The 18,000 member $128 million Connections Credit Union – Idaho Advantage has joined shared branching to better serve its widespread membership.

The Pocatello, Idaho, based credit union serves the Boise, Idaho area as well as counties in the southern half of the state and found it needed a way of providing services without having to build extra branches.

“As Idaho Advantage we looked at shared branching on a couple of occasions, it just didn't make sense for our membership at that point,” writes EVP Pat Vaughn. “Now with our larger membership stretched all across Southern Idaho, shared branching helps Connections provide the convenient member service we want to provide, not only across southern Idaho, but nationwide.”

Connections joined CO-OP Shared Branching through CU Service Network, a shared branching CUSO. It's three branches will join more than 80 already in the state, according to the CUSO.