Our Doors are Open to 10 Michigan Counties

If you live or work in the following counties, you can bank at Option 1:

• Allegan
• Barry
• Clinton
• Eaton
• Ingham
• Kent
• Livingston
• Newaygo
• Ottawa
• Shiawassee

Option 1 membership is also open to many people employed within the communications industries and healthcare employees working throughout Michigan. Our charter also allows us to serve people with disabilities who reside in Michigan, as well as the employees of 500+ employer groups, unions and associations in the West Michigan and Lansing areas.

Additionally, Option 1 membership is offered to:

• Persons related by blood or marriage to a current credit union member
• Persons who reside in the same household as a current credit union member.

“Once a Member, always a Member.” Once a person joins the Credit Union, she/he may remain a Member for life, even if her/his relationship to a qualifying organization changes.

back to top ^

How to Join

Those who meet the eligibility requirements may join the Credit Union. There are three convenient ways to establish membership.

1. Join Option 1 Credit Union by filling out our online membership application.
2. There are Member Service Representatives at our eight full-service locations who will make opening a Option 1 Credit Union account an easy, pleasant experience.
   To open an account, you must bring:
   • A driver’s license
   • A document showing a social security number such as Social Security Card, a copy of a Social Security Card, or a payroll stub
   • Cash or a check for at least $5 payable to Option 1 Credit Union
3. If you don’t have the time to come into a branch, you can give our Member Service area a call at 616.243.0125. The Member Service Representative will mail everything you need to open a Option 1 Account. Membership packages are also available at BBGs. To join by mail, you must:
   • Complete the Membership card in full, signing where indicated
   • Include a photocopy of your valid driver’s license (front and back), State-issued ID or Passport
   • Include a photocopy of your Social Security Card or W2 to provide us with proof of your SSN
   • Enclose a check in the amount of at least $5 payable to Option 1 Credit Union
   • Mail the completed Membership Card and check to:

   New Accounts
   Option 1 Credit Union
   630 32nd Street SE
   Grand Rapids, MI 49548

back to top ^

Become a Business Benefits Group Group

Offer credit union benefits to your employees — it’s free and it’s easy.

What is a Business Benefits Group (BBG)?

Becoming a BBG means that all of your employees (those individuals who receive regular payroll checks from your company) are eligible to open accounts at Option 1 and take advantage of our many low-cost services, such as no-fee checking accounts, ATM/debit cards, mortgage loans, internet banking, investment planning, free financial seminars and much more. Please note: Your employees are in no way required to join the credit union. It simply becomes an available option for them.

Many organizations offer Option 1 Credit Union membership as a financial benefit to their employees. They have found that credit union membership enhances financial well-being, giving employees greater job satisfaction, enabling them to be more productive and cutting costs associated with employee turnover. We’d be happy to add your company’s name to the list.

Basic Qualifications

Companies must meet three basic qualifications:

• Located within 25 miles of a Option 1 office
• Offer some form of payroll deduction service to employees
• Assist Option 1 in spreading the word about credit union eligibility to all employees.

It’s as simple as writing a one-paragraph letter. Your company can become a BBG by submitting a letter of request to Option 1. View a sample letter. Your letter should include the following information:

• Number of persons employed at your company
• How long your company has been in business
• The type of product or service your company provides
  

Please address your letter to:

Michael Forman
VP-Business Development
Option 1 Credit Union
2400 West Road
East Lansing, MI 48823.

Upon receiving your letter, our Business Development Department will contact you to set up an introduction appointment. At this appointment, we will supply you with Option 1 enrollment packets and other materials such as flyers and paycheck stuffers that announce the credit union to your employees. You can also set up scheduled visits from Option 1 representatives. We can talk to your employees in a meeting environment, or one-to-one, answering any questions your employees have about their new credit union benefits. All credit union materials are provided free of charge to your company.

If you have questions or need more information about becoming a Business Benefits Group, please contact Michael Forman at 517.319.1302.

back to top ^