October 10, 2022
Implementing a Paper Statement Fee
Many credit unions are struggling to find ways to cut operating costs and increase income. Two Sharetec credit unions are using a strategy that other financial institutions have implemented to increase their penetration of eStatements, and increase income as well.
Two Credit Unions Implement Paper Statement Fee
Brian Blaszak, President of Synergy Partners Credit Union remarks, “Advertising our $2.00 per statement fee in our quarterly newsletter and other member documents to get members to sign up for eStatements has been very successful. This has brought us a decent amount of monthly savings from not spending on postage and paper, as well as the additional earned income. Roughly a $25,000 increase in income this year.”
Thom Ewen, President of Illinois State Credit Union also has great success with charging members a small $2.00 fee per statement when sending through the mail. “Not only has our postage and paper printing expenses dropped drastically, but we are earning over $2,000 per month in additional income. We do give exceptions for hardships, mostly when members complain adamantly, as well as excluding seniors.”
“It is very common to receive electronic statements and bills. These credit unions are creating the paper statement fee in order to change behavior. Offering a free eStatement helps most members switch off paper, and the strategy has shown to be very successful in offering a better solution while lowering the credit union costs,” comments Matt Isger, Regional Director for Sharetec Systems.