Members with checking accounts gained easier access to their money today as 1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union joined the CO-OP ATM Network, a nationwide group of automatic teller machines.

Members will pay no surcharge when they withdraw their cash from more than 700 ATMs in South Carolina and 30,000 across the United States in the CO-OP Network.

“Frankly, there aren’t many large national banks that have this many ATMs,” said Jo Ann Burnside, chief operating officer of 1st Cooperative. “It’s a huge benefit for members who have checking accounts with our credit union—and another reason to open a checking account with us.”

The new ATM network includes machines at retailers such as Publix grocery stores, Circle K and 7-Eleven convenience stores, and Costco Wholesale locations. The walk-up or drive-up ATMs at most credit unions are also surcharge-free.

“That easy access really makes our checking accounts very attractive,” Burnside said. “Our Visa debit card not only makes purchases simple, but it doubles as an ATM card, too.”

Members can find nearby ATMs with the “CO-OP ATM Shared Branch” locator app, which is free in the Apple and Google Play app stores or by going directly to www.CO-OPatm.org.

The app stores also have the free 1st Cooperative Federal Credit Union app, which allows members to deposit a check by taking its photo, view account balances and transfer funds between accounts.

Credit union membership is open to electric cooperative employees, trustees and their families, which includes spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings and in-laws.