Bi-Mart Corporation grew out of a credit union in Yakima, Washington. The founders of Bi-Mart formed their own credit union in 1969 as a benefit for Bi-Mart employees. The Corporation sponsors the Credit Union, but it is a separate business, owned by the members. Having a savings account in the Credit Union makes you a member-owner.
Bi-Mart Federal Credit Union has grown to $6,000,000 in assets and 2500 members. Credit Union savings are invested in loans to fellow members for automobiles, boats, RVs, and more. Unsecured loans are available to pay bills, help with moving, taxes, you name it. The Credit Union also offers Individual Retirement Accounts, CDs, web based services, direct deposit, and two types of checking accounts.
Service is geared to members scattered across the Northwest. Members in the Eugene area can do business by coming to the office. Members outside of Eugene can use the toll free number, (800)716 2628, or contact us by email. Checks and paperwork can be shipped with company mail on Bi-Mart trucks to your store or by US Mail. The Credit Union has three employees to serve you: Chad Olney, Manager, Paula Erickson, Member Service Representative, and Joan Abbott, Loan Officer.
To make service available away from the Eugene office, each Bi-Mart store has one or two employees who volunteer as Credit Union Store Representatives. Store Reps have application forms for membership, loans, IRAs, and checking accounts. If you get a loan and are located away from the office, your paperwork and check is usually sent to a Store Rep who will close the loan with you.
How do you join and become a member? Obtain a membership application from the Credit Union office or a Store Rep at your nearest Bi-Mart Store. Fill out the membership application to open a savings account. You must have at least $25 in a savings account to be a member and be eligible for a loan or a checking account. You can mail a check or, if you are a Bi-Mart employee, you can authorize payroll deduction to start your account.
If you would like someone else to be a joint owner of your savings, you and your joint owner need to sign the Joint Share Agreement on the back side of the membership application card. Also we need photocopies of identification of joint owners to comply with Federal law.
Once you become a member, your immediate family can also open accounts and become members. Non-employees need to supply photocopies of identification, such as a drivers license and social security card.
Should you leave Bi-Mart you can keep your membership. There is no fee to join, but there is a $5 fee to close.
Bi-Mart Federal Credit Union is committed to offering above-market rates on savings and below-market rates on loans. Every member who qualifies for a loan receives the same rate. (Many competitors offer rates based on credit scores, which means you can pay much higher rates than advertised.)
