Manchester, NH—St. Mary’s Bank is proud to offer “Invest in America,” a nationwide program designed to save credit union members money when they purchase new vehicles from certain American manufacturers. Combined with a low-cost credit union loan, members at any of St. Mary’s eight branches can save thousands of dollars when shopping for a vehicle.

Through the “Invest in America” program, General Motors (GM) is offering all credit union members their supplier discount on eligible GM vehicles through their “Credit Union Member Discount Program.” Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep are also participating in the “Invest in America” program by offering up to $1,000 in bonus cash incentives via the “Credit Union Member Cash Program” - plus most of their current discounts. To review discounts, program specifics and participating dealerships, consumers can visit St. Mary’s Bank online at www.stmarysbank.com. The “Invest in America” program will be available through June 30, 2009.

It is recommended that buyers get pre-approved with a credit union loan before shopping for a vehicle. Any current or new credit union member qualifies for the “Invest in America” supplier discounts or promotion cash incentives.

According to St. Mary's Bank Consumer Lending Manager, Matthew Haydon, anyone can join St. Mary’s Bank. “Membership can be established at the credit union in advance along with a loan pre-approval or as part of the financing process directly at a participating dealership,” said Haydon. “St. Mary’s Bank provided more than 4700 new and used auto loans for members in 2008 - totaling $73 million dollars. By participating in the ‘Invest in America’ programs, we’re confident that we’ll be able to assist more consumers in 2009 and provide greater savings,” added Haydon.

Serving members since 1908, St. Mary’s offers low rates on new and used vehicles, as well as terms up to 84 months. St. Mary’s current rate on a new vehicle loan up to 63 months is 5.14% APR or as low as 4.89% APR with a ¼% discount for having automatic payment from a St. Mary’s checking account. These rates compare favorably to the national credit union average of 5.44%, and the national bank average of 6.86%. (Source: www.creditunion.coop/ratedex.php).

“Invest in America” is just one more benefit of credit union membership. Because credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperatives, they typically offer better rates and lower fees than banks, with a focus on their members, not profits. It’s estimated that credit union members saved $11 billion through lower fees and better rates in 2007 alone (Source: www.lovemycreditunion.org).