News & Events

BCU Receives $15,000 Grant from the FHLBC's Targeted Impact Fund

In light of economic challenges, BCU continues to find ways to provide COVID-related financial-relief to our community business members most impacted in 2020.

BCU announced the election of William (Bill) F. Costa to its board of directors.

BCU announced the election of William (Bill) F. Costa to its board of directors.

BCU Update from Mike Valentine, President & CEO

2020 has presented all of us with challenges beyond our imagination. At no point in this year has the message “we’re in this together” felt more meaningful than it does right now. 

BCU Awards Over $75,000 In Scholarships To College Bound High School Seniors

BCU Awards Over $75,000 In Scholarships To College Bound High School Seniors.  In these challenging times, BCU proved its commitment to celebrating graduating high school seniors is stronger than ever, providing 30 scholarships in the total of $78,500 – the Credit Union’s biggest return yet.

Thomas Hodson Retires From BCU Board of Directors After Four Decades of Service

Thomas Hodson Retires From BCU Board of Directors After Four Decades of Service

BCU Delivers Successful Intern Program During Global Pandemic

BCU Delivers Successful Intern Program During Global Pandemic 

BCU Named #1 Credit Union in Illinois and #5 in Minnesota by Forbes

For the second consecutive year, BCU has been named to the annual Forbes list of Best-In-State Credit Unions, ranking #1 in Illinois and #5 in Minnesota for 2020.

Stronger Together

GFCU Member Vote Passes to Merge with BCU.

BCU Rises To Challenge

Committing Over $9.5 Million of Relief in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BCU Member Wins Once-in-a-Lifetime Shopping Spree in Credit Union Magic Minute™

A lucky BCU member enjoyed a “grab-all-you-can-in-60-seconds” shopping cart dash through a warehouse filled with free, high-end merchandise as part of the Credit Union Magic Minute™.

TRENDING TOPIC: Is a Side Hustle Worth It?

Real BCU Employees. Real Life Advice.

BCU Selected as Future Branches Innovator Finalist for Outstanding Branch Design

Worldwide Business Research (WBR), the world’s leading producer of B2B focused marketing events, has honored BCU with an inaugural Future Branches Innovator Award for Outstanding Branch Design at the annual conference in Austin, TX.

Merger Planned for GEICO Federal Credit Union (GFCU) and Baxter Credit Union (BCU)

Nationwide credit unions, GEICO Federal Credit Union (GFCU), a $138 million credit union headquartered in Chevy Chase, MD, and Baxter Credit Union (BCU), a $3.8 billion credit union headquartered in Vernon Hills, IL, have announced their intent to merge, pending regulatory and member approvals. If approved, the combined credit union would serve more than 285,000 members across the US and Puerto Rico. The merger makes BCU the 55th largest credit union in the US.

Jim Block Appointed BCU Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Previously serving as senior vice president and chief lending officer, Block’s expertise in operational excellence has been a driving force in providing extraordinary service to Credit Union members.

BCU Receives CUNA Council Award for Excellence in Operations and Member Experience

The award was presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Operations and Member Experience Council at the Council’s 22nd annual conference in Chicago, IL.

Al Nietzel, Corporate Executive, Elected to BCU Board of Directors

Al is a welcome addition to the board, bringing with him over three decades of extensive domestic and international experience across multiple industries.

BCU Awards $35,000 in Scholarships to College Bound High School Seniors

In alignment with its promise to empower financial freedom, BCU has awarded 21 scholarships to its brightest college-bound high school seniors.

Filene's Newest Centers of Excellence Address the Evolving Needs of Consumers and Credit Unions

Credit unions, now more than ever, have the power to significantly improve their members financial well-being.

BCU Helps Fund a Bright Future

BCU, in partnership with Student Choice, has awarded a special $1,000 scholarship to local Vernon Hills high school student, Nicolas Beaumont, for his Innovation Fair entry.

Lisa Baron Appointed BCU Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources

Previously serving as senior vice president of human resources and talent management, Baron’s stellar experience is a driving force in providing extraordinary service to Credit Union members.

BCU Grows Puerto Rico Operations with New Bianca Facility

Located on the west end of the island, the new Bianca facility is part of the Credit Union’s larger strategy to expand back-office support in Puerto Rico.

Betty Larson Joins BCU Board of Directors

Larson first learned about the value BCU offers the employees and families of great companies in 2001 when she was a human resources director with Baxter International.

BCU Earns Silver MAC Award for Financial 5K Giveaway Campaign

The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) has honored BCU with a silver award in recognition of its innovative financial education efforts in the Business Development category at the annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Computerworld Names BCU to 2019 List of Best Places to Work in IT

IDG’s Computerworld has announced BCU as the number 10 small-size organization on its list of 2019 Best Places to Work in IT.

The Best Banks And Credit Unions In Every State 2019

BCU has been named to the Forbes® Best-In-State Credit Unions.

BCU Earns CUNA Excellence Award for Culture of Belonging

The CUNA HR and Organizational Development Council recognized BCU for its Excellence in Employee Engagement at its 25th annual conference in Anaheim, California.

BCU Scholarship Recipient Finds Passion Through Camp Kesem

“Here Today For Your Tomorrow” - a promise made by the Credit Union and echoed in a partnership with Camp Kesem.

Margot Feldman Kaplan Retired BCU Chair Paves Way to a Bright Financial Future

BCU announced the retirement of esteemed board member Margot Feldman Kaplan at the Credit Union’s annual board meeting on March 20, 2019.

BCU Employee Volunteers Give Back

158 boxes containing 34,128 meals will feed 93 children for a year – thanks to the efforts of BCU employee volunteers.

BCU Named Top 100 Workplace for Sixth Year by Chicago Tribune

The Top 100 Workplaces recognizes the most dynamic and innovative organizations to work for in the Chicago area, as determined by its employees.

PowerPlus Checking Rewards Members with Enhanced Benefits

More Power. More Plus!

Jose Cajigas Honored as a 2018 Credit Union Rock Star

Jose Cajigas, General Manager and Vice President of Puerto Rico Operations at BCU has been recognized by CUNA’s Credit Union Magazine as one of its 2018 Credit Union Rock Stars.

BCU Recognized as Industry Leader with CUNA Excellence in Technology Award

The CUNA Technology Council honored BCU’s Operations team with the Excellence in Technology Award, Best of Show, at the annual conference in San Francisco, California.

BCU Awards 22 Scholarships to College-Bound High School Seniors

As part of its ongoing commitment to serving members, BCU has granted 22 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who demonstrate the core values of the Credit Union.

BCU Welcomes New Board Members with Combined Four Decades of Experience

Together, Christine Fleming of Baxter International and Brett Craig of Target hold almost four decades of industry experience.

Chuck Thurman Retires from BCU Board of Directors After 27 Years

BCU announced the retirement of Charles (Chuck) Thurman, whose service on its board of directors spanned more than two decades.

Refreshed and Refined

BCU delights members with re-imagined brand.

Three Months after Maria, Spirit of BCU Employees in Puerto Rico Continues to Inspire

In the face of the most devastating natural disaster in the Credit Union’s 36 year history, an inspirational story of the human spirit would emerge on the shoulders of an incredible employee culture.

BCU Members speed down the aisles just in time for the holidays in Credit Union Magic Minute™

A lucky BCU member enjoyed a “grab-all-you-can-in-60-seconds” shopping cart dash through a warehouse filled with free, high-end merchandise as part of the Credit Union Magic Minute™.

BCU Members Surpass $2 million in HomeAdvantage™ Savings

A year after hitting the $1 million mark in six years of partnership, BCU announced that it has now doubled that amount, generating more than $2 million in mortgage Cash Rewards for members through the HomeAdvantage program.

Disaster Recovery in Puerto Rico: Establishing Contact and Sending Aid

BCU works to provide cash and information for its 37 employees and 30,000 members in Puerto Rico as the island faces down a crisis after Hurricane Maria.

BCU President and CEO Mike Valentine Inducted to CUES® Hall of Fame

Valentine was honored during the awards ceremony at the CUES CEO/Executive Team Network event in Las Vegas on October 10.

BCU Launches New Digital Banking Platform

Transforming the Digital Banking experience for the Credit Union’s more than 200,000 members.

News regarding the Equifax Data Compromise

It has been reported that national credit reporting agency Equifax recently experienced a significant compromise of consumers’ personal data. 

We Stand Ready to Support You

Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected by the devastation in the Houston area. Your Credit Union is here for you.

Your Credit Union is Here for You

As Hurricane Irma approaches, we hold you and your community close in our hearts

Computerworld Names BCU to 2017 List of 100 Best Places to Work in IT

IDG’s Computerworld announces BCU as a 2017 Best Places to Work in IT, one of 100 top organizations that challenge their IT staffs while providing great benefits and compensation.

Departing BCU Board Members Leave Legacy of Progress, Innovation

BCU announced two members of its board of directors have concluded their service in 2017. Stepping down are board members Michael J. Baughman and Ron K. Labrum.

New BCU Board Members Bring Strong, Diverse Credentials

BCU announced the two newest members of its board of directors will begin their volunteer service to the Credit Union membership in 2017. Bob Hombach and David Strauss were elected at BCU’s annual meeting on February 28.

BCU joins elite Million Dollar Club with CU Realty Services’ HomeAdvantage program

BCU Hits Milestone; Saves Members $1.3 Million.

BCU Named Top 100 Workplace for Fifth Consecutive Year by Chicago Tribune

A Better Way To Bank. A Top Place to Work.

BCU honored with MMRF Spirit of Hope Award

The Campbell Family and BCU have been named as 2016 MMRF Spirit of Hope Award recipients, the highest honor presented by the Foundation.

BCU Members Surpass $1 Million in HomeAdvantage™ Savings

BCU Partners with Alkami Technology to Develop Re-Imagined Digital Banking Experience

Departing BCU Board Members Leave Legacy of Growth, Innovation

BCU announced three members of its board of directors will conclude their service in 2016. Stepping aside will be board members Robert Benziger, Thomas Abate and David Drohan. Their advocacy on behalf of Credit Union members spanned a combined 60 years.

New BCU Board Members Bring Strong, Varied Backgrounds

BCU announced the four newest members of its board of directors will begin their volunteer service to the Credit Union membership in 2016. Yu-Ping Kao, Paul Martin, Christine McCauley and Ola Snow were elected at BCU’s annual meeting on March 10.

BCU Named Top 100 Workplace for Fourth Consecutive Year by Chicago Tribune

A Better way To Bank. A Top Place to Work.

Recruitment Open House

Can you think on your feet? Do you get excited about technology? Are you willing to go above and beyond? Do you consider yourself a self-starter?

Spirit of Hope

BCU Celebrates 10 Years of Running for Multiple Myeloma Research

Richard Chambers Recognized with CFS Gold Pacesetter Award

CUSO Financial Services (CFS) Annual Conference in San Diego.

Make Your House the Perfect Home

BCU’S Home Improvement Campaign Gets a Big Thumbs Up from Members on Social Media.

BCU Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of HomeAdvantage™

BCU marks five years of its HomeAdvantage program in 2015. During that time, the Credit Union has helped 545 families save over $730,000 in real estate transaction fees.

200,000 Members Strong: BCU Celebrates Major Milestone

BCU had hundreds of thousands of reasons to celebrate today as the Credit Union announced its membership has surpassed the 200,000 milestone. The announcement comes less than a year after the Credit Union reached $2 billion in total assets.

BCU Employees Raise over $7,100 in Support of March of Dimes

BCU ($2.1 billion) Pennies for Preemies team has successfully raised more than $7,100 as part of the Credit Union's 2015 fundraising efforts in support of the March of Dimes "Save the Babies" campaign.

BCU is Giving Away Up to 20 Scholarships to College Bound High School Seniors

As part of an ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities for the members we serve, BCU ($2.1 billion) is partnering with Scholarship America to provide up to 20 scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each to college bound high school seniors.

BCU Expands Mobile Payment With Introduction of Apple Pay®

BCU ($2.1 billion) has announced its formal introduction of Apple Pay, offering BCU cardholders an easy and secure way to pay with their mobile device at contactless merchants in stores and directly within participating apps.

New Updates to Protect your Account Security

Recently the media has been reporting the discovery of a new global online security vulnerability, nicknamed “POODLE”. This vulnerability has been identified to affect web browsers using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) 3.0, and has the potential to compromise computers using outdated browsers, such as Internet Explorer versions 9 and lower.

BCU Named Top 20 Workplace by Chicago Tribune

BCU has been selected as one of the Chicago Tribune Top 100 Workplaces for 2014, moving up 5 places to become the #20 mid-size company in the Chicago area. This marks the third consecutive year the organization has been recognized as a top Chicagoland employer.

Mayor Attends BCU Gurnee Grand Opening

Gurnee Mayor, Kristina Kovarik, joined the BCU team at the official grand opening of the Gurnee Service Center this morning. Mayor Kovarik says she is thrilled to welcome the new community access branch to the area, pledging the support of the local community and local businesses.

A Decade of Excellence: BCU Named to Companies That Care Honor Roll for 10th Consecutive Year

BCU has been named to the 2014 Companies That Care (CTC) Honor Roll, it was announced today, marking the tenth consecutive year that the Credit Union is recognized by the CTC for its outstanding workplace practices and active community involvement.

BCU opens new community access Service Center in Gurnee, Illinois

The highly anticipated Gurnee Service Center opened its doors this week to a warm welcome from the local community. Of the more than 40,000 members in the Chicago market, the new full-service, community access Service Center location will help provide more convenient access to Credit Union services for BCU members across several Northern Illinois and Wisconsin communities.

BCU CEO Mike Valentine Featured in Profile Magazine

Mike Valentine, BCU’s CEO, is featured in the April/May/June 2014 issue of Profile Magazine. In the article, “Be Who You Are,” Mike shares his management philosophy and the importance of being true to yourself, in business and in life.

BCU Donates $25,000 to the Sage YMCA Vision

Presenting the first of two donations, BCU is providing $25,000 in financial support to the Sage YMCA (Crystal Lake, IL) renovation and expansion project in 2014 – but what the Credit Union is giving back to the local community is far greater.

BCU Closely Monitoring Target's Card Data Breach

In a recent retail data security breach, Target® confirmed that their payment system database was compromised resulting in unauthorized access to payment card data that may have impacted certain customers making credit and debit card purchases in its U.S. stores. Approximately 40 million credit and debit card accounts may have been impacted between November 27 and December 15, 2013.

BCU Announces TV and Radio Personality, Lou Manfredini, as New Spokesman

BCU has announced local television/radio personality and nationally recognized DIY home improvement expert, Lou Manfredini , will assume the role of spokesperson for the Credit Union.

Employee Approved: BCU named Top 100 Workplace for Second Consecutive Year by Chicago Tribune

BCU has been selected as one of The Chicago Tribune Top 100 Workplaces 2013. Ranked among the top 25 companies named to the list, today’s announcement marks the second consecutive year the organization has been recognized as a top Chicagoland employer. The Top Workplaces are determined solely on employee feedback through a survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement.

BCU Announces Successful Mid-Summer Fundraisers for the Creation of a Classroom Library for local North Chicago School

Baxter Credit Union (BCU) raises nearly $4,000 from its annual “Jeans in June” and 50/50 raffle fundraisers. Each year, BCU donates the proceeds of the two fundraisers to create a classroom library for a school in one of the communities that it serves.

BCU Announces Successful "Jeans in June" Fundraiser to Create a Classroom Library for Local North Chicago School

Baxter Credit Union (BCU) successfully raised $2,245 as part of its 2013 “Jeans in June” fundraiser to create a classroom library for a selected school from one of the communities that BCU serves. 

BCU Supports Initiatives of Ecofriendly Charitites

BCU donates to two top rated environmental charities, the Wildlife Conservation Network and Ecotrust, as a result of a recent BCU Earth Day Promotion to reduce paper statements and bills

BCU Marketing Named Double MAC Winners

Baxter Credit Union (BCU) was honored with two MAC awards at the annual Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) conference in Las Vegas, NV. This year’s conference received 338 award entries in 18 different categories.

BCU Named to the Companies That Care 2013 List

BCU has been named to the Center for Companies That Care (CTC) Honor Roll for the ninth consecutive year.

BCU #1 in Mortgage Originations in Illinois, Top 20 in US for 2012

BCU took the top spot in Illinois and ranked #19 in the nation for first mortgage loan origination among credit unions for 2012, it was confirmed yesterday.

BCU named Top 100 Workplaces by Chicago Tribune

BCU and TD Ameritrade Team up to Provide Self Directed Online Investing

BCU has teamed up with TD Ameritrade® to provide self-directed online investing services at special preferred rates to members who feel comfortable with, and want to make their own investment decisions. This serves to provide members who are self-directed with a premium in trading with stock and options trading commissions at only $8.00—a 20 percent discount from the retail trading rate

Why We Walk: BCU's Team Pennies for Preemies raises more than $10,000

BCU’s Team Pennies for Preemies successfully raised over $10,000 walking for the March of Dimes “Save the Babies” campaign. Along with family and friends, BCU employees joined hundreds of other March of Dimes supporters to walk the 5k route as part of the Lake County March for Babies on Sunday, April 29th. The event marks BCU’s continued support of the March of Dimes Foundation.