The decision as to whether to keep or sell your credit card portfolio is unique to each credit union. However, learning from credit unions that have gone through the decision process can help those that are exploring their options. The following is just one of the case studies highlighted in the 2003 Technology Survey which looks at the key decision points considered by credit unions during their portfolio review.
Anheuser-Busch Employees Credit Union: Earning Solid Returns By Committing to the Business
Its not as if the offers to buy the credit card portfolio havent been made because they have, like clockwork, in fact, by vendors and consultants alike. But Dan Vogler, executive vice president of administration at Anheuser-Busch Employees Credit Union, St. Louis, Missouri, said the credit union decided to retain its credit card portfolio for one simple reason: its a money-maker. We get one of our highest returns on it and we feel were in it for the long haul. We believe itwill be a constant source of revenue, and yes, we know that it will take some effort on our part to ensure that.
The credit unions $35 million portfolio of Visa Platinum and Classic cards provided a 5.75% return after net charge-offs,marketing expenses and other operational costs, said Vogler. That tells me its still a good return for the money. Given that the credit unions charge-offs have remained at the 2.3% mark for nearly 10 years and the cost of fundsis hovering at 2%, the 27,000 credit card accounts provide stable earnings potential, he stressed.
Weve stepped up our balance transfer marketing, but thats a tried and true approach. We simply want more of our plasticout there. In mid-July were reducing rates to 8.9% for our highest credit quality members and will try to grow the number of accounts. Anheuser-Busch ECU has 76,000 members and applies tiered pricing to its credit card accounts. Said Vogler:We have rates that go as high as 14.5%.
Overall, Vogler thinks some credit unions that sell their credit cards just havent done their homework, or havent analyzed the portfolio in the right light. How do they valuethe portfolio? Do they value it internally? He said that Anheuser-Busch would earn $2 million from its portfolio this year and that if properly structured and maintained, it would continue to generate reliable yearly income. While I cannot disclose the value of the buy offers, they typically represent three to three and one-half years profit of the portfolio. I can see how that may be very attractive to some credit unions, but it seems short-sighted to me.
We just werent ready to do that. Wed rather run our portfolio smarter. Im not saying its easy, but once you let it go, its gone, and we didnt see any compelling reason to let it go.
This article is part of an expanded look at the decision as to whether to keep or sell your credit card portfolio from Callahans upcoming 2003 Credit Union Technology Survey publication. In its 11th annual edition the Technology Survey provides in-depth articles and case studies on important technology issues affecting credit union strategy including data processing and e-channel strategies. The credit card section of the Technology Survey also contains an exploration of the state of credit cards in the credit union industry today with models for measuring credit card profitability, and more. The resource also features a comprehensive listing of vendors/providers who currently offer credit card processing and the credit unions who use their services. Click here to learn more and pre-order your copy today!
