Mission Fed Counters National Big Bank Trend by Actually Paying its Customers to Use Their Debit Card & to Refer New Customers this Holiday Season and Celebrate the Credit Union Difference

— Found Money in the Wallets of Mission Fed Customers & the Friends & Family they Refer —

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumers looking for ways to save money during the upcoming holiday season have a new place to look: their wallets. With consumers typically cutting back on spending to help budget for the demands of holiday season giving, travel and shopping, they may benefit instead by considering how much they’re already paying for financial services before they head out to the mall or start shopping online. This is especially true, given the recent news fervor that several banks will start charging a monthly fee for using their debit card.

“Mission Federal does not charge a monthly fee for debit card usage. With debit card fees top-of-consumers-mind right now, we intend to instead reward our customers up to $5 per month through year-end for using our debit cards and invite others to experience the Mission Fed difference,” said Debra Schwartz, President and CEO, Mission Federal Credit Union.

As part of its 50^th Anniversary celebration, the San Diego County-based, 150,000 member-owned credit union just announced a special holiday offer in which for the months of November and December and through year-end, they intend to pay and reward customers $0.25 each time they use their debit card up, for qualified transactions, to the same $5 per month that the banks are charging. As an additional 50^th Anniversary bonus, Mission Fed customers can also refer a friend to open an account and both the existing and new credit union customers will receive $50 by meeting certain program requirements.

“Refer a friend looking for a better banking alternative to Mission Fed—your credit union—and not only will we pay both of you $50, but while others are charging for the privilege of using their debit card, Mission Fed will pay you to use ours. What’s not to like about that?” said Neville Billimoria, Senior Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer at Mission Fed.

As a double bottom line organization committed to both financial performance and social mission, Mission Fed has invited the local community to pay it forward with acts of kindness. During its 50^th Anniversary, Mission Fed has formed a Kindness Crew to carry out 50 Mission Acts of Kindness at schools and non-profits throughout San Diego County, making a difference of consequence, as well as inspiring others to pay the kindness forward to causes they most care about.

“Current market conditions have been tough on education and non-profits, and we are glad to shine a spotlight on their good work and help celebrate their successes,” said Billimoria.

Follow the Kindness Crew on Mission Fed’s Twitter and Facebook sites and learn more about the Mission Fed credit union difference at MissionFed.com.

About Mission Federal Credit Union

Mission Federal Credit Union is a progressive member-owned not-for-profit community-based credit union that embodies its message that “Your success is our bottom line” by providing high quality financial and related services and is open to anyone who lives in San Diego County. With more than 150,000 customers, over $2 billion in assets and 22 local branches, Mission Fed enhances the lives of its members through education and lifelong financial services. In addition, Mission Fed is a multi-award winning community partner that contributes to hundreds of local non-profit educational and community organizations. To learn more, visit www.MissionFed.com.