2026 Fall Credit Card Awareness Promotion

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2026 Fall Credit Card Awareness Promotion

Authored By: Amy Mallinson on 8/5/2026

Fall Into Something Better

Experience the Credit Union Difference

Campaign Dates

September 1 – October 30, 2026
 

Campaign Purpose

This campaign is designed to increase:

  • New Beach Municipal FCU Credit Card applications
  • Everyday usage by existing cardholders
  • Member awareness of the Beach Municipal FCU difference

This promotion is not built around a special rate or limited-time offer. Instead, we're encouraging members to deepen their relationship with Beach Municipal FCU by choosing a credit card backed by people who know them—not just their account number.
 

Campaign Target
New Credit Card Accounts

Target members who:

  • Have checking or savings, but no Beach Municipal FCU credit card
  • Have our auto loans or mortgages, but not our credit card
  • Recently joined the Credit Union
  • Frequently use debit cards
  • Mention another financial institution's credit card

Existing Cardholders

Encourage members to:

  • Make Beach Municipal FCU their primary credit card
  • Use their card for everyday purchases
  • Use rewards they've already earned


Staff Conversation Starters

The goal is not to give every member the same sales pitch. Start with a natural question, listen for what matters to the member, and connect that need to a relevant benefit of a Beach Municipal FCU Credit Card.

Questions That Open the Conversation
Instead of asking: "Would you like to apply for a credit card?"

Try asking:

During Transactions

"I noticed you don't currently have one of our credit cards:

  • "Which credit card do you usually use for everyday purchases?"
  • "If you're already using another credit card, would you mind sharing what you like most about it?"
  • What do you usually look for in a credit card—rewards, a low rate, no annual fee, or something else?
  • Do you use a credit card for purchases such as gas, groceries, travel, or holiday shopping?
  • Have you had a chance to compare your current card with the credit cards available through Beach Municipal?

From there, staff may also say:

  • “We offer credit cards with competitive rates, no annual fees, no balance transfer fees, rewards on eligible purchases, and the local service you already receive from Beach Municipal.”
  • “If you’re interested, I can have someone review our card options with you. There’s no obligation to apply.”

Listen For Member Needs
Members who mention:

  • Holiday or back-to-school shopping
  • Travel plans
  • Gas or grocery expenses
  • Online purchases
  • A planned large purchase
  • Interest in earning rewards
  • A high interest rate on another card
  • An annual fee
  • Difficulty reaching their current card issuer
  • Frustration with customer service
  • A desire to simplify their finances
  • Concerns about fraud or card security

These may provide a natural opportunity to ask whether the member would like to learn more about a Beach Municipal FCU Credit Card.

Connect the Need to the Benefit

If the member mentions… You might say…
A high interest rate “It may be worth comparing your current rate with ours. We are known for having the lowest rates in the state. Would you like someone to review the options with you?”
An annual fee “Our credit cards have no annual fee, which could help you avoid paying just to keep the card open.”
Rewards “We offer rewards, too. Would you like to learn more about how our rewards program works?”
Holiday, travel, or everyday purchases “Would you like to see whether one of our cards could save you some money?”
Customer-service frustrations “With a Beach Municipal card, you have a local team available to help when you have questions.”
A large purchase “Would you like to compare our card rates and terms before deciding how to pay for it? We may be able to save you some money.”
An existing Beach Municipal card “If you are currently using your Beach Municipal card, I’d be happy to help you with digital-wallet access, rewards information, or a credit-limit-increase if you need.”


Features & Benefits

Features

  • No annual fee
  • No balance-transfer fees
  • Competitive rates
  • Rewards on every dollar you spend
  • Several card options to meet different needs
  • Tap-to-Pay
  • Access to local staff when assistance is needed

Benefits

  • Members keep more money
  • Members earn rewards
  • Members receive local service
  • Members work with people they know
  • Members become part of a relationship—not just another account

What Those Features Mean for Members

Members may be able to:

  • Avoid fees they are charged on their other credit cards
  • Earn rewards on eligible purchases
  • Keep more of their financial relationship in one place
  • Receive help from a local team they know and trust
  • Select a card that better fits their spending and borrowing needs

You should explain only the features that are relevant to the member’s needs and confirm that the feature applies to the card being discussed. The credit card itself may be similar to cards offered elsewhere. The Beach Municipal difference is the relationship and service behind it.

Did You Know?

The average American keeps three to four credit cards in their wallet. That means members don't necessarily have to replace another card. We're simply asking them to make Beach Municipal one of their choices.

Most consumers choose where to bank based on:

  • Trust
  • Convenience
  • Service
  • Recommendations

Price alone is rarely the deciding factor.

Our relationship with our members is one of our greatest strengths.
 

Cross-Sell Opportunities

NEWCC

  • Member does not currently have a Beach Municipal credit card
  • Create a NEWCC Referral
  • Assign to Thalia or Princess Anne Lending. Include what piqued the member's interest as well as next steps.

Existing Cardholder

Member already has a Beach Municipal credit card.

Encourage:

  • Increased usage
  • Recurring payments
  • Holiday shopping

Let them know that Digital Wallet options will be coming soon (currently available on our Debit Cards only)

If member requests a higher credit limit:

  • Complete a CLI Referral.
  • Assign it to Thalia or Princess Anne Lending.

Staff Challenge

Every member interaction is an opportunity. 

During appropriate member interactions, replace:

     “Can I help you with anything else?”

With a more meaningful question, such as:

     “Before you go, may I ask what you value most in a credit card?”

The goal is not to force a credit card discussion into every transaction. It is about recognizing appropriate opportunities, asking a thoughtful question, and helping members make an informed decision.


Frequently Asked Questions

“Why should I switch if I already have a credit card?”

   “You may not need to switch. It can still be helpful to compare the rate, fees, rewards, and service you currently receive with our card options. If your existing card already meets your needs, that’s good to know too.”

“I already earn rewards with another card.”

   “That’s great. If rewards are important to you, we can explain our rewards program so you can decide how it compares with the card you already use.”

“I don’t need another credit card.”

   “I understand. If your needs change or you ever want to compare rates and features, we’ll be happy to help.”

“What makes a Beach Municipal credit card different?”

   “In addition to competitive rates, no annual fee, no balance transfer fees and rewards on eligible purchases, you’ll have access to a local team you already know. The primary difference is the lower rates and the personal service behind the card.”

“Will applying affect my credit?”

   “A credit card application may involve a credit inquiry. Do you have a moment for someone to explain the application process and answer any questions before you decide whether to apply?”

“Which card is best for me?”

   “That depends on how you plan to use the card and which features are most important to you. I can have someone review the available options with you.”

Remember...

Ask. Listen. Connect. Offer.

  1. Ask an open-ended question.

  2. Listen for the member’s needs or concerns.

  3. Connect the need to a relevant card benefit.

  4. Offer information or a referral without pressure.



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