Blog Archive

Articles from 2024

• 4 Tips to Boost Your Credit Score Quickly
  December 9th, 2024 |

• Kiss Credit Card Debt Good-Bye
  December 9th, 2024 |

• Short-Term Savings: Which Accounts Work Best?
  December 9th, 2024 |

• Uncommon Uses for a Personal Loan
  December 9th, 2024 |

• Notice of Change in Terms of your Membership Agreement and Disclosures 11/1
  November 1st, 2024 |

• Disaster Assistance and Resources
  October 18th, 2024 |

• Hurricane Helene Disaster Scams and Fraud
  October 3rd, 2024 | Scammers follow weather reports just like everyone else — and when disaster strikes, they’ll strike, too. We've put together an extensive list of common disaster-related scams and fraud prevention tips. Read more.

• NEW! Member Referral Reward Program
  June 28th, 2024 |

• Celebrating Greenville County Schools 2024 Employees of the Year
  June 26th, 2024 |

• Credit union spotlights outstanding Greenville County Schools staff
  June 17th, 2024 |

• 7 Reasons to File Your Taxes Early.
  March 5th, 2024 |

• Making Spring Break Memorable, Not Expensive.
  February 27th, 2024 |

• SCAM ALERT: Fake Fraud Department Calls and Texts
  January 23rd, 2024 | The credit union is seeing an uptick in scams where imposters pretend to be calling or texting from the credit union’s fraud department using an email address or phone number that appears to be from the credit union. In recent reported incidents, an unsolicited call was received through FaceTime from an iCloud email account. This is a scam! Read more.

• Get on Financial Track in the New Year.
  January 8th, 2024 |

---

Articles from 2023

• End User License Agreement Update in Online/Mobile Banking
  December 29th, 2023 |

• Fraud Prevention: Phone number "spoofing" scams on the rise.
  December 25th, 2023 | If you receive an unsolicited phone call asking for personal or private identification information, do not respond, even if the call looks like it is coming from the credit union. Spammers can manipulate your Caller ID to appear to be calling from a business you know, and use tricks to gain your trust and information. If asked for any personal or private identification information, hang up and call the number listed on your monthly statement.

• Greenville Federal Credit Union to host two-week community food drive during November.
  November 2nd, 2023 | Greenville Federal Credit Union will host a community food drive from November 6 – 17 to support Harvest Hope, South Carolina’s largest food bank. The public is invited to drop off non-perishable food and pantry items at any of the credit union’s four branch locations during regular business hours. All items will be collected and delivered to the Greenville branch of Harvest Hope.

• Notice of Change in Terms of your Membership Agreement and Disclosures
  June 30th, 2023 |

• Why Adjustable Rate Mortgages are making a comeback.
  May 17th, 2023 |

• Youth Tip: Why Your Teen Needs a Checking Account.
  April 21st, 2023 |

• Youth Tip: How to teach kids to budget money.
  April 10th, 2023 |

• Paying for Your Wedding: Personal Loans vs Credit Cards
  February 10th, 2023 | Paying for a wedding is no small order. There are many details involved — and the entire process can be quite expensive. Many couples rely heavily on credit cards or a personal loan to get them through their weddings. But there is one choice that is almost always the better option. Here’s what you need to know about using credit cards compared to a personal loan to pay for your wedding.

---

Articles from 2022

• NOTICE of Change in Terms of your Membership Agreement
  December 31st, 2022 |

• What’s the deal with “early paycheck”?
  October 21st, 2022 | What is "early paycheck" or "early pay"? It simply means that you could get paid up to two days before payday depending on when your employer sends out payroll funds via direct deposit. Recently some banks have touted “early paycheck” or "early pay" as a new benefit or perk for customers, but the ability to do this has been around for years. Read more.

• Four reasons to start saving now – plus tips for getting started.
  May 18th, 2022 |

• Introducing Text Banking for instant account information.
  April 8th, 2022 |

• Credit union wins Best Credit Union in the 2021 SC Best in Business Awards.
  January 7th, 2022 |

---

Articles from 2021

• NOTICE: Revised Membership Agreement regarding your accounts and services.
  December 31st, 2021 |

• Introducing Card Manager for mobile credit and debit card management.
  December 13th, 2021 | Card Manager is our new stand-alone app that offers better card controls and tools to manage your debit and credit cards right from your mobile device. All of the most popular credit and debit card management features like card lock and unlock, travel notifications and transaction alerts, are brought together on a single platform. Learn more.

• Protecting your accounts during the holidays.
  December 6th, 2021 |

• Credit union celebrates milestone for The Branch at Greenville High.
  November 1st, 2021 |

• Celebrating 30 Years of Service - Paul Hughes
  September 30th, 2021 | Please join us in congratulating President Paul Hughes on his 30th Anniversary with Greenville Federal Credit Union. Paul has served as President and CEO of the credit union since 1991. Under Paul’s steady and thoughtful leadership, Greenville Federal Credit Union has enjoyed a sustained period of growth and success, with assets now over $360 million and membership at more than 32,000. Read more.

• SCAM ALERT: Scammers impersonate Duke Energy to collect payments via Zelle.
  August 25th, 2021 |

• Preparing for the Advance Child Tax Credit Payments.
  July 8th, 2021 |

• NOTICE: Revised Membership Agreement June 30, 2021
  June 30th, 2021 |

• NOTICE: Revised Commercial Membership Agreement June 30, 2021
  June 30th, 2021 |

• Preparing for the next round of stimulus payments.
  March 10th, 2021 | In anticipation of the next round of economic impact stimulus payments, we want to assure you that your credit union is taking measures to prepare for an increase in call volume and Online/Mobile banking usage as members begin checking for payments. We have some tips to help you prepare as well. Read more.

• Financial Tip: How to score a better deal on your next car.
  March 2nd, 2021 |

• SCAM ALERT: Members receive fake text messages about their Visa debit cards. Do not respond!
  February 11th, 2021 |

• Tips for depositing your government-issued stimulus or tax refund check.
  February 10th, 2021 |

• Smart ways to use your tax refund.
  February 10th, 2021 | It's that time of year again. The IRS will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns on Friday, February 12, 2021. While some people are biting their nails over how much they’ll have to pay, others are eagerly anticipating their refunds from Uncle Sam. Read more for a few smart ways you can put your tax refund to work for you.

• Fraud Prevention: Don't get tricked into becoming a Money Mule.
  February 1st, 2021 |

• Give yourself the gift of less financial stress: A budget plan for a healthy, happy you.
  January 25th, 2021 |

• President's Column: Saying goodbye to a year like no other.
  January 8th, 2021 |

• NOTICE: Revised Membership Agreement
  January 1st, 2021 |

---

Articles from 2020

• Three keys to financial wellness.
  December 29th, 2020 | What does the term "financial wellness" mean to you? For some people, the phrase means a way for you to have all the luxuries and comforts for your home and family without being restricted by your finances. For other people, it may mean financial stability where your income is greater than your collective debt as you can comfortably live within your means. For some, it means financial independence.

• Credit union upgrades its Mortgage Servicing System to integrate with Online and Mobile Banking.
  October 22nd, 2020 | Greenville Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce that it has completed the upgrade of its mortgage servicing system. Mortgage account holders should notice immediate improvements and benefits including better access to mortgage account information. Read more.

• Advocacy Alert: Simple PPP loan forgiveness needed to help small businesses.
  September 30th, 2020 |

• Drive Thru and Contact Center hours return to normal beginning Aug. 31.
  August 14th, 2020 |

• Credit union hosts 52nd Annual Meeting.
  August 14th, 2020 |

• The truth about 0% auto loans.
  August 3rd, 2020 |

• President's Column: When a little over 3 months seems like a lot longer…
  July 15th, 2020 | It seems like so long ago when the credit union closed its lobbies because of the COVID-19 virus. This happened within 3 weeks of our core computer conversion. We all endured so much disruption in a very short period. Read more.

• Notice: Online and Mobile Banking Scheduled Maintenance, July 8 at 10:00 PM
  July 3rd, 2020 |

• It’s time to consider refinancing your loans.
  June 2nd, 2020 |

• Member Connections May: Lobby Reopening, High School Sports Awards, Mobile App Release
  May 22nd, 2020 |

• Online and Mobile Banking update release scheduled for June 1.
  May 21st, 2020 |

• Member Connections April: $500 Dinner on Us Giveaways, SBA PPP Information, Checking In with Members, and more
  April 23rd, 2020 |

• Pay at the register without touching your cards.
  April 20th, 2020 | Make no-touch, contactless payments using your mobile device and Apply Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Fitbit Pay, or other mobile wallet applications.

• President's Column: The Pandemic Crisis and Your Credit Union’s Response
  April 17th, 2020 | When we circled the month of March 2020 on our calendar, we knew that it would be full of system upgrade and conversion challenges. It certainly was that, but the first week on the new system was quickly eclipsed by the COVID19 Pandemic. Guidance was coming down from both the Federal and State governments and decisions had to be made quickly. Fast-forward a few weeks, and here is what your credit union is doing in response to the growing crisis

• NEW! Automated Fraud Alert System for Credit and Debit Cards
  April 16th, 2020 |

• Managing your finances during COVID-19.
  March 30th, 2020 | Times are unsettling for millions of Americans facing reduced hours, changing work functions, and uncertain financial days ahead. With COVID-19 spreading, it’s more important than ever for you to take the reins over your finances and manage them carefully to make your money work for you despite the uncertainty all around. These key ideas can help.

• A Message from your CEO: We stand ready to help.
  March 27th, 2020 | As a member of Greenville Federal Credit Union, I realize that the COVID-19 virus has affected many of you greatly. Some of you may have lost your jobs, been furloughed temporarily, or had your paychecks significantly reduced. You may have a mortgage, rent payment or car payment and money is getting tight. Your credit union is here to help.

• Introducing our New Online and Mobile Banking Platform
  March 6th, 2020 | The credit union's new and improved Online and Mobile Banking platform delivers a consistent look across all devices and provides clean simplified tools to manage all of your accounts. The new platform offers many options for customizing how you view your accounts.

• President's Column 1/1/20: Core System Conversion Update - Key Dates and How to Prepare
  January 1st, 2020 | The credit union will upgrade its core processing system on Mar. 2, 2020. The conversion to the new system will briefly impact access to online account information and some services during the weekend of Feb. 28 - Mar. 1. We ask that you pay special attention to all communications we send out over the next few weeks as we will share up-to-date information and instructions to ensure a smooth transition. Read more.

---

Articles from 2019

• Greenville Federal Credit Union Hikes the Hill to advocate for credit unions.
  November 21st, 2019 | Armed with data demonstrating the credit union difference, twenty-seven credit union advocates representing ten credit unions in North and South Carolina took that message to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. November 13-14.

• Member Connections November: JA Business Champion of the Year, Skip-a-Pay, November Hero, and more.
  November 20th, 2019 | The November issue of Member Connections email was sent on Wednesday, November 20.

• “Open Your Eyes to a Credit Union” takes on misconceptions about credit unions.
  October 18th, 2019 |

• Fraud Prevention Tip: Do not respond.
  October 9th, 2019 | CUNA Mutual Group advises members to take precautions when utilizing Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payment services.

• President's Column 10/7/19: Core Conversion Update - Additional Staff, Upgrades to Online and Mobile Banking Apps.
  October 7th, 2019 | As our March 2nd core conversion deadline approaches, I wanted to take a few moments to update you on what your credit union is doing and what you can expect. Greenville Federal Credit Union will be adding additional staff and reallocating available resources to better serve our members immediately before and after the conversion. We recognize that any change can be scary, so we are going to ramp up our efforts to serve you during this stressful time.

• Greenville County Schools and Greenville Federal Credit Union announce the 2019 Emerging Teachers of the Year.
  August 19th, 2019 | Greenville County Schools and Greenville Federal Credit Union announced the winners of the Greenville County Schools Emerging Teachers of the Year Awards. Erin Wilson, a music teacher at Bell’s Crossing Elementary, was named the Elementary Emerging Teacher of the Year. Dani Sorrells, an English teacher at Blue Ridge High, was named Secondary Emerging Teacher of the Year.

• President's Column 7/17/19: Our new Core Data Processing Platform Conversion is set for March 1, 2020.
  July 17th, 2019 | In last quarter’s column I announced that after 40 years on our current core data processing platform we would be converting to a new system in 2020. We have confirmed the date of the conversion from Fiserv Galaxy to Symitar Episys will be March 1, 2020.

• Announcing Private Passenger Accident Plan: a no-cost accident benefit for members.
  June 28th, 2019 | Greenville Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce a new, free automobile accident benefit for members.

• We've been nominated for Best of the Upstate, 2019!
  June 17th, 2019 | We are pleased to have been nominated again for The Greenville News' Best Credit Union of the Upstate, 2019! Voting begins on June 17 and runs through June 27. Learn more.

• Financial Tip: Consolidate your high interest debt and save with a better personal loan.
  June 12th, 2019 | Consolidating your debt to a single, fixed rate and payment is a good way to reduce the variables, control your cash flow, and possibly save money. Learn more.

• Celebrating the 2019 GCS Employees of the Year
  June 11th, 2019 | Greenville County Schools and Greenville Federal Credit Union announced the recipients of the Greenville County Schools Employee of the Year Awards at the Salute to Education banquet in May. Winners were selected in six categories: School Support, District Support, Operations, Assistant School Administrator, School Administrator, and District Professional. Learn about the winners.

• Members can now research and purchase Mechanical Repair Coverage directly.
  May 30th, 2019 | Members now have the option to purchase Mechanical Repair Coverage (MRC) insurance directly for all eligible vehicles. The credit union has partnered with CUNA Mutual and ForeverCar to offer a customized online portal and dedicated call center for MRC insurance plan information and purchase. Learn more.

• New slate of students selected to run The Branch at Greenville High for the 2019-2020 school year.
  May 16th, 2019 | The credit union has selected three returning students and six new students to work alongside Business/Finance teacher, Alice Prince, at The Branch at Greenville High School for the 2019/2020 school year.

• Credit union launches Member Connections, a new email communication platform.
  May 16th, 2019 | The credit union has launched Member Connections, a new email newsletter, as an additional communication touchpoint with members. This periodic e-publication will deliver the latest credit union news, service announcements, events and helpful tips in bite-sized stories to members via email.

• President's Column 5/6/19: Announcing a Planned Core Data Processor Conversion.
  May 6th, 2019 | After a two-year process of vendor and product research, we are pleased to announce that we will convert to a new core system in March 2020 that promises to provide for a better online experience, greater integration and flexibility going forward. This new system will give us the ability to work with chosen partners that can provide our members with the most innovative ways to access their money.

• Credit union members are in the driver’s seat for better car deals.
  May 1st, 2019 | With enticing dealer and automaker incentives and rebates, ever expanding financing terms, and special 0% financing programs, it seems car buying is more affordable than ever. But are the deals as good as they sound? Read on...

• Introducing Skip-a-Pay, Loan Payment Deferral.
  May 1st, 2019 | Whether your vacation plans are relaxing and restful or wild and adventurous, give yourself a little extra spending money by skipping your next loan payment. Learn more.

• Notice: The credit union website converted to HTTPS on Tuesday, April 23.
  April 18th, 2019 | On Tuesday, April 23, the credit union migrated our website from HTTP to HTTPS hosting. The key difference is that HTTPS provides an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate which encrypts the data before sending or receiving between a web server and a web browser. While our online banking platform NetBranch was already hosted on a separate HTTPS server, the time came to convert the communication side of the website to HTTPS to ensure a secure and seamless experience for all visitors. Read more.

• Your membership gives you access to 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
  April 1st, 2019 | Greenville Federal Credit Union members have access to thousands of ATM locations nationwide that are surcharge-free.

• Credit union hosts 2019 Teachers of the Year Reception.
  March 25th, 2019 |

• Member Benefit: 2019 discounted Six Flags and Carowinds ticket prices just released.
  March 18th, 2019 | One of the many benefits your membership offers is access to discounted tickets for admission to movies, theme parks and more. Greenville Federal Credit Union offers discount tickets to Regal theaters, Six Flags, Carowinds, and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

• Mortgage Tip: Financing or refinancing a home.
  March 6th, 2019 | Finding your dream home can be exciting. But finding the best mortgage that fits your needs or budget? Well, that’s a different story.

• Two questions to ask yourself when buying a house.
  February 14th, 2019 | Buying a house? There are two important questions you should ask yourself before you decide on any type of mortgage.

• Choosing the best credit card for your needs, lifestyle and spending habits.
  February 11th, 2019 | Choosing the best credit card for your needs, lifestyle and spending habits.

• Take a Tax Break with an IRA.
  February 1st, 2019 | Take a tax break with an IRA.

---

Articles from 2018

• Inclement weather closure or delay notices and updates.
  November 7th, 2018 | We will announce any weather related changes to our operating hours via website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and on our phone greeting.

• Reward yourself! Are you taking full advantage of your debit and credit card rewards?
  October 15th, 2018 | Your Signature or Platinum Visa credit card earns points redeemable for cash, merchandise, travel or donation to charity, with every purchase.

• Fraud prevention in the palm of your hand.
  October 9th, 2018 | We’re pleased to announce mobile device features that will enable members to proactively help monitor and prevent fraud.

• New Fraud Text Alert System implemented on Tuesday, Dec. 4th.
  September 26th, 2018 | During the first week of December the credit union implemented a Fraud Text Alert system that allows us to send mobile text alerts to members when suspicious activity is detected on their debit card accounts.

• MoneyClips quarterly newsletter is going green. What does this mean?
  June 22nd, 2018 | For fifty years we’ve been dedicated to providing our members low-cost-services and state-of-the-art convenience.

• New in Online and Mobile Banking: Credit Score by SavvyMoney®
  May 23rd, 2018 | Credit Score by SavvyMoney gives you real-time updates of your credit score.

• Teacher of the Year Reception
  March 22nd, 2018 | Greenville Federal Credit Union sponsored the 2018 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year Reception, held at the Poinsett Club in Greenville on March 22.

• Employees of the Year
  March 15th, 2018 | Six School District Employees Named 2017-18 Employees of the Year.

• Emerging Teachers of the Year
  March 15th, 2018 | Greenville Federal Credit Union honors two Emerging Teachers of the Year.

• President's Column: Celebrating 50 Years with Thanks and Giving.
  January 2nd, 2018 | As I look back on our very humble beginnings, I am mindful of the people that had a great impact on where this credit union is today.

---