Help

Q: Are my deposit accounts insured?

A: Yes. Each individual member’s account is insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA), a U.S. Government Agency, up to $250,000.

Q: How do I set up Direct Deposit of my payroll check?

A: Once we have opened your Share Draft (Checking) account*, you will receive our routing and transit number and your account number. If your employer participates in a direct deposit program, simply provide this information to the human resources or payroll department at your company and your direct deposit will usually begin within thirty days.

Q: How do I set up Direct Deposit of my Social Security check?

A: Once we have opened your Share Draft (Checking) account*, you will receive our routing and transit number and your account number. Once you have received that information, you can obtain a Direct Deposit form at either of our branches, or by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. Once the form is submitted, your direct deposit should start within 30 days.

Q: Can I get information about my account by phone?

A: Yes. Account information is available from our Member Service Representatives during business hours or through CALL-24, our Audio Response System for automated telephone account information 24 hours a day. Simply call (661) 952-5945 or (877) 256-3300 to access both of these options.

Q: Is interest paid on my Checking account?

A: No, dividends are not earned on an Edwards FCU Checking Account. Our Money Market account is an interest-bearing Savings account that allows you to earn a higher interest rate and you can write a limited number of checks per month.

Q: Can I open an account if I don’t live in the United States? What if I live in the United States but am not a citizen yet?

A: In order to open an account with Edwards FCU, you must live, work, worship, or attend school within the Antelope Valley. If you do, but are not yet an American citizen, we can open an account as long as you have one of the following government issued identifications:

• Taxpayer Identification Number
• Current Passport (reflecting Number and Country of Issuance)
• Alien Identification Card
• Any other government-issued photo identification evidencing nationality or residency and bearing a photograph.

Q: Can I do all of my banking with you?

A: Yes. Thanks to the convenience of extended branch hours, Direct Deposit and ATMs, everyday banking activities can be performed on your own time. Contact Us with questions about your banking needs.

Q: Can I look at all of my transactions at any time?

A: Yes. With Online Banking, you have access to your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you don’t have a computer, Call-24 is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: How frequently is my information updated?

A: Your account information is updated every business day.

Q: Are wire transfers possible to and from my Share Draft (Checking) account?

A: Yes. Funds can be transferred to and from accounts by wire transfer or via ACH (Automated Clearing House) debits or credits. You can also use FREE Bill Payer service to send payments to anyone in the country. Contact Us for details.

Q: How do I make a deposit to my account from a remote location?

A: You can do most of your banking by using direct deposit, ATMs or ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions. Contact Us for details on a method that’s best for you.

Q: When do I have access to use Online Banking?

A: With Online Banking, you have access to your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

* Edwards FCU Checking Accounts and Visa Check Cards are available to members only and subject to approval through ChexSystems.

Q: I need to determine what my monthly payment would be on a loan. Are there calculators on this site?

A: We have Calculators to assist you with savings and loans.

Q: What is Online Banking?

A: Online Banking is a tool that allows you to bank through a highly encrypted Internet connection. Edwards Federal Credit Union offers Online Banking free to all members.

Q: What can I do with Online Banking?

A: You can view account balances and transaction history, transfer money, download transactions to a personal financial manager such as Quicken®.

Q: Is any of my personal information stored in Online Banking?

A: Yes, Online Banking stores your User ID, password and user preferences.

Q: How current is my banking information?

A: Your account information is updated in real-time.

Q: What accounts will I be able to access through Online Banking?

A: You can access your checking, savings, investment and loan accounts from Online Banking. This product is intended to give you as much access, security, and versatility as possible.

Q: How much account information can I view at once?

A: The system will automatically show the current month’s transactions and information. However, by selecting User Preferences, you can choose to view up to 6 months account history.

Q: Can I view my account details in more than one way?

A: Yes, you can view your accounts by date, check number, payee, amount or balance in ascending or descending order.

Q: What formats can I download my transaction history in?

A: Online Banking supports downloads to Quicken® or as a comma-delimited text file.

Q: Can I schedule future transfers?

A: You can schedule future payments from inside of Bill Payer. Bill Payer is offered free to all members.

Q: When can I use Online Banking?

A: With Online Banking, you have access to your account information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: How long can I be inactive before being logged out of Online Banking?

A: The inactivity time out default is set for 10 minutes.

Q: Can I create my own password that is easy for me to remember?

A: Yes, after you use your assigned password to log-in for the first time, you will be prompted to change your password.

Q: What happens if I forget or lose my password?

A: Just call us and we will take you through the steps needed to get back into the system immediately. Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (PST): 661-952-5945 or 877-256-3300.

Q: Is it possible to schedule recurring payments?

A: Yes. You can schedule weekly, semi-monthly and monthly recurring payments. The final payment of a recurring payment scheme is designated by a Final Payment Date.

Q: How do I register for electronic Bill Payer?

A: Bill Payer registration is easy. The first time you attempt to access the bill payment section of Online Banking, you will be prompted to begin online registration. You are first requested to read and accept the authorization disclosure. Failure to accept the disclosure terms prevents the registration process from proceeding.

Once the disclosure is agreed to, you complete the online registration form. The registration form is then forwarded us for review. We are responsible for checking the information on the form. The registration information is then transmitted to our Bill Payer partner for their approval process. After the application is approved by everyone, you will receive an activation email within 10 days from the date that you submitted your application. Bill Payer does not require any separate PIN numbers or login information.

Q: When I add a new payee to Bill Payer, or change my account number, how quickly will the change take place?

A: When you update the information for the bill payment account, the changes are implemented virtually instantaneously.

Q: Can I receive an annual summary of my bill payments sorted by category or payee?

A: Not at this time.

Q: Can I pay my electronic bill payments from all of my Credit Union accounts?

A: No, only your Share Draft (Checking) account can be used for bill payment purposes.

Q: When can I start using Bill Payer?

A: As soon as you receive your activation email.

Q: When is Bill Payer available?

A: You can schedule payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q: Are my Bill Payer transactions reflected as Online Banking transactions?

A: All Bill Payer transactions become part of the Online Banking transaction history and show up in personal financial management applications when the transaction history is downloaded.

Q: How do I add new payees?

A: You can add payees by accessing the Add Payee screen. New payees will be added to the payee list immediately.

Q: Can Bill Payer be used when I am out of the country?

A: Of course. Bill Payer provides you with peace of mind when you are traveling for an extended period of time. All you need is access to the Internet with a secure browser and you can pay your bills while out of the country. Payees must be located within the 50 United States and Territories.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of Bill Payer accounts I can set up on my Share Draft (Checking) account?

A: Yes, you are limited to one Bill Payer account per Credit Union account number.

Q: Who can be paid using Bill Payer?

A: Anyone in the 50 United States and territories who can accept a check can be paid using Bill Payer. You can pay practically anyone- charge accounts, utilities, auto loans, professionals, even a lawn service or a relative. However, tax payments (such as federal, state and local) and court directed payments (such as alimony and child support) cannot be processed through Bill Payer.

Q: Can I pay my bills on the weekend?

A: You can set up your payments during the weekend. However, the system will prohibit you from scheduling a single payment and the first of a recurring payment on the same weekend. This is because payments scheduled for the weekend are always processed on the Friday before. Therefore, when scheduling payments on a weekend, the first day for which you can schedule payments (single or recurring) is the first business day following the weekend.

Generally, single or recurring payments that fall on a Saturday, Sunday or Federal Holiday are processed on the previous business day and are debited from your account within two business days. If a Federal Holiday falls on either a Friday or Monday, the debit will occur within three days.

Q: If I schedule multiple payments for a single day, how will my account be debited- as a lump sum or separately?

A: Each payment is debited separately.

Q: What if I do not have sufficient funds on the day you debit my account?

A: Following is a summary of Metavante’s, our Bill Payer provider’s, Insufficient Funds procedure: A block will automatically be placed on all accounts that have an ACH debit returned to bill payment services. No additional bill payments will be processed until the account is properly funded and the return(s) cleared. If a payment request is received while the account is blocked, a letter will be sent notifying you that the payment(s) will not be processed. A copy will also be sent to Edwards FCU.

Upon the first return, Metavante will automatically re-send all ACH returns under $100.00. Exception: debits for payments in which the credit portion was sent electronically will be resent regardless of the dollar amount without verification from us.

Metavante will contact us to verify all returns exceeding $100.00. If funds are available, they will re-send the return(s). If funds are unavailable and if the payment was made by check, a stop payment will be placed.

Q: Are all debits and credits sent out at the same time?

A: Yes, they are all sent out at the same time.

Q: How is my account debited?

A: Your account is debited via ACH.

Q: What is ACH?

A: Automated Clearing House is a funds transfer system which provides for the clearing of electronic entries for participating financial institutions.

Q: If I make an error in selecting an electronic payee and it results in a late fee, am I responsible for the charges?

A: If you select an electronic payee with an address that is different from that indicated on the payment coupon, then you are responsible for the late fee. You always have the option to manually enter a different address for a payee.

If you select an electronic payee with the address that matches that indicated on the payment coupon, and Metavante routes the payment incorrectly, then Metavante will take responsibility for the late fee.

Q: How do I place a ‘stop payment’ on a bill payment?

A: A payment may be edited or deleted anytime before the “process date.” Payments that have been remitted electronically cannot be stopped.

Q: What is Overdraft Privilege?

A: Overdraft Privilege is a discretionary service provided to eligible accounts. It’s designed to help prevent your insufficient funds items from being returned or declined. With Overdraft Privilege, Edwards FCU may provide you a specific Overdraft Privilege limit depending on the type of account you have.

Q: What’s the difference between Overdraft Privilege and other Overdraft Protection Programs?

A: Other overdraft protection programs such as a link to a savings account may be preferable but may be limited as to how many times a transfer may be made to cover an overdraft. Also, other overdraft protection programs require that funds be available. With Overdraft Privilege, items that would otherwise be declined or returned are paid and the debit is posted to your account.  For each item posted, a $29 Overdraft Privilege fee will be assessed. In the event your account is accidentally overdrawn, Overdraft Privilege is a useful addition if there are no other forms of overdraft protection available at the time of overdraft.

Q: Am I eligible for Overdraft Privilege?

A: You may be eligible for overdraft privilege if you qualify for the below requirements.  Exclusions may apply.

• Have a minimum of $1 in your savings account
• Have a checking account that has been open for a minimum of 60 days
• Are not delinquent on any of your Edwards FCU loans (if applicable)

Enrollment in the program for Checks, ACH debits, and recurring debit card transactions are automatic when you meet the above conditions. Edwards FCU may automatically pay items that would otherwise be returned due to insufficient funds by overdrawing your Share Draft (Checking) account not to exceed your Overdraft Privilege limit. If you do not wish to participate in this program, you may contact us to “Opt-out” of this service.

Q: What type of overdrafts does Overdraft Privilege Cover?

A: Initially Overdraft Privilege will only cover Checks, ACH debits, and recurring debit card transactions, but with your consent Overdraft Privilege may also cover ATM withdrawals and everyday debit card purchases. You may at your request Opt-In to the payment of ATM and everyday debit card purchases. You may also rescind your consent at any time. Furthermore, you may Opt-out of Overdraft Privilege in its entirety. (Please keep in mind that ‘opting-out’ may result in Checks, ACH debits, and recurring debit card transactions being returned as NSF and your account will be charged a $29.00 NSF fee.)

Q: What is my Overdraft Privilege Limit?

A: For eligible members, your courtesy pay limit on you Share Draft (Checking) account will be either $500 or $750 (inclusive of fees). The default Overdraft Privilege limit for share draft accounts is $500. For members with a direct deposit of at least $750 per month, your Overdraft Privilege limit will be increased to $750 so long as your direct deposit is reoccurring. Business Members are eligible for an Overdraft Privilege limit of $750.

Q: How much does Overdraft Privilege cost?

A: For each overdraft that is posted to your account a $29.00 Overdraft Privilege fee will be assessed to your account. Although overdrafts are discouraged, Overdraft Privilege allows you to avoid excessive fees that a merchant may charge for returned items.

Q: How long do I have to bring my account positive?

A: Once your account is overdrawn you will have a full 32 calendar days to bring your account current. However, if the account remains overdrawn after 32 calendar days your Overdraft Privilege will be suspended and a $15 collection fee may be assessed. All accounts must be paid current no later than 45 days unless arrangements have been made prior to 33 days overdrawn.

Q: How will I know when I have used Overdraft Privilege?

A: You will be notified by mail the first time your Overdraft Privilege is used. Other notices will also be sent to you when your account has been overdrawn for 10, 20, and 32 days (including weekends and holidays).

Q: I pushed the Credit button at the store and the amount of the purchase still came out of my checking account. Why didn’t I get a Visa credit card bill for it?

A: All purchases made with your Visa Check Card will always be withdrawn from your Checking account. Your Visa CheckingCard or a Visa Platinum Credit Card are charged to a Visa Credit Card account. To get a Visa Credit Card account, you must apply with a signed loan application. Loan applications can be obtained online at www.edwardsfcu.org, through CALL-24 at (661) 952-5945 or toll free (877) 256-330 or by visiting a branch. If your credit history qualifies, you will be awarded a Visa Platinum card depending on your credit worthiness.

Q: What is the difference between “Credit” and “Debit”?

A: A Credit transaction may also be called signature-based, because that is what you do, put your signature on the receipt. To get to this feature in some retail stores, you may need to slide your card and then hit the Cancel button in order to choose the Credit button. Cash-back is not available through a Credit transaction. Any charge made with this option could take up to three days to post to your checking account.

A Debit transaction may also be called PIN-based, because that’s what you do, put your PIN (Personal Identification Number) into the keypad. This is the feature that will automatically appear at most retail stores. If you are requiring cash-back, this is the option that you would select. Charges made with this option will post to your checking account instantly. Some merchants may charge an additional fee to make a Debit transaction.

Q: I received this card in the mail, but didn’t ask for another Visa card.

A: All members with checking accounts will receive this card. This is not a Visa credit card; it is a Visa Check Card. The Visa Check Card allows you to perform transactions at ATM locations and at participating merchants. With this card, you can withdraw cash from your Edwards FCU accounts with no surcharge through any ATM that displays the Co-op logo. Additionally, you can use your Visa Check Card to make purchases at merchants that display the following logos: