Did all that holiday gift buying drive up your credit card debt?

Relief is in sight.

From February 1 to April 15, the credit union is offering a low 6.99% annual percentage rate for members who transfer their higher interest balances to a 1st Cooperative Visa Platinum credit card.

"We know from experience that the 6.99% rate will ease the burden on a lot of people," said Ashley Beach-Reid, the credit union's chief operating officer. "Anyone who is eligible to join the credit union can transfer balances to a new or their existing 1st Cooperative Visa Platinum."

The special rate isn't offered every year, but dozens of people—new and existing members—take advantage of the offer when it's advertised.

“The savings can be huge, especially if someone is paying the 18% to 29% charged by some other cards,” Beach-Reid said. “We try to make the transfers easy by removing fees on the transfers and giving members the special rate for the life of the transferred balance—until it’s paid off.”

The balance transfer special will be offered between February 1 and April 15, 2022. Members who already have a 1st Cooperative Visa Platinum card can make transfers now. Members can learn how to apply for one here or by calling 803-796-0234.

Credit union membership is open to electric cooperative employees, trustees, and their families, which include spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws.

Joey Brown can't wait to go camping with his family, and thanks to the help of 1st Cooperative, the wait's over.

"I was able to call John Middleton (1st Co-op's loan officer) on a Thursday and give him all the info. on the camper and the amount I needed for the loan," said Joey, a lineman at Aiken Electric Cooperative.

"I later just e-signed some documents, and I picked up the check from John the next day! Maybe all loan places are like this, but I wouldn't know because the only place I plan to do business is at 1st Cooperative."

Are you ready to roll like Joey and his family? Whether it's a new camper, a boat, or truck, 1st Cooperative can help make your dreams a reality. Give John a call today at 803-796-0234.

Want to make a lasting new year's resolution? Start saving in your 1st Cooperative savings account today.

If you could put just $20 per week into that account, you'd have over $1,000 at the end of 2022. Add the interest you'd earn over the year, and you'll have even more money.

To check out the many saving options available—including youth saver accounts and saving certificates, visit 1stCooperative.com/saving.

Get ready, because the 1st Cooperative Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 22. With the effects of the coronavirus still expected to restrict in-person gatherings, we are still evaluating the safest way to connect with you. The final location (in person or online) will be posted on our website and emailed to everyone who registers by the deadline.

Any credit union member is eligible to attend, but you must register in advance. To register, visit 1stCooperative.com/register. The deadline is March 7, 2022. Everyone who registers, and attends the virtual meeting is eligible for cash prizes.

The following credit union board officers are up for election:

To qualify to serve on the board, the candidate must be a member of 1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union. If someone you know would be a great fit to serve on the board, please provide their name, phone number, email and the reason you are nominating them. You can

deliver this information to the nominating committee by visiting 1stCooperative.com/nominate or by sending your nomination in writing to:

Nominating Committee

c/o 1st Cooperative FCU

808 Knox Abbott Drive

Cayce, SC 29033