RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- CO-OP Financial Services has signed a deal to make it easier for credit unions in Vermont to access its surcharge free CO-OP Network.

"We've had a growing interest to expand our Vermont- and New Hampshire-based ATM network for some time," said Bryan Kent, Vice President of the Association of Vermont Credit Unions in a statement about the deal. The Association currently provides ATM services to multiple credit unions. "CO-OP allows us to expand ATM access both within and outside of our state. In addition, its structure, excellent references and cost-effective pricing are very attractive," Kent added.

CO-OP said it has similar agreements in place with a number of leagues and associations located throughout the country, providing more credit unions and their members access to its surcharge-free ATM network. The CUSO has northeast presence that includes a partnership with New England Credit Union Services, an affiliate of the Massachusetts Credit Union League. The CO-OP/Association of Vermont partnership agreements have been signed, and already, several Vermont credit unions have executed agreements to join the partnership program, CO-OP added.