within 30 days. Annual bonus does not apply to transferred points, combined points from a Power Checking account, or rollover points from previous year. Please refer to the Security Service Federal Credit Union Rewards Program agreement for complete details. Introductory 2,500 bonus points offer applies when $500 is spent on card within the first 90 days of account opening. Upon meeting this requirement, bonus points will be automatically deposited into your account. The introductory 0% APR is only available on transactions performed within the fi rst 6 months of the account being opened. The 6-month 0% APR period for each category (i.e. purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances) begins on the date of the first transaction for that category and continues until the end of the 6th billing cycle of the fi rst transaction for that category. Restrictions apply. Please refer to the Credit Card Rate Agreement for current balance transfer rates and complete details.

Power Mortgage offer does not cover mortgage insurance, seller paid closing costs, discount points, or pre-paids & reserves. The program is not valid for FHA or VA loans. If loan is closed or paid off within first 36 months of the term, member may be required to reimburse all or some of the closing costs paid by Security Service. Financing available for properties in Texas, Colorado, or Utah only.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $7.9 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

 

Security Service Charitable Foundation donates $25K to Ronald McDonald House

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Charitable Foundation has presented Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio with a $25,000 donation that will be used to build a bedroom in the Ronald McDonald House located inside the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. This house is currently being expanded from 10 bedrooms to 16, with a second house under construction to accommodate another 21 families.

RMHCPhoto

(from left) John Worthington, executive vice president and chief communications officer for Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU); Clarissa Rodriguez, SSFCU communications manager and Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio board member; Ronald McDonald; and Pat Bivin, executive director for Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Antonio. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides safe, temporary living accommodations for families while their children are receiving critical medical treatment in the San Antonio area. The houses provide families a quiet place to regroup, rest and gather strength so they can help their children heal.

“The house at the Children’s Hospital is significant in many ways,” says Jim Laffoon, president & CEO of Security Service Federal Credit Union. “It was the first worldwide to be located within a hospital. But most importantly – it places a family just steps from their child facing a serious medical crisis. We are honored to be a part of their home-away-from-home.”

The Security Service Charitable Foundation helps further SSFCU’s corporate goal of community service by contributing to deserving organizations and causes in the credit union’s market areas. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

UNITED SA Federal Credit Union announces new President & CEO

PrintKyle_AshleyAfter an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors of UNITED SA Federal Credit Union (UNITED SA) is pleased to announce the selection of Kyle Ashley as the organization’s new President & Chief Executive Officer.

“UNITED SA is excited to have Kyle take on the role of President & CEO,” said Bill Gregory, Board Chairperson. “He brings extensive executive and CEO experience in the credit union industry with him and he has achieved substantial financial success with other credit unions. We are confident that he will bring similar success to UNITED SA. Kyle is a dynamic, innovative and results-oriented leader who has a strong track record of performance.”

“Kyle has a passion for helping members achieve their financial goals and has worked with other non-profit organizations to improve their communities,” added Gregory. “We are looking forward to him building on the strengths of our existing staff by providing key leadership skills and a clear vision to position UNITED SA for future success.”

Kyle most recently served as President/CEO of Allied Federal Credit Union in Arlington, Texas. He has previously served as President/CEO of Alliance Federal Credit Union and Texas Plains Federal Credit Union in Lubbock, Texas. Kyle earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Texas Tech University.

About UNITED SA Federal Credit Union
Now in its 59th year, UNITED SA Federal Credit Union is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Over 25,000 members own and belong to the not-for-profit financial cooperative, which has over $215 million in assets.

Security Service Federal Credit Union introduces Life Balance program for employees and their families

Security Services Federal Credit UnionWhen employees feel their workplace has a strong culture of health, they tend to be happier, less stressed and more likely to take positive steps to improve their well-being, according to a recent study by Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company. Now, imagine the benefit if that perception were expanded to their families. That’s what San Antonio-based Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) is counting on with the revamping of its award-winning health and wellness program.

In the new SSFCU Total Wellbeing program, more than 1,700 SSFCU employees and their families are eligible to participate in an individualized, comprehensive life balance program at no cost…one that takes into account their physical, financial and emotional health. Benefits include tools, resources and rewards to help them achieve their physical goals; reduced rates and fees on select financial products; confidential advising for help navigating personal challenges; concierge services and legal and financial help. Everything is accessible from one, easy to use online platform and the program is being marketed extensively to employees.

“At Security Service, we are deeply committed to having happy, healthy employees…and that includes having a good life-work balance and strong financial footing,” says Jim Laffoon, president and chief executive officer for SSFCU.  “I am

thrilled that we are embarking on this initiative that is laying the foundation for a healthier work environment. We are making significant investments providing meaningful and relevant products and services for our employees and their families.”

And it’s working. More people are taking part in the benefits than ever before.

“One of the most popular features of our new program is our support of involvement in community health and fitness events,” says Tom Martin, senior vice president for SSFCU. “We encourage and pay for employee participation in local, community events.

In San Antonio, for example, we sponsored an astounding 223 employees and their families in the Blacklight Run,” he adds. “There’s literally something for everyone –from zombie runs to boat races.”

Studies show that employers like SSFCU are beginning to take longer-term and more holistic approaches to their benefits programs, according to the Wills Health Care Reform Survey for 2014. Almost one-third of companies interviewed were planning to expand wellness programs, with another 29 percent planning to do so in the future.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Security Service FCU breaks ground on new location at Rolling Oaks

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) has broken ground on a new branch, moving its Rolling Oaks Mall location to a freestanding SSFCU pad site in close proximity to the mall. The new branch, located at 6907 North Loop 1604 E, is expected to open in 1Q 2015 and features 4,800 square feet of interior space with seven private offices, safety deposit boxes, four drive thru lanes and a drive up ATM.

SSFCU exteriorJohn M. Neugebauer is the architect on the project. Jordan Foster Construction is general contractor.

“Developing this new branch allows us to provide greater visibility and easier access, as well as bring to members the added convenience of drive thru lanes and a drive up ATM,” said John Worthington, SSFCU’s executive vice president. “A continuation of our commitment to our members and community, this expanded location has been designed with their needs and expectations in mind and will offer the broad range of products and services they expect from Security Service.”

SSFCU has 70 branches in Texas, Utah and Colorado; 24 are in San Antonio.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Security Service Federal Credit Union receives best practice recognition from Credit Union Direct

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) has received a Best Practice Award in the category of Business Development from CU Direct (www.cudirect.com), the nation’s leading provider of lending, automotive and strategic solutions to the credit union industry. The award was presented during the Credit Union Service Organization’s (CUSO’s) annual credit union lending and marketing conference, held in May in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The proven sales philosophy for SSFCU’s indirect lending department has evolved into a sales-centric culture focused on delivering superior service throughout the application, decision and funding process. For example, SSFCU’s indirect lending department can receive an application, underwrite the loan, receive the loan package, process and fund the loan the same business day, all in a paperless environment.

“Our success lies behind the fact that our business model is both sustainable and replicable, contributing to our ongoing growth,” said Charles Goss, SSFCU’s executive vice president and chief lending officer. “We spend a lot of time training and coaching our loan officers in their communication skills. This leads to our being better able to assess and address dealer needs, as well as accurately identify trends, both negative and positive.”

“We greatly appreciate the work and dedication our credit union partners put into their lending programs,” stated Tony Boutelle, president and CEO of CU Direct. “Their accomplishments provide insight to the strategies and best practices that will contribute to the overall success of our credit unions’ loan programs.”

SSFCU has made significant strides in service capabilities to both dealer customers and members acquired through indirect lending channel.  This, in combination with targeted product offerings, has resulted in excellent growth for the credit union.  With the focus centered on developing new and enhancing existing dealer relationships, indirect lending booked $2.2 billion in 2011, $2.67 billion in 2012 and $2.9 billion in 2013.  During the first four months of 2014, $1.054 billion has been funded, compared with the first four months of 2013 of $840 million.  The credit union recently passed the $5 billion mark in indirect auto loans.

“According to the most recent reports, SSFCU funds one out of every four cars within the San Antonio area,” said Danny Lane, vice president, indirect lending. “We see our business growing steadily since our expansion into Colorado and Utah.”

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $7.9 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

SSFCU names Braden Graham Manager of Corporate Services

Braden Graham 2014_smallBraden Graham, JD, has been named manager of corporate services for Security Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU), where he will be responsible for managing tenant and landlord relations, as well as overseeing and managing food service and mailroom operations at SSFCU headquarters.

Graham recently completed his masters in business administration and earned a juris doctorate from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. Prior to going back to graduate school, he was an equities trader in New York City.

About Security Service Federal Credit Union
Security Service Federal Credit Union offers competitive, affordable financial products and services designed to meet the needs of its members. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Security Service is an industry-leading financial institution with $8 billion in assets and 70 locations in Texas, Colorado and Utah. The credit union is among the top 10 credit unions in the nation. Security Service strives to be America’s best credit union and provides the true benefits of credit union membership with financial services of the highest quality and value. Learn more at www.ssfcu.org or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Security Service Federal Credit Union to host Free Shred Day July 19

Security Services Federal Credit UnionSecurity Service Federal Credit Union (SSFCU) will host a free San Antonio area shred day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, at its Highway 90 branch, 7323 U.S. Highway 90 West.

The event is designed to assist area residents with the safe and free disposal of unwanted, personal documents. “It’s a great way to securely get rid of confidential and personal documents,” said John Worthington, chief communications officer for the credit union.

People can drive up and drop off bags and boxes of paper for shredding only. Limit two 18”x20”x12” full boxes per household. Volunteers from SSFCU will help with unloading, and all documents will be shredded on site.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/ssfcuevents or call 1-800-52-SSFCU.

Volunteer Spotlight – Small Business Leaders Awards Chair: Marilyn Hartmann, Security Service Federal Credit Union

Hartmann_Marilyn-spotlight

Marilyn Hartmann
Security Service Federal Credit Union

About the Company: Security Service Federal Credit Union is a $7 billion credit union, the largest credit union in Texas and the eighth largest in the U.S., with its corporate headquarters located in San Antonio, Texas. Security Service serves more than 900,000 members in Texas, Colorado, Utah and around the world. It has built a reputation of strength, stability and convenience by offering its members financial soundness, unmatched hours of service and competitive financial products and services. Marilyn Hartmann is the assistant vice president of commercial services, responsible for overseeing SSFCU’s commercial loan production in all credit union markets, compliance, and training and mentoring of commercial loan officers. She was previously manager of commercial loan production.

About the Program: The SBLA program recognizes the very best of our community’s business leaders. Qualifying nominees must have less than 100 employees to be considered and awards are presented in a number of categories including new business, community service, employee relations, business innovation, career achievement, business achievement, veteran owned business, business advocacy, not for profit business and overall achievement.

Personally Speaking: Marilyn has served on the Ambassadors committee for nine years; she has chaired the Small Business Leaders Awards committee since 2012; she chaired the How 2 Series committee in 2011 and 2012; and chaired the Ambassadors committee in 2010. She served on the Gala committee, and Marilyn was named the Ambassador of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008. She says, “The chamber offers tremendous networking opportunities and direct benefits from being actively involved. This is where I have chosen to focus the majority of my business-related volunteer hours on an ongoing basis.”