The BECU Neighborhood Financial Center at the Greenwood Safeway is closing for good at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The branch will move to a larger space in Northgate, at 551 NE Northgate Way, Suite B, opening at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5.
Stacie Wyss-Schoenborn, Vice President of Member Solutions for BECU, tells us that the Safeway branch was just too small.
From her email in response to our questions:
As some background, BECU decided to leave the Greenwood Neighborhood Financial Center to provide both our members and employees a better overall experience. With just under 400 square feet, it proved challenging to consistently provide our members an exceptional experience. Additionally, given the close proximity of desks maintaining member’s confidentiality proved at times difficult. The new Northgate branch will be over 3,000 square feet and the existing Greenwood staff will also be relocating to the new location.
We understand the importance of convenience in the service equation and I want to make sure you know about some additional options close to your home. BECU has two Co-Op ATMs a few blocks from your address. These ATMs are free, full-service, deposit-taking and accessible 24 hours a day at the 7-11 stores located at 7314 Aurora Avenue N. and 5900 Phinney Ave N. Also, BECU has a cooperative relationship with Verity Credit Union and you are welcome to use the teller services at their branch location at 4545 Stone Way N to access your BECU account.
BECU works diligently to provide our members access to their accounts and overall financial service support through multiple delivery channels (i.e. online, ATM and telephone) in addition to a branch. Many of our members find they are able to utilize their accounts without having to go routinely into a branch. It is my understanding another financial institution is moving into our vacated space which then prohibits BECU from leaving our ATM. The good news is I believe the financial institution moving into the space is a credit union and it is fairly likely they participate in the Co-Op network which means you would be able to utilize their ATM with no fees.
