Maine Consumers Will Continue to Have Access to Secure, Financial Services During COVID-19 Outbreak

(WESTBROOK) –The Maine Credit Union League and Maine Bankers Association are working together to reassure Maine consumers about the safety, security, and reliability of the state’s strong financial services industry.

  • Financial institutions across Maine have activated their pandemic response plans to minimize impact on the delivery of financial services, and keep members, customers, and employees safe.
  • Families and businesses may experience financial hardships due to the coronavirus emergency. Maine’s financial institutions are willing and available to provide support. Consumers and businesses are urged to take an active role in contacting their credit union or bank if they would like to learn more about the products and services available to them.

For credit unions and banks alike, what remains unchanged are credit and debit cards, checks, ATMs, digital banking and lending, and electronic payments. These provide consumers reliable access to their accounts. What may change is that in the days and weeks ahead, many financial institutions are emphasizing drive-through services and limiting access to their lobbies to protect the health of consumers and staff. But even with these changes, consumers will continue to have access to their accounts, funds, and services they need.

Digital banking, which is accessed through a mobile or desktop device, allows credit unions and banks to meet consumers where they are at any hour. These services are accessed on a computer, tablet, or mobile phone, and enable users to check balances, transfer funds, make bill payments, apply for loans, and deposit checks—all without ever having to set foot in a branch.

“We must do everything we can to limit the spread of coronavirus,” said Todd Mason, President and CEO of the Maine Credit Union League and Chris Pinkham, President of the Maine Bankers Association. “That’s why our organizations are collaborating to educate the public about all of the secure and fully-insured banking options available to them every day, and especially during this challenging time.”

About the Maine Credit Union League

The Maine Credit Union League is a nonprofit, professional trade association that exists to serve Maine’s credit unions. Founded in 1938, the League’s mission is to help credit unions succeed and improve the financial lives of their members. As the trade association for Maine’s credit unions, the League provides advocacy, education, and other resources designed to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.

About the Maine Bankers Association

The Maine Bankers Association (MBA) represents Maine’s banking industry and its 9000 employees statewide. Maine’s 30 retail banks operate 463 offices in nearly every community throughout the state, where they assist Maine’s citizens and businesses with financial decisions that improve the quality of life for everyone. With assets exceeding $32 billion, the Maine banking industry serves as the economic engine for our state. See www.mainebankers.com.