ASmarterChoice.org, a consumer-oriented web site designed to help people learn more about credit unions and search for credit unions to join, recently marked its one year anniversary. According to CUNA statistics released this week, A Smarter Choice received more than 242,000 site visits from February 28, 2011 (the date of the launch) through the end of the year!
A Smarter Choice also played a key role in helping consumers better understand credit unions in the weeks surrounding Bank Transfer Day in November. The site received widespread media coverage throughout the country and this coverage, combined with a robust Social Media presence on Facebook and Twitter, helped to drive thousands of consumers to the site.
Of the site visitors in 2011, more than 5,600 hailed from North Carolina - this placed the Tar Heel State 11th among the 50 states for site visits during the year. "A Smarter Choice is the site we consistently point North Carolina news reporters to as they look for resources to help their readers and viewers better understand credit unions," said Jeff Hardin, the NCCUL Director of Communications. "It's also the site that allows consumers to search for credit unions in NC they may be able to join, so it packs a big punch."
The credit union locator tool is powerful and easy to use, but Hardin says A Smarter Choice relies upon credit unions to keep their information current. "The site search results depend upon credit unions keeping their data current when they open new branches, they merge with other credit unions or their charters change in some way."
If your credit union has not designated an administrator to keep your information current on A Smarter Choice or you have problems accessing your account, please contact Frances Moore or Geoff Finken at the NC Credit Union League.