Credit unions statewide are celebrating International Credit Union Month this October. Participating credit unions are taking part in a Switch to Save campaign to encourage Georgia residents to stop by a credit union and see how it can save them money. 

Individual credit unions are offering various loan options for the month-long campaign. A member or potential member can bring in two months of statements from another type of financial institution to determine if switching their loan to the credit union will save them money. Any resident of Georgia can become a credit union member. 

In addition to the Switch to Save campaign, many credit unions will hold festivities on Oct. 16, which is International Credit Union Day. 

"Georgia credit union members already benefit from good rates, low fees and excellent service," said Mike Mercer, President and CEO of Georgia Credit Unions Affiliates. "During International Credit Union Week, credit unions will say thank you to the members that use their services now and 'give it a try' to those that have not yet joined a credit union. Switch and save!" 

Unlike for-profit financial service providers, credit unions are not-for-profit, which allows for better rates on loans, lower fees and better interest rates on deposits. Last year, members of Georgia credit unions received more than $124 million in member benefits they would not have obtained had they conducted their business with for-profit institutions like banks and finance companies.

With a mission to help people afford life, credit unions are at the forefront of serving members. Year after year, credit unions receive the highest marks in the financial services sector for customer service. They also serve the greater community through charitable donations and volunteer efforts, raising $1.68 million for Georgia charities in 2013 and donating the equivalent of more than $160,000 in volunteer labor around the state. 

Visit www.georgiacreditunions.org/switch for a list of credit unions in Georgia and for more information about the Switch to Save program to celebrate International Credit Union Month.