Vancity

Citizens Bank of Canada is Canada’s first branchless bank in the business of delivering more when it matters most: more value, more service and more convenience in a unique way. Citizens Bank is a “virtual bank” owned by Vancity Credit Union (Vancouver City Credit Union) in British Columbia, Canada. Vancity can be traced back to 1946 as the 2nd oldest credit union in B.C. Vancity offers a diverse financial services platform including retail banking, investing, loans and insurance products. Vancity is estimated to have over 400,000 in credit union membership, $13 billion in held assets and around 2,600 employees staffing over 60 branches. Vancity continually ranks in the top 50 employers in British Columbia and top 100 nationwide in Canada. Vancity is well know for its diverse clientele and progressive community and environmental support.

Citizens Bank of Canada

From 1997 to 2008 Citizens Bank functioned similar to a traditional bank although only offering personal and corporate banking services over the web. In 2009, abruptly left the personal banking space and directed its focus on Visa payment card services and foreign exchange services for non retail customers, thus no longer taking in cash deposits. Other lines, loans and mortgages were divested to other British Columbian banks.

Making a Difference

Citizens Bank decided to dedicate all resources in making a positive difference in the world surrounding them. As the largest Credit Union in the late 1990’s, Citizens Bank of Canada proudly proclaimed to be the one and only banking entity with a clear and ethical policy. In 2008, Citizens Bank claimed to be the 1st financial institution in North America to be “Carbon Neutral”. Carbon Neutral is defined as the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions that they create are equal to those emissions they have reduced or offset in other places. An intensive reduction program has been put in place that is directed toward using less energy, as well as reducing employee travel/commutes, paper consumption and waste.

Foreign Exchange and Visa Products

Besides Citizens Bank’s commitment to social responsibility, their two primary business functions are commercial foreign exchange services and Visa card offerings. The foreign exchange platform focuses on a relationship-oriented, flexible, knowledgeable, competitive and convenient approach to servicing their customers. Citizens Bank provides a well-rounded plastic card program beginning with the Shared Interest Credit Card platform. The Shared Interest credit card line consists of the Gold, Classic and Classic Student cards. Also available, is the Oxfam Canada card that helps support impoverished people worldwide. With every card swipe, ten cents goes to the worthy cause. Amnesty International is another Visa product offered through Citizens Bank that protects fundamental human rights internationally. Ten cents of every transaction on the Amnesty Visa is donated to Amnesty International. Online services, rewards, insurance and lost/stolen card protection are a few of the benefits Citizens Bank Visa cardholders will get with their credit card product. Citizens also offers a Reloadable Visa Card for those that want all of the benefits of Visa without the hassle of applying for credit. The prepaid card is accepted worldwide, has ATM accessibility, has online account control/management, purchase protection and even extended warranty protection availability. The last Visa product worth mentioning is the Citizens Bank Personal and Corporate Gift Cards. These can be purchased online or through various grocery and retail operations. They are even offered at select Canada Post locations. Corporate Visa gift cards can be customized for employees or customer loyalty programs. These can be ordered online at www.rewardgiftcard.ca or dial toll-free 1-866-915-8472.

Citizens Bank of Canada Corporate Overview

Besides Citizens Bank’s commitment to social responsibility, their two primary business functions are commercial foreign exchange services and Visa card offerings. The foreign exchange platform focuses on a relationship-oriented, flexible, knowledgeable, competitive and convenient approach to servicing their customers.