Fourteen new members have joined the $197 million North Jersey Federal Credit Union within the last hour, the cooperative said.

“There are lines of people and this is just one branch,” said Zoraya Lee-Hamlin, the credit union's marketing and media consultant. “We're expecting more.”

The Totowa, N.J.-based credit union's seven branches, including those in Newark and Paterson, will be open today from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lee-Hamlin said persons are taking out auto and consumer loans. A savings program targeted at children also added two youngsters.

North Jersey FCU President/CEO Lourdes Cortez said she is impressed with the amount of activity so far.

“It's amazing, the flow of traffic in our lobby,” Cortez said. “We had a member apply somewhere for a car loan but they ended up coming to us today. They were able to walk out with a car loan.”

In addition to welcoming new members, North Jersey FCU plans to offer free credit scores and credit counseling, educational resources, the opportunity to apply for loans and $25 to those who open a checking account with a minimum balance of $600 or take out a loan.

New personal or auto loan applications submitted today will also qualify for a two month “skip a payment” option every year for the duration of the loan, according to the credit union. Refinance loan applications will be considered for outstanding loans issued by other financial institutions. The credit union is also having an iPad giveaway.

North Jersey FCU serves more than 30,000 members.

Instant Insights /

Bank Transfer Day: North Jersey FCU Reports &lsquo;Lines of People&rsquo;

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Bank Transfer Day: North Jersey FCU Reports ‘Lines of People’