Newsworthy accomplishments

“BancVue, a provider of innovative products, dynamic marketing and data-driven consulting solutions to community financial institutions nationwide, has announced its Kasasa network of community banks and credit unions is now waging war on the megabanks in 40 states.”

“America's community financial institutions are crucial to job creation and small-business lending. In fact, community banks and credit unions that own just 21 percent of assets lend out 58 percent of those assets, while the megabanks that hold 79 percent of assets lend just 42 percent of those assets, according to a 2012 study by the Independent Community Bankers of America.”

“Kasasa offers an exciting line of products that help us keep our services fresh and interesting,” says Damon Ellsworth, Emprise Bank's VP Payments Manager. “Being able to reward customers for the transactions they already make just makes sense. It's great for them, and it's great for us.”

“Just when it looked like earning high rates on checking was impossible, Kasasa^®, a resource for the best free rewards checking accounts offered by community banks and credit unions nationwide, has identified 30 banking providers that will offer consumers earnings between 3.00% and 4.01% annual percentage yield (APY) on their checking account balances.”

“Kasasa, an umbrella group for 148 community banks and credit unions in 39 states, touts its high rates on interest-bearing checking accounts. It calculates the high rates offered by 30 of its member banks would add about $100 in interest in a year to an account of $2,000.”

“The Kasasa checking account (pronounced kah-sah-suh) offered by nearly 150 community banks and credit unions across the country is for real. Right now, 29 of these institutions are paying 3 to 4 percent APY to those who qualify.”

“Kasasa, of Austin, Texas, specializes in finding free checking accounts and has a few thoughts on how consumers can find the "perfect" one, which boils down to five key items.”

“In the last few years, many of the largest banks in the country have raised fees substantially, and consumers have taken notice. Kasasa, a new franchising effort by banking industry services firm BancVue, aims to reverse that trend by giving small banks and credit unions the tools to rival the biggest players in the industry.”

“With bank fees on the rise, more and more Americans are considering switching banks. If you're searching for a new checking account, Kasasa.com recently released a list of what to look for in an account.”

“Unlike the megas who use their scale to consolidate money and power, we use Kasasa's scale to liberate it. Each account holder is not just a depositor; they are a little nugget of power. Power not aggregated in one place, but instead held by community FIs who use that power to make the communities they love a better place to live.”

“Kasasa employees and its banks participants rallied together to pump $20 of gas into the first 200 consumers’ vehicles in 20 different cities – some volunteers even sported red capes. ”

“If the big bank debacles of the past few years haven’t already convinced you that community banks are a good banking alternative, then perhaps this bit of news will. Kasasa community banks and credit unions are sponsoring a two-day, $80,000 gas giveaway.”

“While credit unions and big banks take turns revving up and scaling back on consumer fees, a crop of community banks is giving people what they really need — a break at the tank.”

“Next to offering an open bar night, free gas may be the next best way to soften up potential new customers. That is the strategy community banks and credit unions are using this week to attract new customers, with the promise they will also help you switch from your big corporate bank.”

“Forget 'free' checking. Scores of small banks nationwide will offer free gas next week to consumers with no strings attached.”

Kasasa, a national brand of free checking and savings accounts that pay consumers to bank, reached a milestone this month having paid out more than $55 million to over 306,000 community FI account holders around the nation.

“Gone are the days when all consumers got for their deposits were high fees and lousy customer service,” says Krajicek. “With Kasasa, consumers are finally getting the kind of great banking experience they deserve.”

On Aug. 15 and 16, partner financial institutions will be at area gas stations, giving drivers free tanks of gas to illustrate how Kasasa accounts reward their depositors. “The goal is to do something big and unique that will draw national attention and get more people asking what Kasasa is,” Krajecik said.

“BancVue is taking perks typically only affordable to large institutions--like high interest savings accounts, ATM-free reimbursements, online banking and proprietary credit cards--but instead of delivering them directly to customers they offer them though small community banks and credit unions.”

BancVue, the parent company of Kasasa, branded checking account services meant to help both credit unions and community banks better compete against large national banks, said it will roll out its brand to consumers nationwide.

Over 350 community bank and credit union executives from across the country gathered for Bancvue’s first “Kasasa Family Reunion” to strategize around how to take back market share from the megabanks.

“Kasasa offers one of the best checking and savings account packages in the nation. Almost every Cash checking account earns at least 1.00% APY, if not double or triple that amount, and gives you free nationwide ATM refunds.”

“Hundreds of small community banks have joined forces to offer these kinds of high-yield checking accounts under the national brand name Kasasa to their customers.”

“Kasasa Tunes ‘is a great way to target Gen. Y members,’ said Laura Harding, vice president of marketing at Aspire Federal Credit Union, which has a branch in Leesburg. ‘Everybody has an i-thing these days: iPods, iPads, iPhones.’”

“More than 100 community banks have joined forces under the Kasasa name to take on the megabanks.”

“Kasasa combines the virtues of community banking with cutting-edge retail banking technology.”

“...Kasasa is definitely out of the gates and gaining traction. Having just finished my review of the most important trends of 2011, I have a feeling Kasasa could make this list in 2012 or 2013.”

“‘I liked playing the game because it had a lot of challenges and each level was different. It's cool to be the first Guru.’ - Elyjah Collins”

“Kasasa has since changed the way local banks and credit unions compete with bigger institutions.”

“BancVue offers a tool that lets you find community banks and credit unions offering high-interest-rate checking accounts”

“Based on data provided by BancVue, Aite concluded that high-yield checking accounts help financial institutions acquire more accounts and generate more interchange revenue.”

“In a joint partnership, BancVue will now offer PayPal's new peer-to-peer payment capability to its network of nearly 1300 community banks.”

“BancVue's checking accounts, which it encourages bank and credit union customers to call ‘Kasasa,’ can offer high interest or rewards, depending on which platforms the partner institution wants to adopt.”

“Choice Checking comes with a base monthly fee that account holders can reduce or eliminate by taking actions that BancVue said may be ultimately good for community banks and credit unions. Whether a member pays all, part or none of the fee, the institution wins.”

“MoneyIsland is a virtual experience, but the kids earn real-life rewards too, such as a savings deposit, a gift card, or a classroom pizza party.”

“Look for a financial institution that accepts a low minimum deposit, waives fees for children's accounts and is generally kid-friendly. You might consider one that offers an online game for kids like MoneyIsland. It targets kids 8 to 14 years and gives them basic financial facts in a fun way.”

“BancVue's Don Shafer and Gabriel Krajicek awarded 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year from a pool of 14 finalists revealed last month.”

“BancVue, which aims to help small community banks and credit unions compete with megabanks and gain market share, is launching a new financial education game for kids called MoneyIsland.”

“Consider moving to a bank or credit union that offers high-interest checking. These accounts have some simple qualifications, but they pay a relatively high interest on a good portion of your balance. The high-yield checking account at Aspire Federal Credit in Northport, N.Y., for example, pays 3.51 percent on balances up to $10,000 and 1.01 percent on amounts above that. To find these kinds of high-interest checking offers go to www.checkingfinder.com”

“The MoneyIsland curriculum has already been successfully piloted by public schools in Iowa and Texas. There are lesson plans for every level of the learning experience, along with ongoing educational resources for teachers and parents.”

“On average, its rewards-checking partners increase new-account openings by 30%--meaning that business is booming for the banks and for BancVue, whose revenues doubled last year to $80 million. Although it's still a ways from toppling Big Money, BancVue's 1,300-plus clients, if rolled up into one firm, would tout the nation's largest banking network.”

“BancVue has partnered with Wolters Kluwer Financial Services to offer what the companies say is a first-of-its-kind compliance warranty for online account opening. The warranted compliance content is being delivered electronically through BancVue’s INMO account opening solution, now in use at more than 400 financial institutions, including more than 100 credit unions.”

“Farmers Citizens has emerged from the maze of banking options with help from BancVue, an Austin-based startup that arms indie financials with better-than-the-big-guys perks...Before partnering with BancVue, his [CEO Coleman Clougherty] five-branch operation had an aging client base and minimal web presence. Almost two years later, Farmers Citizens is attracting a record number of young adults (thanks, iTunes checking rewards); opening one-fourth of its new accounts online; and touting two new Columbus branches, which have increased its assets by 33%.”

“Free high-interest checking accounts paying up to 4.25% are available at 750 community banks and credit unions”

“Kasasa and Checking Finder offer lists of banks offering high interest checking accounts.”

“BancVue CEO Gabriel Krajicek said that this partnership will go a long way toward supporting our mission”

“There are now 100's of reward checking accounts available throughout the nation”

“the purchase brings BancVue's total bank relationships to 1,400”

“Many community banks and credit unions offer free, high-interest rewards checking accounts.”

“To find a bank near you with a reward checking account conduct a search on a site such as CheckingFinder.com.”

“It's very rare to find a savings account with a yield this high on balances this high.”

“23rd in the Inc. 500 Awards”

“Free high-interest checking accounts paying up to 4.25% are available at 750 community banks and credit unions”

“BancVue Interactive's account opening system... will now include Yodlee's verification tools”

“It suddenly gives a smaller community bank the competitive capability of a much larger brand”

“Looks Like a Bank, But Isn't, Quite”

“Find banks offering those accounts at CheckingFinder.com. ”

“CheckingFinder.com, where consumers can search for free checking accounts that reward consumers for going high-tech.”

“Consider a rewards account if it fits your lifestyle.”

“Consumer Reports said you can find a list of banks…. at two websites: kasasa.com and checkingfinder.com”

“reduce funding risk to the financial institution and enhance decision making during account opening”

“CheckingFinder.com, where consumers can search for free checking accounts that reward consumers for going high-tech”

“take advantage of an account and pocket that higher rate of interest”

“They [BancVue] have taken marginal players--smaller banks from communities around the US--and given them a platform for greater customer involvement and profitability.”

“BancVue will offer the feature for free, which will allow its clients to better offer quickly executed online account opening”

“Some yield-starved savers have turned to rewards checking accounts at smaller banks and credit unions”

“With Ultimate Rewards Checking, we can offer members a cutting-edge account that rewards them for their commitment”

“I believe our employees are the best in our industry”

“helping the company grow from a startup to No. 23 on the Inc. 500”

“a community bank via CheckingFinder may be a good middle ground”

“Managing editor of Kiplinger Robert Long explains why he prefers smaller local banks”

“start looking nationally using websites like www.checkingfinder.com”

“boost the earnings on your cash even more by putting it into a high-yielding checking account”

“Rewards checking accounts offer high yields for customers”

“match yourself up with the right checking account.”

“use BancVue's search engine to find free accounts”

“"rewards checking" can supercharge returns on their cash.”

“Switch Banks? You Might Find There's a Perk in It For You”

“rewards checking accounts projected to become a more popular option for deposits in coming years”

“The best overall deals may come from smaller banks”

“Go to checkingfinder.com to find free checking accounts at community banks or credit unions”

“It's an easy way to earn extra cash, just by choosing the right account.”

“banks spend anywhere between $1.50 and $3.50 per customer on printing and mailing monthly statements”

“This new union celebrates the reality that we're now one extraordinary force”

“So take a look at CheckingFinder, pick a good local bank, and then stay there”

“Go to www.checkingfinder.com to find institutions offering those deals.”

“How some banks keep their web experience fresh and flexible”

“in this economy every extra dollar helps.”

“it's at the community banks and credit unions where the checking rewards programs really shine.”

“the company's first acquisition”

“Kasasa is letting them [consumers] know they can have the best of both worlds and they don't have to sacrifice”

“find a competitive, but safe, return on your investment”

“BancVue has already helped over 500 smaller banks and credit unions set up free rewards checking accounts”

“the number of reward checking account holders has approximately doubled in the last 18 months”

“CheckingFinder compares perks between community banking institutions to find the best one for you.”

“If you’re looking for alternatives to the bigger banks, CheckingFinder.com is a good place to start your search.”

“Go to checkingfinder.com to locate the best deals nearest you.”

“Check out a high-interest checking account at checkingfinder.com”