Why Your Checking Account Choice Should Be About More Than Just Fees
When was the last time you walked into your financial institution and the staff greeted you by name? In today's digital-first world, personal connections with your financial partner might seem like a luxury rather than a necessity. But at Public Service Credit Union, we believe these relationships are the foundation of your financial wellness—especially when it comes to something as essential as your checking account.
As we proudly launch our first-ever checking account in our 90-year history, we wanted to share why personal service and accessibility should top your checklist when choosing where to park your hard-earned money.
The Hidden Value of Being Known
When you bank with a smaller, community-focused institution like Public Service Credit Union, you're not just an account number. With only four dedicated staff members serving our members, we provide a level of personalized attention that's increasingly rare in financial services.
This personal touch matters for several reasons:
Your financial questions get answered by real people who understand your specific situation
Solutions can be tailored to your unique needs rather than following one-size-fits-all policies
Your financial journey becomes collaborative rather than transactional
Our new Surge Checking Account combines this personalized service with modern banking convenience—offering "all the modern amenities of a checking account with the local service you know and love from Public Service Credit Union."
Accessibility Goes Beyond Digital Tools
While online banking and mobile apps are certainly convenient, true accessibility means different things to different people. Financial accessibility includes:
Clear, straightforward account terms without hidden fees
Staff who take time to explain financial concepts
Services designed to meet diverse needs
With Surge Checking, we've prioritized accessibility with "no minimum balance requirements" and a modest $5 monthly maintenance fee that's "easily waived when you enroll in e-statements OR are age 60 or better." These features reflect our commitment to making banking accessible to everyone in our community.
The True Cost of Impersonal Banking
When your checking account provider doesn't know you personally, you might encounter:
Cookie-cutter solutions that don't fit your needs
Difficulty resolving issues when they arise
Less guidance for improving your financial health
Higher fees that don't consider your individual circumstances
That's why we're proud to offer free consultations with a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor as part of our services. These 45-minute to one-hour sessions can help with budgeting, debt management, credit score improvement, and financial planning—personalized support you won't find at most large banks.
More Than Just a Place to Keep Your Money
The "Public Service difference" means your checking account can be more than just a tool for transactions—it can actively help build your financial future. Our Surge Checking Account lets you "surge ahead with your savings while enjoying the convenience of a checking account" by earning "an industry-leading 10% APY on your first $1,000."
This isn't just about earning interest—it's about partnering with a financial institution that actively wants to see you succeed.
Community Understanding Matters
As a Wisconsin-chartered credit union with deep roots in Central Wisconsin, we understand the unique financial challenges and opportunities facing our local community. Our content and services emphasize "our connection to central Wisconsin and our community focus."
This local knowledge translates into checking accounts that work for the real lives of our members—many of whom are utility workers or their family members.
Banking That Moves at Your Speed
Modern convenience doesn't have to come at the expense of personal service. Our soon-to-launch "completely updated online banking platform and new mobile app make managing your money easier than ever," allowing you to "transfer funds between accounts instantly" and "set up automatic savings transfers for your financial goals."
These tools complement rather than replace the personal relationships that make banking with Public Service Credit Union different.
“The “Public Service difference” means your checking account can be more than just a tool for transactions”
Making the Switch: It's Easier Than You Think
If you're considering a change to a more personal banking experience, here's how to get started:
Evaluate what matters most to you in a checking account
Consider both the tangible benefits (rates, fees) and intangible ones (service quality, community focus)
Look beyond flashy promotions to the day-to-day experience you'll have
Ask questions about how the financial institution handles problems when they arise
Ready to experience the difference? You can open a Surge Checking Account today by visiting our Wausau branch, calling us at (715) 842-9865 and pressing 1 for Member Services, or emailing us at info@publicservicecu.org.
Your Financial Partner, Not Just a Provider
In an age where many financial relationships have become increasingly impersonal, choosing a checking account provider who knows your name, understands your goals, and genuinely cares about your financial well-being isn't just nice—it's necessary for your long-term financial health.
As we like to say, experience the difference of banking with a financial institution that "puts people before profits."
For more information about our new Surge Checking Account or any of our other services, contact:
Loans – loans@publicservicecu.org
Member Services – info@publicservicecu.org
Phone – (715) 842-9865
Rate may change after account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings.