It’s a common misconception that credit union members don’t have the same access to their accounts that the customers of big banks enjoy. As a Salal member, you know better, of course, but do you know all the many ways you can manage your money, even when you’re not near a branch? Take our quiz to test your Account Access Acumen!

Q:  Only ATMs branded “Salal” are free for me to use. (True/False)

A: False. As a member of a credit union in the Co-Op Network, you have access to 28,000+ surcharge-free ATMs in credit union branches and self-service locations all over the US. And this isn’t just for getting cash—many of these ATMs also take deposits, and at more than 5,000 7-Eleven locations, you can use Vcom kiosks (the really big, ATM-like machines) to perform many banking functions, free! You can find ATMs via the Co-Op Network’s websote, iPhone application, text messaging function or GPS. Not sure an ATM is surcharge-free? Just look for the Co-Op Network triangle!

Q:  I can only find a Shared Branching location from the salalcu.org website. (True/False)

A: False. There are lots of ways to find the nearest Shared Branch. If your mobile phone is web-enabled, you can enter your location on cuswirl.com. You can call 888-CU-SWIRL (287-9475) and the hands-free information service allows you to speak your location rather than type it—which is much safer when you’re on the move with a cell phone. You can download a special app to your iPhone (via iTunes) or Droid (from the AndroidMarket), and from the search map, you can send a GPS download straight to your TomTom or Garmin, all available from the cuswirl  website! Oh, and you can use the salalcu.org website, too.

Q: If I need after-hours service, I can speak to a person 24/7/365. (True/False)

A: True! Even if you need help in the middle of the night, there’s someone ready to take your call at the Member Call Center. Many services can be conducted over the phone if you call 866-My-CU-NOW (866-692-8669). If you’re abroad and needing help, you’re still connected: 011-734-556-4450. (Too many digits to remember? Just remember cuswirl.com  or reach the information you need from salalcu.org.)

Q: I can use Salal’s online banking to:

1. make transfers between accounts
2. check account balances
3. monitor account activity
4. order new checks
5.  set up alerts to warn me when my checking account balance is low
6. Pay bills
7. do all of the above

 A: (7). All of these tasks and many more can be performed at your convenience, securely and quickly, through online banking. If you’re not already signed up, take a moment to do that now! Call 800-562-5515 for a password and instructions to get started.

Q: When I walk into a Shared Branching location, there are three things I’ll need. What are they?

1. passport, checkbook, debit card
2. driver’s license, birth certificate, paystub
3. name of my credit union, my account number, and a current, valid, government-issued picture ID with signature
4. Wooden spoon, kitchen sink, smile

A: (3) What counts as valid ID? Your state-issued driver’s license or ID card OR a passport, OR a city, state, county or federal ID card or badge, OR a US Armed Forced ID card, OR a Smart ID card, OR an INS-issued Resident Alien Card. You don’t need all of these—just one will do. (This may differ at different institutions, so it’s never a bad idea to call ahead.)

Q.  What can a member do at a Shared Branch?

A.  You can deposit checks and make limited cash withdrawals; you can make loan payments and receive loan advances; you can transfer money between your Salal accounts and request to know your balance. Some of these services may have a fee associated with them, and not every Shared Branch can perform every function, so be sure to ask what your options are!

With all these resources, you’re never far from your funds! Feel free to contact Salal CU for more information on any of these tools and services.

Filed under: Ask Salal CU by admin