SAN JOSE, Calif. Tech CU said it is offering a Global Members program that helps immigrant high-tech workers open a checking account and establish credit, buy a new car, or eventually purchase their first home.
“The smartest, most hardworking people in the world are coming to Silicon Valley to follow their dreams, but they still face challenges when it comes to establishing credit and setting up their finances for the first time,” explained Tech CU Joe Anzalone, chief banking officer for the $1.7-billion credit union. “We understand their needs because we have worked with the Valley’s high tech companies and employees for more than 50 years.”
Tech CU said its Global Members Program includes:
* CreditStart: An exclusive loan program designed to assist employed individuals who are new to the U.S. with limited or no credit history. Members can apply for an auto loan with just two years of verifiable income in the U.S. or abroad. They can apply for a credit card with a letter verifying U.S. employment.
* Foreign Remittance in partnership with XOOM: This service allows individuals to send money abroad for bank deposit or cash pickup. Deposits can either be sent directly to the recipient’s bank account or the recipient can pick up the cash within minutes at thousands of locations worldwide.
* International Wires: Members can send and receive funds.
* Travel Insurance: Tech CU has partnered with ExpertQuote Insurance Services, a Bay Area firm that offers travel medical insurance, to help those with visiting family members ensure guests are protected by medical coverage while in the U.S.
In addition, Tech CU recently launched a mobile check deposit service that allows members to deposit checks anywhere, anytime via their mobile phone. The credit union also recently launched Send Money Powered by PayPal, giving Tech CU members the ability to send money directly from their online and mobile banking accounts to almost anyone in the world using a mobile phone or e-mail address.
