What: ACME Credit Union

Where: Lobby level of the 55 E. Jackson Blvd. building

Did you know?

The ACME Credit Union is a benefit available to all faculty, staff, students and alumni. Once they’ve joined, the benefit extends to their families as well.

“They have savings accounts, CDs and home equity and car loans at very reasonable rates. My wife and I have been members for at least 20 years,” says Luft, who also is on the credit union’s board of directors. “I’ve had auto loans through them and have a home equity loan with them.”

In addition, Luft says faculty and staff might be pleasantly surprised to learn about the credit card programs the credit union offers, especially in light of the turmoil facing the credit card industry.

The main difference between a credit union and commercial bank is that a credit union is focused on the members who are shareowners by virtue of their deposits, says Luft. Commercial banks are owned by those who purchased shares of the common stock issued by the bank—the depositors do not necessarily own the bank. The credit union provides a full array of financial services to its members/owners at reasonable costs. “It is true that a credit union does not offer all the sophisticated services of a commercial bank, but for the vast majority of individual savers, the credit union is capable of satisfying virtually all of one’s financial needs,” he says.

Luft says awareness of the credit union has waned over the years but hopes to raise its profile. “It’s a wonderful resource, and everyone should consider it as another opportunity for their financial future and dealings.”

Representatives from the ACME Credit Union will be available at the St. Vincent Health Benefit Faire, which takes place Oct. 6 and 7. For faire locations and times, visit hr.depaul.edu.

For more information about the credit union, visit www.AcmeContinentalCU.com or contact Branch Manager Belinda Oliver at (312) 822-4986.