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    • About Option 1 - Become a member

    "Join and enjoy all Option 1 has to offer"

    Now Serving 10 Michigan Counties!

    If you live or work in the following counties, you can bank at Option 1: Option 1 membership is also open to healthcare employees working throughout Michigan and people with disabilities who reside in Michigan, as well as the employees of 500+ employer groups, unions and associations in the West Michigan and Lansing areas. Option 1 membership is also offered to: “Once a Member, always a Member.” Once a person joins the Credit Union, she/he may remain a Member for life, even if her/his relationship to a qualifying organization changes.

    How to Join

    Those who meet the eligibility requirements may join the Credit Union. There are three convenient ways to establish membership.
    1. Join Option 1 Credit Union by filling out our online membership application.
    2. There are Member Service Representatives at our eight full-service locations who will make opening a Option 1 Credit Union account an easy, pleasant experience.
      To open an account, you must bring:
      • A driver’s license
      • A document showing a social security number such as Social Security Card, a copy of a Social Security Card, or a payroll stub
      • Cash or a check for at least $5 payable to Option 1 Credit Union
    3. If you don’t have the time to come into a branch, you can give our Member Service area a call at 616.243.0125. The Member Service Representative will mail everything you need to open a Option 1 Account. Membership packages are also available at BBGs. To join by mail, you must:
      • Complete the Membership card in full, signing where indicated
      • Include a photocopy of your valid driver’s license (front and back), State-issued ID or Passport
      • Include a photocopy of your Social Security Card or W2 to provide us with proof of your SSN
      • Enclose a check in the amount of at least $5 payable to Option 1 Credit Union
      • Mail the completed Membership Card and check to:
      New Accounts
      Option 1 Credit Union
      630 32nd Street SE
      Grand Rapids, MI 49548

    Become a Business Benefits Group Group

    Offer credit union benefits to your employees — it’s free and it’s easy.

    What is a Business Benefits Group (BBG)?

    Becoming a BBG means that all of your employees (those individuals who receive regular payroll checks from your company) are eligible to open accounts at Option 1 and take advantage of our many low-cost services, such as no-fee checking accounts, ATM/debit cards, mortgage loans, internet banking, investment planning, free financial seminars and much more. Please note: Your employees are in no way required to join the credit union. It simply becomes an available option for them.

    Many organizations offer Option 1 Credit Union membership as a financial benefit to their employees. They have found that credit union membership enhances financial well-being, giving employees greater job satisfaction, enabling them to be more productive and cutting costs associated with employee turnover. We’d be happy to add your company’s name to the list.

    Basic Qualifications

    Companies must meet three basic qualifications: It’s as simple as writing a one-paragraph letter. Your company can become a BBG by submitting a letter of request to Option 1. View a sample letter. Your letter should include the following information:

    Please address your letter to:

    Michael Forman
    VP-Business Development
    Option 1 Credit Union
    2400 West Road
    East Lansing, MI 48823.

    Upon receiving your letter, our Business Development Department will contact you to set up an introduction appointment. At this appointment, we will supply you with Option 1 enrollment packets and other materials such as flyers and paycheck stuffers that announce the credit union to your employees. You can also set up scheduled visits from Option 1 representatives. We can talk to your employees in a meeting environment, or one-to-one, answering any questions your employees have about their new credit union benefits. All credit union materials are provided free of charge to your company.

    If you have questions or need more information about becoming a Business Benefits Group, please contact Michael Forman at 517.319.1302.