You Spoke. We Listened. The Best Member Ideas of 2016.

We're Listening

As a credit union, BECU is a member-owned cooperative. That means serving your needs – as our members and our owners – is our highest priority.

Because of that, we ask your opinions, we take your suggestions seriously, and we do what we can to implement them. This year, we hosted our first annual Member Summit, where members gathered together for financial education, inspiration, and to talk with employees. We hope you'll join us for the next one in 2017.

We also invite you to give us feedback year-round through interactions with our member consultants, whether in a Neighborhood Financial Center or when you call.

Last, but not least, you can always click on that little "Send a Suggestion" link on the footer of our website.

We really do document and evaluate every idea we hear from you. And we make member ideas a reality here at BECU.

We're Acting

In 2016, we put into place more than a dozen member-inspired ideas. What can we say? You're brilliant. And we want you to be happy.

Here are some of the highlights.

Neighborhood Financial Centers in Spokane

Our 4,500+ members in Spokane have been asking… and we're thrilled to say we now have two new Neighborhood Financial Centers in Spokane to serve them and other members in Eastern Washington.

Additional Products Now Eligible for Loan Rate Adjustments

Our annual loan rate adjustment program saves members thousands of dollars each year. Under our policy, when your credit score goes up, you may earn a lower rate on your loan (if you're not already receiving our lowest rate).

We started out with just credit cards and personal lines of credit. In 2015, because of member feedback, we added auto loans; and in 2016, we added boat, RV, and personal loans to the mix – all in an effort to save more members more money.

Saturday Teller Line Now Open in Everett and Tukwila

Yep. Members asked for Saturday teller hours. Everett Financial Center and Tukwila Financial Center now have tellers available to help you on Saturdays from 9 am–1 pm.

0% Intro APR Extended on Credit Cards

We've extended our 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers to a full 12 months (it used to be six). After that, your variable APR applies, which currently ranges from 7.15%–18.15%.   This offer applies to all personal credit cards (not business Visas).

No Origination Fee on Mortgage Purchases

Buying a house? Good news. Members pay no origination fee on conventional fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage home loans for purchase transactions*. We've extended this offer through the end of 2017.

Additional ATMs

You asked for more ATMs. You got it. We added 15 new ATMs – and even brought back the ATM in the Everett-Evergreen Safeway. (Can you hear the collective cheer?)

No minimum deposit for Member Share accounts

As of June 22, 2016, there is no longer a $5 minimum balance requirement to maintain membership at BECU. You'll notice that we released the $5 hold on the available balance in your Member Share Savings account.

Mobile App Upgrades

You spoke. We listened! The app updates directly respond to user feedback. We're happy to report that our app is now awesome – as evaluated by you.

Recent features include:

• Make an appointment

• Fingerprint authentication for iOS and Android

• Customizable dashboards

• Improved navigation

• Sign into your personal and business accounts

Online Banking Upgrades

• We made Money Manager available for business members so they could more easily track spending and set budgets.

• We strengthened the security of your accounts by asking you to create stronger passwords, update your security questions, and by adding optional text verification through your mobile.

• We made tax documents 1099 and 1098 available through online banking. Documents for 2016 will be posted to your accounts by January 31, 2017.

Neighborhood Financial Centers in South Carolina

Relocating to South Carolina or just joined the Boeing team in the south? We've got you. We opened two branches in The Boeing Company's plant in Charleston – one in the Hub for employees, and one in the Welcome Center for families.

Sounders FC Debit Card

New! We heard the cheers all the way from CenturyLink Field. In 2017, we'll be offering the exclusive Sounders FC debit card. It was designed by a Sounders fan and BECU member, and thousands of fans voted on the choice. You'll be able to get yours in February.

Washington State University Sponsorship

Ok, Cougars – it's your turn! We're proud that we officially became partners with Cougar Athletics in July. The partnership delivers exclusive member discounts on tickets, giveaways and provides access to member-exclusive products and services.

High Speed Online Deposits Enhancement for Business Members

Our online deposit service allows your business to deposit up to 30 checks at once using a High Speed Online Deposit scanner and BECU online banking. It's always been fast and secure. And now it's super easy to use.

Thank you so much for your insightful feedback, great ideas and passion about the credit union – and for being loyal members! You keep doing what you're doing, and we'll keep listening.

We're all working together to build a financial future that works.