BELLINGHAM, WA (September 10, 2026) – WECU has launched a new Western Washington University affinity debit card designed to give WWU students, alumni, employees, and supporters a way to show their WWU pride every time they use it.

Every purchase made using the card generates support for students and programs at Western.

The new WWU debit card is available with WECU’s Spend Free and Spend Plus checking accounts, giving fans of WWU an easy way to bank while supporting their university.

“WECU and Western have been part of each other’s story for 90 years,” said Jennifer Kutcher, WECU President and CEO. “This card is a natural extension of a relationship that has always been about supporting students, faculty, staff and the broader Western community. We’re excited to give students and alumni another way to connect their everyday financial lives with the university they care about.”

WECU’s Spend Free Checking is designed to keep banking simple. The account has no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements after account opening, while giving members access to WECU’s digital banking technology, ATMs and other convenient ways to manage their money. For existing WECU Members, it’s easy to switch your current debit card design through the WECU mobile app, online banking, or by reaching out to WECU.

“We’re very excited about this new program and grateful to WECU for its continued commitment to Western,” said Kim Hill, CEO of The Foundation for WWU & Alumni and vice president for University Advancement. “WECU and Western have been working together for generations, and this is a creative new way to build on that relationship and provide meaningful support for our students for years to come.”

The WWU debit card is the latest expression of a partnership that dates back to 1936, when WECU was founded and opened its membership to Western faculty and staff. Since then, the relationship between the two organizations has grown through a wide range of investments and partnerships, including:

  • Three WECU ATMs on the Western campus providing convenient access to cash for students, faculty and staff.
  • WECU Court at Carver Gym, a longstanding presence at the heart of Western athletics, which provides scholarships to student athletes.
  • Scholarship support helping students pursue their education.
  • Sponsorship of major and minor events across the Western community.
  • Ongoing collaboration and community support that connects WECU with students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“This isn’t a new relationship-we’ve been doing this together for 90 years,” said Matt Berendsen, senior vice president of Growth at WECU. “The WWU debit card is simply the next way we’re bringing that partnership to life and giving fans of WWU a product that fits the way they live and spend.”
Learn more at wecu.com/WWU-card/.



About WECU
WECU is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. WECU was founded in 1936 as the Bellingham Teacher’s Credit Union. Today, it serves over 172,000 members with more than $3.0 billion in assets. WECU is committed to enhancing the financial well-being of its members and making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

WECU is Federally Insured by NCUA