Interview with Leah Murphy | VP of Electronic Services at Dakotaland Federal Credit Union
INDEPENDENCE: Leah, tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Dakotaland.
L. MURPHY: I have been with the Credit Union for 23 years. When I started our list of “electronic” services at Dakotaland was pretty short. Since then, my Electronic Services Department has grown to three full time staff, who oversees nearly a dozen services our members have come to rely on to better manage their finances.
INDEPENDENCE: What qualifies as an ‘electronic’ service?
L. MURPHY: We see an electronic service as a product or a process which allows our members to deposit, transfer, withdraw or manage funds. In most cases, this is done through the use of electronic devices such as a personal computer, cell phone, laptop, tablet, etc.
INDEPENDENCE: What kind of electronic services does Dakotaland offer?
L. MURPHY: At Dakotaland, we understand the importance of electronic services and how they make the lives of our members easier. Therefore we offer E*Teller, Direct Deposit, Mobile Deposit, Automatic Payments, E*Statements, Mobile App, Bill Pay and E*Notices or Alerts to mention a few. Electronic Services or E*Services have changed how we operate. Not just at the Credit Union, but everyone is searching for a faster, safer, more efficient way to do business.
INDEPENDENCE: What would you say is the most utilized E*Service at the Credit Union?
L. MURPHY: That would be direct deposit. On average, my team will process over $40 million dollars in electronically deposited funds each month. Most of these funds are made up of payroll dollars and social security payments.
INDEPENDENCE: Where do these funds come from?
L. MURPHY: From all over the country. We have members located in nearly all 50 states and in some instances, living in another country. For example, several of our members serving in the military could be stationed overseas at any point in time. The fact is, E*Services allow our members to live and work wherever they choose and we continue to provide all the benefits of the Credit Union membership as if they were right next door.
INDEPENDENCE: Why would someone chose to utilize electronic banking services?
L. MURPHY: Managing your finances through electronic tools has four advantages.
One, it saves time. You are able to deposit a check to your account using mobile deposit and your cell phone without stopping into your branch office.
Two, it saves money. Using automatic loan payments and online bill pay to ensure your payments are made on time helps avoid late fees and additional interest charges, which is a serious money saver.
Three, it is safe. Electronic Notices and Alerts on your checking account or VISA credit/debit card will notify you if there has been a transaction made, if your account has received a deposit or the
account balance drops below a set amount. This is a very effective way to keep a watchful eye\ on your money.
Four, it is convenient. Online access to your accounts and loans through E*Teller or our mobile app ensures you can interact with your money 24/7. Regardless of where you go, we are just a few clicks away and that makes life a little easier.
INDEPENDENCE: What is the best advice you can give regarding the use of E*Services?
L. MURPHY: The online and electronic services we offer here at Dakotaland are designed for convenience and are free of charge. I recommend you visit with the helpful staff at your local branch and learn which options best fit your needs. We can also assist you in setting up your service and give you a demonstration on how they work. There is no better time than right now to put E*Services to work for you.
