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Citadel Credit Union Introduces Breakthrough in Member-Centric Banking: Ultimate Growth Checking
EXTON, Pa., March 17, 2025 – 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 into 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 increase the value that members get from Citadel—industry-leading rewards on a linked Credit Card, savings rate boost, convenience, and no monthly service fees. 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 $400,3 adding even more value. Key features include:
- No Monthly Service Fees1– A hassle-free checking account that ensures more money is kept.
- 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 – Progressive rate of interest on checking balances.
- Waived Fees – Higher tiers offer fee-free ATM transactions,7 overdraft transfers,8 and wire transfers.
- Automatic Tier Adjustments – AI-powered automation moves seamlessly between tiers based on balance,2 ensuring the best rewards are always received.
- Benefit Calculator – With an interactive calculator, test just how much can ultimately be gained from enrolling.
“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.
Media Contact:Gregory FCA for Citadel Credit Union
citadel@gregoryfca.com
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. For more information, visit CitadelBanking.com.
Get to know Ultimate Growth Checking.
Let's GrowImportant Disclosures & Information
APY=Annual Percentage Yield.
1 Ultimate Growth Checking: APY is variable and can change without notice. APY is determined by Tier. Tier 1 – No Dividends paid; Tier 2 Minimum 3-Month Average Daily Balance of $5,000 to earn 0.05% APY; Tier 3 Minimum 3-Month Average Daily Balance of $10,000 to earn 0.10% APY; Tier 4 Minimum 3-Month Average Daily Balance of $20,000 to earn 0.15% APY; Tier 5 Minimum 3-Month Average Daily Balance of $40,000 to earn 0.20% APY. No maintenance or monthly service fees apply. Other fees may apply including an inactivity fee, ATM fee, overdraft fee and other account related fees. Fees that can be waived or refunded are listed in each Tier. For full list of fees visit Citadel Banking.com/Fees.
2 The Reward Tier can be adjusted monthly and is determined by the combined three-month average daily balance of all Ultimate Growth Checking accounts on the same unique account number. At the beginning of each month, we will add the average daily balance of the previous three months and divide that figure by three. For new accounts with no existing Ultimate Growth Checking account, the reward tier from account opening to the end of the first calendar month is Tier 1; the reward tier for the second month is determined by the average daily balance for the first month; the reward tier for the third month is determined by adding the average daily balance for the first month and the second month and dividing by two. See the Membership Agreement and Disclosures for details on the compounding and crediting of interest.
3 $400 New Account Cash Bonus (Ultimate Growth Checking Account): Open a new checking account and earn up to $400 in cash bonuses. Earn a $200 cash bonus deposit for qualifying direct deposit(s) totaling $2,000 or more posting to the new checking account within 90 days of account opening. A qualifying direct deposit is defined as a recurring electronic deposit into checking account of payroll, pension, Social Security, government benefits, or other eligible regular monthly income made through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network.
After meeting the direct deposit requirement, earn an additional $200 cash bonus by maintaining a daily balance of $5,000 or more in your new checking account during days 61 – 90 after account opening.
Promotional code must be applied at the time of account opening to receive the incentive offer(s). Once you meet the offer requirements, and your checking account has been open for 90 days, your bonus(es) will be paid within 10 business days. Bonus deposit(s) will be automatically deposited into your Citadel checking account if the account is in good standing at the time of incentive processing. The value of this bonus will be reported to the IRS and the recipient is responsible for any federal, state, or local taxes.
New account cash bonus offer is available to qualified new checking customers only. Customer must not have closed a Citadel checking account within the last 12 months and/or previously received a checking new account bonus. Limit one offer per member. Offer not available for business accounts. New account cash bonus offer expires April 30, 2025 and may be modified or withdrawn at any time.
4 High Yield Savings: Minimum balance to earn APY is $10,000. You will earn dividends for every day during the period that Your Account balance equals or exceeds the minimum daily balance requirements. Fees may reduce earnings. HYS rates are variable and may change after account opening. One (1) free withdrawal or transfer per calendar quarter, $25 for each additional withdrawal or transfer.
5 Cash Rewards Mastercard: Cash Back Rewards are earned on purchases minus any credits or returns (“net purchases”). Cash advances and balance transfers are not considered purchases and will not earn cash back rewards.
6 Information accurate as of and is subject to change without notice. APR=Annual Percentage Rate. APR will be a variable rate of 15.49%-17.99% for Cash Rewards Mastercard, APR will be a variable rate of 14.49%-17.99% for World Mastercard, and APR will be a variable rate of 11.49%-17.99% for Choice Mastercard. All APRs are based on credit worthiness. See product pages for additional information. Offer subject to credit approval. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Variable APR is an interest rate that can vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. 1.1% Foreign transaction fee applies for transactions initiated in foreign currencies (excluding World Mastercard). Cash advance fee is 5% of amount advanced ($10 minimum). Late fee is $35.00. Returned Check Fee is up to $25.00. There is no transaction fee for transferring a balance; interest will accrue on any balance transfer in accordance with the Cardholder terms and agreement. Citadel will not process any balance transfer requests that are from any other existing Citadel Loan. All terms, including fees and APRs for new transactions, may be subject to change.
7 ATM transactions at non-Citadel ATMs may be subject to a surcharge from the ATM owner.
8 Citadel offers several overdraft protection options including Courtesy Pay and automatic transfers from a Citadel savings or loan account. An overdraft occurs when the available balance in your account is not sufficient to cover a transaction. Citadel offers several options for you to avoid the extra expenses caused by a bounced check or insufficient funds. These include: transferring funds from a Citadel Savings and/or Money Market Account; advancing funds from a Citadel Personal Line of Credit; and Courtesy Pay. Citadel offers Courtesy Pay for its members and may pay overdrafts for the following types of transactions: checks, ACH withdrawals, Bill Payer payments, and/or recurring debit card transactions (e.g., monthly payments debited from your account). As a Citadel member, if you have a checking account and qualify, you will automatically be enrolled in Courtesy Pay when you open your account. If you wish to use one of the other options, which may be free or less expensive than Courtesy Pay, you can sign up at any time. We pay overdrafts at our discretion, which means we do not guarantee that we will always authorize and pay any type of transaction. If we do not pay an overdraft, your transaction will be declined and not paid. If you want to use Courtesy Pay to pay overdrafts for one time, everyday debit card transactions (e.g. Starbucks®, Home Depot®, grocery stores, gas stations, etc.), you must opt in and give us your permission. You can opt in by: completing the opt-in form in Online and Mobile Banking by selecting 'Courtesy Pay' under 'Accounts' in the main menu; visiting any Citadel Branch; calling Citadel toll free at 800-666-0191; or you cannot use Courtesy Pay to pay for overdrafts on ATM withdrawals. A Courtesy Pay Fee of $33 will be charged to your account, when we agree to pay an item that overdraws your checking account. We will limit the number of combined NSF and Courtesy Pay Fees charged on any one calendar day to 5. Once you have overdrawn your account you will need to bring the account to a positive balance as soon as possible. Citadel will close and charge off overdrawn member deposit accounts that have had a negative balance for more than 60 days. When making the decision to pay or return an item and charge a fee, we treat each original presentment and representment as an individual transaction. For a complete list of fees associated with overdrafts, please refer to Citadel’s fee schedule. All standard account requirements apply. Information accurate as of February 3, 2025, and subject to change without notice. Offers may be modified or withdrawn at any time. Fees may reduce earnings.
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