Indianapolis Checking Accounts

Credit Card Solutions From Your Local Credit Union - Financial Center

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

It isn't breaking news anymore that credit card companies came under new regulation last month. In the last couple months you may have been receiving notices in the mail from your bank or credit card companies indicating the changes that were to take place. With more regulation to come in August, the government has taken a harder stance on a few of the ways credit card companies make a profit. As an obvious cause-effect scenario, these companies are finding other loopholes to leverage compensating on the profit loss through the new regulations.

In an article posted this morning at USA Today, Sandra Block explains in her weekly financial column advice and tips on how to avoid becoming victim to these new loopholes. One of her suggestions is to consider switching to your local credit union for cards. She explains how credit unions are able to have lower fees on credit cards (or no fees at all). According to a survey, median credit union late payment fees are $20, as apposed to $39 from bank credit cards.

If you're looking for a new Indianapolis bank you may want to consider checking out the credit card options at Financial Center. Credit union banking with Financial Center offers virtually all of the options that your current bank provides with the added bonus of lower fees and member-owned customer service.

Some of the features of a VISA Platinum credit card from FCFCU:

Fixed rate
Credit line up to $30,000
No annual fee
No cash advance fee
25 day grace period on purchases
Skip-a-payment option
Low 2% minimum payment required
Automatic payment from account

Consider becoming a member at your local Financial Center of Indianapolis. Or, move your accounts over to Financial Center.

Help Haiti at Your Local Indianapolis Credit Union

Friday, March 5, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

Are you not quite sure how you want to help the Haiti relief project? Haitian residents are still in need of adequate supplies and aid in this desperate time. It has been over a month since the earthquake rumbled the small country and the giving nationwide (and even globally) has been remarkable. But, please don't think this a quick fix problem. The infrastructure of the country was so frail pre-earthquake that the road to recovery will take years and the American Red Cross is still in need of your valuable donations.

Your local credit union, Financial Center of Indianapolis, has pledged to donate funds to the American Red Cross to help with the relief effort. The staff at Financial Center is trying to make a difference in this disaster and they are asking for your help, as well. Financial Center has set up a system to make donations to the American Red Cross directly from your member accounts. Not only that, but FCFCU will match overall total member donations up to $2,500.00. Members can make donations by phone, by visiting any Financial Center location, or through the secure messaging feature in online banking.

This is just one way your Indianapolis Credit Union is different from other banks. The staff at Financial Center are willing and able to put a face to an institution and rise to meet even global challenges that we face. Financial Center is a member-owned credit union with personality and a heart, dedicated to serving the community not just here in Indianapolis, but around the World.

If you're looking for more out of your bank, or maybe you've been looking to open a checking account in Indianapolis, or maybe a Health Savings Account Plan, or possibly looking for better loan rates, consider Financial Center of Indianapolis. And when you do, consider giving a little of yourself to help the relief effort going on in Haiti right now.

Just another way your local credit union is more than just a bank.

Finance Center Federal Credit Union offers virtually all the benefits that your current bank does but with lower and even less fees, no hidden agenda, and better all around rates. Virtually anyone can become a member and find convenience in online banking, checking, savings, credit cards, money literacy, and even HSAs with Financial Center.

That Time, Again: Tax Season

Monday, February 15, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

If you haven't already begun thinking about preparing your taxes, you better start soon. We all know April 15th comes faster than expected. Got questions?

Really understand the implications of your personal tax situation through our Indianapolis Credit Union's helpful seminar. Experienced professionals at your fingertips is just one of the benefits of membership at Finance Center Federal Credit Union (FCFCU). Key areas to discuss will be common deductions, tax planning, self-employed health care, and retirement planning.

At FCFCU, membership resources are abundant. Money education and literacy, and methods on how to manage your money are all available to members. Helpful seminars and interactive guides through Anytime Adviser, are some the financial services and membership education provided to you.

Learning about money couldn't be easier at FCFCU. Check out the 2010 schedule of free member seminars. Contact a Center or learn more online.

Questions on Credit Union Cards

Monday, February 15, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

Recent news has indicated that rising fees, higher rates, and unfavorable terms from the major credit card companies is probable soon.

Sounds a bit extreme, but an article posted Friday explains the issuing of a legal, and looming interest rate of 79.9% on a First Premier Bank card. Unbelievable? Check it out.

This is just one example of what may be ahead for credit card owners. Many are stressing consumers be aware of all terms and conditions associated with their current and future cards concerning fees and inflated interest rates.

You may want to include in your research local credit union cards as a viable alternative. An article on Saturday by the AP answers many questions on why a local credit union card may be more beneficial than sticking with your current bank.

Consider becoming a member at Financial Center Indianapolis for great rates and virtually no fees on cards. Our local credit union boasts many financial services that the Indianapolis bank offers at more exceptional rates and better service.

Educate your self here, and consider credit union banking for all your banking needs. Learn more about the local Indianapolis Credit Union. Contact FCFCU.

Great News for Parents and Students on Overdrafts

Friday, February 12, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when learning about personal financial management is how to accurately monitor your expenses. For parents, checking and debit accounts offer a wonderful alternative to a credit card but many can be just as confusing to maintain. Written checks, debit cards, online purchases and ATM withdrawals can be hard to track effectively. Children, students and adults alike all are fearful of the consequence that comes with overdrawing your account. Large initial fees, daily fees and poor confidence can build up unnoticed and quickly.

Thankfully, Finance Center Federal Credit Union of Indianapolis, IN offers a solution. The en genius system, from your local credit union, is called FlexLine. In short, FlexLine is a flexible line of credit that offers you protection, convenience and privacy. Think of it as your back up plan, your "oops" factor, your hallelujah angel with wings. When you accidentally make a mathematical error in your checking, make too large of an ATM withdrawal, or get behind in your checkbook register, FlexLine is quietly waiting there on your behalf to cover up your mistake. When these accidents do occur, Financial Center will automatically transfer from your FlexLine in $25 installments. Designed as a solution to overdrafts, FlexLine will give you peace of mind and protection from nasty slip ups with privacy. When you realize your miscalculation, the credit is as easy to pay off as picking up the phone or turning on your computer.

Not only will it provide protection, you can also use this line of credit to make major purchases or everyday expenses. Essentially, FlexLine is a credit account with a specific purpose of your safety in mind.

With the confidence in national banks diminishing, FlexLine is just one more way Financial Center is a reliable alternative for all of your (or your kids') financial needs. FCFCU is not just another Indianapolis bank, it remains as an institution with valued financial offerings and the highest level of personal service excellence attainable in the market.

Find more useful information on overdraft protection and other services from FCFCU credit union banking here.

Make a Donation to the American Red Cross Directly from your Credit Union Account

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

Financial Center is joining in the efforts of people all around the world in helping to raise money for the earthquake victims in Haiti. Credit Union members are now able to make a donation directly from their accounts to the American Red Cross.

Members may make donations by visiting any Financial Center location, by phone, or through the secure messaging feature in online banking.

The secure messaging feature can be found on the left hand side of your online banking screen. In your message please include the account (savings, checking, etc.) that you would like to make the donation from, the amount of your donation, and when you would like us to withdraw the money from your account. Please include the word "HAITI" in the subject line of your message.

Financial Center will be donating $5,000 to the American Red Cross. In addition, we will be matching our total member contributions up to $2,500.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our Indianapolis Credit Union at 317.916.7700 or visit any of our Indianapolis locations.

Check Out a Local Credit Union for Hidden Savings

Thursday, January 7, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

Suze Orman recently published her easy money to-do list for 2010. Orman has three steps for readers to get their "financial house in order."

1. Get a grip.

2. Find hidden savings.

3. Build security.

Under step 2 Orman suggests that readers check out a local credit union. She wrote, "Credit unions are often a better deal than banks and tend to pay higher yields on deposits."

Financial Center can help you get a grip on your finances in 2010 and have products that can help you meet your goals. Looking to purchase a new home or vehicle? Searching for a new credit card to avoid increasing interest rates and higher fees? Want to earn more interest on your checking account? Our Indianapolis credit union can help.

Savings and Snowfall: It's All About Preparation

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

People across Indianapolis are anxiously awaiting the looming winter storm that is set to begin at some point later tonight and continue until Friday. This inevitably causes a rush at the local grocery store to buy milk, bread, and eggs (also known as "The French Toast Rush"). Salt trucks and snow plows hit the area roads to keep them in the best possible driving condition. Everyone does what they need to do to prepare for the snow before the storm hits.

The same thinking is true when it comes to achieving your savings goals. If you want to take a vacation in July, then you should start preparing for your trip now by saving money. Our Indianapolis Credit Union has many products that can help you save. For example, our Members' Choice Club Accounts allow you to select your own maturity date so that you can save money and withdraw it when you need it. Our local credit union also offers numerous share certificates and checking options.

Whether you're preparing for a blizzard or a trip to the beach, it's best to prepare. Learn more about our Indianapolis credit Union at www.fcfcu.com.

Financial Center Introduces Mobile Banking

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

Financial Center, your Indianapolis Credit Union, has launched mobile banking for its 41,000 Credit Union members at https://mobile.fcfcu.com.

Members may perform the following functions with their mobile credit union banking:

- Check account balances.
- Perform account to account transfers.
- Change your password.
- Change your eMail address.

It is important to note that you must enroll in the Credit Union's online banking service at www.fcfcu.com prior to using mobile banking. Login information is the same whether you utilize it through the credit union's website or through your mobile device. We also advise members to log out of online banking when you are finished completing your transactions for security purposes.

We'd love to hear what you think of this new service from our Indianapolis Credit Union. Leave a comment below or send an eMail to marketing@fcfcu.com.

How to Manage Money

Friday, November 13, 2009 by Debby Blake

What do VHS tapes, stamps and checkbook registers have in common? Obsolete technology!

At your local Indianapolis credit union, there are better options for managing your money than keeping a checkbook register. Check out your easier options through our on-line banking:

Ø on-line banking that features free downloads to either Quicken, Money or QuickBooks

Ø free bill payer with easy payee set up and tracking

Ø easy transaction search

Ø view statement and check copies

Visit us at www.fcfcu.com and sign up for on line banking today!

Protect Your Checking Account

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

The pending FAIR Overdraft Coverage Act of 2009 legislation in Congress has the potential to dramatically restrict the current overdraft protection on your account. Changes include allowing you to only overdraft your account once per month and no more than six times per year.

When you have used the overdraft protection from Financial Center, it has allowed us to help cover your unexpected expenses or bookkeeping errors. Overdraft protection may have enabled you to pay for something at the grocery store, fill up your gas tank, or purchase a prescription for a sick family member.

The current system allows your Credit Union to offer a reputable service that prohibits you from the embarrassing circumstances of a failed debit card transaction, ATM withdrawal, or check with insufficient funds.

Join us in alerting your Congressional representatives that you oppose the FAIR Overdraft Coverage Act of 2009 and its effect on your current overdraft protection program. Take action now!

Take Advantage of Bank on Indy at Indianapolis Bank Locations

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

Our Indianapolis Credit Union is proud to be part of the Bank on Indy. This partnership between Indianapolis banks and credit unions aims to bring financial services to the 79,800 unbanked citizens in Marion County.

If you need tips on how to manage money better or if you need help learning about money, this program is right for you. The overall goal of Bank on Indy is to promote financial education in Indianapolis. If you've never had a savings or checking account, or if you've had trouble in the past and need a second chance, Bank on Indy is right for you. Indianapolis residents can take advantage of this program at any Financial Center location.

Here's what you will need to open your account.

1. A photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport.

2. A second form of ID. A utility bill with your current address can be used.

3. Your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Get started with using financial services in Indianapolis. Open your Bank on Indy account today at our Indianapolis Credit Union.

Banks Charging New Credit Card Fees

Monday, October 26, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

It's a good thing that your local credit union is keeping things the same. At our Indianapolis Credit Union, we pride ourselves on taking care of our members and creating financial solutions that are in their best interest. This does not mean instituting new fees when accountholders are being responsible with their credit cards.

Check out this report on new credit card fees from The Today Show.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If you're considering changing credit cards to a local credit union, join Financial Center. We offer a VISA card that has a low rate on your balance transfer along with an extensive rewards program.

When your Indianapolis Bank begins to change the way you do your banking, change your bank to an Indianapolis Credit Union and join Financial Center.

Making the Most of your Next Vacation

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

As fall arrives in the Indianapolis area and temperatures begin to cool, it's a reminder that winter is just around the corner. If you're planning a vacation to a sunny locale to escape the frigid conditions, it's important to make the most of your time off.

Financial Center can help you get there. Learn more at www.fcfcu.com.

Tyler Cowen, a professor of economics at George Mason University, recently wrote about how to have a great vacation experience. He contends that a great vacation is not dependent on how much money you spend, but the experiences you encounter. Here's the mistakes to avoid in your next vacation.

Valuing things over experiences.
Keeping to the familiar.
Expecting every vacation to be nonstop fun.

If you're looking to save money for your next trip, our Indianapolis credit union can help. A Members' Choice Club account can help you save money and set your own account maturity date. A Reward Checking account can help you earn a great dividend on the checking account that you use every day. A share certificate can also help you save for a trip in the future with terms ranging from 91 days to 60 months.

Our Indianapolis credit union is here to help you achieve your financial goals so that you can enjoy some great life experiences. To find out more and to join your local credit union, visit www.fcfcu.com.

A Health Savings Account Solution in Indianapolis

Friday, August 21, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

If you're searching for an HSA Indianapolis residents, Financial Center can help. I've been working with our Business Development team on collateral pieces to use when talking about our Health Savings Account in Indianapolis. I found that one of the great features is the low fees that our local credit union charges. Here's a breakdown of the fees:

Setup = $0
Monthly Account Management = $0
PIN Based Debit Card Withdrawal = $0
PIN Based ATM Withdrawal = $0
In Person Withdrawal Processing = $0
First Order of Checks = $0

If you're searching for a low-cost health savings account in Indianapolis, our Indianapolis credit union can help.

There's more to college finances than paying tuition

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Greg Schmeisser

My daughter is almost prepared to move off to her first year at college. It has been interesting to watch her prepare for the event. Most of the summer was spent almost in denial that the move was coming. Now, when there are only a couple of weeks before move-in day, the activities are increasing. She is organizing lists of items to remember to pack, to purchase, and to make sure her roommates are bringing. The questions go like this: Is anyone bringing a microwave, TV, dvd player, etc.? What is your cell number? Do you have a txt’ing plan? Are you on Facebook?

Observing all this I reflected on how little I took to college my freshman year. A bicycle, a large suitcase full of clothes, laundry supplies, some school supplies, an Apple IIe, and a checkbook are really the only things that I recall. The recollection got me thinking about how different this will be for Kristen.

One of my biggest challenges was managing finances from 2.5 hours away from a branch in a time when branches were necessary for deposits. Back in that day, phone banking much less PC banking were non-existent, ATMs only talked to the bank they were in, the only plastic that could be used for a purchase was a Credit Card and no one my age had one of those. So, I had the only tool available a checkbook. When my checkbook balance got low, I had to pay for a long distance call to my parents so they could go to the branch at home and transfer money from their account into my checking account.

By contrast, my daughter has a Reward Checking account (earning 4.51% interest), online banking, phone banking, and a Debit Card. Her accounts and mine are at Finance Center FCU. When she needs extra funds, I can transfer them from my account to her account 24x7 and the funds move in real-time using a PC, an ATM, or the phone. She has a checkbook but the box of checks she received will probably last until after her college graduation, because she does not write checks; she uses her debit card for purchases.

Her school is 4 hours from a Finance Center FCU branch , but if she gets a check while at school she can go to either an ATM or a Shared Branch Service Center in her town to deposit the item into her account. She will probably never get a check from a student, they all use PayPal to transfer funds when splitting a pizza bill, and the school uses direct deposit and direct debits.

When I was at college, I had to keep my checkbook balanced or I would never know when I was running low on funds. Kristen’s Finance Center FCU account sends her an email when her balance is below any threshold she has set. She still keeps track of the balance, but the system tells her that she is in need of a little cash.

Could the capabilities of Finance Center FCU help you and your student get ready for a new stage in your life? Our products and services eliminate the problems of a long-distance relationship.

Is your high school student already managing a checking account? Have you considered a student checking account at Finance Center FCU?

Simple and Free

Thursday, August 6, 2009 by Debby Blake

Not interested in the checking account that has monthly requirements in order to qualify for the 4.51% APY? Then our Free Checking account is the one for you. Here's what you have to do: Nothing! Just apply here and you can start using your free checking account. No minimum balance, no monthly fee, and no monthly requirements to qualify.

What do you get for free?

Billpayer -- we can help you set up your payees!
Checks for life
3 free foreign ATM transactions
Free VISA Check Card
Free online account access

If this checking account fits your financial lifestyle, apply for it now!

The Right Checking Account for You

Thursday, July 30, 2009 by Debby Blake

Last week, I wrote about the Reward Checking account and described for you all of the features of that particular account.

This week, I want to tell you about the Interest Checking account we offer at the Financial Center -- your local credit union. This one may be the best checking account for you if you don't regularly use your debit card and you maintain at least a $1,000 balance. There is no monthly fee if the minimum balance is maintained, and dividends are tiered based on the monthly balance.

What do you get for free?

Billpayer -- we can help you set up your payees!
Checks for life
3 free foreign ATM transactions
Free VISA Check Card
Free online account access

If this checking account fits your financial lifestyle, email me at dblake@fcfcu.com.

Are Credit Unions Superheroes?

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

This was the question posed by Nancy Folbre, an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, on a blog on The New York Times website.

She writes, "In the wake of the financial crisis, (credit unions) began to look more like Clark Kent, who turned out to be Superman. When the big American banks started sucking up to funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, credit unions, with many fewer subprime mortgages on their balance sheets, started looking really good."

Our Indianapolis credit union has fared well during this financial crisis. We now have over 40,000 members - our highest member total in years. We were recently named the 2009 Federal Credit Union of the Year by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions. Our member satisfaction scores continue to remain high. And, we can offer you great, high-interest rate saving products like Reward Checking.

It's time you found your knight in shining armor or your caped crusader. It's time to join an Indianapolis credit union you can trust with your banking.

What's Right For You

Saturday, July 25, 2009 by Debby Blake

Are you using the checking account that is perfect for your financial lifestyle? One of our four checking accounts will fit perfectly with your financial lifestyle. And if you are like me, you may find that your financial habits change over time. Which one is right for you today?

Our Reward Checking has a zero minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee. Plus, the current APY is 4.51% on all balances up to $25,000. Each month, we wll also refund FCFCU ATM charges.

What do you have to do to qualify? Enroll in e-statements, perform 12 debit card transactions and have either one direct deposit or automatic debit/credit.

Here's what you get for free with any of our checking account products: