HOUSTON, March 2, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Determined to help college students avoid financial minefields such as high-interest credit cards and the debt that often results from their excessive use, Smart Financial Credit Union has rolled out the College Advantage Program (CAP). Smart Financial, a Houston-based, full-service financial services provider with more than $310 million in assets, introduced CAP in December, before the holidays -- a time when many consumers tend to spend beyond their means.
CAP is the brainchild of LeAnn Kaczynski, Smart Financial VP of Electronic Member Services, who says Smart Financial wanted to tailor a program to college student members, extending products and services to them for use during "those trying college years."
"Smart Financial believes that the time to nurture responsible spending habits is when young people take that first big step toward independence and set out on the educational paths that eventually lead them to important career choices and opportunities," said Kaczynski.
Among its many features, CAP provides students with a free checking account with no maintenance fee. The first box of checks is free and includes a free Debit MasterCard(r). There's no fee for use at Smart Financial ATMs and reimbursement for up to four non-Smart Financial ATM surcharge fees per month.
Overdraft protection is available to qualified applicants through a line of credit attached to the Smart Financial member's CAP checking account. "This helps the student establish credit slowly and safely and keeps him or her from bouncing checks," said Kaczynski. Beginning this spring, Smart Financial will even offer a credit card option. Student MasterCard(r) or Family MasterCard(r) will be available to qualified student or joint parent-student applicants.
Smart Financial recognizes the importance of access to money, so CAP offers free online banking, bill pay, SmartLine (telephone teller) and e-statements. "We also provide free seminars year-round on money and credit management and offer student loans," noted Kaczynski. "Our emphasis with the CAP program is financial responsibility. Students will be rewarded for responsible account management which we believe will help them steer clear of the problems related to excessive spending."
Anyone interested in more information about the College Advantage Program is welcome to call Smart Financial Member Services toll free at 800.392.5084 or visit the Smart Financial Web site at www.smartcu.org.
About Smart Financial Credit Union
Smart Financial Credit Union is a Houston-based, full-service financial services provider with more than $310 million in assets. Established in 1934, Smart Financial Credit Union today serves a diverse field of more than 82,000 members, including Houston-area educators, employees of more than 700 private companies and residents of Harris and Montgomery Counties. The 72-year-old institution delivers thoughtful banking to its members through seven Houston-area office locations. For more information, please visit www.smartcu.org.
The Smart Financial Credit Union logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1520