• An hour after opening, 10 new members joined San Jose Credit Union and several were waiting outside the cooperative's downtown branch this morning.

Sara Holtz, marketing manager at the $135 million credit union in San Jose, Calif., said this is the first time that its two branches have opened on Saturday. The branches on Asbury Street and 88 S. 4th St. will remain open until 2 p.m. for Bank Transfer Day.

“It's been a great turnout. We had people waiting at the door at the downtown branch,” Holtz said, speaking to Credit Union Times over the buzz of activity heard in the background.

Several television stations came out to film San Jose CU, she added.

Holtz said there has been a steady stream of people but they're not having to wait long.

“We're fully staffed like a normal [weekday],” she said.

The credit union is running its “Be Free” promotion featuring its fee-free debit card. During November and December, for every 10 debit card transactions, a member will receive an entry to win their choice of an iPad 2 or $500.

In addition to free food, there will be a spin wheel for prizes and a kid's area.