802 Credit Union: A New Banking Website Full of Local Personality
Banking websites have an opportunity to do more than simply present information to their customer base. They can create connection, build trust, and reflect the people they serve. When 802 Credit Union partnered with Bytes.co on a new website, we set out to create a digital experience that feels personal, full of personality, and unmistakably Vermont.
About 802 Credit Union
802 Credit Union is a Vermont-based, member-owned financial institution offering a full range of personal banking services, from checking and savings accounts to loans, credit cards, and digital banking tools. Deeply rooted in their local communities, 802CU exists to support Vermonters with accessible financial services, local decision-making, and a people-first approach to banking.
Project Goals
As we worked closely with the 802CU team, a clear set of priorities emerged for the new website. These goals guided every design and UX decision, helping ensure the final experience supports both member needs and business objectives.
- Create a modern website that doesn’t look or feel like a traditional banking site
- Make it easy for both new and existing members to find what they need and take action
- Reflect 802CU’s personality, values, and connection to Vermont
The previous site was functional, but it missed opportunities to guide users toward meaningful next steps of opening an account (if an existing member), calling a branch, visiting a location, or becoming a member. This redesign focused on closing that gap through intentional UX, strong visual storytelling, and clear calls to action across every page.
How We Solved the Design Challenge
To move away from the traditional (and occasionally safe) banking aesthetic, we leaned into contrast—both visually and conceptually. Bold, vibrant brand colors were applied purposefully to create energy and hierarchy, while warm neutrals kept the experience grounded and approachable. We then paired this color strategy with authentic, local photography that feels real, human, and Vermont-y.
From a UX perspective, every template was thoughtfully designed. Clear CTAs guide users toward action, while purposeful redundancy in navigation ensures quick access to commonly searched pages like branch locations, contact information, and membership details.
The sitemap and page templates were structured to be scannable and predictable, helping users move confidently through the site without friction.
The result is a website that feels bright, warm, and full of personality, but also slick, organized, and conversion-focused.
Thank You to the Project Team
Projects like this don’t come together without an incredible team. A huge thank-you to:
- Hannah Hook, our Digital Marketing Strategist, who worked closely with 802CU to write and populate the majority of the site’s content as well as curate all the beautiful photography throughout
- Sam Reinhardt, Technical Architect, who translated our Figma design files into clear development direction
- Andrew Allen, Front-End Developer, who brought the designs to life through flexible, thoughtful Gutenberg-based templates
- Colin Urban, who built the bank product helper tool that guides users to the right solutions
- Michael Zaremba, Senio Project Manager, for keeping the entire project moving forward with confidence and care
“It was such a thrill to work with 802CU and see their new identity come to life online. The improvement in user experience is night and day compared to their old site, and the custom tools we built will make managing their content significantly easier. This new platform sets them up to better serve their community for years to come.”
Michael Zaremba
Thank You to JAM Creative
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to JAM Creative, the local Vermont photography team behind the stunning imagery featured throughout the site. Their work captures life in Vermont with honesty, warmth, and beauty, and plays a huge role in giving the website its sense of place and authenticity. If you aren’t familiar with their work, check it out here!
And Thank You to 802CU for Being Such a Great Client!
802CU was the inspirational force behind the website and were just fantastic to work with all around. After launching the new site, we were so pleased to receive this email from the 802CU team, and wanted to share it here!
“On behalf of all of us at 802 Credit Union, I want to extend our sincere appreciation for your leadership, dedication, and partnership throughout the development of our new website.
This project has been months in the making, and your steady guidance, attention to detail, and commitment to understanding who we are made all the difference. You and your team not only delivered a beautiful, modern, and intuitive site, you helped us bring to life a digital experience that truly reflects the heart of 802CU.
We couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Please share our thanks with your entire team—their hard work shines throughout the final product.”
— Jaime and the entire 802 Credit Union Team
Closing
As the Creative Director here at Bytes.co, I’m incredibly proud of the final result. This website strikes all the right chords for me: deliberate color application, photography that truly resonates, and thoughtfully constructed pages that keep users engaged and moving forward. Most importantly, it reflects who 802 Credit Union really is, a financial institution built on connection, community, and care.
We’re honored to have partnered with 802CU on this journey and excited to see how this new digital experience supports their members for years to come.
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