Workers Credit Union Opening New PlanIt Location in Lowell

New banking location designed to help members benefit from financial coaching

An interactive hologram, humanoid robot and video teller ATM may not be the first things you think of when planning a visit to your local credit union. Yet, they serve an important purpose at Workers Credit Union’s new, modern, inclusive, and welcoming 3,400 square foot PlanIt location, which opened on March 29 at 1201 Bridge Street in the Centerville neighborhood of Lowell, Massachusetts. “The technology takes the friction out of banking, so our members and staff can focus on building financial wellness” says Workers Credit Union Chief Banking Officer Peter Rice. The interactive hologram named “Olivia” can answer frequently asked questions in several languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language (ASL). A friendly humanoid robot named “Pepper” keeps the mood light and fun.

The move comes at a time when many financial institutions are closing their physical locations. Each PlanIt location has private spaces for members to participate in the Workers Way^TM, a personalized, financial coaching program offered at no additional cost. “For many people, there is a huge shame

and stigma attached to the money challenges they face,” Rice says. “Workers Way is judgment free. We empower our members to make good decisions.” All Workers staff are trained and certified financial coaches who meet with members one-on-one, both in person and virtually. They take members through a step-by-step process of changing how they think about and manage money so they can achieve their dreams.

Plans are in place to open a PlanIt location in Shrewsbury later this year and to grow into other communities within the region.