Fraudulent Cashier's Checks Purportedly from Finance Center Federal Credit Union

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Our Credit Union's name has recently been utilized for fraudulent purposes. If you have received a letter recently from Infiniti Research Group or Lightspeed Research Inc. indicating that you've been selected as a Customer Service Evaluator in your area, along with an accompanying cashier's check (purportedly from Finance Center Federal Credit Union) and a request to wire money through Western Union - do not attempt to cash or deposit this check or wire any money. We are currently working with the appropriate authorities on this situation. If you have encountered this fraud, please contact our Credit Union at 317.916.7700 or 800.473.2328 or by email at fraud@fcfcu.com.

BillPayer Conversion is Complete and System is Available

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
The Credit Union's upgrade process to the online banking BillPayer system is complete and is now available to use.

Recurring payments to payees will not be visible until Midnight on Tuesday. Do not add a new recurring payment to your payee if a payment was set up previously. Adding a new recurring payment may result in duplicate payments to your payee. Recurring payments will appear normally on September 1st.

What Our Members Say - Love Earning Interest on Checking

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by Member Testimonials
"To FCFCU, just wanted to let you know that your interest bearing share draft account is to die for. Imagine getting interest on money in your checking account. Totally better than any interest you get on a savings account anywhere. Thanks a million. One very satisfied customer. P.S. Great customer service and loads of places to do business with also!"

Randall Reed
Avon, IN

Credit Unions Featured on Fox Business

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 by Michael Hostetler


$7.5 billion in savings for credit union members.

1.2 million new credit union members.

$696 billion in business loans from credit unions.

What's keeping you from joining an Indianapolis credit union

What is a Credit Union?

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
It's a question that comes up often when I tell people that I work at (and do my banking) at a credit union. The Huffington Post offered a great description of what credit unions are in a recent article.

"A credit union is a friendly, 'not-for-profit,' financial institution that is comprised of members only. Credit unions offer special deals to its members, unlike 'for profit,' big-name banks. Any profit made by the credit union is directed back to members via higher interest rates on savings/checking accounts and lower interest rates on credit cards and loans, unlike a commercial bank, which constantly thinks of new ways to increase its revenue for shareholders via methods such as customer fees."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Financial Center COO Susan Ward Named NAFCU Professional of the Year

Thursday, July 22, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Financial Center COO Susan WardThe National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) named Susan Ward, Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Financial Center the 2010 Professional of the Year recipient. NAFCU’s Annual Awards Competition honors and rewards the credit union community’s best performers. NAFCU selected the winner from federal credit union employees who demonstrated professionalism, commitment to the members and credit union community, staff morale, achievements and innovations, and commitment to continued education.

Are you using Overdraft Services from Financial Center?

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Effective July 1, 2010, for new accounts and prior to August 15, 2010, for existing accounts, federal regulations require members who are eligible for Overdraft Services to opt-in to the program in order to be covered even if they have been covered in the past.

What does Overdraft Services cover?
Overdraft Services covers your everyday debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals even if you have insufficient funds in your account. Overdraft Services allows you to complete your transaction and purchase items that you need such as groceries or gas when you may have insufficient funds in your account. Overdraft Services is available when you need it the most when emergency situations arise and you do not have sufficient money in your account.

How much does Overdraft Services cost?
If you overdraw your account through an everyday debit card transaction or ATM withdrawal, Financial Center will charge you a $33 fee to authorize the transaction. This fee will be assessed each time you use your debit card or make a withdrawal from an ATM until you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the transaction. We only charge a fee when you utilize Overdraft Services. It is free to opt-in for this service, and the service is free even if you never use it.

Please tell us if you want to keep this convenient coverage on your account for everyday debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals. If you do not opt-in to Overdraft Services and there are insufficient funds to cover a transaction when you need it, Financial Center will not authorize the transaction after August 15, 2010.

If you choose to opt-in to Overdraft Services, these transactions will continue to be covered.

Click here to either opt-in or opt-out of Overdraft Services from Financial Center. Your response is needed by July 1, 2010.

If you have further questions, contact your Indianapolis credit union at 317.916.7700 or 800.473.2328 or visit any Center location.

Financial Center Pairs with Samaritan's Feet

Wednesday, June 16, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Help Financial Center support Samaritan's FeetIndianapolis credit union Financial Center has partnered with Samaritan's Feet; an international humanitarian organization focused on providing new athletic shoes to children in need. All Center locations will be collecting new children's athletic shoes and donations through July 17th.

Financial Center will donate a new pair of shoes for each checking account opened until July 17th. Shoes and monetary donations can be made in any Center location; in addition, monetary donations can be made through Secure Message within Financial Center Online.

To donate through Secure Message, type SHOES in the subject line of your message. In your message, indicate how much money you would like to donate and whether you would like it deducted from your savings or checking account.

You can also help by texting SHOES to 85944 to make a $5 donation to Samaritan's Feet.

All shoes and monetary donations will be used to support children in Central Indiana.

Help your local credit union help children in need. Donate today!

Make the Switch to a Local Credit Union

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
My son is 18 months old. One of our recent parenting challenges has been switching Landon from bottles to sippy cups. He was very attached to his bottle. We were worried that it wouldn't go well, and it was difficult to commit to making the switch.Make the switch to Financial Center

To our surprise, Landon has done well. After explaining to him that bottles were for babies, he understood that using a cup was part of becoming a "big boy". It was hard, but it was time to make the change.

It's kind of like switching from an Indianapolis bank to an Indianapolis credit union.

Sure, there are challenges to switching financial institutions and many things that have to get done. Financial Center, our Indianapolis credit union, can help make the switch to our institution easy and pain free.

With our online switch kit, we can help you close your account with your current Indianapolis bank, change your direct deposit and any automatic withdrawals you may have set up. Our staff is also available to help you switch. Give us a call at 317.916.7700 or visit any of our Indianapolis credit union locations.

Don't Change Interchange

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Our Credit Union friends The Disclosures had a few words to say about the pending changes to interchange.

Please join your local credit union in voicing opposition to this legislation. 

Is a Local Credit Union Better than a Bank?

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
The Wall Street Journal recently touted the advantages of joining a local credit union. Favorable rates on auto loans, credit cards, and mortgages are some of the reasons why consumers are making the switch.

An Indianapolis credit union such as Financial Center also offers better rates on deposits like our Reward Checking product which pays 3.01% APY if you meet the account requirements each month.

Are Credit Unions a better bet than banks? You decide.

Interchange Changes Could Cost You Money

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Each time that you use your Financial Center debit or credit card, a merchant is paid immediately and your Indianapolis credit union receives interchange. Interchange helps pay the cost of many local credit union services such as reissuing cards compromised by a merchant data breach and supplying a contact center that is available when your debit or credit card is lost or stolen.

The United States Senate passed a financial reform bill that included provisions that would make changes to this card payment and interchange system. If you have a Financial Center debit or credit card, interchange supports the program that you depend on. If interchange is reduced and changes were made that hindered the ability for Financial Center to adequately support the program, then you may end up paying more to use your debit or credit card.

Furthermore, this legislation may allow merchants and retailers to discriminate against which debit cards they accept. Merchants and retailers may reject your debit card, regardless of what financial institution you belong to.

The current system allows your Indianapolis credit union to provide competitive and member-friendly products such as our debit and credit cards. Please join your local credit union in voicing opposition to this legislation. 

Important Changes are Coming to your Account

Thursday, June 3, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Effective July 1, 2010, for new accounts and prior to August 15, 2010, for existing accounts, federal regulations require members who are eligible for Overdraft Services to opt-in to the program in order to be covered even if they have been covered in the past.

What does Overdraft Services cover?
Overdraft Services covers your everyday debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals even if you have insufficient funds in your account. Overdraft Services allows you to complete your transaction and purchase items that you need such as groceries or gas when you may have insufficient funds in your account. Overdraft Services is available when you need it the most when emergency situations arise and you do not have sufficient money in your account.

How much does Overdraft Services cost?
If you overdraw your account through an everyday debit card transaction or ATM withdrawal, Financial Center will charge you a $33 fee to authorize the transaction. This fee will be assessed each time you use your debit card or make a withdrawal from an ATM until you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the transaction. We only charge a fee when you utilize Overdraft Services. It is free to opt-in for this service, and the service is free even if you never use it.

Please tell us if you want to keep this convenient coverage on your account for everyday debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals. If you do not opt-in to Overdraft Services and there are insufficient funds to cover a transaction when you need it, Financial Center will not authorize the transaction after August 15, 2010.

If you choose to opt-in to Overdraft Services, these transactions will continue to be covered.

Click here to either opt-in or opt-out of Overdraft Services from Financial Center. Your response is needed by July 1, 2010.

If you have further questions, contact your Indianapolis credit union at 317.916.7700 or 800.473.2328 or visit any Center location.

Debit Card Problems

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by Michael Hostetler
Due to recent fraud activity, Financial Center is blocking debit card transactions where the card is swiped and processed as a credit in the following states:
  • Minnesota
  • North Carolina
  • Texas
Members are advised to process their debit card transactions as a debit and use their PIN to successfully complete the transaction. If the card is swiped and processed as a credit, the transaction will be declined.

We apologize for this inconvenience. Please call Member Services at 317.916.7700 or 800.473.2328 if you have further questions.

Please continue to check our website and blog for more information.

UPDATE (6/18) - This problem has been corrected and members should not be experiencing any problems using their card in Minnesota, North Carolina, or Texas.

What Our Members Say - FCFCU Saved us from Credit Counseling

Friday, May 21, 2010 by Member Testimonials
We were struggling with our credit cards and high interest auto loan. FCFCU was able to assist in consolidating some of our credit cards AND refinancing our auto loan. It's great to receive assistance. Not only that, I can proudly pay and know that the money that I am spending on interest is going to us and not some other person. This credit union is really member driven. Thank you again for everything.

Cara Winger
McCordsville, IN

What Are Some of the HSA Benefits?

Friday, May 14, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

medical savings accountWhat are some of the HSA benefits? HSA health plans have a number of benefits when compared with the traditional health insurance plans. Here are some HSA benefits:

  • The funds that you contribute to your HSA bank accounts are completely yours.
  • Health care providers and plans can be changed as per your requirements with absolutely no penalty imposed on the change.
  • The funds deposited in the account are totally tax free.
  • Health care cost of individuals and families will come down substantially each year due to HSA health plans.

If you are unsure about what HSA health plans are and what benefits you will get out of it you can always refer to the health savings accounts FAQ, which will enable you to get a clear perspective.

If you want to learn more about a bank health savings account, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis.  You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
 

What Are The Benefits Of HSA?

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

medical savings accountMore than likely, if you are looking into HSA savings then you already know a thing or two about them.  However, we thought we'd include a few additional benefits of such a health savings account plan:

  • The coverage of the HSA health plan is extensive and you can use it to cover a variety of medical expenses, which include dental costs, annual physicals, mental health cost, over the counter medications, maternity costs and alternative medication like homeopathy.
  • A very big advantage of an HSA is that you can continue with the health savings accounts, even when you lose a job or retire.
  • If you do not take money from the account, it will continue to grow and you get added benefits in the future.

If you want to learn more about a bank health savings account, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis.  You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
 


Financial Education For Health Savings Accounts

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

learning about money

A health savings account plan can be used to save money for your medical needs in the present and in the future.

The biggest advantage of a health savings account plan is that they provide security against high and unexpected medical bills. Even if the funds are not utilized they will remain in the account with each passing year, earning interest on it.

The withdrawals from the account are also tax free, if they are utilized for medical purposes. Even when you are unemployed or move to a different state the funds will continue to remain in your account.

If you want to learn more about money education, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Financial Center of Indianapolis.   


Great Money Literacy Tips

Monday, May 10, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

learning about moneyDuring the current recession, now more than ever it is important to really understand the importance of learning about money.

Here are some great money education tips:

  • Before making any investment and loan choices, you need to carefully analyze all the options available and choose a plan that best suits your needs.
  • Reduce your credit card usage and if you own more than three cards, try bringing it down to two.
  • Select credit cards with the lowest interest rates.
  • Use the Internet to get bargain and discount deals on things you wish to buy.
  • Do not make expensive purchases unless it is an emergency.
  • Consolidate all your debt to avoid paying different interest rates.

Our Financial Services Indianapolis will be able to guide you in making good financial plans, which will help you achieve financial success. Our Financial Education Indianapolis helps to provide financial literacy to the community, which will help everyone have a secure financial future.

If you're interested in learning about money, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Financial Center of Indianapolis.  You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.
 

Why Have A Medical Savings Account?

Sunday, May 9, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

learning about moneyA medical savings account Indianapolis will help you save money for medical expenses. You can open a medical savings account in the local credit union of Indianapolis.

The funds deposited in an HSA in Indianapolis are tax deductible and in certain cases the state may offer a higher tax deduction based on the tax structure prevalent in that state.

In order to qualify for a medical savings account you must have a high deductible health plan, which has nearly 20% to 50% lower premiums and this depends on the place of your residence.

All these reasons make opening a medical savings account with a local credit union a very good financial decision.

If you're interested in learning about medical savings accounts, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Financial Center of Indianapolis.  You might also be interested in our Reward Checking which earns dividends.