Many businesses automate customer service these days, but it is good to know that personalized face-to-face customer care is still available at Allegius Credit Union.
Allegius Credit Union was first established in 1966 to serve hardworking steelworkers, carpenters, and electricians in Northwest Indiana. At the time, it was called Bethlehem Employees Federal Credit Union (BEFCU). From the humble beginnings of the BEFCU visionaries to the current Allegius Federal Credit Union, the tradition of a caring, member-owned, full-service financial institution has been sustained over the past five decades.
Through the years, Allegius Credit Union's motto has stayed steadfast: 'We are small but mighty. We are community minded.”
“We are a full-service community credit union that has been in business for 57 years with four branches in Northwest Indiana,” said John Figueroa, member development and marketing manager at Allegius Credit Union. “We are that neighbor who is there when the need arises, or when you need some good advice. Since Allegius is a community credit union, you get personalized, real human support inside each branch and over the phone. We provide local processing and underwriting on loans to help give you a more customized experience. Being a member of Allegius also enables access to a range of membership benefits, including discounts on travel and entertainment, helpful educational resources, and more.”
Over the past 50 years, Allegius has become a part of so many Northwest Indiana families with members passing down membership as a family tradition. For others, Allegius is the friendly neighbor they can turn to when they need some good advice.
“We understand that people have busy lives,” said John Figueroa, member development and marketing manager, at Allegius Credit Union. “We have adapted so that doing business with us is easier than ever before. But, we have not gotten away from our roots of doing business face-to-face. We know that in difficult situations, all you want to do is talk to a real human being. We are proud to offer local, in-house call centers as well as branches that are available to assist if someone prefers to meet in person.”
Figueroa said that at Allegius Credit Union, there is a wide range of products and services available to help Northwest Indiana residents with retirement planning, investment services, or getting a better checking account. Members and potential members will find a friendly, caring staff to help them achieve their financial goals.
“Whether helping our members save money by refinancing their auto loan, opening a Kasasa rewards checking account, or helping save for the future or unexpected life events, our staff is available to help at every step of the journey,” he said.
One of the credit union's innovative programs helps those who have limited credit, as well as those who have a troubled credit history, obtain a vehicle loan. The New Roads Financing program was developed to help borrowers having trouble finding financing. Allegius Credit Union also looks for ways to help members save money by refinancing their current vehicle from another lender.
“We offer New Roads Financing, a program to help those that may have a less than perfect credit history get a vehicle loan,” Figueroa said. “If you have a limited credit history, need to make a $0 down payment on a car, or have a low credit history, we invite you to come see us, discuss your options with New Roads Financing and find out how we can help.”
There are several different ways to become a member of Allegius Credit Union.
“If you are an immediate family member of a current member, you are eligible to join,” said Figueroa. “Many employers offer Allegius membership as a company benefit, to check if your employer is one of them, please visit our website. If none of those apply to you, you are still eligible to join by becoming a member of the Independent Cat Society.”
A community partner of Allegius Credit Union, the Independent Cat Society is a shelter and animal welfare organization that dedicates time and effort to identifying permanent loving families for homeless cats and kittens in Northwest Indiana.
With a $25 contribution to the Independent Cat Society at any Allegius office location during the new member process, clients will join a financial institution that is not only out of their best interest but also helps a worthwhile cause.
“We invite you to experience our personalized service and see what we can do to assist you with a car loan dilemma, ease stress about retirement, enhance your checking account options, or other personal aspirations to make life simpler,” said Figueroa.
To find out more information or become a member, please visit allegius.org or call 219-787-8049.