Michigan First Credit Union Launches Mobile Banking

Lathrup Village-based Michigan First Credit Union announced the addition of Michigan First Mobile to its suite of banking services.

The new mobile banking service is available to Michigan First's more than 80,000 members, allowing them to check balances, view transaction history, transfer funds and pay bills, anywhere, anytime, from their mobile device.

Members can access Michigan First Mobile via their mobile browser, by texting, or by downloading a free application. Michigan First Mobile applications are available for Blackberry, iPhone, and Android devices, as well as several others.

According to the Nielsen Co., mobile Web banking in the U.S. has grown to more than 13 million mobile subscribers -- up 129 percent in just two years.

"As a technology-focused credit union, we are always looking for ways technology can help increase convenience for our members; and for today's on-the-go consumers, mobile accessibility is a must," said Michael Poulos, president and CEO of Michigan First Credit Union. "We wanted to develop a service that featured all the tools our members would need on-the-go, while keeping it simple enough that all our members could use it easily."

"One of the best features on Michigan First Mobile is the bill pay capabilities," said Linda Douglas, vice president of marketing for Michigan First Credit Union. "If you forget to pay a bill, or even need to transfer funds to be able to pay the bill, you can take care of it wherever you are and don't have to worry about getting to a branch or a computer in time. This feature could certainly help people save a lot of money in late charges."

Michigan First Mobile also features a mobile locator service, allowing members that are on-the-go the ability to locate the nearest Michigan First branch, MoneyWorks Banking Center or one of more than 28,000 free ATMs through the Co-Op Financial Service Network. Members can then pinpoint the location on a map and download directions, if compatible with their device.

Michigan First currently has nine branches in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne county. Anyone who lives, works or workships in any of the three counties can easily become a member of Michigan First by simply applying online.

"With the addition of Michigan First Mobile, along with the investment we have made into increasing the capabilities of our online banking service, members can essentially do all of their banking without ever having to enter a branch," added Poulos.

In April 2009 Michigan First launched its completely redesigned online banking service, which serves as a financial management tool that empowers members to create customized monthly budgets, monitor and trend transactions, and maintain a strong relationship with their finances. With online banking, members can also receive alerts via text messages, e-mail and Twitter. Michigan First Mobile offers services that allow members to always know where their account stands and make transactions no matter where they are.

Michigan First Mobile was developed in partnership with Access Softek Inc. (http://www.accesssoftek.com), a global software development company.

To access Michigan First Mobile, members must be registered for Michigan First Online Banking. Visit http://MichiganFirstMobile.com for further details.

Michigan First Credit Union serves more than 80,000 members and has more than $550 million in assets. Founded in 1926 as the Detroit Teachers Credit Union, Michigan First has since expanded to serve those who live, work or worship in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, as well as local businesses. Michigan First is committed to continuously investing in its members, the community, youth and financial literacy initiatives and providing members with the latest in banking technology and services. For more information, visit www.MichiganFirst.com.

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