VyStar Credit Union

VyStar Credit Union
Credit union
Industry Financial services
Founded 1952
Headquarters Jacksonville, Florida, US
Key people
 Terry R. West, President & CEO
Products Savings; checking; consumer loans; mortgages; credit cards; investments
Total assets $5.22B USD (2014)
Number of employees
 1,159 full-time, 58 part time
Website Vystarcu.org

VyStar Credit Union, based in Jacksonville, FL, is the 19th largest credit unions in the nation, serving more than 500,000 members worldwide. As of 2015, VyStar has over $5.6 billion in assets and 45 locations.[1] Membership is open to people living or working in Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lake, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole, Suwannee, Union, or Volusia County. VyStar has more than 185 ATM locations throughout 19 counties and 39 Walgreens stores in Alachua, Flagler and Volusia Counties.

History

On April 29, 1952, 12 civil service employees had difficulty, as did other military and civil service employees, in getting credit. These employees needed financing for either a car, home mortgage or personal loan. These 12 began Jax Navy Federal Credit Union with $5 each and a commitment to help other military and civil service employees, so membership was limited to just these people.

Jax Navy's focus was on its members, not profit. After one year, 1,100 members had joined. By the end of the 1950s, membership had grown to 9,178. In 1962, Jax Navy had built member loyalty and did not want to lose members on retirement. So, membership was extended to military and civil service retirees. As membership grew, so did Jax Navy. They opened new branches for the convenience of their members, both on and off the area military bases.

Since 2002, when Jax Navy changed its name to VyStar Credit Union, the membership requirements were changed to anyone living or working in the 17-county Northeast Florida area.[2]

As of December 2013, VyStar had nearly $4.02 billion in deposits from 447,454 members.[3]

VyStar Academy of Business and Finance

VyStar partnered with Bartram Trail High School in 2007 and formed the VyStar Academy of Business and Finance. The course teaches skills related to the financial services and business management industries.[4][5] Since then, six other high school branches have opened at Fleming Island High School, Pedro Menendez High School, Samuel W. Wolfson High School, Jean Ribault High School, Orange Park High School, and West Nassau High School.[6]

Products and Services

Free Checking There are no minimum balance requirements, no monthly fees and all checking accounts pay interest. VyStar has internet account access via a web browser or mobile app, can web bill pay, and has more than 185 VyStar ATMs and 39 ATMs in Walgreens stores that are free to use for its members.

Auto loans It offers loans for cars, trucks, boats, jet skis, RVs, motorcycles, scooters and ATVs.

Mortgage loans It has a full range of fixed- and adjustable- rate mortgage loans with a variety of terms. The loans are at market competitive rates and the escrow pays interest.

Business services It has business shared accounts, business loans, mortgage processing, VyStar is an approved mortgage seller, business credit card services, solutions that allow businesses to accept credit and debit cards and payroll.

Investment services & products VyStar provides financial analysis and services at no cost or obligation. Members can make a savings and investment plan, protect financial assets, fund education and plan for retirement. VyStar also offers a comprehensive list of value-oriented products and services for members.

Credit cards VyStar Visa credit cards have no annual fee and low interest rates.

Programs

The VyStar Money Makeover Free program helps members take a closer look at their money, then shares unique money management tips and tools to help drive down debt, increase savings, and improve their financial outlook.

The VyStar Kids Club Children can have a dividend-bearing savings account and free use of in-branch coin counting machines.

Community Involvement

VyStar encourages and supports its employees when they invest their time, energy, and money in worthwhile organizations and events. VyStar directly supports for the United Way of America, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Jacksonville Heart Walk and March of Dimes campaigns. In addition, it supports events such as the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach and the Jacksonville Air Show to the Olustee Festival in Lake City and the Baker and Clay County Fairs.

References

  1. ↑ VyStar CU. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  2. ↑ "History of VyStar".
  3. ↑ VyStar and Navy Federal top Northeast Florida List of Credit Unions Ranked by Total area deposits as of 12/01/2013. Jan 17, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Bartram Trail High School VyStar Academy of Business and Finance: Academy Description". www.stjohns.k12.fl.us. Retrieved 2009-12-05.
  5. ↑ Weeder, Roger (2007). "Students Run Bank at Bartram Trail". First Coast News. Retrieved 2009-12-05.
  6. ↑ "At Wolfson High's Academy of Finance, lessons come with extra credit". The Florida Times Union. Retrieved 2012-08-07.
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