Press
Travis Credit Union opens new financial solutions center
Offering More Value to Its Members
VACAVILLE, CA (March 16, 2015) — The newest branch of Travis Credit Union in Vacaville is yet another benefit of credit union membership and is the newest innovation in delivering financial services to Travis Credit Union members effectively and efficiently. The new Financial Solutions Center is on the cutting edge of what is fast becoming a trend elsewhere in the country: technology based financial centers that provide the same services as a traditional bank sans the teller line.
This new open concept experience in banking opened at 1650 E. Monte Vista Ave the credit union is staffed with six “financial solution specialists” who can help members with any of their financial needs or walk them through the many technology-based options for banking (online, apps etc.)
If you are not the type who needs that one-on-one help, the center also offers self-help options including a “tech bar” with computers, iPads etc. for you do conduct your online banking actions, and two state-of-the-art banking kiosks that can do everything from dispense cash like a traditional ATM (only in any denominations you like, not just 20s) to complete account inquiries, transfers, bill payments, financial products purchase, even enrolling a person as a new member of the credit union.
The open and inviting design allows members to immediately interact with employees one-on-one as they enter the branch but don’t make the mistake of thinking that Travis is trying to move to tech as a way to cut costs and get rid of tellers.
“We are dedicated to building lifelong relationships with our members to help them achieve their financial goals,” said Barry Nelson, president and CEO of the credit union. “Our goal is not to replace people but rather provide more people-helping-people service. The technology here can handle the minutia and free our very highly trained people to help engage with our members and really meet their financial needs.”
Gladys Milligan, branch manager at the new site agreed.
“This is an open concept where people can come in and get one-on-one interaction or work on their own,” she said. “Our goal, though, is to build relationships so we can help with their financial needs.”
And the branch, she noted, provides all of the same services as a traditional branch, save two: It doesn’t handle coin nor does it do bond redemptions.
The timing for the center could scarcely be any better.
According to the most recent studies, changing demographics and the growing popularity of online and mobile banking are changing the way banks and credit unions have to do business. In fact one study found 9 out of 10 households in the U.S. use online banking, 4 in 10 use mobile banking and 6 out of 10 transactions are now done through digital platforms.
Many large banking institutions are turning to technology centers to simplify their operations and scale back their physical footprints in order to improve their bottom lines.
That’s not the case for Travis, said Nelson.
“This is our 23rd branch and we aren’t closing any of the others,” he said. “We just believe the Nut Tree shopping center is really becoming a destination … and we want to be where our members are doing their business.”
That it is a technology-based branch is a sign of Travis looking to provide new and even better service to its clients, he said. “It is different from the historical model but our goal is not to replace, but to provide more. … People want to do their financial business where they want, when they want and how they want and we are going to see how well this is embraced. I think you will see more of this in the future.”
Headquartered in Vacaville, California, Travis Credit Union is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution serving those who live or work in Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Napa, Contra Costa, Alameda, Sonoma, Colusa, and Merced Counties. Currently, Travis Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union in California, with more than 163,000 members and over $2.3 billion in assets. As one of the leading financial institutions in Solano, Contra Costa, Yolo, Napa, and Merced Counties, Travis Credit Union’s strength lies in its faithful commitment to its members; its solid, secure history; and its long-standing track record of dedicated service.