Consumers Credit Union Earns National Recognition for Rewards Checking

Waukegan, IL, January 30, 2018: Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $1.24 Billion, Waukegan, IL) kicked off 2018 by earning recognition for product excellence from NerdWallet and Wallethub. The Member-owned credit union's popular Rewards Checking was once again named the "Best Online Checking Account" available nationwide by Wallethub. CCU also earned double-honors from NerdWallet, which named Rewards Checking the best checking account for 2018 and the account that also paid the best interest rate.

"Consumers Credit Union is extremely proud that both NerdWallet and Wallethub continue to recognize the value Rewards Checking offers our Members," noted Sean M. Rathjen, CCU's CEO. "We think it's significant that a credit union captured these awards again for 2018, especially in a market dominated by mega-banks. Credit unions are committed to delivering maximum value to their Members, not to officers and shareholders. That's the credit union difference, clearly demonstrating the value consumers receive from not-for-profit financial institutions."

How was CCU identified as having the best checking account? According to NerdWallet, " Our nerds spent more than 200 hours analyzing, comparing and rating banks and credit unions." Wallethub used a similar approach: "To help consumers find the right home for their cash in this new-age banking landscape, WalletHub compared nearly 50 of the most popular online-only checking accounts. Based on their rates, fees and features, we then selected the best offers for the most common consumer needs."

Consumers Credit Union has nine Service Centers in northern Illinois to go along with the Member-owned credit union's robust online presence. Thanks to CCU's unique associational charter, the credit union has Members from all 50 states. The primary attraction is, of course, Rewards Checking and its extraordinarily high annual percentage yield. Users who meet certain requirements can earn an APY between 3.09% and 4.59% on balances of up to $20,000, while also receiving refunds on any ATM fees they may incur.

CCU's award-winning checking product was first introduced in 2007 with the goal of providing the best value to the cooperative's Members. Many Members who earn the maximum in rewards are those who have deep account relationships. They also take advantage of the convenience of no-cost electronic services such as eStatements and VISA debit and credit cards - services typically used on a regular basis.

While there are some conditions that must be met to earn the rewards, qualifying is quite easy, according to Jennifer Fournier, CCU's Director of Marketing. "Members usually satisfy the qualifying requirement with very little effort. In today's world, most consumers with a checking account are already enrolled in Online Banking. They also prefer to receive eStatements and to pay their bills online. As a result, our Rewards Checking requirements align perfectly with the lifestyle of consumers in the digital age."

For more information about the awards, please visit wallethub.com and nerdwallet.com. For more information about Consumers Credit Union, go to www.myconsumers.org. CCU is Member-owned, with offices in Waukegan, Mundelein, Round Lake Beach, Gurnee, North Waukegan, Volo, Palatine, Schaumburg and Northbrook, Illinois.