The week prior to the official Bank Transfer Day, credit unionswere busy encouraging consumers to take action.

Launched by Kristen Christian, a Los Angeles art gallery owner unhappy withher bank, Nov. 5 has been dubbed Bank Transfer Day, when consumersact on their growing frustration with big banks by switching to acommunity bank or credit union. While many are uncertain how manypeople will actually change financial institutions, credit unionshave been making the most of the media blitz.

Three of Long Island’s largest credit unions, the $4.3 billionBethpage Federal Credit Union, the $4.1 billion TeachersFederal Credit Union and the $1.7 billion NEFCU joined forces tolaunch BetterBankingforLongIsland.comto show locals how good banking can be by proving that there is abetter way to bank. The microsite encourages consumers to “Take astand: Join a community credit union today” or on Bank TransferDay. According to Edward Paternostro, president/CEO of NEFCU, theday provides yet another opportunity for credit unions to educateconsumers about the value of credit union membership.