This marks the 15th year TCF Bank has partnered with NIU to be the university’s official banking provider.

TCF provides students with a convenient banking experience because it is located in the Holmes Student center and has ATMs on campus. It also gives Huskies the ability to use their OneCard as an ATM/debit card and do their banking online or on a mobile device for free, among other services.

“TCF actively pursues avenues to educate students about banking by offering a variety of financial literacy/budgeting seminars,” said Caryn Kolodziej, TCF PR representative.

“TCF also participates in numerous sponsorships for a variety of organizations and needs of the university, along with annual scholarships.”

Some students have already taken advantage of TCF’s academic opportunities.

“I like that they have different programs like the student one,” said Melanie Stebbens, sophomore business major. “Its nice that they create a program for students to make it easier with managing their money.”

Others have had negative experiences with the banking procedures of TCF.

“It seems like all of the employees are inexperienced and lack knowledge,” said Megan Jones, sophomore business major.

Despite the differences in opinion for some students on TCF, they will continue to be the banking partner for NIU for quite some time.

“TCF Bank and NIU are currently in a 10 year renewal period through 2016,” Kolodziej said, “The partnership officially began June 12, 1996.”

 

Northern Star: How did Northern Illinois University come to an agreement with TCF to make it the bank for NIU’s campus? What does the agreement state, or what are the terms?

Caryn Kolodziej: TCF Bank was chosen as NIU’s campus banking partner for students, faculty and staff after the University conducted a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process inquiring for a campus banking partner. The partnership officially began June 12, 1996. TCF Bank and NIU are currently in a 10-year renewal period through 2016.

 

NS: Does TCF generally receive positive or negative feedback from NIU students in regards to their services?

CK: NIU students, faculty and staff appreciate the convenience of having a bank on campus. Their OneCard can be linked to their TCF Checking account to be used as an ATM/debit card which is another convenient payment mechanism. Plus, TCF has an extensive network of branches throughout the Chicagoland area to access their account and parents find it convenient to deposit funds into their student’s accounts too.

NS: What special offers, discounts or other services are there for NIU students who would like to open an account at the NIU TCF?

CK: TCF offers the NIU Campus Card checking account, which requires no opening deposit, no monthly fees, free check card, free mobile banking, free online banking with bill payment and free online statements. This is an exclusive account only offered to NIU students. The student will also receive a free NIU sweatshirt once the account has been opened. TCF also offers an exclusive checking account to NIU faculty and staff with additional great benefits.

NS: What other statements would you like to make regarding TCF’s relationship with Northern Illinois University?

CK: TCF actively pursues avenues to educate students about banking by offering a variety of financial literacy and budgeting seminars. TCF also participates in numerous sponsorships for a variety of organizations and needs of the university along with annual scholarships.

TCF Bank is proud to be NIU’s official campus banking partner and we are very grateful for the continued opportunity to partner with NIU. 2012 marks the 15th Anniversary of the TCF Bank and NIU Campus Banking Partnership.