5 Tips for First-Time Car Buying
Buying your first car is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. At Glacier Hills, we’re here to make your journey smooth from the...
Buying your first car is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. At Glacier Hills, we’re here to make your journey smooth from the first search to the final signature. Whether you’re eyeing a sporty compact, a reliable SUV or something in between, these five tips will help steer you in the right direction.
1. Know What You Can Afford: Start with a clear budget. Don’t just consider the sticker price. Factor in insurance, maintenance, gas and registration. With auto loan rates as low as 4.49% APR* for 36 months, Glacier Hills makes financing affordable. Plus, you won’t make any payments for the first 90 days**, giving you some breathing room as you settle into your new ride.
2. Do Your Homework: Research makes all the difference. Compare makes, models and reviews online before hitting the lot. Consider fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Then, when you’re ready to shop…
3. Use Our Find Your Next Ride Tool: Skip the stress of endless online searches. Our Find Your Next Ride tool lets you browse thousands of new and used vehicles in one place—by price, make, model, even location. It’s easy, convenient and designed to help you find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget.
4. Get Pre-Approved: Knowing how much you can borrow helps you shop with confidence. Getting pre-approved is simple and can give you an edge when negotiating price with a dealer.
5. Look Beyond the Monthly Payment: While that low monthly payment might be tempting, make sure you understand the total loan amount and interest you’ll pay over time. Our team is always here to help you make a smart, informed decision.
Ready to Get Behind the Wheel? With our competitive auto loan rates starting at 4.49% APR*, no payments for 90 days** and helpful tools like Find Your Next Ride, Glacier Hills is your trusted partner for a smarter, smoother car buying experience.
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate, rates quoted as low as. All rates are subject to change without notice and based on credit history. Minimum loan amount of $8,000 required for 60-month terms, $15,000 for 75-month terms, and $20,000 for 84-month terms. Payment examples are per $1,000 borrowed for model years 2022-2025: 84 = 6.24% payment $14.72, 60 = 4.99% payment $18.87, 36 = 4.49% payment $29.74, model years 2019-2021: 72 = 6.49% payment $16.81, 60 = 5.99% payment $19.33.
**Approval is subject to credit criteria. Interest will begin accruing at the time of loan.
Staying Aware of Seasonal Scams and Fraud
Summer is a time for vacations, home improvement projects and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers. Fraudsters take...
Summer is a time for vacations, home improvement projects and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers. Fraudsters take advantage of the busy, carefree spirit of the season with scams designed to catch people off guard. Here are some common summer scams to watch for—and tips to keep your finances safe.
1. Vacation Rental Scams: Looking for a cozy Northwoods cabin or lakefront getaway? Scammers often post fake vacation rentals online, asking for deposits upfront for properties they don’t own—or that don’t even exist.
Tip: Always book through reputable websites, avoid wire transfers or prepaid cards, and do your research on the property and host.
2. Home Improvement Scams: Warm weather means it’s project season—and scammers know it. Fake contractors may offer a great deal, ask for a large deposit, then disappear without doing the work.
Tip: Check for proper licensing, verify references and never pay in full upfront. When in doubt, consult the Better Business Bureau or a trusted local resource.
3. Travel Phishing Emails and Fake Deals: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or texts claiming you’ve won a free vacation or offering too-good-to-be-true travel deals.
Tip: Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. Verify any offers directly with the company’s official website.
4. Package Delivery Scams: Summer means more people are shopping online, and scammers send fake delivery notifications by text or email with links to “track your package.” These links can steal login credentials or install malware.
Tip: Only track packages using the official retailer or delivery service website, and be especially cautious of Facebook Marketplace scams. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Utility and Service Scams: Fraudsters may pose as utility company reps or local service providers, threatening shut-offs or offering discounted rates in exchange for immediate payment.
Tip: Contact the company directly using verified phone numbers. Don’t provide payment info unless you’re sure the request is legitimate.
We continuously monitor accounts for suspicious activity and provide fraud alerts to keep you informed. Be sure to set up account alerts through online banking or our mobile app and report any suspicious calls, texts or emails to us immediately.
Stay educated with our ongoing fraud prevention tips and tools. And remember: If something feels off, it probably is. When in doubt, pause and verify before you pay or share personal information. We’re here to protect what matters most—your peace of mind.
Save the Date: Member Day, 2025
Although we haven’t even started summer yet, we just locked in the date for our 2025 Member Day: Friday, September 19th! Make sure to mark your...
Although we haven’t even started summer yet, we just locked in the date for our 2025 Member Day: Friday, September 19th! Make sure to mark your calendars because this branch-wide event is not to be missed.
Whether it’s free food and beverages for our members or your chance to win amazing prizes, the Glacier Hills Member Day is always one for the books and takes place at a branch near you!
Utilizing GlacierCash for Summer Trips and Unexpected Emergencies
Summer brings sunshine, road trips and backyard projects. But it can also bring the unexpected. Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway,...
Summer brings sunshine, road trips and backyard projects. But it can also bring the unexpected. Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway, covering a sudden car repair or need extra funds for seasonal expenses, GlacierCash is here to help you stay in control.
What is GlacierCash?
GlacierCash is a personal, unsecured loan designed to give you quick access to cash, with no hoops to jump through. It’s perfect for those moments when life doesn’t wait, and you need funds fast. Best of all, you don’t need to come into a branch or speak with a lender. Everything is done 100% through the Glacier Hills mobile app!
Why Use GlacierCash?
- Spontaneous Summer Travel: Sometimes the best adventures are unplanned. Whether it’s a quick weekend road trip or an opportunity to visit friends and family, GlacierCash can give you the financial freedom to say “yes” to summer fun, without relying on high-interest credit cards.
- Emergency Expenses: Air conditioning on the fritz? Car need urgent repairs? These summer hiccups can throw a wrench in your plans. GlacierCash offers a fast and reliable way to cover unexpected costs so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
- Seasonal Projects & Events: From backyard upgrades to hosting family gatherings, summer is full of expenses. Use GlacierCash to make the most of your plans without dipping into your savings.
GlacierCash Benefits:
- Loan amounts up to $2,500*
- No credit check required
- Quick online application
- Fast funding, often within 24 hours
- Fixed interest rate and term—easy to budget and manage
It’s a simple, stress-free way to get the money you need, right when you need it. Apply online in minutes and receive your funds quickly with no collateral and no hassle.
*Glacier Cash is only available to Glacier Hills Credit Union members who have had an established direct deposit to at least one Glacier Hills Credit Union account and have been a credit union member for at least 90 days. Interest rates vary and are specific to the applicant. $25.00 application fee applies. Login to your Glacier Hills online banking to see full product details. This product is subject to change without notice.
Take Control of Your Debt with Glacier Hills Visa Credit Cards
No balance transfer fees. Just real savings. Are high-interest credit card balances weighing you down? If you’re carrying debt on other...
No balance transfer fees. Just real savings.
Are high-interest credit card balances weighing you down? If you’re carrying debt on other cards, now is the perfect time to take back control, with no balance transfer fees and super competitive rates, Glacier Hills Credit Union’s Visa Platinum and Visa Platinum Rewards cards are here to help you save money and simplify your financial life.
Why Balance Transfers Make Sense
Many people carry credit card balances from month to month, often on cards with interest rates well above 20%. That means you’re paying more in interest and seeing less of your payments go toward the actual balance.
By transferring your balance to a Glacier Hills Visa card, you can:
- Lower your interest rate
- Pay down your debt faster
- Save money every month
- Consolidate multiple balances into one easy payment
And the best part? Glacier Hills charges NO balance transfer fees. That’s a rare and valuable benefit, especially when many big banks charge 3–5% just to make the switch.
How Much Could You Save?
Let’s say you have a $5,000 balance on a card with a 24% APR. That’s nearly $100/month in interest alone! By transferring to a Glacier Hills Visa card with a much lower rate—and without having to pay a transfer fee—you could save hundreds of dollars a year and make real progress toward paying off your balance.
Make the Move Today
Transferring your balance is easy. Simply apply for the card that best fits your lifestyle and request a balance transfer during the application or after approval. Our team is always here to help you through the process.
Meet Your Newest Teller—Available at the ATM!
We’re excited to introduce our new ATMs with Live Teller Assistance, combining the ease of self-service with the personal touch you trust from...
We’re excited to introduce our new ATMs with Live Teller Assistance, combining the ease of self-service with the personal touch you trust from your local credit union.
These enhanced machines—also known as Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs)—offer far more than your typical ATM. They allow you to connect with a real Glacier Hills teller, like Ryan or Adell, for personal assistance during extended hours.
“With a debit card, the self-service options are so easy,” says Ryan. “Quick back-and-forth choices that get you what you need. The Live Teller Assistance is great in knowing you are getting a real Glacier Hills employee—not AI or someone outsourced. The Live Teller Assistance offers more options than a regular ATM, including a higher cash withdrawal limit, loan payment options and check cashing. Think of an ATM—but supersized!”
Need to deposit a check or make a loan payment after hours? No problem.
“Our ATMs with Live Teller Assistance are incredibly user-friendly,” says Adell. “They offer a wide range of features that make your banking a breeze. Plus, you can make deposits even after hours! We’re confident you’ll find our ITMs convenient and secure for all your banking needs.”
Whether you’re in a rush or need help from a friendly face, Glacier Hills’ new ATMs are designed to meet your needs—on your schedule.
Stay on Top of Your Credit with CreditSense
Your credit score. Your terms. You’re in control. At Glacier Hills, we believe financial wellness starts with understanding your credit....
Your credit score. Your terms. You’re in control.
At Glacier Hills, we believe financial wellness starts with understanding your credit. And now it’s easier than ever to stay informed with CreditSense, our free credit monitoring tool available to all members through Online and Mobile Banking.
With CreditSense, you get instant access to your credit score, full credit report and personalized tips to help you build and protect your credit—anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re planning to apply for a loan, pay down debt or just want to keep tabs on your financial health, CreditSense is a powerful tool to help you make informed decisions.
What You Can Do with CreditSense:
- Check your credit score as often as you’d like, without affecting your score
- Review your full credit report, including open accounts, payment history and inquiries
- Receive real-time alerts for key changes, helping you detect potential fraud early
- Get personalized tips for improving and maintaining a healthy credit profile
- Track your credit over time to see how your habits impact your score
And the best part? It’s completely free for Glacier Hills members—no strings attached.
Upcoming Holiday Closings
Juneteenth | Thursday, June 19th
Independence Day | Fri/Sat, July 4-5th
While our branches are closed for holidays, you’ll still have full access to your accounts through our Virtual Branch, our Mobile Apps, our ATM Network that offers fee-free access to more than 5,000 ATMs across the country and our 24/7 Loan Hotline you can reach by calling 262-338-7777.