What are my options for digital banking?
Plenty. We live in the digital age, where you don't even need to leave your couch to do anything; from buying groceries to meeting the love of your life. Members 1st Credit Union is part of the many financial institutions allowing you to bank from a mobile device, and even through a mobile app!

In fact, the digital age is ushering in a new era of green banking, and the planet is healthier for it already. Mobile banking saves gas that you would spend on making a special trip to a branch. It saves paper that would be used on statements or receipts. Of course, the advent of the credit card is cutting down quite a bit on the paper, metals, and energy used to make, track, and replace dollars and coins. The same goes for the ability to pay bills automatically online, either through our Online/Mobile Banking page or through the Mobile App.

Are there any risks to digital banking?
While the benefits are fantastic, digital banking does come with a few small risks. Some people find keeping a budget to be more difficult when they can just look at their phone and rationalize a purchase they don't need simply because their balance seems okay. This is best solved with separate accounts for savings and spending, so you never think you have more money than you do. Setup sub (auxiliary share) accounts in your Members 1st account to separate spending money from your financial goals.

Of course, the biggest concern with banking in the digital age is the ever-looming threat of hackers. Robbery no longer looks like a tall man in a ski mask. Instead, most robbery happens through identity theft, perpetrated by a much scarier, faceless criminal who could be anywhere. Protecting security is at the forefront of everyone's minds, and Members 1st uses industry-leading security protection technology. You can help by choosing strong passwords and avoiding Online Banking from public computers. In fact, Online Banking has helped reduce much of the danger that comes from having paper in the garbage with personal information sitting on it for anyone to find. The benefits that Online Banking provides continue to outweigh the risks.

Are there any banking initiatives that directly support environmental sustainability?
For starters, an ethical financial institution is one whose primary goal is to support sustainability and the long-term health of its community. Credit unions nationally have led the charge by identifying and supporting local businesses. The less distance goods have to travel, the less CO2 gets pumped into the atmosphere. Members 1st regularly contributes to green initiatives across the community. This effort has included sponsorship and participation at the annual Whole Earth and Watershed Festival and the development of our solar lending program promoting alternative and sustainable energy for homeowners. You can help these efforts by choosing to bank and lend with Members 1st which helps support programs and events in our communities.

How can this help me?
In addition to the long-term benefits of going green, sustainable banking offers many advantages. Online banking can be done at any time and any place - no waiting for the branch to open, no wasting extra gas money driving to the ATM. Having access to monthly statements online keeps them all in one place, which allows for easy organization and budgeting.

Deposit your checks remotely from the convenience of your home and avoid special trips to cash a check or misplacing your check at the bottom of your purse. With automatic bill payments, you can put the bills right out of mind and never have to worry about forgetting them again. This does great things for your stress level and your credit score. Go green with your vehicle and mortgage loans with automatic payments and eStatements. In the end, these small extra steps can help save while saving you time, money, and energy.

How can I go green banking?
In the year 2016, green banking is easier than ever. If you're ready to be a part of the future, take these four easy steps:

1. Download our Members 1st Mobile App, Google Play and App Store, for easy access to your accounts from anywhere in the world
2. Enroll in paperless eStatements to get your important financial updates via email
3. Set up Direct Deposit to split your paycheck between your savings and your checking and/or to make loan payments
4. Use online Bill Pay to automatically and securely pay your bills each month

By Members 1st Credit Union