Financial News

Connect for the Cause

April 3, 2025

Dear Esteemed Thinkwise Members,

It’s time for us to unite and defend the heart of our credit union community! Since 1937, federal credit unions have enjoyed tax-exempt status, a benefit that was earned through the positive impact we’ve had on our members and communities. Over the years, there have been periodic discussions about taxing credit unions, but thanks to the social good we deliver, we’ve maintained our tax-exempt status. However, today, the conversation has shifted from possibility to reality. The government is seeking new sources of revenue, and taxing credit unions is no longer just an idea—it’s a serious threat.

 WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

We must send a powerful, collective message to Congress: Do not tax our credit unions! The California Credit Union League has made it incredibly easy for us to take action. They’ve created the Connect for the Cause website, where you simply enter your name and home address. The site will automatically identify your Congressional Representatives, generate a personalized message, and send it on your behalf. Your information is not stored, and you’ll only receive updates if you choose to.

 A tax on credit unions isn’t just a tax on us—it’s a tax on our members. It would force us to shift from a not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to serving our community into a for-profit entity. This means we would have to make tough decisions, limiting services, raising costs, and possibly leaving some of our members behind.

We can’t let this happen. Please, take a moment to send a message through Connect for the Cause using the button below. Just as we’ve built a great credit union together, we can use our collective voices to ensure our continued ability to serve and enrich the lives of our members, our families, and our communities.

Thank you for standing with us!

Sincerely,

Heri Garcia - President/CEO

A Message for Our Members Regarding Zelle

Recently, Zelle notified users that their public app will cease to function on March 31, 2025. In the past, Thinkwise members have been able to use the Zelle app with a weekly transaction limit of $500.

To continue providing the best service to our members, we’re excited to announce that we are in the process of integrating Zelle directly into Thinkwise. Once implemented, members will be able to access Zelle through both our mobile app and home banking site.

While we do not yet have a specific launch date, we will keep you updated on the progress and notify you as soon as Zelle is available for use.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to bring this convenient service to you!

- Heri Garcia, President and CEO