The $6.1 billion Citadel Credit Union in Exton, Pa. has introduced Ultimate Growth Checking, a new checking account designed to maximize value for members at all financial stages. With no monthly fees and a tiered rewards system, this offering highlights Citadel’s commitment to reinvesting in its members through better rates, lower fees and smarter financial solutions.

Revolutionizing Credit Union Banking


"At Citadel, we know that our members' financial needs evolve, and banking should evolve with them," SVP and Head of Product Management Anand Solanki said. "Our goal with Ultimate Growth Checking was to exceed expectations — fewer fees, industry-leading rewards and seamless automation. The program grows with members, adjusting tiers automatically based on account balances."
Ultimate Growth Checking integrates checking, savings and credit card rewards into a single, streamlined experience. Benefits are applied automatically, with tier and reward details readily available via Citadel’s mobile app and online banking.

Key Features for Credit Union Members

  • No Monthly Fees – More savings for members.
  • Cash Rewards Credit Card Bonus – Up to 2.75% back on purchases.
  • High-Yield Savings Rate Boost – Extra interest earned based on tier.
  • Progressive Checking Interest – Increased rates with higher balances.
  • Waived Fees – Free ATM transactions, overdraft transfers, and wire transfers.
  • AI-Powered Tier Adjustments – Ensuring optimal benefits automatically.

Setting a New Standard


"Ultimate Growth Checking represents the next evolution in banking," CEO Bill Brown said. "By delivering a transparent, rewarding experience, we are setting a new benchmark for credit unions and financial institutions."

Ultimate Growth Checking is now available to all Citadel’s 265,739 members. 

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Michael Ogden

Editor-in-Chief at CU Times. To connect, email at [email protected]. As Editor-in-Chief of CU Times since 2016, Michael Ogden has led the editorial team in all aspects of content strategy and execution, including the creation of the publication’s exclusive and proprietary research database of the credit union industry’s economic landscape. Under Michael’s leadership, CU Times has successfully shifted to an all-digital editorial product with new focuses on the payments, fraud, lending and regulatory beats. Most recently, he introduced a data-focused editorial product for subscribers that breaks down credit union issues into hard data, allowing for a deeper and more factual narrative for readers. In 2024, he launched the "Shared Accounts With CU Times" podcast, which offers a fresh, inside-the-newsroom perspective through interviews with leaders from the credit union industry and the regulatory world. He dives into pressing credit union issues, while revealing the personalities working behind-the-scenes to push the credit union world forward. His background includes years as a radio and TV anchor/reporter and a public relations and digital/social media manager, where he covered the food and music industries, as well as cooperatives and credit unions. Over the years, he has launched numerous exclusive video and podcast series, including a successful series of interactive backstage interviews with musicians at music festivals, showcasing his social media and live streaming production skills.