A member loyalty bonus program helped Utilities Employees Credit Union, a virtual cooperative with nobranches, return $12 million to its 44,000 members in 2012.

The $1 billion Wyomissing, Pa.-based credit union made theannouncement at its March 28 annual meeting.

UECU members also have received new and enhanced tools to accesstheir funds, personalize their home banking options, financialeducation and individual guidance, and tools to manage their familybudget, said Glen Yeager, president/CEO of UECU.

“On top of these new initiatives, our commitment to membergiveback remained strong, with members receiving more than $12million in financial benefits through UECU's 2012 Member LoyaltyBonus, rewards programs, and earnings on their savings,” Yeagersaid. “Members saved millions more through lower loans rates andfewer fees than if they'd dealt with a bank.”

Last year was marked by UECU's development of new features forits current home banking services, including personalized accountdashboards and free tools for family budgeting and personalfinancial management, the credit union said.

In 2012, UECU said it also offered enhanced options for itshealth savings accounts, new financial wellness educationmaterials, the debut of UECU's wealth management department andMyPay, an alternative checking account for members who may notqualify for traditional checking.

This year, the credit union will introduce mobile banking, addinsurance services to its investment and wealth managementofferings and further expand its online financial services, Yeagersaid.

UECU said it has operated without a branch since its founding in1934.