Credit Unit Wins Township Credit Card Bid

Affinity Federal Credit Union will once again operate, manage and administer the Township’s credit card program, after being the only bidder for the five-year contract.

The Township Committee unanimously authorized the contract at its May 24 meeting.

"Affinity's been a great partner for the township for a number of years," Committeeman Frank DelCore said. "They've worked really diligently on putting the program in place, keeping it going at a difficult economic time, when there wasn't a lot of people trying to put more money on credit cards."

“We’re very honored to be able to administer the credit card program again,” Jim Borelli, Business Development Officer for Affinity, said. “We’re excited and hopeful that we’ll be able to continue the program and that there will be a great success for the township, especially the non-profits.”

While the township has had other banks bid for the credit card contract in the past, committee members noted that the program is more of a community-based effort.

“It’s more of a community type of thing,” Committeeman Anthony Ferrera, who was mayor when the program launched, said. “They are doing it to drive community.”

The program originally ran from 2001 to 2006 before having a two-year hiatus. It re-launched in 2008, and allows individuals to sign up for a special township credit card.

Through the agreement, a percentage of the amount charged on the card is returned to the Hillsborough Credit Card trust fund. The funds are then distributed to various non-profit senior citizens groups and youth organizations in town.

Affinity’s program will reimburse the township at a rate of 30 percent of the merchant fee paid to Affinity when cardholders use the cards.

The township’s Credit Card Committee determines which organizations receive the program funds by having the organizations file grant proposals. The most recent set of grants, awarded in January, provided a local Cub Scout pack with a portable microphone and provided the Hillsborough YMCA with an automated external defibrillator.

The most recent round of grant applications ended April 19, though the grant recipients have not yet been announced.

Card applications are available at Affinity’s Route 206 location, and more information on the card is available by calling 800-325-0808 or  by visiting www.affinityfcy.org/Hillsborough.