The $4.3 billion Bethpage Federal Credit Union in Bethpage, N.Y., said it opened 1,471 new checking accounts during its week-long Bank Transfer Day promotion, including 672 on Saturday itself.

The 24-branch, 190,000-member Bethpage, Long Island's largest credit union, said its membership growth in the past five weeks was 85% above last year's level.

“Without a doubt, credit unions have experienced a groundswell of support in response to the Bank Transfer Day nationwide boycott. An unprecedented public movement is taking place in our country, and consumers want their voices heard,” said Bethpage President/CEO Kirk Kordeleski.

More than a fourth of the new members were in the 25-44 year-old range, said Gerard Schmitt, the credit union's vice president of marketing.

“This group has significant financial needs so they are in a position to benefit most from the best rates and lower fees that credit unions like Bethpage can offer. There is a tremendous opportunity to speak to these members about the many timely products and services available for their families,” Schmitt said.

New advertising and social media efforts will continue, Bethpage FCU said.

Bethpage had joined with two other Long Island credit unions – the $4.1 billion Teachers FCU and the $1.7 billion NEFCU – to launch BetterBankingforLongIsland.com. TFCU said it added 2,216 new accounts in October and 534 in the first five days of November.

Instant Insights /

Bank Transfer Day: Bethpage FCU Opens 672 New Checking Accounts on Saturday

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