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 Shared Branching Continues To Expand Saratoga's Community FCU - A leader in access and convenience!
Through our effective use of technology, members will have seven more full service branch locations in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schorharie County. This will bring our local full service branch network to eleven locations. Check back for our launch date! eDeposit Available Now Make deposits from your home computer! eDeposit is an exciting new service available to Saratoga’s Community FCU members that allows you to deposit checks to your checking or savings account from your home computer. This service is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, greatly increasing your access to make deposits. The process is simple: once an account is registered with the eDeposit service, scan the front and back of an endorsed check, review the images, and submit the deposit to the credit union. The credit union will then review the deposit and send an email to notify you that the deposit has been reviewed and approved. Once a deposit is approved, the funds are available for your use with no further holds! We are thrilled to be able to offer this giant step forward in convenience and we hope you will take advantage of it right away.
New AutoSmart iPhone App Now Available
CUDL AutoSMART just went mobile with the FREE CUDL AutoSMART iPhone app! Now, in the palm of your hand, you can have access to the auto buying tools that you need the most – no matter where you are.
How would you like to Skip Your August Loan Payment? Keep some extra cash in your pocket and SKIP YOUR LOAN PAYMENT, click here for more details. A Message to College Bound Students & Parents AS TRADITIONAL STUDENT LOAN LENDERS STEP BACK, SARATOGA’S COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION STEPS UP
According to Don Denofio, CEO of Saratoga’s Community FCU, while the availability of federal loans has come under intense scrutiny, consumers who are forced to rely on private student loans may actually feel the biggest pinch. “The cost of college education has risen dramatically over the last 15 years. This has led to an ever-increasing gap between what scholarships and federal loans cover and the actual cost of attendance,” said Don. “For a college student attending a public school for four years, that gap has grown to more than $30,000. And for those attending a private school, the gap jumps to well over $100,000. Private student loans fill that gap, and with so many lenders leaving the market, students will not only find these loans harder to come by, but they will likely be faced with higher rates and fees. This is why Saratoga’s Community FCU is committing $6 million to Saratoga County residents for higher education.” In hopes of bringing superior economic value to the marketplace and meeting the educational financing needs of credit union members and local consumers, in June, 2010 Saratoga’s Community FCU joined with several of the nation’s leading credit unions to offer a new private lending solution called Credit Union Student Choice. “With the turmoil in the marketplace, we felt it was imperative that credit unions, as not-for-profit balance sheet lenders with a unique ability and willingness to collaborate, get into the private student lending business," said Don. "Credit unions exist first and foremost to meet the needs of their membership, not to maximize profit by selling off loans to Wall Street. We are very proud to offer a private student loan solution that will deliver real value and meet a pressing need.” Don also points out that many lenders take advantage of consumers’ lack of knowledge about education financing options. "The website we've built will help consumers make better decisions by providing in-depth information on all of the ways to finance a college education as well as calculators that will actually show them the numbers." To access this information and learn more about Saratoga’s Community FCU’s private student loan solution, visit www.saratogafcu.studentchoice.org. Unlawful Internet Gambling Transactions NOTICE UNLAWFUL INTERNET GAMBLING ENFORCEMENT ACT (REG GG) The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board have issued a final rule to implement applicable provisions of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 which is effective December 1, 2009. The Act prohibits any person engaged in the business of betting or wagering from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in “unlawful Internet gambling,” defined as “placing, receiving, or otherwise knowingly transmitting a bet or wager by any means which involves the use, at least in part, of the Internet where such bet or wager is unlawful under any Federal or State law in the State in which the bet is made. In accordance with the requirements of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 and Regulation GG, this notification is to inform you that restricted transactions are prohibited from being processed through your account or relationship with Saratoga's Community FCU. Restricted transactions are transactions in which a person accepts credit, funds, instruments or other proceeds from another person in connection with unlawful Internet gambling.
New Rules For Debit and ATM Cards New Overdraft Rules for Debit and ATM Cards There are new Federal Reserve rules relative to debit cards and ATM transactions and we are making changes to help you avoid fees and reduce the likelihood of overdrawing your account. Beginning July 1, 2010, Saratoga’s Community FCU will only authorize daily (one-time) debit card transactions* and ATM withdrawals if, at the time of the transaction, we determine that you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the amount of the transaction. If you initiate a transaction at a merchant location or a withdrawal at an ATM using your debit card, and that transaction will exceed the available balance in your account, your transaction will be declined, and no fee will be charged. How can you avoid your transaction being declined? · Balance your account on a regular basis · Use home banking, text banking or CUFAST to check your balance prior to performing transactions · Use alternative methods to transfer funds into your account prior to performing transactions Please note that this new Federal requirement applies only to daily (one-time) transactions and ATM withdrawals and does not pertain to overdraft protection services that you may have authorized for written checks or recurring debit transactions, such as regularly scheduled bill payments. *Daily (one-time) debit card transactions are single transactions where you swipe your card at a merchant location or an online or telephone purchase. We're Expanding As a result of our commitment to technology, we are pleased to announce that members now have access to two new branch banking locations, 6 days a week at School Systems FCU, in Troy and Albany, NY. This convenience is made available through our relationship with the Credit Union Shared Service Centers network. It may say School Systems FCU on the building, but members can consider it their newest full service branch location. School Systems FCU Troy Office Location Albany Office Location Hours
Other Local Credit Union Shared Service Centers Community Resource Federal Credit Union 20 Wade Road, Latham, NY 12110
Lobby Hours 8:30 – 4:30 Monday and Tuesday Drive-Up Hours 8:00 – 5:00 Monday & Tuesday 9:00 – 12:00 Saturday The branch is located off Exit 6 of the Northway
Toll Free Branch Locator: 888.287.9475 Spring Newsletter Now Available Saratoga's Connection Click Here New Loan Payment Option
Now Available - A Summer Skip Program for Most Consumer Loans Your credit union understands that not all members are paid during the summer breaks from school. To accommodate this, we now offer a summer skip program. Members who elect this option will not have to make payments during the months of July and August on most consumer loans. Interest accrues during the summer and payments are slightly higher for this option. Ask your loan officer for more details! Save With Our 1.99% VISA Promotional Rate
Dormant Accounts Important Notice: We write to you because your account has been inactive for a period of time. When there is a lack of activity for an account for more than one year, it is necessary for the credit union to charge a monthly fee of $5.00 to cover the cost of maintaining the account. To avoid this cost, please begin making deposits or withdrawals within your account. We also would like to use this opportunity to bring you up to date on the many new account access services added within the past year. · You can now access your existing accounts online at no cost. · You can open and fund new accounts online at no cost. · We now offer 24/7 live person phone access. · You now have access to thousands of surcharge FREE ATM locations throughout the US. · Our new relationship with CU Service Centers gives you access to branches of other credit unions, locally and across the country. Plus, beginning in November, you will have access to surcharge FREE ATMs located in over 300 local Stewart's Shops. And right behind that we will be adding Text Banking service. With Text Banking, you have your account balance and account information sent to your cell phone via a text message; you get all your account information at your fingertips anytime anywhere. Our goal is to make it as easy and convenient as possible for you to manage your family's finances. Visit our web site at www.saratogafcu.org to check out these recently added services and other exciting things happening at your credit union. Consider reactivating your credit union account so you can take advantage of these great services. Sincerely, Don Denofio Chief Executive Officer DORMANT ACCOUNT RESPONSE FORM q Please activate my account! q Please close my account. Name________________________________________________________ Account Number_________________________ Address_____________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________________________ State____________ Zip________________ Signature____________________________________________________________________ Date_______________________ LOWEST VEHICLE RATES AROUND! Saratoga’s Community
Autos | Trucks | Motorcycles 18 Months 1.80%* 24 Months 2.40%* 36 Months 3.60%* 48 Months 4.20%* 60 Months 4.70%* 72 Months 5.20%*
Checking Account Changes October 1, 2009 Dear Credit Union Member,
Is has been a long-standing policy of the Board of Directors to assure members the best possible services, at the lowest possible price, without jeopardizing financial stability. While many other financial institutions no longer pay interest on their checking accounts or have imposed per item fees and high minimum balance requirements, your credit union has continued to provide many services free of charge. As services and technology have become more complex, they have also become more expensive. Currently, the costs of these services are absorbed by the entire membership and we believe it is time to pass these fees on to the members that benefit from the services. Therefore, effective November 1, 2009, we will institute a $2.00 monthly service charge on interest bearing checking accounts. It is our responsibility to see that appropriate pricing is implemented whenever necessary, and that it is justified and fair to all members. Our goal is to protect the financial soundness of the credit union and to serve your financial needs. As an alternative, we will now offer a no minimum balance, non-interest bearing checking account with no monthly service charge. If you prefer to maintain a checking account with no service charge, please complete, sign and return this letter and we will make the necessary changes. You will not need to order new checks. We ask that you compare our services with those of other financial institutions. We believe you will find that we still offer a better financial alternative. Sincerely, Don Denofio Chief Executive Officer I request that the credit union change my checking account to a no monthly service charge, non-interest bearing account. Name __________________________________ Date_________________ Account Number __________________________ Connect Now! TEXT BANKING
Text Banking is another way the Credit Union can keep you connected to all your account information. Text Banking is a part of Saratoga's Community FCU remote service delivery strategy. With Text Banking, you have your account balance and account information sent to your cell phone via a text message; you get all your account information at your fingertips anytime anywhere. What's Hot? Saratoga's Dealer Connection
Members now have access to a new website that will provide a state-of-the-art vehicle shopping experience, offering extensive vehicle research capabilities and an opportunity to get great bargans by requesting quotes from multiple dealers. For more information, click below.
Senior High School Tuition Assistance Our CU Student Loan program has been expanded to include senior high tuition assistance for parochial and private schools. For more information on loan rates and terms, click here. 24/7 Live Person Service Now, members can speak with a personal credit union representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1.877.583.2323 for the following services:
Join Now! Welcome to our Online New Accounts Application
PrimeTime Rates are Back! Are you looking to reduce your monthly expenses? We can help! How about purchasing a car, truck, motorcycle or boat? We can help! Now is the time to take advantage of our new PRIMETime Loan Program. Members have the option of applying for our variable rate, fixed payment plan. For starters, we'll give you a great introductory rate. Your monthly payment is fixed at the time of application and never changes throughout the life of the loan, instead, the term may be shortened or lengthened. Plus, you have the option of converting your variable rate loan to a fixed rate loan at any time during the loan term, at the prevailing rate. The PRIMETime Loan can be used to purchase or refinance a new or used vehicle or to refinance a personal loan. Either way, your payments are going down!
Shared Branching Services
Click here to locate CU Service Centers CU Service Centers operate in branches of other credit unions, locally and across the country and Kiosks are located in many 7 - Eleven Convenience Stores. They were established to serve members like you, every day, just as though you were visiting a branch of your own credit union. Whether you are across town, traveling out of state or even moving, retiring or vacationing in another state, you can stay close to your credit union at offices where you can get account access and answers to your questions from real people, every time you visit. And many CU Service Centers have extended hours, making your financial transactions that much easier to conduct. Any CU Service Center can take care of all your business, including:
Just provide the Teller at the CU Service Center with your account number and a valid photo ID and you’re on your way. The Teller will access your account for you and process your transaction. Credit unions are known for working together cooperatively to better serve members, and the participating CU Service Center credit unions are ready and waiting to provide you with the same great credit union service you’re accustomed to. Look for the CU Swirl logo on the door welcoming you at CU Service Centers. We want to make doing business with us as convenient as possible, and CU Service Centers give you convenience on a large scale. For a complete directory of the over 6,000 CU Service Center and 7 – Eleven Kiosk locations across the country and their hours of operation, visit http://cuservicecenters.com/. 24/7 Call Center Serving Members Around-The-Clock @ 877.583.2323 Around-the-clock credit union access is increasingly important for our members. Now, Saratoga’s Community FCU members can take advantage of live, 24/7 member services. For a list of services available through your personal credit union representative, click here! Expanded call center hours provide members with another convenient way to obtain immediate account information, conduct transactions, and even apply for loans or open new accounts. This valuable resource allows our credit union to significantly expand hours without adding to the credit union’s infrastructure. The call center functions like a branch of the credit union, offering services via telephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This can be especially important when assistance is needed or questions arise when visiting the credit union’s web site. The credit union’s lending capabilities feature instant loan decisions when members apply at our branch, on our credit union web site or by phone. Lending decisions are provided in seconds! On a personal level, members will find Live Web Chat and Call-Back services available on every page of the lending and new account applications. The credit union can now reach out to potential members, enroll new members, accept deposits and generate loans; any time of the day or night. Accessibility to a geographically diverse field of membership is increased by using an electronic process for account opening and funding. By combining 24-hour lending services with access to an around-the-clock contact center, we can now provide members with unmatched access and convenience. Bank Where You Shop!
Members can make deposits and withdrawals to either a savings or checking account without making a special trip to the credit union. Here’s how it works... Your new Saratoga’s Connection Card can be used to access Point of Sale (POS) and ATM’s. This will make banking with your credit union fast…convenient…and easier than ever before.
Also, ATM’s located throughout the country will now provide access to both your savings and checking account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and, over 25,000 of them are surcharge free! Members will begin receiving replacement cards in November. If you do not have an ATM card, please contact the credit union to make arrangements for a new card. Click here to find out more. |
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Saratoga’s Connection Card 