Student Loans
What is happening with federal student loans?
Federal student loan payments and interest are set to resume no later than June 30, 2023, pending the outcome of legal challenges to the Biden Administration’s proposed federal student loan debt cancellation measures. For details on these measures, which are strictly tied to federal student loans and have no impact on private student loans, visit studentaid.gov. Carefully consider your options before refinancing federal student loans, as they will no longer qualify for current and future federal benefits once refinanced with a private lender.
Where can I find information about UECU’s student loan options?
Click here to visit UECU’s Student Choice website.
Membership Share
What is a Membership Share and why do I need one?
Credit unions are cooperatives of members who are also owners of the credit union. This is a key difference between credit unions and banks. Therefore, all credit union owners are required to acquire a Membership Share to reflect their status as owners. The acquisition of a membership share allows you to vote in accordance with our Bylaws and establish as many accounts as you need, all subject to UECU approval processes.
What is the cost of a Membership Share?
The cost of a Membership Share is $5.00. This amount is established in UECU’s Articles of Incorporation. Additional information about Membership Shares is contained in our Bylaws.
What are the changes UECU is making to my Membership Share?
Previously, to assist you in maintaining your Membership Share UECU required a minimum balance of $5.00 in a Share Account for every member account you established. That process will be changing as of 8/1/2022. You will still have a Share Account on each of your accounts, but we are removing the minimum balance requirement of $5.00 and removing the minimum balance requirement to earn the published annual percentage yield. Rather than requiring a minimum balance on each of your Share Accounts, we will be placing a hold of $5.00 on one of your Share Accounts to assist you in maintaining your Membership Share.
Is there any action required on my part?
No. There is no action required on your part for this process change.
Do I have access to my Membership Share balance of $5.00?
No. Your Membership Share balance of $5.00 will be on hold as long as you are a member of UECU.
Do I earn dividends on my Membership Share balance of $5.00?
Yes. You earn dividends on your Membership Share balance.
If there are multiple owners of a member account will there be more than one Membership Share held in the Share Account?
Yes. There may be multiple Membership Shares held in one Share Account. This will depend on if the member owners only have one member account with UECU or multiple.
I have one UECU member account; how will this change impact me?
You will no longer have a minimum balance requirement on your Share Account. You will no longer have a minimum balance requirement to earn the published annual percentage yield on your Share Account. Your Membership Share will remain on deposit and be held in your Share Account.
I have multiple UECU member accounts; how will this change impact me?
You will no longer have a $5.00 minimum balance requirement for any of your Share Accounts. Every $5.00 balance not available for use due to the current minimum balance requirement will now be included in your available balance, with the exception of your Membership Share. Your $5.00 Membership Share will remain on deposit and be on hold in only one of your Share Accounts. You will no longer have a minimum balance requirement to earn the published annual percentage yield on your Share Accounts.
I have multiple Share Accounts; can I change which Share Account holds my Membership Share?
Yes, you can change which Share Account holds your Membership Share by calling us at 800.288.6423.
Is my Membership Share visible in online banking, mobile banking, or on my account statement?
Yes. The $5.00 balance of your Membership Share will be included in the Share Account balance appearing on your statement. If you are enrolled in online banking or mobile banking, you will see a difference in your available balance and balance in your Share Account. If you are not enrolled in online banking or mobile banking you can call 800.288.6423 or write the credit union at PO Box 14864 Reading, PA 19612-4864 and we will let you know which account your Membership Share is held on.
What happens if I close my individual UECU member account that is holding my Membership Share and I have no other open member accounts?
If you are the sole owner of an individual member account and you have no other member accounts with UECU, your Membership Share will be included in your payout balance.
What happens if I close an individual UECU member account that is holding my Membership Share and I have other open member accounts?
If you close a Share Account that is holding your Membership Share, UECU will automatically transfer the hold of your Membership Share to any other open Share Account you are an owner of. You will not receive prior notification of this transfer. You will see a balance change to one of your remaining Share Accounts on your next statement, reflecting the deposit of the Membership Share and subsequent hold.
What happens to my Membership Share if I close a UECU member account with multiple owners?
Your Membership Share may be held in a Share Account with multiple owners and all owners have joint ownership over all balances, including your Membership Share. Multiple Membership Shares may be held on your Share Account if there are multiple owners. If you or another owner closes a Share Account that is holding your Membership Share, UECU will automatically transfer the hold of your Membership Share to any other open Share Account you are an owner of. You will not receive prior notification of this transfer. You will see a balance change to one of your remaining Share Accounts on your next statement, reflecting the deposit of the Membership Share and subsequent hold.
If you are not an owner on any other Share Accounts, your Membership Share will be included in the payout balance of the closed member account. You understand that all balances held in an account with multiple owners (joint account) can be closed individually by any one owner with no authorization from the other owners. When an owner of a joint account acts individually and closes the member account, all funds can be paid to that owner individually, including your Membership Share if you are not an owner on any other accounts.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my Membership Share?
Please call 800.288.6423 with any questions.
Savings and Checking Accounts
What types of savings accounts does UECU offer?
UECU offers competitive rates on a variety of savings accounts, including basic (share) savings, educational savings, health savings, money market savings, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), special savings, and CD’s. For more information, click here.
Does UECU offer retirement savings accounts?
Yes, UECU offers traditional and Roth IRAs, IRA certificates of deposit, and Coverdell education savings accounts. For more information, click here. UECU members also have access to additional investment options available through Utilities Employees Investment Services (UEIS).
Does UECU offer Checking Accounts?
Yes, UECU offers Rewards Checking and Rewards Checking PLUS accounts powered by BaZing. The Credit Union also offers a basic checking account, Freedom Checking, and a second chance checking account, Green Light Checking™.
What are BaZing Benefits?
UECU’s checking accounts powered by BaZing provide account holders with additional money-saving benefits and personal protection features, including roadside assistance, a health savings discount card, cell phone protection, ID Theft Aid, $10,000 Travel Accidental Death Coverage, and the UECU Member Perks App. For additional information, see the Checking Benefits Reference Guide.
What is the UECU Member Perks App?
A savings app available to members with a Rewards Checking or Rewards Checking PLUS account, powered by BaZing. With local discounts and national retailer deals, account holders can save on travel, entertainment, dining, prescriptions, groceries, clothing, and so much more.
Where can I access my UECU Member Perks powered by BaZing?
The UECU Member Perks App is available for Android users in the Google Play Store and Apple users in the App Store, and can be accessed online at www.bazing.com/uecu. You can contact a UECU Member Service Representative at 800.288.6423 to have your benefit activated.
Mobile Check Deposit
Does UECU offer Mobile Check Deposit?
Yes, you can deposit checks with the Mobile Check Deposit service available through UECU’s Mobile Banking App.
How do I endorse a check for Mobile Check Deposit?
On the back of your check… Write “For Mobile Deposit Only to UECU” (Please note: If the back of your check includes a check box that you can mark for mobile deposit, you can check that box, but still need to include the words “For Mobile Deposit Only to UECU”). Sign Your Name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If the check has been made payable to multiple payees (people), then each payee will need to sign the back of the check.
Who should I contact if I have questions about Mobile Check Deposit?
You can contact a UECU Member Service Representative by phone at 800.288.6423 or via Live Chat during regular business hours, weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, Wednesdays until 3:30 p.m. ET.
Loans
What types of loans does UECU offer?
UECU offers competitive rates on a variety of loans, including auto, credit cards, home equity lines of credit, mortgages, motorcycles, natural disaster, personal, RV, boat, savings secured, and student loan/consolidation. For a listing of UECU’s current loan rates, click here.
Does UECU offer mortgages?
Yes, for more information or to apply, click here. Have questions? Call 800.288.6423 Ext. 4001.
Does UECU offer student loans?
Yes, for more information or to apply, click here. Have questions? Call 800.288.6423 Ext. 4001.
Does UECU offer share-secured credit cards?
Yes, for more information or to apply click here. Have questions? Call 800.288.6423 Ext. 4001.
Does UECU offer Auto and Home Insurance?
Yes. Call 800.288.6423 Ext. 4001.
What is Skip-A-Pay?
Enjoy the freedom of skipping your loan payment during the month you need the extra cash the most! For more information click here or call 800.288.6423.
Visa – General FAQs
What do I do if my Visa® credit or debit card is lost or stolen?
You can temporarily turn your credit and debit cards off or on with Card Controls. This service is available in our mobile app and Advantages Online™. Look for “Card Controls” in the app menu, or under the “Services” menu in Advantages Online™. To report a card as lost or stolen you can also click here for domestic and international phone numbers to call 24/7.
Can I use my Visa credit or debit card internationally?
Yes, you may use your Visa® Power Card™ or Advantages Visa® Debit Card™ internationally, everywhere Visa is accepted. If you are traveling internationally, please contact our Member Service Representatives at 800.288.6423 prior to your departure to provide information regarding your travel dates. You can also submit a travel notification to UECU through Card Controls. To get started, log into your Mobile and Online Banking account.
Can I add my Visa card to my mobile wallet with Apple Pay™, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay?
You can add your UECU Visa Power Card™ and Advantages Visa Debit Card™ to your favorite mobile wallet. Use your mobile device to make payments in apps, on the web, and in store. To get started, simply download the App for Apple Pay™, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, and follow the directions for set up.
How do I request a replacement Visa credit or debit card?
Please call 800.288.6423, and a Member Service Representative will be happy to assist you.
How can I make a Visa Credit Card payment?
Payments can be made through Mobile or Online Banking, or by mailing your payment to Utilities Employees Credit Union, Attn: Visa Department, P.O. Box 66702, St. Louis, MO 63166-6702. You can also contact a UECU Member Service Representative at 800.288.6423 to make your payment by phone or set up an automatic transfer from your Checking or Savings Account.
How can I get my Visa credit card limit increased?
Contact a Financial Services Consultant at 800.288.6423, ext. 4001.
How can I use my UECU Visa Power Card™ to pay off my credit card or loan at another financial institution?
Call the company and supply them with your UECU credit card number, contact UECU at 800.288.6423 to request convenience checks, or request a cash advance into your UECU checking account or an account at another financial institution. If you need assistance, contact a Member Service Representative at 800.288.6423.
Visa – Contactless Cards
What is a contactless card?
Your contactless card uses short-range wireless technology to make secure payments between a contactless card and a contactless-enabled checkout terminal. When you tap near the contactless symbol, your payment is sent for authorization.
Is tapping to pay secure?
Yes, absolutely. Your contactless card has the same secure encryption technology as your current contact only EMV chip card.
Is tapping to pay safe?
Yes. Tapping to pay with your contactless card is a safer way to pay because it helps you avoid touching surfaces at checkout.
Where can I use my card?
Your contactless card can be used at all contactless (tap to pay), chip, and non-chip terminals. You select the way you’d like to pay – tap it, insert the chip, or swipe it. To use your card at a contactless terminal, look for the contactless symbol and tap your card on the screen to pay. For online purchases, simply enter your card information at checkout to complete your purchase.
Look for the contactless symbol at checkout & tap to pay. It’s that easy! 
How long do I need to tap my card on the checkout terminal?
One to two seconds should do it. And don’t worry, even if you tap twice, you won’t be charged twice.
Can a purchase be made without my knowledge (for example: will the card reader activate if I walk past it)?
No. Your card must be extremely close to the reader – typically between two and four centimeters, and the merchant must have first entered the amount for you to approve.
Can I use my contactless card when I travel?
Yes. But as always, be sure to notify the Credit Union before you plan to travel. We monitor your UECU debit and credit cards for suspicious activity. When you notify the Credit Union in advance, we can make the necessary adjustments, so your card isn’t blocked for potential fraud. While traveling and using your card, you may also receive text alerts at the time of your purchase(s), asking you to verify that the transaction(s) is not fraudulent.
I tried using my card at a contactless terminal, but it didn’t work. What could be wrong?
The merchant could be experiencing an issue with contactless capability, so you may need to swipe the card or insert the chip to complete your purchase. The merchant may have also set a limit on the purchase amount for contactless payments. In this case, your card should still work by swiping it or inserting the chip. Also, check to see if you received a text alert from UECU, asking you to verify that the purchase you are making isn’t fraudulent. Your transaction will be approved once you respond with a confirmation. If your card doesn’t work at all, contact a UECU Member Service Representative at 800.288.6423.
How can I request a new contactless card?
Call a UECU Member Service Representative at 800.288.6423.
Visa – VAU Service
What is Visa Account Updater (VAU)?
Visa Account Updater is a service that allows merchants to receive updated account information (account number and expiration date changes) when changes occur on a card set up with the merchant for payment. This will help skip the hassles of re-entered or resubmitting payment information and avoiding declined payment and service interruptions.
What merchants participate?
Visa allows merchants that are recurring services such as recurring bill payment providers, subscription services, internet/mobile-app “one-click” checkouts, etc.
Is there a listing of merchants that participate?
No, Visa does not provide any type of merchant listing so it is always good practice to update your card information with any merchants to ensure they receive payment to help eliminate service interruption.
What steps are taken to ensure information is only shared with authorized merchants?
When a merchant that participates in VAU sends a request for authorization, if the card information they provided has a new card number or expiration date, that information is shared at that time. This is the only information shared with the merchant and only at the time of requested payment.
What if I don’t want my card information automatically updated?
If you do not want to have your card information automatically updated with any merchant that participates in VAU, you can contact UECU’s Card Services Department and they can opt your card(s) out of this service.
Can I opt out of just one merchant?
No, Visa does not allow cardholders to select merchants they do not want to receive automatic updates. A cardholder can select their card(s) out of the service completely for all merchants.
Card Controls
When should I turn off my credit or debit card?
If or when you temporarily misplace your credit or debit card, you can turn off access until you find your card. You can also turn it off during a period of nonuse. Once you locate the card, you can turn it on in seconds online or using the mobile app and continue using it as you did before it was off.
Does turning off my card turn off all card numbers on the same account?
No, you will need to turn off each visa debit and credit card under your member account individually.
What happens when I turn off my credit card?
Turning off your credit card stops transactions such as purchases, recurring payments, cash advances, and ATM withdrawals and transfers. While your credit card is off, the following transactions are allowed: returns, credits, dispute adjustments, online transfers, payments toward your balance, check posting, setting travel notifications, reward points review and redemption, interest accrual, and ordering a replacement card.
What happens when I turn off my debit card?
Turning off your debit card temporarily stops transactions such as purchases, recurring payments, and ATM withdrawals/deposits. While your debit card is off, the following transactions are allowed: returns, credits, dispute adjustments, online transfers, setting travel notifications, PIN changes, and ordering a replacement card.
Does my account number change when I turn my card off and on?
No. Your account number doesn’t change when you turn your card off and on.
How often can I turn my credit or debit card off and on?
You can turn your card off and on as many times as is necessary online or through the mobile app.
Is there a time limit on how long the card will remain off?
No. The card will remain off until you turn it back on online or through the mobile app.
How is turning my card off and on related to activating my card?
Turning your card off and on doesn’t affect your card’s activation status.
Does the on/off status of my card carry over if I receive a new or replacement card?
If your 16-digit card number remains the same, the on/off status will carry over. If your card number changes, the on/off status won’t carry over to the new card.
Credit
Does UECU offer credit counseling?
Yes, rebuild your credit with the REACH program. Get an analysis of your credit report, advice for improving your score, and access to UECU’s REACH products. To get started, contact a Financial Services Consultant at 800.288.6423, ext. 4001.
How can I access my credit score?
You have the right to a free credit report from each of the major credit reporting agencies, once per year. That’s up to three free credit reports a year. You can request one by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. While the reports are free, your score is not, there is a small fee to access your score. For tips on improving your credit, contact a Financial Services Consultant at 800.288.6423, ext. 4001.
How can I get a copy of my credit report?
You have the right to a free credit report from each of the major credit reporting agencies, once per year. That’s up to three free credit reports a year. You can request one by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. While the reports are free, your score is not, there is a small fee to access your score. For tips on improving your credit, contact a Financial Services Consultant at 800.288.6423, ext. 4001.
Identity Theft Protection
Do you offer Identity Theft Protection?
Because UECU cares about the security of your identity and because we take identity theft very seriously, we offer LifeLock to you and your family members at a discount rate. Use promo code: uecu when signing up for LifeLock at https://www.lifelock.com/.
Please Note: UECU Visa® Credit Card holders receive ID Navigator, powered by NortonLifeLock, as a complimentary card benefit. To confirm eligibility and enroll, visit https://www.cardbenefitidprotect.com/.
How can I protect myself from Identity Theft?
As a UECU member, you have access to an online Resource Center where you can find tips on protecting your identity, avoiding phishing scams, guarding your personal information and more!