The holiday season is the perfect time to reap the rewards of your Co-op Bank Visa credit card. Using the reward points you earned throughout the year, you can get gifts for people on your Christmas list without taking away from your holiday budget.
Let’s recap how the Visa My Rewards program works.
Earning Points and Miles
Whenever you use your Co-op Bank Visa Classic, Infinite or Signature Business credit card, you earn one (1) point/Mile for every US $1 spent. One point/Mile is equal to US$0.012. These points/Miles are available for use anytime and anywhere through your digital Miles Card.
Redeeming Miles
To begin redeeming Miles, download the My Rewards by Visa Loyalty app from the App Store or Google Play Store and create your account. Then you can Pay with Miles in-app at thousands of preferred merchants, such as Amazon, Best Buy, Macy’s and Walmart. Thanks to the digital Miles Card, you can also Pay with Miles at worldwide merchants online by simply inputting the digital card information. You can also add your Miles Card to your e-wallet for contactless transactions at physical stores.
When it comes to your Miles, the gift-giving possibilities are endless! How does a vacation sound?
Your Visa My Rewards membership includes access to Voyage, an online booking engine for flights, accommodation and rental cars with top tier travel benefits. Use your Miles on Voyage to book reservations that are 100% changeable. Other perks include instant compensation for baggage and flight delays and lost baggage. Added to this is coverage for medical emergencies, and purchase and personal device protection so you can travel with peace of mind.
Unlike other reward programs that deduct the points when you redeem them, My Rewards offers upperMiles, where you earn extra miles by paying with your Miles. So, Pay with Miles this Christmas and get a head start on racking up the rewards for next year.
To learn more about Co-op Bank’s Visa credit cards, visit www.grenadaco-opbank.com today.
When it comes to the festive holiday season, we can identify two groups of people. The first group, let’s call them the festive, are the ones who go all out every year, cleaning, painting and decorating everything in sight. Then, there is the second group, the caught off guard. They are the ones you are certain to hear exclaiming, “Christmas is next week already?!”
There are, of course, overlaps between the two groups, but whether you’re one of the festives or find yourself always caught off guard, getting ready for the holiday season can be overwhelming when it comes to your finances.
That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to reduce the anxiety around overspending this holiday season.
Start early
It’s never too early to start putting things in place for the holidays. Get a head start on the planning by making a list of all the things you need, and want, to do. What do you need to do to get the house ready? Do you need to paint, pressure wash, cobweb the ceilings, or get new curtains and cushions? Add it all to your list.
Then, think about the events and activities you’d like to attend over the holidays and add those to the list too. Don’t forget the gifts! Your list should also include the people you’d like to give gifts. Finally, add your grocery shopping to your master list.
Make a holiday budget
Using the master list as a guide, make a detailed budget for your holiday spending and try your best to stick to it. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to forego some things and get creative. For example, do you need to buy new curtains, or can you repurpose an older set? When it comes to gift giving, instead of buying gifts for everyone on your list, you can try a gift exchange or ‘Secret Santa’ with your family and friends. If that’s not possible, set a budget for each person and aim for gifts that are meaningful and memorable. This could mean making the gifts yourself or choosing experiences that allow for quality time with your loved ones.
Once you have an idea of how you will approach your holiday spending, try to get your shopping done as early as possible to avoid the rush in the days leading up to Christmas.
Take advantage of sales and specials
Many businesses will soon announce their Christmas sales and holiday specials that you can take advantage of. You’ll have to be strategic and shop around to find the best deals that align with your holiday budget. Remember, just because it’s on sale does not mean you have to buy it.
Be on the lookout for holiday scams
The holiday season is a prime time for scammers looking for unsuspecting victims. Stay vigilant and don’t click on any suspicious emails or text messages promoting amazing deals. If it looks too good to be true, err on the side of caution and delete and report the message.
These tips should help alleviate some of the anxiety around holiday shopping and overspending. Start early, stick to your holiday budget, take advantage of the sales, don’t fall for any scams so you enjoy the season with your family and friends.
At Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, we are committed to providing our customers with the best banking experience possible. That’s why we continue to upgrade our products and services. For example, our eBanking platform provides you with swift, simple and secure management of your funds whenever you need it, and our new smart ATMs make cash deposits a breeze.
However, we need your assistance to continue serving you better. How can you help? By updating your personal information.
Why Update Your Personal Information
The Bank has legal and regulatory obligations to accurately and efficiently manage all our customers’ accounts, which involves keeping up-to-date customer data. This goes beyond compliance for us here at Co-op Bank. We want you to have a seamless experience when banking with us.
For Enhanced Security
We utilize different authentication methods to secure your online accounts against unauthorized access, with one method being a verification code sent by email or text message. For example, when logging in to your eBanking account, you will be prompted to enter a verification code. If you changed your phone number recently, and did not update your customer data, then you would not receive the verification code and would not be able to log in.
For Enhanced Communication
We want to ensure that you receive timely notices about your account with us. With your correct information, we will be able to reach you easily when the need arises. Additionally, using demographic data, we can tailor our communication to provide you with details about our suite of products and services that make the most sense for you.
Updating Your Personal Information
If you recently changed your telephone number or primary email address, please update your information with us as soon as possible. Other instances when you should update your customer information include if you have a new residential or mailing address, if you had any legal name changes, or if you had any changes to your employment.
To update your information, you can use the secure messaging feature in the eBanking mobile app or visit your nearest Retail Banking Unit.
Our customer information team may contact you for periodic verification of your customer data. However, we will never ask for your eBanking log in credentials – user ID or password, account PIN or other credit card information, or ask you to transfer funds to an unfamiliar account. If you do receive a suspicious email or text message from us, please report and delete the message immediately.
To learn more about the Bank’s drive to update customer information, visit https://www.grenadaco-opbank.com/banking-with-us/update-personal-records/
On Sunday 18th August, at the national celebration rally honouring Grenada’s Olympic heroes, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited proudly presented Kirani James with a cash award of EC$125,000, in recognition of his outstanding performance at the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Kirani James, the world’s most decorated 400m male athlete, made history once more at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as the first male athlete to appear in four consecutive Olympic 400m finals. The 2024 men’s final was the fastest 400m in Olympic history, as the top 5 finishers all recorded times below 44 seconds.
Mr. Willvorn Grainger, Chief Experience Officer, made the presentation on behalf of the Bank. “We are extremely proud of our ambassador Kirani. We have witnessed Kirani’s growth, his perseverance and achievements, both personally and professionally. Since 2012, we have been with him throughout his journey through the exciting and challenging times, from London to Rio, Tokyo and Paris, and we intend to extend our partnership beyond Kirani’s athletic career. Kirani has become part of the Co-op Bank family.”
“As the only full-fledged, local commercial bank on island, it is only fitting that we support our local talent to assist them in achieving their full potential,” Grainger remarked. “We are not just a commercial bank. We are deeply rooted in and responsive to the needs of our communities.”
The Board of Directors, management and staff of the Bank also extend congratulations to Kirani on his investiture as Commander of the Order of the British Empire, as well as Companion of the Order of Grenada, one of Grenada’s highest honours, for his distinguished achievements that have brought international prestige to the nation.
The celebration rally, held at the La Sagesse Playing Field, brought the curtains down on a weekend of homecoming activities for Grenada’s 2024 Olympians. Olympic bronze medalists Lindon Victor and Anderson Peters, 100m runner Halle Hazzard, and swimmers Zackary Gresham and Tilly Collymore were also honoured and celebrated. Grenada Co-operative Bank joins the nation in congratulating these outstanding athletes and wishes them continued success.
Right now, more and more people are choosing experiences over things, ticking items off their bucket lists and taking trips of a lifetime. What are your travel dreams? Is it seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World? How does a luxury river cruise in Europe sound? Perhaps you’d like to take in the sights and sounds of Times Square and catch a show on Broadway. Maybe, you dream of a cultural immersion in a country on the other side of the world or something closer to home with a staycation at one of Grenada’s world-class resorts.
Whatever it is, your dream vacation awaits.
At Co-op Bank, we understand that when wanderlust strikes, it’s time to make memories, not excuses. That’s why our simple and convenient consumer borrowing solutions can help you turn your travel wish lists into travel reality.
Our consumer loans are designed with you in mind to meet your financial needs. We offer a hassle-free application process, quick approvals, and no hidden fees or charges.
And it gets even better. We’re still celebrating Grenada’s 50th anniversary of independence with our Banking on a Bright Future promotion. Enjoy discounted interest rates on financing up to $50,000 unsecured and pay 50% on loan fees.
Our Visa credit cards are another way to get you on your way to vacation. With three options, Visa Classic, Infinite and Signature Business, our credit cards are tailor-made just for you, and the more you spend, the more you earn with the Visa My Rewards program. You’ll earn one point for every US $1 spent, so rack up the points to get the best travel deals on flights, accommodations and car rentals.
Ready for your dream vacation? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Do your research
- Create a vacation mood/inspiration board for your vacation. Are you looking for adventure or relaxation or a mix of both? Make notes of everything you want to see and do.
- Identify the ideal time of the year to visit and any travel requirements such as visas or health recommendations.
- Explore the destination’s accommodation and transportation options.
- Calculate the costs
- Create a budget tracker with all your projected expenses. Include flights, accommodation, ground transportation, meals, excursions & experiences, and souvenirs. Also consider pre-travel expenses like travel insurance, visas, and new clothes/gear.
- Make an appointment with a Co-op Bank loan specialist
- Our loan specialists will guide you through the process to determine the best loan option based on your budget and current financial obligations.
Co-op Bank is here to make your dreams come true. Whether it’s an epic solo adventure or a relaxing trip with family and friends, we’ll find the right financing option for you. Contact us today to learn more about how Co-op Bank can turn your dream vacation into a reality.
St. George’s, May 21, 2024, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited proudly announces the launch of its dedicated unit for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The launch event, which was held at the Spice Island Beach Resort on May 15, 2024, introduced the Bank’s new comprehensive program of MSME solutions.
The MSME Unit’s launch is a significant milestone in Co-op Bank’s growth and development. “Co-op Bank is not new to the MSME market and has been a key MSME partner over its 91 years of existence. We have supported micro, small and medium sized businesses across many sectors that are today thriving commercial enterprises,” remarked Darryl Brathwaite, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited. “No business has been too small, and no dream has been too big to receive our support. The support for MSMEs is very much in line with the ethos and principle of our founding fathers, which is to provide banking solutions to Grenadians from all walks of life.”
“Access to financing is critical for any enterprise, especially for those just starting out or looking to expand. The needs of our MSMEs are unique and as such it was imperative for us as a bank to take a comprehensive approach,” explained Larry Lawrence, Managing Director of Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited. “Therefore, we embarked upon developing a customized suite of solutions and engaged partners to put together a well-thought-out program that we deem necessary to help these businesses succeed.”
In addition to enhanced lending policies and a suite of products, the new MSME Unit has executed agreements with service providers to offer specialized support for its MSME customers. These support services are in the areas of Accounting & Finance, Technical Support, Website Development, and general Business Development. The MSME Unit has also developed an engagement plan with designated Relationship Managers to connect with, train and educate customers through interactive newsletters, workshops and seminars, and in-person visits.
Entrepreneurs and business owners within the MSME sector are excited by the new services designed to cater to their specific needs. Reflecting on the launch event, one of the entrepreneurs said, “It’s good that there is a bank that really cares about us as micro and small businesses. As they mentioned today, sometimes you get overlooked so we are quite happy that Co-op Bank is actually looking at us and giving us very practical solutions and ideas.”
Co-op Bank is committed to being a trusted partner and working with micro, small and medium sized businesses to ensure their success. To learn more about Co-op Bank’s new MSME solutions, email [email protected] or call 473-440-2111 to set up an appointment with one of our MSME Relationship Managers.
St. George’s, May 13th, 2024, In a ceremonial handover held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort on May 8th, 2024, Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited presented $584,392 to the Ministry of Mental Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs for the Carlton Home Rehabilitation Centre for Substance Abusers.
The handover ceremony concluded the Bank’s efforts to raise $500,000 to re-establish Carlton Home through the annual Pump It Up Family Fun Walk. In 2016, the Pump It Up team identified alcoholism and substance abuse as major community health issues, and what started as the usual one-year contribution became a program of activities to address the substance abuse problem in Grenada.
“With the support of the benefactors, alliance partners and Pump It Up fun walkers, we were able to achieve and surpass our target of $500,000, with a total of $584,392 after this year’s events in Carriacou and mainland Grenada, surpassing the goal by $84,392,” announced Mr. Larry Lawrence, Managing Director of Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited.
To ensure the success of this fundraising venture, Co-op Bank enlisted support from corporate Grenada. Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd, Cable & Wireless Grenada Ltd (FLOW), Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited, Antillean Group, Coyaba Beach Resort, Body Image Health Club, and Waggy T Rentals & Sounds Company answered the Bank’s call. At the ceremony, the Bank recognised the Pump It Up benefactors’ tremendous contributions. Mr. Willvorn Grainger, Chief Experience Officer of Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited, presented them with tokens of appreciation for their commitment to the Carlton Home restoration.
The effort to re-establish the Carlton Home Rehabilitation Centre for Substance Abusers encompassed more than fundraising. “As an indigenous institution, we have a vested interest in the wellbeing of the citizens where we operate,” stated Lawrence. “A healthy, thriving population provides the Bank with the opportunity to assist with the attained financial goals of individuals and their families.” As a result, the Pump It Up team employed a holistic approach to public awareness to share messages of prevention, the importance of seeking help when challenged by substance abuse, and the need for a specialized facility to assist during the rehabilitation process.
The late Derrick La Borde, a fervent advocate for Carlton Home’s restoration, joined the Bank’s public awareness initiatives, sharing his story as a recovering alcoholic. Mr. La Borde’s tremendous contributions to the cause were recognised and honoured during the ceremony.
Hon. Delma Thomas, Minister for Mental Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs accepted the donation for the re-establishment of Carlton Home and commended the private sector partnership in addressing crucial societal needs. “Co-op Bank’s generous donation not only demonstrates corporate social responsibility but also underscores a shared commitment to improving public health and social welfare. Such initiatives play a pivotal role in community development and promoting a culture of compassion and support for individuals struggling with addiction,” said Minister Thomas.
Minister Thomas also expressed her gratitude to the Grenadian public for their overwhelming support and generous contributions. “Your participation in the health walks over the years and your financial donations reflect the spirit of unity and compassion that defines our nation. Together we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow Grenadian citizens, demonstrating the power of collaborative action in addressing pressing social challenges.”
The funds raised from the Pump It Up walks will be used to outfit the new rehabilitation centre. According to Minister Thomas, the new facility will be constructed in St. Andrew, on the premises of the former Nurses’ Hostel. The funds will remain in a trust managed by the Board of Trustees until construction of the facility is complete.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited extends its gratitude to its partners and the public for their resolute and unwavering support over the years. The Bank intends to continue the Healthier Lifestyles programme and, by extension, hold the Pump It Up Family Fun Walk next year with a new beneficiary.
On Sunday April 21, 2024, thousands of people in bright orange shirts took to the streets of St. George, participating in the 13th Co-op Bank Pump It Up Family Fun Walk, the main feature of the Bank’s Healthier Lifestyles Programme.
After a short opening ceremony and warm-up session, the walk began promptly at 4:00 p.m. from the Morne Rouge playing field to the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. While most participants took the normal route, others opted to tackle the challenge route up Lowther’s Lane, down Marrast Hill, through River Road, and on to the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.
In 2024, the curtains were brought down on the collaboration between Co-op Bank and corporate Grenada, which began in 2017 with an aim to raise $500,000 for the benefit of one major sustainable initiative – the re-establishment of the Carlton Home.
This year, the contributions of the benefactors totaled $45,000 which has been placed in the Trust Fund created for the initiative. Additionally, the Bank made its customary contribution of $1.50 per mile for each registered participant: 485 participants in Carriacou, and 4,377 in Grenada on both the regular and challenge routes, totaling $26,215 for the Carriacou and Grenada events.
In Carriacou, on April 14, the presentation of $3,000 was made to Hon. Tevin Campbell, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government. On Sunday April 21, the Bank’s Managing Director presented $23,215 to Hon. Delma Thomas, Minister for Mental Health, Wellness, and Religious Affairs, the ministry which the Bank will continue to work closely with to see the re-establishment of the Carlton Home brought to fruition.
Speaking to participants during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Pump It Up Family Fun Walk at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, Mr. Larry Lawrence, Managing Director of Co-op Bank, announced that the target of $500,000 was surpassed.
Mr. Lawrence stated that the Bank’s contribution, pledges made by benefactors, and other donations towards this project amounted to $584,392, that is $84,392 above the target, which is a tremendous feat. Mr. Lawrence reminded participants that the funds will be used for the outfitting of the facility and will continue to be managed by the Board of Trustees made up of the three (3) initial benefactors and the Bank until construction of the facility is complete.
Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd (Hubbard’s), FLOW Grenada Ltd, and Guardian General Insurance (OECS) Limited were the first benefactors coming on board to support the initiative in 2017. They were followed by Antillean Group in 2018, Coyaba Beach Resort in 2019, and Waggy T Rentals & Sounds Co. and Body Image Health Club in 2020. Hubbard’s, FLOW, Guardian General Insurance and Antillean Group remained as benefactors for the 2023-24 period.
Between 2009-2016, different health related charities have benefitted from the proceeds of the walk, including the Grenada Heart Foundation, Grenada Diabetes Association, Grenada Kidney Foundation and Sickle Cell Foundation of Grenada, Grenada Cancer Society, Pink Ribbon Society and Lupus Foundation of Grenada. The Bank remains committed to promoting vibrant and physically active lifestyles, encouraging preventative approaches to health issues, and making information concerning health matters available to the public as part of its Healthier Lifestyles Programme.
Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited continues to support local communities. On Tuesday April 9, 2024, the Bank made a generous donation of $ 20,000 to assist with the relief and recovery efforts for the families affected by the fire that destroyed five homes in the village of Chantimelle, St. Patrick. The presentation was made at a joint ceremony hosted by Co-op Bank and Jonas Browne and Hubbard (G’da) Ltd. at the site of the fire.
Dr. Aaron Logie, Executive Manager, Finance and Wealth Management Services at Co-op Bank and a past resident of the area presented the donation to Ms. Faith Phillip, chairperson of the CHANTIVIC Fire Committee. While speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Logie extended heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by the recent devastating fire and assured them that the thoughts and prayers of the Co-op Bank family are with them during this difficult time.
Dr. Logie remarked, “As Grenada’s only local commercial bank, with a branch strategically located to serve the people of St. Patrick, and staff who currently reside or are deeply rooted in the community of Chantimelle, it is only fitting that we step forward and generously support this community in its time of need.”
According to Dr. Logie, “Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited believes in the power of partnerships, the joining of forces and resources to support one another during challenging times. And so, we have partnered with Jonas Browne & Hubbard (G’da) Ltd., a like-minded corporate entity, ready to respond to the need at hand. Like us, they understood that collectively, we can do more.” He also made a special plea to corporate Grenada and individuals locally and in the diaspora to support this worthy
cause. “The size of your contribution does not matter, as collectively, it will amount to more.”
Co-op Bank reaffirms its commitment to supporting our communities and standing with our neighbours in their time of need.
