Fintech

Freedom Credit Union last week announced an alternative to new debit fees. The $500-million credit union said it will pay members $5 each month they make a purchase with their debit card.

MADISON, Wis.-An idea that helps homeownes anticipate when big ticket items might need replacing, and then to plan for that, has been identified as the most innovative of 2011.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-All of the charges being loaded onto consumers' bank statements-such as Bank of America's well-publicized $5 debit fee-and the bonanza of pro-credit union headlines and news coverage that have followed have created a surge in interest among consumers in what these not-for-profit financial cooperatives might be able to do for them.

CHICAGO-A new solution is being offered to make it easier for non-members to "switch" to a credit union.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Six months after launching it's "Ditch Your Bank" campaign, Affinity Plus FCU here is seeing continued membership growth, this time thanks to new fees from the big banks.

TUKWILA, Wash.-Call them "Feeless In Seattle," the former bank customers who were flocking to BECU even before Wells Fargo and Bank of America announced a user charge for debit cards.

BETHPAGE, N.Y.-Bethpage FCU announced last week it would offer no-fee checking "for life."

RIDGECREST, Calif.-When it comes to managing growth at a small credit union-where the numbers can be skewed more easily-the advice from Eric Bruen is simple: don't get in over your head.

PACOIMA, Calif.-Despite sometimes feeling pressured by regulators and a difficult economy, Pacoima Development FCU continues its slow but steady growth.

COVINA, Calif.-John Meeks does not want to offer excuses, he wants to offer his members the services they expect.