NEW YORK-A number of credit unions have introduced relief loans and other efforts aimed at members affected by Hurricane Sandy. Among them:
o Nassau Educators FCU (NEFCU) in Westbury, N.Y., is offering members a Hurricane Relief Loan priced at 1% APR for the first year with a 90-day deferral of first payment. After the first year, rates revert to the prevailing rate on the day of application, currently as low as 9.49%. NEFCU is also offering similar incentives on auto loans, as well as a 0% APR for six months on home-improvement purchases made with its Platinum Visa card at major home improvement retailers.
o While damage in Pennsylvania was not extensive, P&G Mehoopany Employees FCU in Tunkhannock is offering a Disaster Relief Loan of up to $2,500, priced at 3.99% for 12 months, and Freedom CU in Warminster has dedicated $2 million to funding relief loans. Freedom members can borrow up to $1,500 on an 18-month term with payments of less than $100 per month. Sun FCU, an Ohio CU with branches in the Philadelphia region, has lowered the APR on personal loans to 1%, lowered APR on home equity loans to 0.50% and payments are not due until January on those loans. All rate specials are available through the end of December.
o The National Credit Union Foundation is reporting that credit unions nationwide have donated more than $100,000 to its CUAid program in one week to benefit those who were affected by Sandy. Donations can be made at cuaid.coop.
o GrooveCar, which provides point-of-sale CU auto lending, has partnered with credit unions throughout Long Island to defer car payments for members impacted by Sandy. Both 60- and 90-day deferral options are available. Participating credit unions are Bethpage FCU, Island FCU, Nassau Educators FCu, Nassau Financial FCU, People's Alliance FCU and Teachers FCU.
