Citadel Credit Union Introduces Breakthrough in Member-Centric Banking: Ultimate Growth Checking

EXTON, Pa., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Citadel Credit Union ("Citadel") has launched Ultimate Growth Checking, a revolutionary checking account with no monthly service fee, designed to evolve with members by offering value at every stage of their financial journey. As a not-for-profit credit union, Citadel is committed to reinvesting earnings back to its members through better rates, lower fees, and intuitive financial solutions. By integrating an innovative tiered rewards system, AI-driven automation, and seamless digital banking, Citadel is redefining what it means to provide member-centric financial solutions. 

"At Citadel, we know that our members' financial needs evolve, and banking should evolve with them," said Anand Solanki, SVP, Head of Product Management, Strategy, Consumer Insights & Analysis, and CFO at Citadel. "Our primary design objective for Ultimate Growth Checking was to surpass the value people expect from their financial institution—fewer fees, industry-leading rewards on a linked Credit Card, savings rate boost, and convenience. Designed for those looking to maximize earnings and simplify financial management, the program grows with members and adjusts tiers based on account balances, ensuring members always receive the best available benefits automatically."

Citadel designed Ultimate Growth Checking to provide members with a seamless and rewarding banking experience, allowing them to easily oversee and optimize their financial products in one place while benefiting from incremental rewards. In addition to an industry-leading product design, Citadel has also elevated member experience by ensuring that all benefits accrue automatically, without requiring sign-ups, and all tier and rewards information is readily available to members across all touch points – statements, online account center, and the Citadel mobile App. The launch of Ultimate Growth Checking follows extensive market research by Citadel to understand member needs and determine how best to maximize benefits while simplifying experience. The result is a dynamic, all-in-one solution that integrates checking, savings, and credit card rewards into a streamlined, yet powerful banking experience.

Unlike traditional checking accounts, Ultimate Growth Checking offers five progressive tiers, each with benefits that increase as members' account balance grows. For a limited time, new Citadel checking account holders can also take advantage of a sign-on bonus of up to $400³, adding even more value. Key features include:

• No Monthly Service Fees¹– Keep more money with a hassle-free checking account.
• Cash Rewards Credit Card Bonus⁵ – Earn an additional boost on Cash Rewards credit card up to 2.75% on everyday purchases with no annual fee.⁶
• High Yield Savings Rate Boost⁴ – Earn additional interest on savings based on tier, above the already attractive savings rate.
• Checking Interest¹ – Receive a progressive rate of interest on checking balances.
• Waived Fees – Enjoy fee-free ATM transactions⁷, overdraft transfers⁸, and wire transfers with higher tiers.
• Automatic Tier Adjustments – Experience seamless movement between tiers based on balance² with AI-powered automation, ensuring the best rewards are always received.
• Benefit Calculator – Instantly see how much one could ultimately benefit with a simple interactive calculator.

"Our mission has always been to empower our members with financial solutions that adapt to their needs," said Bill Brown, CEO of Citadel. "Ultimate Growth Checking represents the next evolution in banking—delivering a smarter, more rewarding experience built on a foundation of transparency and value. By ensuring members always have a clear understanding of their benefits and opportunities for growth, we're making it easier than ever to achieve and enjoy financial strength. This product will set a new benchmark in the industry, positioning Citadel as a leader in redefining modern banking experiences for credit unions and financial institutions alike."

"What I like best about Ultimate Growth Checking is that it simplifies the account management process and makes banking more accessible. Everyone from the student to the multi-millionaire will have the same checking account at Citadel, and no one will be excluded due to a low balance."— Citadel Member, Dale

"My family has already benefited so much from Ultimate Growth Checking. The extra dividends have helped us to manage our household expenses and put more towards our savings and it's such a relief to not have to worry about minimum balances." — Citadel Member, Meredith

"At Citadel, our commitment is to continuously enhance our member digital experience," said Courtney Rowan, SVP/Chief Digital & Transformation Officer. "The launch of Ultimate Growth Checking is a reflection of that commitment. We're integrating new technologies, streamlining experiences, and ensuring that every member, no matter where they are in their financial journey, has access to smarter, more rewarding banking solutions." 

The launch of Ultimate Growth Checking is part of Citadel's broader transformation and expansion strategy, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovative, member-centric banking. Ultimate Growth Checking is now available to new and existing members. To find out how much you could ultimately benefit, visit CitadelBanking.com/Ultimate. 

About Citadel Credit Union
Citadel Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution that provides banking, investments, and insurance services to more than 260,000 members. At $6 billion in assets, it is one of the Greater Philadelphia area's largest credit unions, proudly serving residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Citadel is recognized as a Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group 2024 America's Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions, 2023 Fortune Recommends Best Credit Union, Forbes 2022 Best-in-State Credit Union, and a certified 2024 Great Place to Work. Citadel is federally insured by the NCUA. For more information, visit CitadelBanking.com.

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SOURCE Citadel Credit Union