Dupaco’s Great Credit Race aims to boost members’ financial lives
On a mission to help its members build their credit score for a brighter financial future, Dupaco Community Credit Union kicked off its third Great Credit Race on May 1, 2019.
In the race, 12 participants will battle to build their credit score from 0 to as high as possible in six months. The competition provides an opportunity for both racers and observers to gain a better understanding of how credit works and how it impacts every stage of life.
Each racer will receive a Dupaco Platinum Visa credit card with a $1,000 limit and one-on-one coaching on how the proper use of credit can help build and maintain a favorable credit score. The participant with the highest score at the finish line will win $1,000, with the second-place finisher receiving $500.
Consumers’ ability to obtain financing, rent an apartment and even get a job might all depend on their credit score, but it’s hard to get credit without a credit score. And Dupaco research has found that more than half of its young adult members don’t have a credit score.
Through Dupaco’s Great Credit Race, participants have an opportunity to establish—and grow—their score, while race fans also can learn the ins and outs of how credit works. It’s one more way the credit union is fulfilling its mission to improve each member’s financial position, said Cindy Hilkin, consumer lending consultant supervisor at Dupaco.
“It’s a great educational opportunity not only to build your credit but also to learn how it affects your future decisions,” said Hilkin, who is mentoring Dupaco’s four Great Credit Race coaches. “Credit has a huge impact on your ability to rent an apartment, get insurance and even acquire a job.”
During the six-month race, participants also will learn about the importance of budgeting and saving early—and how to practice these money-smart moves.
“We’re going above and beyond the credit score education to set them up for all-around financial success,” Hilkin said.
Race applications were accepted through April 1. Racers include Dupaco members from Dubuque to Ankeny, ranging in age from 18 to 21 years old. Everyone can participate, though, by following the Great Credit Race at www.dupaco.com/GreatCreditRace for updates and educational resources.
Dupaco’s inaugural Great Credit Race kicked off in 2013, when 13 participants raced to obtain the highest credit score in six months. The findings from that race were used to help credit unions across the nation understand how people both use and learn about credit.
