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Gen Y Builds Credit

One-on-One Education Sets MCU Financial Center CU’s Gen Y Product Offering Apart

St. Petersburg, FL, Aug 8, 2006 – When college student Craig Brehm received a credit card from MCU Financial Center Credit Union, he also received instructions on how to use it.

“They explained how credit works and how my credit score plays a role in future loan applications, housing and employment. It was very helpful because this is my first credit card, so I didn’t have any experience in this area,” he said.

The Racine, Wis., credit union recently launched a unique program to attract Generation Y members (18-24 year olds) that includes a stylish, translucent credit card and one-on-one instruction from a staff member about the responsible use of credit.

“In addition to attracting Gen Y members, we also want to help them understand the importance of establishing and maintaining a good credit score,” said Ryan Anderson, the credit union’s CEO. “Instead of mailing the cards, we have them sent to the branch. One of our staff meets personally with each cardholder to explain the basics of consumer credit and how each member’s FICA score will effect the terms of car and home loans, as well as other financial services.”

The credit union wants to build trust with this powerful consumer base, and for good reason. Research has shown that the financial institution that provides the first credit card earns cardholders’ loyalty for 10 years or longer.

The credit union has promoted its new credit card with ads in local newspapers and direct mail letters. PSCU Financial Services provides processing services for the credit union.

“We commend MCU Financial Center Credit Union for educating young adults in the proper use of credit and for taking steps to attract this important audience,” said David J. Serlo, President and CEO, PSCU Financial Services. “Credit unions across the country need to recognize the importance of reaching out to the Gen Y market, the largest market since the Baby Boomers. Attracting and serving this generation is critical to the future success of credit unions.”

PSCU Financial Services has funded studies by the Filene Research Institute into the buying preferences of young adults, so that credit unions can develop programs and strategies to better serve this important audience.

About MCU Financial Center Credit Union

MCU Financial Center Credit Union was established in 1939 to serve those living or working in Racine and Kenosha counties of Wisconsin. The credit union’s mission is to provide secure, convenient and quality financial services in an economically sound manner to all present and potential members.

About PSCU Financial Services

As a non-profit cooperative, PSCU Financial Services is owned by more than 500 member credit unions representing over 10 million cardholder accounts and more than 345,000 online bill payment subscribers. Its Contact Center services more than 10 million inquiries a year.

PSCU Financial Services maintains its headquarters and Eastern operations center in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company is also supported by a West Coast operations center based in Phoenix, Arizona. PSCU Financial Services is the nation's largest Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO).

Established in 1977, the company provides a broad array of cost-effective, high quality financial services that include credit, debit, ATM, prepaids, bill payment, lending and contact center solutions. PSCU Financial Services uniquely offers its members a full range of processing options, any combination from full service to in-house pass through processing for credit, debit and ATM transactions. As the leader in the credit union industry, the company offers gateway access to national and regional networks. It also provides full function ATM terminal driving services. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.pscufs.com.

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