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Citadel Credit Union introduces breakthrough in member-centric banking: Ultimate Growth Checking 

EXTON, PA (March 17, 2025) |

Citadel Credit Union (“Citadel”) has launched Ultimate Growth  Checking, a revolutionary checking account with no monthly service fee, designed to evolve  with members by offering value at every stage of their financial journey. As a not-for-profit credit  union, Citadel is committed to reinvesting earnings back into its members through better rates,  lower fees, and intuitive financial solutions. By integrating an innovative tiered rewards system,  AI-driven automation, and seamless digital banking, Citadel is redefining what it means to  provide member-centric financial solutions.  

“At Citadel, we know that our members’ financial needs evolve, and banking should evolve with  them,” said Anand Solanki, SVP, Head of Product Management, Strategy, Consumer Insights &  Analysis, and CFO at Citadel. “Our primary design objective for Ultimate Growth Checking was  

to increase the value that members get from Citadel—industry-leading rewards on a linked  Credit Card, savings rate boost, convenience, and no monthly service fees. Designed for those  looking to maximize earnings and simplify financial management, the program grows with  members and adjusts tiers based on account balances, ensuring members always receive the  best available benefits automatically.” 

Citadel designed Ultimate Growth Checking to provide members with a seamless and rewarding  banking experience, allowing them to easily oversee and optimize their financial products in one  place while benefiting from incremental rewards. In addition to an industry-leading product  design, Citadel has also elevated member experience by ensuring that all benefits accrue  automatically, without requiring sign-ups, and all tier and rewards information is readily available  to members across all touch points – statements, online account center, and the Citadel mobile  App. The launch of Ultimate Growth Checking follows extensive market research by Citadel to  understand member needs and determine how best to maximize benefits while simplifying  experience. The result is a dynamic, all-in-one solution that integrates checking, savings, and  credit card rewards into a streamlined, yet powerful banking experience.  

Unlike traditional checking accounts, Ultimate Growth Checking offers five progressive tiers,  each with benefits that increase as members’ account balance grows. For a limited time, new  Citadel checking account holders can also take advantage of a sign-on bonus of up to $4003,  adding even more value. Key features include:  

  • No Monthly Service Fees1– A hassle-free checking account that ensures more money is  kept.  
  • Cash Rewards Credit Card Bonus5 – Earn an additional boost on Cash Rewards credit  card up to 2.75% on everyday purchases with no annual fee.6
  • High Yield Savings Rate Boost4 – Earn additional interest on savings based on tier, above the already attractive savings rate.
  • Checking Interest1 – Progressive rate of interest on checking balances. ● Waived Fees – Higher tiers offer fee-free ATM transactions7, overdraft transfers8, and  wire transfers. 
  • Automatic Tier Adjustments – AI-powered automation moves seamlessly between tiers  based on balance2, ensuring the best rewards are always received. 
  • Benefit Calculator – With an interactive calculator, test just how much can ultimately be  gained from enrolling. 

“Our mission has always been to empower our members with financial solutions that adapt to  their needs,” said Bill Brown, CEO of Citadel. “Ultimate Growth Checking represents the next  evolution in banking—delivering a smarter, more rewarding experience built on a foundation of  transparency and value. By ensuring members always have a clear understanding of their  benefits and opportunities for growth, we’re making it easier than ever to achieve and enjoy  financial strength. This product will set a new benchmark in the industry, positioning Citadel as a  leader in redefining modern banking experiences for credit unions and financial institutions  alike.” 

“What I like best about Ultimate Growth Checking is that it simplifies the account management  process and makes banking more accessible. Everyone from the student to the multi-millionaire  will have the same checking account at Citadel, and no one will be excluded due to a low  balance.”— Citadel Member, Dale  

“My family has already benefited so much from Ultimate Growth Checking. The extra dividends  have helped us to manage our household expenses and put more towards our savings and it's  such a relief to not have to worry about minimum balances.” — Citadel Member, Meredith 

“At Citadel, our commitment is to continuously enhance our member digital experience,” said  Courtney Rowan, SVP/Chief Digital & Transformation Officer. “The launch of Ultimate Growth  Checking is a reflection of that commitment. We’re integrating new technologies, streamlining  

experiences, and ensuring that every member, no matter where they are in their financial  journey, has access to smarter, more rewarding banking solutions.” 

The launch of Ultimate Growth Checking is part of Citadel’s broader transformation and  expansion strategy, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovative, member-centric banking.  Ultimate Growth Checking is now available to new and existing members. To find out how much  you could ultimately benefit, visit CitadelBanking.com/Ultimate. 

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