The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged responsive member service in the credit union movement. Patrice Canton, CEO of the U.S. Virgin Island Credit Union, is on a mission however to ensure service and communication to members continues without interruption. “Our members have been talking and we’ve been listening, what better time to respond than now,” said Canton. Partnering with CU*SOUTH to add to the credit union’s virtual services is just the right solution.

The pandemic has forced the credit union to reduce its normal hours, the impact of which is magnified as the credit union does not have available drive-through services. Canton continues “We wanted to make sure that our members will have the ability to conduct business without interruptions by providing access to more services online. Deciding to expand our online banking features with CU*SOUTH will provide that for us.”

Numerous new products and services are being added to the credit union’s portfolio. In the works is the upgraded Mobile App 4.0 with RDC IQ – a remote deposit solution allowing members to make deposits via smart phone with almost immediate deposit completion. Custom online forms, Mobile App card controls and transaction activity alerts, MACO (a multiple authentication option), contactless EMV MasterCard debit card chip technology are also being deployed.

To prepare for an impending influx of loan requests due to the recent NCUA concessions, e-Sign is being facilitated for members to close loans online without leaving their home. The new products and service will not only provide convenience, but it will also help keep traffic within the branch to a minimum.

As the pandemic curve begins to flatten, these services will allow members to become more self-serving and create greater opportunities for the credit union to grow, and as hurricane season approaches, members will have the peace of mind knowing their credit union is always open. Meeting their members, anytime, anywhere is mission accomplished!

Prior to accepting CU*SOUTH as their core processor, smaller credit unions may not have had the resources for expansion of member services, or technology or professional services needed to thrive. Regardless of size, CU*SOUTH’s mission is to help credit unions grow.

Wynona Shaddix, Client Relations Manager for CU*SOUTH, stated “We reach out to discuss and discern the needs of the client and its member base, then make recommendations in accordance to the need and business strategy. The goal is to advance the credit union at a methodical pace, adding member self-service tools and technology to afford our clients the best opportunities to build relationships and secure financial well-being to members.” The best thing is that most of these services were available to a credit union of this size for $0.00 setup costs.

Canton finished, “I strongly believe our members will be pleased with the added services that we will be providing.” I want to thank our members, as long as they keep talking, we will continue to listen, and CU*SOUTH for your continued support.”