RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. - Members of CUs that are part of CO-OP Financial Services’ can now find a CO-OP Network ATM while on the go using their cell phones or their satellite-based navigational units.
On the heels of an earlier announcement about the text messaging-based service, CO-OP told CU Journal cardholders can also download its database of surcharge-free CO-OP Network ATM locations directly to their personal navigation devices (PNDs).
Cardholders with PNDs, such as Garmin or Tom, can download the CO-OP Network ATM database through a link on www.co-opnetwork.org. Once loaded, members can receive turn-by-turn driving directions to the nearest CO-OP Network ATM. The ATM database will be updated monthly.
“The No. 1 complaint credit unions get from members is a lack of convenience,” said Caroline Lane, VP of business development and strategic planning for CO-OP here. “Most credit unions don’t have a large number of branches or ATMs. The CO-OP Network has 25,000 ATMs, so we wanted to help credit unions help their members find them.”
The location-based service, provided by Unwired Appeal, Boston, allows mobile users to text message location information, such as a zip code, and receive back information on the location of the nearest CO-OP Network ATM. The service also can be used to locate other entities, including retail outlets.
Members send a text to MYCOOP (692667) from any mobile phone, and include in the body of the message information on location, which can be an intersection of two streets, and the city and state. Street address, with city and state, works as well. “We know that people are often traveling and may not know the zip code,” Lane explained, pointing out the service works with every wireless carrier.
A response usually comes back in 30 seconds, and members can text back for an expanded list. There is no charge for the service; members pay their standard text rates.
Lane said the service will also help CU members fight rising ATM surcharges. “When you think of what Bank of America is doing, charging $3 to use their ATMs if you are not their customer, this will help our CU members. Plus, it’s easy to use.”
There is no special program to download to a user’s cell phone. All members have to know is how to send a text message, Lane pointed out.
Lane said she has spoken with many credit union leaders who plan to promote the service heavily through websites and statement stuffers. “They know this will make them look much more convenient–and bigger.”
Joking about how texting to vote for “American Idol” will likely get you solicitations back to your cell, Lane assured that won’t happen with CO-OP Financial’s service. “The only purpose we use the phone numbers for is to send members the information they ask for.”
The platform is being deployed by CO-OP Financial and the CU Association of Colorado. Each month CO-OP downloads its database of ATM locations to Unwired Appeal.
