BECU Heads North to Open First Neighborhood Financial Center in Bellingham

Local credit union to expand financial services footprint to Whatcom County in 2020

SEATTLE (March 3, 2020) — BECU, Washington’s largest community credit union, today announced it will open a Neighborhood Financial Center this year in Bellingham, Wash. This will be BECU’s first financial center in Whatcom County, serving more than 7,500 members who live in the area.

“Joining the Bellingham community is in direct response to the growing needs of our BECU members in Whatcom County who are looking for easier access to their accounts, valuable products and the high level of service credit unions are known for,” said Scott Strand, BECU’s chief operating officer. “As a member-owned cooperative, our goal is to show everyone the benefits of being a credit union member and partner with others to improve the financial well-being of our communities.”

Located at the Lakeway Shopping Center on Lakeway Drive, the 2,800 square-foot financial center will feature BECU’s innovative “tellerless” layout, which empowers members to access their accounts in the ways most convenient to them. This includes ATM, online banking and mobile banking. Member consultants will be available to provide one-on-one support for opening accounts and more complex services such as mortgages, personal loans, auto loans, business services and investments.

Extending Community Support
As a not-for-profit cooperative, BECU gives back to its members and communities through community partnerships and financial education programs. In 2019, BECU donated $6.4 million to nonprofit partners and community programs to support important issues like post-secondary education and affordable housing. The credit union also reached more than 10,700 people through financial health programs such as its free one-on-one Financial Health Check, webinars and classes led by BECU financial educators, and its Annual Day of Service event.

Joining the BECU Team
The credit union is continually growing and career opportunities in Bellingham will be available later this year. People interested in working in an environment where they are encouraged to contribute, collaborate and innovate can visit BECU.org to learn more, search for job openings, sign up to receive email alerts or apply online.

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About BECU
With more than 1.2 million members and more than $20 billion in assets, BECU is the largest not-for-profit credit union in Washington and one of the top five financial cooperatives in the country. As a member-owned credit union, BECU is focused on helping increase the financial well-being of its members and communities through better rates, fewer fees, community partnerships and financial education. The credit union currently operates more than 50 locations in Washington and two financial centers in South Carolina. For more information, visit www.becu.org. BECU is Federally insured by NCUA and an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.

For further information: Bethany Hawley, BECU, 206-439-5919, Bethany.Hawley@becu.org; Avery FitzPatrick, BECU, 206-965-3186, Avery.FitzPatrick@becu.org