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Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
How do I join the credit
union?
How do I access my account
using this site?
What is the credit union's routing or ABA number?
What should I do if I'm
locked out of eBanking?
Why is my available balance lower than my account balance?
If I post date a check, can it be cashed or withdrawn before that date?
What information do I need to set up an incoming wire transfer?
Can I complete a Stop Pay
request on-line?
Can I transfer from my
account to my child's account using EDIE or the website?
How do I change the address
on my account?
What holidays does the
credit union observe?
How do I stop an
automatic debit coming out of my account?
I've lost my wallet. What do I need to do?
What is a CVV2 or CVC2 code?
Do you have a
kid's club?
Do you have safe deposit boxes?
Does the credit union offer direct deposit?
How much of my money is
federally insured?
Can I buy Savings Bonds at the credit union?
Does the credit union offer alternative investments?
My Visa Check Card expires soon. Will you mail a new one?
What is Overdraft Protection?
What should I do if I receive an e-mail asking for credit
union account data?
What is Check 21 and how does it affect me?
Does the credit union offer scholarships?
What do I need to do to deposit a tax refund?
Can I open additional accounts on-line?
Does the credit union offer any identity theft
services?
How can I get a free credit report?
Can I make extra payments to principal on my loan?
How can I stop my browser from remembering my passwords
for eBanking?
Does the credit union offer student loans?
I recently married. How do I change my name on my
account?
Can I skip a loan payment?
How can I keep better informed of new
services and important news?
I have a transaction from Sellman & Company on my account. What
is it?
Can I mail deposits to the credit union?
Do you have any forms that can help me switch
my accounts from another financial institution?
Do you have a resource for teens to learn about money and
credit?
Where can I find ATMs that don't charge fees?
Can I buy foreign currency from the credit union?
FAQ:
How do I join the credit union?
First, you need to determine if you are
eligible to join Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union. Click
here to determine
your eligibility. This page also includes instructions for joining the credit
union and a link to a page that will help you find a credit union if you are
not eligible to join ours.
[TOP]
FAQ:
How do I access my account using this site?
To access your account on-line, select the eBanking
link under Account Access on the drop down menu above. You will need your five
or six digit member/account number and four to eight digit EDIE PIN. The first
time you log in, you will need to set up 3 questions for security reasons. For
complete instructions, click here.
[TOP]
FAQ: What is the credit
union's routing or ABA number?
The credit union's routing number, also known as
an ABA number, is 313087286.
[TOP]
FAQ:
I've tried to log into my account 3 times with the wrong password and now I'm
locked out. What should I do?
Contact the credit union's e-Department by
e-mail or phone the accounting department at 281-487-9333 or toll free
1-800-683-3863.
[TOP]
FAQ: Why is my
available balance lower than my account balance?
It means that funds from your account have been
held for an upcoming transaction such as a Visa Check Card transaction or
because a hold was applied to a deposit check. [TOP]
Funds Availability. Our
policy is to delay the availability of funds from checks that you deposit in
your account. During the delay, you may not withdraw the funds in cash and
checks will not clear. Please remember that even after we have made funds
available to you, and you have withdrawn the funds, you are still responsible
for checks you deposit that are returned to us unpaid and for any other problems
involving your deposit.
DETERMINING THE AVAILABILITY OF A DEPOSIT. The length of the delay is counted in
business days from the day of your deposit. Every day is a business day except
Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. If you make a deposit before 6:00pm
on a business day that we are open, we will consider that day to be the day of
your deposit. However, if you make a deposit after 6:00pm or on a day we are not
open, we will consider that the deposit was made on the next business day we are
open.
The length of the delay varies depending on the type of deposit and is explained
below:
SAME-DAY AVAILABILITY. Funds from electronic direct deposits to your account
will be available on the day we receive the deposit.
NEXT DAY
AVAILABILITY. Funds from the following deposits are available on the first
business day of your deposit:
If you make the deposit in person to one of our employees, funds from the
following deposits are also available on the first business day of your deposit:
-
Cash
-
State and Local government checks that are payable to you,
-
Cashier's, certified, and teller’s checks that are payable to you.
Federal Reserve Bank checks, Federal Home Loan Bank checks, and postal money
orders, if these items are payable to you.
If you do not make your deposit in person to one of our employees (for example,
if you mail the deposit), funds from these deposits will be available on the
second business day after the day of your deposit.
OTHER
CHECK DEPOSITS. The delay for other check deposits depends on whether the check
is a local or a nonlocal check. To see whether the check is a local or nonlocal
check, look at the routing number on the check:
If the first four digits of the routing number are:
1030 1031 1039 1110 1111 1113 1119 1120 1122 1123 1130 1131 1140 1149 1163 3030
3031 3039 3110 3111 3113 3119 3120 3122 3123 3130 3131 3140 3149 3163
then the check is a local check. Otherwise, the check is a nonlocal check. Our
policy is to make funds from these checks available as follows.
1) Local Checks. The first $100 from a deposit of local checks will be
available on the first business day after the day of your deposit for cash
withdrawal. The remainder generally will be available on the second business day
after the day of your deposit. For example, If you deposit a local check of $700
on a Monday, $100 of the deposit is available on Tuesday to withdraw in cash.
The remaining $600 is available on Wednesday for cash withdrawal. In some cases,
however, depending on the bank on which the check is drawn, special limitations
apply to withdrawals in cash. The first $100 will be available for cash
withdrawal on the first business day after the day of your deposit. All of the
remaining funds will be available for cash withdrawal on the third business day
after the day of your deposit. In these cases, for example, if you deposit a
local check of $700 on a Monday, $100 of the deposit is available on Tuesday to
withdraw in cash. You may withdraw the rest in cash on Thursday.
2) Nonlocal Checks. The first $100 from a deposit of nonlocal checks will
be available on the first business day after the day of your deposit for cash
withdrawal. The remainder will be available on the fifth business day after your
deposit. For example, if you deposit a nonlocal check on a Monday, $100 of the
deposit is available on Tuesday to withdraw in cash: The remaining funds from
the deposit are available on Monday of the following week for cash withdrawal.
If you deposit both categories of checks, $100 from the checks will be available
on the first business day after the day of your deposit, not $100 from each
category of check.
3) Local and Nonlocal Checks. If you deposit both categories of checks,
$100 from the checks will be available on the first business day after the day
of your deposit, not $100 from each category of check.
4) Certain other Checks. We can process nonlocal checks drawn on
financial institutions in certain areas faster than usual. Therefore, funds from
deposits of checks drawn on institutions in those areas will be available to you
more quickly. Call us if you would like a list of routing numbers for these
institutions. If we cash a check for you that is drawn on another bank, we may
withhold the availability of a corresponding amount of funds that are already in
your account. Those funds will be available at the time funds from the check we
cashed would have been available if you had deposited it. For example, if we
cashed a $100 local check for you, $100 of funds already in your account will
not be available until the second business day after the day we cashed the
check. If we accept for deposit a check that is drawn on another bank, we may
make funds from the deposit available for withdrawal immediately but delay your
availability to withdraw a corresponding amount of funds that you have in
another account with us. The funds in the other account would then not be
available for withdrawal until the time periods that are described elsewhere in
this disclosure for the type of check that you deposited.
LONGER DELAYS MAY APPLY. In some cases, we will not make all of the funds that
you deposit by check available to you on the first business day after the day of
your deposit. Depending on the type of check that you deposit, funds may not be
available until the fifth business day after the day of your deposit. The first
$100 of your deposit, however, may be available on the first business day. If
we are not going to make all of the funds available on the first business day,
we will notify you at the time you make your deposit. We will also tell you
when the funds will be available. If your deposit is not made directly to one
of our employees, or if we decide to take this action after you have left the
premises, we will mail you the notice by the day after we receive your deposit.
If you will need the funds from a deposit right away, you should ask us when the
funds will be available. In addition, funds you deposit by check may be delayed
for a longer period under the following circumstances:
-
We
believe a check you deposit will not be paid.
-
You deposit checks totaling more than $5,000 on any one day.
-
You redeposit a check that has been returned unpaid.
-
You have overdrawn your account repeatedly in the last six months.
-
There is an emergency, such as failure of computer or communications equipment.
We will notify you if we delay your ability to withdraw funds for any of these
reasons, and we will tell you when the funds will be available.
They will generally be available no later than the eleventh business day after
the day of your deposit.
[TOP]
FAQ: If I post date a
check, can it be cashed or withdrawn before that date?
Check Myths
Checks are written with the
understanding that funds for the check are available at that time. Post dating a
check may not prevent it from being presented for payment earlier than the date
on the check. The credit union does attempt to monitor them when presented, but
if they are presented from the Fed, they will
most likely be paid.
Personal checks are valid for only six months. Personal checks do not have an
expiration date. The credit union does, however, consider checks older than that
as stale dated and may not accept them for deposit. If they are presented from
the Fed, they will most likely be paid.
Checks are short term loans.
Checks are written with the understanding that funds for the check are available
at that time and there is nothing to stop the party you wrote the check to
coming by the credit union and attempting to cash the check as soon as it is in
their possession.
[TOP]
What's on a check?
On the check below, we've detailed what appears on checks. We recommend
never putting your driver's license information on your checks. Put as little
personal information as possible on your checks.
| 1.This is the
credit union's routing number. This number is unique to the credit union.
This number is also used for Direct Deposit. |
2. Member or
account number. This should be no more than six digits. |
3. Check digit.
Not part of the account number. |
4. This is the
check number and should be the same as the one that appears in the upper
right hand corner. |
What happens after I write a check?
With all of the
technological advances in the financial services industry, the amount of time it
takes checks to clear has decreased dramatically. The time it takes for a check
to clear your account from the time it was written is commonly referred to as a
"float." The days of the week long "float" are over. Today, a check can clear
your account in as little as 12 hours. The information below will help describe
the process and show how a check you write could clear in only 12 to 18 hours.
Most vendors these days accept
local checks. What that vendor does with the check will determine the timeliness
of that check clearing your account. Most vendors will forward all checks to a
large commercial bank. The vendor does, however, have the right to bring the
check directly to your credit union and cash it. The important thing to remember
is that a check is a contract between you and the payee. Checks are written with
the understanding that funds for the check are available at that time. Post
dating a check may not prevent it from being presented for payment earlier than
the date on the check.
After the commercial bank
receives your check, one of two things will happen. The first thing that can
happen is that your check will be forwarded to the Federal Reserve to be grouped
with other checks from Gulf Coast Educators FCU members. The second possibility
is that your check will be sent directly to the credit union. This is called
same day settlement and is being used by a few of the larger banks and are
processed the next business morning.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) has
long been sorting checks for financial institutions. The Fed sorts all of the
checks written by Gulf Coast Educators members and sends them to your credit
union to be processed. The credit union usually processes checks in the early
evening hours so that members can make deposits throughout the day, but checks
can be cleared at any time of the day.
When is a check, not a check?
If you pay a merchant with a share draft (check), you may be authorizing that
merchant to convert the share draft to an electronic fund transfer. You may also
be authorizing the merchant to electronically debit your account for returned
check fees. You are considered to have authorized the electronic funds transfer
if you complete the transaction after being told (orally or by posted notice)
that the transfer may be processed electronically or if you sign a written
authorization. This type of transaction is occurring more often, especially at
places like Wal-Mart. One way to avoid this type of transaction is to use the
Visa Check Card instead of a check.
[TOP]
FAQ: What information do I
need to set up an incoming wire transfer?
Wire Transfer Instructions
For fees associated with outgoing Wire Transfers, please click
here.
Incoming Wire Transfer Instructions
Wire Funds To Southwest Corporate FCU - Dallas, TX
ABA # 311990511
Further Credit: Gulf Coast Educators FCU
ABA# 313087286
Final Credit: Member (Beneficiary Name) And Account Number
Outgoing
Wire Transfer Instructions
To initiate an outgoing
domestic wire transfer, you can
call the credit union or log into your account using the
eBanking system and select the Wire Transfer feature found under
Accounts on the drop down menu. You
will need the following required information*:
For domestic wire transfers:
-
Receiving
Financial Institution's routing (ABA) number & full name
-
Your
account/member number and updated address
-
The
Beneficiary's (recipient) full name and address
For international wire transfers:
-
Foreign
Bank's name, address including city and country
-
The
Foreign Bank's SWIFT/BIC code
-
Your
account/member number and updated address
-
The
Beneficiary's (recipient) full name and address including country and account
number at the foreign bank
*Additional information may be required.
Cut off times
International Wires: 11:00 AM
Domestic Wires: 3:30 PM
Wires that are not processed before the cut off times will
be sent the next business day.
[TOP]
FAQ:
Can I complete a Stop Pay request on-line?
Yes. Use the Stop Pay feature under check
services on the drop down menu. You can also use EDIE to complete a stop pay.
For EDIE instructions click
here.
[TOP]
FAQ: Can I transfer
from my account to my child's account using EDIE or the website?
You can transfer to other members (account
numbers) using the eBanking system but not EDIE. It is called a cross-member
transfer. To set up on-line cross-member transfers, call your credit union.
[TOP]
FAQ:
How do I change the address on my account?
You have two options. We do not accept address
change requests from the post office or via e-mail for security reasons. You
can write a short letter or note with your new address and signature and A)
mail it to 5953 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505 or B) Fax it 281-487-8537 or
you can log into the eBanking system and select the Address Change
feature found under the Options section of the drop down menu. The credit
union can't update the information in the bill paying system. To change your
address in the bill paying system, log into the Internet Banking system and
select Account Setup under Billpay option on the drop down menu.
[TOP]
FAQ: What holidays does
the credit union observe?
The credit union observes all
Federal Reserve
Holidays in addition to a few extra days. For the complete list, click
here.
[TOP]
FAQ: How do I stop an
automatic debit coming out of my account?
You need to contact the company
that the draft is coming from to stop the drafts coming from your account
since the transaction is initiated by them on your authority. If you do not
stop it with them, they will continue to try and debit the account. We
recommend a certified letter to them to assist in stopping the debits.
[TOP]
FAQ: What do
I need to do if my wallet is lost or stolen?
1. Cancel your credit cards immediately. Keep your credit card account numbers and their telephone numbers in a safe place so you will have all of your credit card information handy. Having to find all of your credit card telephone numbers and account numbers at this point would only add additional stress to your already stressful situation.
- For lost or stolen credit union MasterCard credit card
call 1-800-820-8302.
- For lost or stolen credit union Visa check card
after business hours call 1-800-528-2273. This will stop Visa transactions
but you will need to call the credit union and cancel the card as well.
2. Call the 3 national credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your name and social security number. This alert will notify any company checking your credit that your information was stolen and that they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. Here are the credit bureau fraud lines. Social security also has a fraud line.
-
Equifax fraud line (800) 525-6285
-
Experian (888) 397-3742
-
Trans Union (800) 680-7289
-
Social Security (800) 269-0271
3. Notify your financial institution so they can place a notation on your account. If your checkbook was stolen, you may want to place stop payments on the blank checks that were taken.
4. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your purse or wallet was stolen. This is the first step toward an investigation if there is one and it lets creditors know that you were diligent in your efforts.
[TOP]
FAQ: What is a
CVV2 or CVC2 code?
Mail order and telephone order (MO/TO) and
other card-not-present transactions have higher fraud rates than face-to-face
transactions. When a card's magnetic stripe is read by a point-of-sale (POS)
terminal, Visa's Card Verification Value (CVV) or MasterCard's Card Validation
Code (CVC) can be verified during the authorization. However, when the card is
not present the CVV or CVC cannot be validated. To help reduce fraud in the
card-not-present environment, acquirers, merchants, and issuers can use the
CVV2 or CVC2 program.
What is CVV2 or CVC2?
The CVV2/CVC2 is a three-digit security code that is printed on the back of
cards. The number appears in reverse italic at the top of the signature panel
at the end (see sample). This program helps validate that a genuine card is
being used during a transaction. All MasterCard cards, both credit and debit,
were required to contain CVC2 by January 1, 1997; all Visa cards must contain
CVV2 by January 1, 2001.
How does CVV2 or CVC2 Work?
Card-not-present merchants are being directed to ask cardholders for CVV2/CVC2
when cardholders place orders. Merchants ask the cardholder to read this code
from the card. The merchant then asks for CVV2/CVC2 verification during the
authorization process. The issuer (or processor) validates the CVV2/CVC2 and
relays the decline/approve results during the authorization process.
Merchants, by using the CVV2/CVC2 results along with the Address Verification
Service (AVS) and authorization responses, can then make more informed
decisions about whether to accept transactions. In addition, merchants using
CVV2/CVC2 can expect to reduce their chargebacks by as much as 26 percent.
Changes to signature panel?
Previously the three-digit CVV2 or CVC2 number followed the 16-digit account
number printed on the card's signature panel. The 16-digit account number is
now truncated to four digits on the signature panel. Beginning March 31, 2000,
cards issued by Equifax will show the last four digits of the account number
followed by the three-digit CVV2 or CVC2 number on the card signature panel.
This change makes it easier for cardholders to
sign their cards. It also makes it easier for merchants to compare the
signature on the card to the one on the sales draft; no longer will those 19
digits (16 + 3) get in the way of verifying a signature!
[TOP]
FAQ: Do you have a
kid's club?
Yes, our kid's club is open to all
members up to twelve years old. To qualify, a child must have a primary
membership. Sandy the Sandcrab is a super saver and along with his friends from
the beach will teach club members about saving money.
Program Highlights:
- Quarterly Newsletter, the
SandScribe
- Events: Easterbunny, Santa
Claus, Back to School Party
- Each time a club member
makes a deposit of $10 or more, they get a Sandy Dollar (wooden nickel) and
a small prize. Wooden nickels can be traded in for prizes. Only one Sandy
Dollar can be earned per week.
- The Classy Kids
program is designed to encourage club members to do well in school. Club
members can gain entry forms for all A's and no absences in a 6 or 9 week
time period, or by reading books and filling out a slip about the book. No
more than 4 chances per 6 week time period or 6 chances per 9 week time
period. We will give $100 total at the end of the semester to club members
drawn from the entries received in that semester. The grand prize will be
$50 and two $25 runner up prizes will be awarded.
Click
here
to visit the Sandy Saver's page.
[TOP]
FAQ: Do you have safe
deposit boxes?
Yes, but please
call the location where
you wish to rent a box because there may be a waiting list. Safeguard the things
you value most by keeping them in one of our Safe Deposit Boxes. Regardless of
whether it's old coins, stock certificates, deeds or jewelry, we have the size
to fit your needs.
|
Size |
Yearly Fee |
|
3 X 5 |
$15.00 |
|
3 X 10 |
$25.00 |
|
5 X 10 |
$40.00 |
|
10 X 10 |
$75.00 |
Going out of town and don't know what to do with
your valuables? We will store large items for you (up to 30 days) for a nominal
fee. For example: Gun collections, coin collections, paintings, etc.
[TOP]
FAQ: Does the
credit union offer direct deposit?
Your time is worth money and we know it. That's
why we offer you the convenience of doing business with your Credit Union
through direct deposit and payroll deduction. Funds are available immediately.
They don't sit idle until you have the time to make a trip to the Credit Union.
And, if you receive your check by mail, you eliminate the possibility of theft
or loss.
With direct deposit, your entire paycheck or
recurring benefit check, such as Social Security or your teacher's retirement
check, can be deposited into either your savings or checking account. Funds can
then be transferred to other accounts such as Christmas Club or to make loan
payments. In most cases, members using direct deposit receive their funds a day
or two before those receiving paper checks. To set up direct deposit with your
employer, you will need your five or six digit member/account number and the
credit union's routing or ABA number which is 313087286.
[TOP]
FAQ:
How much of my money is federally insured?
The shares in your credit union are insured by
the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), an arm of
NCUA.
Established by Congress in 1970 to insure member share accounts at federally
insured credit unions, the NCUSIF is managed by NCUA under the direction of
the three-person NCUA Board. Your share insurance is similar to the deposit
insurance protection offered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC). The
NCUA Share Insurance
Estimator is an educational resource about share insurance and gives a
detailed explanation of insurance coverage.
[TOP]
FAQ: Can I buy
Savings Bonds at the credit union?
Savings bonds have long been a patriotic way to
save. Your credit union sells Series EE and I bonds in denominations of $50 up
to $10,000 and can convert Series EE bonds into Series HH. Bonds are available
from either location or you can visit the
Savings Bonds website to buy on-line.
[TOP]
FAQ:
Does the credit union offer alternative
investments?
In addition to insured interest bearing accounts, other investments are available
through the
Financial Network Investment Corporation
Program.(*) These include:
|
Fixed/Variable Annuities |
Mutual Funds |
Tax-Free Investments |
|
U.S. Government Securities |
Life Insurance |
Stock & Bond Executions |
The Financial Services Representative can
assist you in planning your financial future. Services offered include Retirement Planning, College Education Savings Programs, Tax
Advantaged Strategies, How
to Minimize Risk with Diversification, Growth Opportunities, IRA
Alternatives, and Qualified Plan Rollovers.
(*) Investment products are:
NOT NCUA INSURED
NO CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE
MAY LOSE VALUE |
For more information contact Jennifer Harvey, a registered representative of
Financial
Network Investment Corporation, at 281-487-9333. For more complete information, including charges and expenses, obtain a prospectus from
Financial Network. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. Securities are offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation, a registered
broker/dealer and member NASD/SIPC. Financial Network and GCEFCU are not affiliated.
[TOP]
FAQ: When
will I receive my renewed Visa Check Card?
Visa Check Cards are good through the end of the
month printed on the card. For example, if the expiration date is 08/08, the
card will be good until August 31, 2008. We mail renewals within the month that
they expire. So in this example, we would mail Visa Check Card renewal in early
August 2008. We do not mail ATM card renewals. In order to renew an ATM card,
you will need to come into the office.
[TOP]
FAQ: What
is Overdraft Protection?
Overdraft Protection is a free service whereby
the credit union automatically transfer funds from your savings account to your
checking account to pay checks and electronic drafts when the available balance
in your checking account is too low. This differs from Courtesy Pay whereby the
checking account is temporarily taken negative to cover checks and electronic
drafts.
[TOP]
FAQ: I
received an e-mail from a government/credit union agency claiming that my
account was locked out and that I needed to visit their website to reset it.
What should I do?
Gulf Coast Educators FCU will NEVER email you asking
you to submit sensitive account information online. You should NEVER
respond to any emails requesting this type of information. Delete these emails
immediately. Anytime you receive an email of this kind, please feel free to
report it to the credit union call center at 281-487-9333.
[TOP]
Sample Credit Union Phishing e-mails
We've posted a few sample of a recent e-mails received by
members of the credit union. If you mouse over the links in the e-mails
notice that the URLs don't match the organization supposedly sending the
e-mails.
Sample One:
Dear NAFCU member,
As part of our
security measures, we regularly screen activity in Federal Credit Union
network. We recently noticed the following issue on your account: A recent
review of your transaction history determined that we require an update of
your account in order to provide you with secure services. Case ID Number:
PP-065-617-349
For your protection, we have limited your access, until additional security
measures can be completed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may
cause. Please restore your access as soon as possible.
You must click the link below and fill in the form on the following page to
complete the verification process.
http://www.nafcunet.org/profile_verification/index.htm
We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please understand
that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your
account. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Sincerely, Nation Association of Federal Credit Unions Account Review
Department
Please do not reply to this e-mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be
answered.
Dear Credit Union Member,
We are currently trying to upgrade our on-line
security measures. All accounts have been temporarily suspended until each
person completes our secure online form. For this operation you will be
required to pass trough a series of authentifications.
As the Primary Contact, you must confirm the
service(s) listed below!
Service:
National Association of Federal Credit Unions Online Banking
Status: SUSPENDED
To begin
unlocking your account please
click here.
Please note:
If we don't receive your account verification
within 72 hours from you, we will further lock down your account until we
will be able to contact you by e-mail or phone.
Sample Two:
Dear CU/FCU Account Holder ,
Credit Union Administration is constantly working to ensure
security by regularly screening the accounts in our system. We recently
reviewed your account, and we need more information to help us provide you
with secure service. Until we can collect this information, your access to
sensitive account features will be limited. We would like to restore your
access as soon as possible, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
------------------------------------
Why is my account access limited?
Your account access has been limited for the following
reason:
* We would like to ensure that your account was not accessed by an
unauthorized third party. Because protecting the security of your account is
our primary concern, we have limited access to sensitive Credit Union
account features. We understand that this may be an inconvenience but please
understand that this temporary limitation is for your protection.
(Your case ID for this reason is PCU1-818-214-242146.)
At Credit Union, one of our most important responsibilities
to you, our customer, is the safekeeping of the nonpublic personal
("confidential") information you have entrusted to us and using this
information in a responsible manner. Appropriate use of the confidential
information you provide us is also at the heart of our ability to provide
you with exceptional personal service whenever you contact us.
------------------------------------
How can I restore my account access?
Please confirm your identity here (the link below):
Restore Click Here Now and complete the "Steps to Remove Limitations. Please
Provide The Correct pin number"
http://cuna.gov/fcu/update_card.htm
Completing all of the checklist items will automatically restore your
account access. Please enter the correct pin number.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please do not reply to this e-mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be
answered.
Recently, there have been multiple e-mail fraud
attempts, known as "Phishing”, that were initiated via e-mail sent to both the
general public and to some credit union members that appeared to be from NCUA.
This false e-mail asked for the recipient to click on a link to verify their
credit union account registration. If the recipient proceeded to do so, the
link directed them to a false website and asked for their credit union account
number and PIN, along with other personal information.
NCUA does not ask credit unions members for such personal information. Anyone
who receives an e-mail that purports to be from NCUA and asks for account
information should consider it to be a fraudulent attempt to obtain their
personal account data for an illegal purpose and should not follow the
instructions in the e-mail.
If you responded to such an e-mail and provided any confidential account
information, please notify your credit union immediately of the scheme. You
should also change your account’s PIN, and take any additional action
recommended by your credit union to protect your account.
If you feel that you have received a fraudulent phishing e-mail purportedly
from NCUA please forward the entire e-mail message to
Phishing@ncua.gov
Additionally, you can file formal complaints concerning any suspected
fraudulent e-mail with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) at
ncua@ic3.gov.
The IFCC is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the
National White Collar Crime Center.
[TOP]
FAQ: What is
Check 21 and how will it affect me?
Check 21 became a bill in December of 2003 that removes legal
barriers to check conversion, enabling financial institutions to present and
return checks electronically. It enables these institutions to use a digital
image in check processing instead of a physical check. Check 21 allows consumers
to dispute substitute checks. The consumer has the right to have funds, up to
the first $2,500, re-credited to his or her account in 10 business days if the
check is paid twice, in the wrong amount, or in error. Check 21 is expected to
begin the broad exchange of digital check images between financial institutions.
What Check 21 means for you?
- You will no longer be able to get your
original paper checks back.
- Checks will clear sooner, increasing the
risk that it will bounce if there are non-sufficient funds.
- A bank other than your bank will have your
original check and will decide whether or not to destroy and when.
- Check 21 creates a new kind of paper copy
of an electronic image of a check. This special kind of copy is called a
"substitute check" and is legally equivalent to the original check.
- Only the special "substitute check" will be
legally equivalent to the original check to prove payment.
[TOP]
FAQ:
Does the credit union offer Scholarships?
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union will present scholarships annually
in the amount of $1000.00 - total of $4000.00 - to three qualified students
selected from applicants within our field of membership who meet the following
eligibility requirements:
1. Applicant must be a high school senior.
2. Student must be a member in good standing with GCEFCU and parent/legal
guardian must be a member in good standing with GCEFCU.
3. Two Scholarships will be awarded to students who express an intent to pursue
a course of study that will allow him or her to enter the teaching field. One
scholarship will be awarded to an applicant outside the field of education.
4. Recipient of scholarship funds must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 and earn
at least twelve hours minimum a semester. Failure to comply results in permanent
forfeiture.
5. The scholarship will be used for the purpose of study at an accredited
college or university.
6. Scholarship funds will be paid annually to the school of the recipient's
choice when evidence of enrollment and G.P.A. maintained is presented to GCEFCU.
If the course of study is changed from education, the recipient forfeits the
remainder of the scholarship funds.
7. Areas of consideration for selection will include need, academic achievement,
character, leadership, and personal recommendations.
8. If selected as a finalist, the applicant may be required to participate in a
personal interview.
9. Selections will be determined by a committee appointed from the Board of
Directors of GCEFCU.
10. If the committee's first choice does not accept the scholarship, a second
candidate will be selected.
11. A candidate must have a minimum SAT score of 1350 and/or a minimum ACT score
of 21.
The deadline for the scholarship is February 29, 2008. Click here for
a pdf version of the application.
[TOP]
FAQ: What do I
need to do to deposit a Tax refund?
Gulf Coast Educators
can only accept a tax refund check if a name appearing on the check is a member.
In order to deposit or cash a joint
check, both names must be on a joint account. A co-borrower on a loan is not
considered a joint owner of an account. In addition, both people must endorse
the check exactly like it is made out, including initials. Writing
for deposit only on the back of a check is not an endorsement
If the account is not jointly owned, both people must be present,
and both parties need to endorse the check exactly as it is written on the check.
Remember these important tips to ensure that your tax refund check
can be deposited or cashed without delays:
· Co-borrower is not a member
· Check must be
signed exactly as it is made out
· One name on the
check must be a member
If you
have any questions regarding your refund check, please do not hesitate to contact your
credit union.
Your tax refund can reach you faster than
ever. Now direct deposit of your refund is available by including account information on
the IRS 1040 form in the "Refund" section.
The IRS states that using this feature will
allow the IRS to deposit your refund up to 3 weeks earlier than if it were sent by mail.
You get your refund into your account, where the money can work for you, faster than in
the past. Having your refund directly
deposited into your credit union is also safer. With IRS Direct you don’t risk having
your check lost or stolen. Should your check be lost or stolen, your refund may be delayed
for months. Follow the simple instructions on your 1040 form and
you won’t have to plan a special trip to the credit union to deposit a check.
The credit union's routing or ABA# is 313087286
[TOP]
FAQ:
Can I open additional accounts on-line?
You can open additional accounts under an existing
membership/account number online. For example, if you have a membership number
999990 and you only have a savings account open under that membership, you can
open a checking account, Term Share account, additional savings accounts or a
Christmas Club account online by logging into your account and selecting the
Open Accounts feature found under Accounts on the drop down menu in
eBanking. You can also use this feature to
update information on your existing accounts
To open a new membership, you would need to visit a credit
union location. Using the example above, if you had as your membership, 999990
and wanted to open an additional membership (999991) you would need to follow
the current enrollment
procedures.
[TOP]
FAQ:
Does the credit union offer any identity theft services?
Yes, the credit union offers a program through Identity Theft
911. Click here to learn more
about the program and sign up. For tips on avoiding identity theft and for a
list of current scams, click
here.
[TOP]
FAQ:
How can I get a credit report?
You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three
credit bureaus each year by visiting
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/
We recommend that members only download one of the three and
then four months later download the next one and so on. This is a great way for
members to monitor their own credit and minimize the effects of identity theft
from ruining their credit.
[TOP]
FAQ:
How do I make extra payments to principal on my consumer
loan?
In order to make an extra payment to principal, you need to
make it on the due date of your payment after your regular payment has been made
or as a part of your regular payment. For example, you can use the eBanking
system to transfer funds from your checking or savings account to your loan
after the regular payment has been made or include the extra amount in your
payment and the extra will go to principal.
We use the simple daily interest method which means that
interest accrues daily and if you make the extra payment in between payment due
dates, then part of the payment would go to those days worth of interest.
For example: Interest is calculated as simple daily interest. The outstanding
principal balance is multiplied by the interest rate and divided by 365 days to
calculate one day’s interest amount. For example, if you have a $10,000 loan and
the interest rate is 7%, a day’s interest would equal $1.92 ($10,000 x 0.07) /
365 = $1.92 So if you made a payment 5 days after the due date, the system would
take 5 X $1.92 or $9.60 to interest.
The important thing to look for is the due date after your
extra payment has been made. If it has advanced, you can call us and we can
reset it so that a payment will be due on the regularly scheduled due date. If
you want to make an extra principal payment on a real estate loan, please call
the credit union.
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FAQ:
How can I stop my browser from remembering my passwords
for eBanking?
To set up Internet Explorer not to remember you passwords,
follow these instructions:
1. In Internet Explorer, click on Tools on the menu bar
2. Select Internet Options
3. Click on the Content tab
4. Click on AutoComplete
5. Remove the check from User names and passwords on forms
6. Select OK twice
[TOP]
FAQ: Does the credit
union offer student loans?
The credit union no longer offers student loans. Try visiting
http://www.salliemae.com/
for student loan sources. We can only offer personal loans and Home Equity loans
as alternatives. For current rate information regarding these alternatives
select Loan Rates on the drop down menu on the homepage.
Other sources of student loan information:
Dept. of Education
http://www.finaid.org
Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corp.
http://www.tgslc.org
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us
[TOP]
FAQ:
I recently married. How do I change my name on my account?
To change your name on your account, you would need to bring
your new Social Security card and drivers license (it can be the temporary paper
kind) to the credit union and fill out an account change card.
[TOP]
FAQ:
Can I skip a loan payment?
To apply for an extension, anyone who signed on the loan must
sign the extension. Only one extension can be granted within a 12 month period.
Also, at least six payments must have already been made and there is a $10
extension fee. You and any cosigners
must come to the membership department, fill out the form and meet with a
membership representative to apply for the extension. If you can't make it into
the office, call the membership department to make alternate arrangements.
[TOP]
FAQ:
How can I keep better informed of new products and services
and important news?
One way is to visit our website often. We will always put
important information on the homepage and in the welcome message in
eBanking. Another way is to sign up for our
eNewsletters below.
[TOP]
FAQ:
What is Sellman & Company and why did they withdraw from my
account?
Sellman & Company is an insurance company that offers our
members the free $2,000 accidental death & dismemberment insurance. It could be
that you applied for more than the free $2,000 or that you purchased term life
insurance through them. To find out the details of the withdrawal, contact them
at toll free at 1-877-665-7563.
[TOP]
FAQ: Can I mail deposits
to the credit union?
You can mail the deposits to 5953 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX
77505. Make sure you endorse the checks with your signature, account number and
for safety add the words "for deposit only". You may also wish to include a
deposit slip. Click here for a pdf
version of the credit union's deposit slips.
Please never mail cash. If the deposit gets lost in the
mail, you would have no recourse.
[TOP]
FAQ: Do you have any
forms that can help me switch my accounts from another financial institution?
Our Switch
Kit includes everything you need to help you make a smooth transition to Gulf
Coast Educators Federal Credit Union. All the letters and forms you will need to
make this transition as easy as possible are provided here. All you have to do
is print and mail the letters to the appropriate companies and/or individuals.
In just four easy steps, you can be on your way to enjoying all the benefits of
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union membership:
[TOP]
FAQ: Do you have a
resource for teens to learn about money and credit?
Yes, click
here
for
brass,
a great resource that provides direct, intelligent, entertaining content to
young adults about the money side of life. Wrapped in a brassy package, the
brass EDITION will help you achieve your goals. From planning your retirement to
throwing parties, brass looks at the lives of young adults and how we handle
money.
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FAQ:
Where can I find ATMs that don't charge fees?
Each office has ATMs available 24 hours a day. In addition,
the credit union has an ATM at the
League City Police Department which is also available 24 hours a day.
Members with Visa Check Cards have access to an additional 32,000 surcharge
free ATMs across the country. Use the locator below to find the nearest free
ATM:
[TOP]
FAQ: Can I buy foreign
currency through the credit union?
Yes, we have partnered with ezforex.com to offer our members
the opportunity to buy foreign currency before they travel abroad. Click
here for more details.
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