SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Redwood Credit Union is making it easy for members to get accounts–their way.

The over $1.5 billion credit union has launched Build Your Own accounts–giving members the ability to customize product features that best suit their needs. Currently offered in savings, checking and certificates of deposits, plans are underway to include a BYO money market account. "Our BYO accounts give members the option to personalize their banking products to meet their own unique needs and lifestyles," said Cynthia Negri, senior vice president of member service for RCU. "Initial response to our customized products has been strong." Here is how it works. BYO accounts begin with a foundation of basic features, then allow members to add on the additional benefits that they value most. For example, the BYO checking account requires no minimum opening balance and offers free online banking and Bill Pay, fee-free access to 25,000 CO-OP ATMs and 1,100 Shared Branches nationwide, and one overdraft fee waived per year. To this basic package, members can add the options of earning dividends, adjusting debit card limits online, selecting environmentally friendly eStatements and receiving e-Lerts notifications.

Members who choose BYO Savings accounts can also create a monetary goal and deadline for something they are saving for such as house down payments or college tuition and receive e-mail updates or track their progress online.