A group of B.C. credit unions and a virtual bank have launched new Web sites as part of a joint venture improve their online services.

VanCity Credit Union, Coast Capital Savings, Surrey Metro Savings and Citizens Bank of Canada under a joint venture — Inovera Solutions — are now offering Web sites with better online banking services and a wide range of new tools and information to give members improved control, flexibility, and convenience.

While the organizations’ Web addresses remain unchanged, both the online banking services and the general Web sites have received makeovers.

New functions include the ability to export statement information to personal accounting software, and view all account and consolidated statements online.

Other features include customizable market and stock listings, current interest rates, up-to-the-minute financial and community news for a few of the sites, and improved mortgage and RRSP calculators.

To help users with budgeting and planning, financial advice on everything from major life events to investing in RRSPs have been added to the sites.

By combining resources through a joint venture, VanCity, Coast Capital Savings, Surrey Metro Savings and Citizens Bank have been able to share the cost, resources and expertise. The plan is to continue to further evolve and enhance the sites in the months to come.

” This partnership not only benefits our members and our operating efficiency, but also the credit union and the virtual banking industry as a whole,” says Paul Duncan, President & CEO, Coast Capital Savings.