With all the hype about bank fees, Consumers Credit Union has kicked off Seriously Free Checking.

The member education initiative was designed to show consumers how in a tight economy, choosing fee-free banking options can help save money.

“The Seriously Free Checking program is our way of helping members and those who are questioning high banking fees become more educated financially and to make the right decisions,” said Jeff Visser, sales and service manager for the Kalamazoo, Mich.-based credit union. “We have a great team ready to listen and respond to our members' needs.”

He added that while the controversy over new fees has provided a great opportunity to explain there are banking alternatives, the program is just another example of the $365 million credit union's ongoing efforts of “continually examining and re-evaluating the relationship we have with our members and taking time to listen so we can exceed their expectations.”