Fee-Free Chequing Account a First Proof-Positive of Credit Union Merger Benefits

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 1, 2015) - British Columbians on B.C.'s Vancouver Island and surrounding Gulf Islands can now put a market-leading chequing account to work for them and save up to $200 a year. Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, unveils its new fee-free chequing account, the Simply Free Account™ to Island families today.

The product launch comes just four months after more than 79 per cent of Island Savings Credit Union members voted "yes" to a merger with First West Credit Union. Enhanced products and pricing was one of several key merger benefits presented to Island Savings members and the Simply Free Account™ arrives three months ahead of schedule.

"The rapid development of this innovative and valuable product for Island families is proof that the merger is delivering the value we promised-but it's just the beginning," says First West Credit Union CEO Launi Skinner. "Our ability to unite our teams together to deliver the Simply Free Account™ ahead of schedule will undoubtedly inspire the delivery of even more innovative products and services in the months ahead."

The Simply Free Account™ has no monthly fees, unlimited day-to-day transactions of most kinds, free electronic statements, no balance requirements and one significant differentiator from other free accounts of its kind: unlimited free Interac® e-transfers, a perk-and modern banking essential.

"As the most recommended banking experience on the Islands, we've always had the edge on customer service-but now we can beat on price too at a time when most other financial institutions are raising their fees," says Randy Bertsch, president of Island Savings. "A totally free, no-strings-attached everyday chequing account is something our staff and members have been asking after for years, but it was simply too expensive to offer on our own."

"Now that Island Savings is a division of First West Credit Union, we have the financial security to put even more money back in the pockets of our members each month."

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia's third-largest credit union with $10 billion in assets under administration, nearly 240,000 members and more than 1,700 employees. It operates 54 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings brands. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.

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