Orange Resident Thankful For Second Chance

            La Habra, Calif., November 20th, 2007— Orange resident recently turned to American First Credit Union (AFCU) to help get his financial life back in order. Randy Reynolds, a local electrical union worker, admittedly has made some financial mistakes. In fact, his checking account was eventually closed because he bounced too many checks. Living life without a checking account was not easy for Randy. He had to drive around town to pay his bills in person, and had to always carry cash. Randy turned to AFCU to help, and is so thankful he did.

American First Credit Union has a unique program to specifically help credit union members like Randy. Named the Second Chance Checking Account, it is designed to give a second chance to consumers with a less-than-perfect checking account history. Members who have been reported to ChexSystems sm due to excessive overdrafts, negative balances or losses to a financial institution often find it challenging to open a new checking account. American First Credit Union is giving those people a chance to establish a new checking account, while providing them important tools to improve their financial history and learn how to better manage their finances.

            Members can participate in the checking account program by logging on to www.getinbalance.org and taking an online checking account management course. Upon completion, members pay a $25 processing fee and open their new AFCU checking account with a $50 minimum opening deposit. If the account remains in good standing for six months, it will automatically be converted to a regular credit union checking account. For members without internet access, the course can also be taken over the phone by calling 888-456-2227.

 “I have made some financial mistakes and have learned from them,” said Randy Reynolds. “With the Second Chance Checking account, American First has helped me better manage my money and prove myself again.”

            American First Credit Union (AFCU) is a member-owned, full-service financial cooperative established in 1952. It has five convenient Orange County branches, located in La Habra, Buena Park, Placentia, Orange and Tustin. AFCU has over $656 million in assets and serves more than 75,000 members. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Orange County or 16 additional cities throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. To determine credit union eligibility, visit www.amerfirst.org or call 800/ 290-1112.

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