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Premier America Spotlight Q4 2024

  • October 2024
  • Premier America
After one of the warmest summers, I can remember in Southern California (as well as in Texas), we have finally entered into the sprint to the finish of the year. Whether you’re right here in our backyard or scattered across the country, one thing is constant this time of year: community & family. 

But more importantly, is the work ahead. At Premier America we are committed to building a strong community through our fee-free products and services so you can keep more of your money and invest in your life while we invest together strengthening our communities. 

We are doing that through our Smart Spending Checking (no fee!), our ATM Rebates available through our Premier Plus Checking, and our incredible youth savings products designed to help the youth in our communities begin their financial wellness journey on the right foot. 

Lastly, I want to acknowledge a few Premier America team members who have recently been recognized for their efforts throughout our communities. 
  • Sierra Gutierrez, a lifelong Southern California resident and a member of our branch leadership team was recognized by the United Way of Ventura County with their Milton M. Teague Award for Outstanding Community Volunteerism in August. Additionally, she was recognized as a 40 Under Forty by the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. 
  • Alex Gallardo, VP, Community Impact & Financial Wellness, was recently awarded the Community Award from the National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals (NLCUP) for his efforts to build strong relationships in the community to spread financial wellness and empowerment opportunities to those left behind. 
  • Alfredo Martinez, our Financial Inclusion & Education Officer, was also honored by NLCUP with their first-ever Emerging Leader Award. A week later, Alfredo was in Washington, D.C. after earning the NextGen Advocacy Grant from the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues due to his continued dedication and commitment to advancing the credit union movement. 
And on a personal note, in a few weeks, I will have an incredible full-circle moment as I accept the CSUN Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award, a place I loved attending and where I met my wife so many years ago. As the Exclusive Credit Union of the CSUN Alumni Association, it will be one of my proudest honors. 

These awards are only the tip of the iceberg of the impact our teams continue to have on our communities. I could not be more excited about the future of Premier America Credit Union and our role in providing the opportunity for you to meet today’s needs and reach tomorrow’s dreams. 

Member Notice Of Director/Committee Vacancies


The 2025 Annual Meeting of Premier America will be held on March 27, 2025. Premier America Credit Union is seeking dedicated volunteers to help govern the Credit Union as a member of the Board of Directors. At this meeting, three (3) Director positions for three-year terms will be elected by the membership.

Members interested in being considered for nomination for these positions by the Nominating Committee must notify them of their interest & complete a candidate package no later than close of business November 8, 2024.

The Nominating Committee will publish a slate of recommended candidates on January 1, 2025. Members not nominated by the Nominating Committee may petition to add their name directly to the ballot. The petition to add a member’s name directly to the ballot must be signed by at least 100 members entitled to vote. The petition period will begin on January 1, 2025, & petitions must be received no later than the close of business on January 31, 2025.

For more information, please contact Marci Francisco, Chief Experience Officer, at 818-772-4072.

Working Together for a Better Tomorrow

Community support is central to Premier America’s mission. Whether through donations to strengthen our neighborhoods or by dedicating our time to volunteer efforts, we are always seeking new ways to give back. Here’s a glimpse of the impact we've made in the past three months.
 


Donated over $36,000 in Interchange Income to the Premier America Foundation. 


Delivered financial education to 855 members of our community. 


Provided 10 hours of financial education to our community.

Safe Ways to Make Holiday Payments: Protecting Your Finances During the Festive Season

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but unfortunately, it also sees a rise in financial fraud and theft. As you gear up for holiday shopping, it's crucial to prioritize the safety of your payments. Whether you're using credit cards, debit cards, or mobile wallets, taking a few precautions can go a long way in safeguarding your hard-earned money. Here are some secure payment methods and features to consider:

1. Mobile Wallets: Convenience with Built-in Security

Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay offer a secure and convenient way to pay for your purchases. These services use tokenization to replace your card details with a unique digital identifier (token), ensuring that your actual card information is never shared with merchants. Here's why mobile wallets are a safe choice:
  • Tokenization: Your card details are replaced with a unique token, reducing the risk of your information being compromised during transactions.
  • Biometric Authentication: Many mobile wallets use fingerprint or facial recognition to authorize payments, adding an extra layer of security.
  • Virtual Account Numbers: Some wallets offer virtual account numbers for online purchases, further shielding your actual card number.

2. Card Alerts: Stay Informed About Your Transactions

Setting up transaction alerts on your credit or debit card can help you monitor your account in real-time. Within Online Banking you can enroll to receive alerts via SMS, email, voice call, or Secure Message whenever a transaction is made with your card. Here’s how alerts can enhance your security:
  • Immediate Notification: You'll know right away if there's an unauthorized transaction, allowing you to report it promptly.
  • Transaction Monitoring: Keep track of all purchases, making it easier to spot any unusual activity on your account.
You can set up account alerts inside Online Banking by going to the Main Menu > Services> Account Alerts> New Alert. Need help? No problem! Call us during normal business hours at 800-772-4000 to speak with a Team Member. 

3. Purchase Assurance with Premier Privileges Rewards Mastercard

If you're using a Premier Privileges Rewards Mastercard, you benefit from Purchase Assurance, which provides insurance for eligible purchases made with your card. This coverage protects against theft, damage, or loss of purchases for up to 90 days from the date of purchase, offering peace of mind during your holiday shopping. 

Learn more about the benefits that Mastercard offers.

4. EMV Chip Technology: Enhanced Security for In-person Transactions

All of our credit and debit cards come with EMV chip technology, which provides stronger protection against counterfeit fraud compared to traditional magnetic stripe cards. When making in-store purchases, always opt to use the chip reader rather than swiping your card.

5. Secure Online Shopping Practices

When shopping online, ensure that the website is secure by looking for HTTPS in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser address bar.

6. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts

Lastly, make it a habit to regularly review your bank and credit card statements. This allows you to quickly identify any unauthorized transactions and report them to your financial institution.

If you suspect any fraudulent activity, contact us right away at (800) 772-4000. Timely reporting can prevent further damage.

By adopting these safe payment practices, you can enjoy the festive season without worrying about financial fraud or theft. Remember, proactive measures like using mobile wallets, setting up card alerts, leveraging purchase protection benefits, and monitoring your accounts are key to safeguarding your finances during the holidays and throughout the year. Happy and safe shopping!

Stay informed, stay secure, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Credit Union Improvements

We’re ending the year with a bang! Here’s what we’ve been working on behind the scenes to make sure we’re continuously improving your banking experience. 

Business Services

August 2024

Our Business Services team has been hard at work to create ancillary services that help our business owners run their business. In August we launched Merchant Payment Processing solutions, in partnership with BankCard USA to help our business members accept credit card and electronic payments. In September, we launched Payroll Services, in partnership with Asure to offer HR services.

Youth Launch Certificate

September 2024

We believe in the power of teaching kids about saving at a young age and this year we’ve made a shift in our product to help our young savers get started. In September we launched our first-ever Youth Certificate that offers kids a special rate to see their money grow.

Reducing our list of fees: No more paper statement fees

September 2024

We understand the importance of flexibility and accessibility in managing your finances, and we want to ensure you have the freedom to choose how you receive your statements without worrying about extra and unnecessary fees. That’s why starting September 1, 2024, we got rid of the monthly paper statement fees and offer them free to all members! Just another way we’re making banking with Premier America a premier experience. 

Check us out in ACTION!


 
 

Lemonade Day, Houston

July 2024
We're excited to partner with Lemonade Day, Houston—a fantastic non-profit organization that empowers local youth to learn the ins and outs of starting, owning, and operating their own business through the fun and engaging experience of running a lemonade stand. Additionally, we had a blast hosting a lemonade stand at our Houston Branch!

 
 


Premier America Foundation Scholarships

Summer 2024
Premier America donates a monthly portion of their Interchange Income to the Premier America Foundation. This donation goes to support their yearly Scholarships. This year they awarded $52,000 between 26 local students to help fund their education.

 
 


School Supplies Drive

August 2024
Giving back is a part of our Core Values which is why we partnered with the Childcare Resource Center and  Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project in their yearly school supplies drive. These supplies ensured that students from our local communities start the school year ready to succeed!

From Our Members

Allow us to highlight and thank our members for taking the time to provide us with feedback on their recent credit union experiences.

"I had such a wonderful experience at this establishment, specifically the one in Thousand Oaks. Remi was and still is AMAZING!!! She helped me out with my private financial matter. I also had the chance to meet some of the staff there, and they were so welcoming and accommodating. I am so excited with my journey banking with Premier America! Thank you guys again!!"
-Courtney M. (Thousand Oaks Branch)

"The support and transparency of Premier America Credit Union is unmatched!!! The staff members have strong relationships, great people skills and care about helping people establish a foundation for their financial endeavors. I had a meeting with Porche Kimble and she was very informative and knowledgeable about finances. After our meeting, I felt more confident and equipped for my financial journey and look forward to accomplishing my goals. Thank you Porche, you’re awesome💪🏾!"
-Jamil M. (Houston Branch)

"Let me to you, please. I don't know what it is with those who work for Premier America Credit Union, but most of the professionals that work there are a God send to me. Today, I was helped by Mr. Victor Oliveros. The Branch Manager on Simi Town Center Way, in Simi Valley. His understanding in my current financial status due to being on disability was something he saw right through me. The level of empathy and suggestions in getting me suitable assistance towards my personal barriers was just heart warming and very much appreciated. He didn't just make my day. He uplifted my motivation and allowed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you, thank you and thank you Mr. Oliveros. I appreciate you, immensely."
-James F. (Simi Valley- Town Center)