Headlines, snapshots and misc. stories of interest
Here are recent stories of interest from around the web.
Click on the hotlinked headlines to read more.
Credit cards linked to Fidelity, Schwab accounts
Fidelity and Schwab recently introduced new credit cards on their respective public sites. Instead of offering clients points for merchandise or cash back, the cards each give clients with 2% back on all spending – money which is then deposited directly into an investment account at the firm. The Fidelity card carries a 16.99% fixed APR while Schwab instead offers their card with a variable APR of Prime + 9.99%
Chase dumps WaMu’s branch model
WaMu’s Occasio branches popularized teller pods, adding a level of side-by-side intimacy to what is otherwise a pure, high-efficiency transaction center. This model doesn’t suit Chase, who just took WaMu over. JPMorgan Chase plans to offer more small business, mortgage and private-banking services, which doesn’t jive with the lack of private spaces in WaMu’s Occasio branches. Chase’s more traditional layout offers more privacy for bankers to meet with customers than Occasio’s more open floor plan. To make everything consistent — both from a brand and an operations perspective — WaMu Occasio branches will convert to Chase’s traditional branch layout.
Credit union uses Harley the Chihuahua as spokesdog
The spokesperson for Beacon FCU in Texas is no person at all. It is Harley, a motorcycle-riding Chihuahua. The spokesdog, who belongs to one of the credit union’s branch managers, has appeared in several newspapers and magazines including the Houston Chronicle.. At an annual member-appreciation event, the hot attraction was Harley’s photo booth, where she was in full Beacon gear with a Beacon t-shirt, pink riding helmet and riding goggles. “Harley gets excited as soon as she hears the roar of a hog,” Harley’s handler said.
Nothing smelly about this credit union
EPB Employees Credit Union recently ran an ad that read, “Absolutely no credit crunch here! We have plenty of money to lend! No ‘bailout’ needed. We’re stronger than 40 acres of garlic!” That’s good stuff.
Investment bank willing to pay over $250 for new logo
A small investment bank’s classified ad at GetAFreelancer.com called for something “professional, stylish and nothing outlandish.” The average bid from designers responding to the ad was $334, even though the bank said it was willing to pay a $250-$750 for its new identity. You have to wonder how strategic a process this is. What kind of criteria do the designers work from?
Remedial lessons on deterring robberies
Put up a sign that says “No hats. No sunglasses. No hoods.” That was one of the the suggestions offered by a risk manager in a CUNA article. He also suggested making would-be robbers wait in line. That, of course, means you’ve got to make everyone wait in line. Another suggestion: Make sure security cameras capture all the angles.
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