Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs: General Questions
Q. Are my savings federally insured?
A. Your savings are federally insured to $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government by the NCUA, a U.S. Government agency. In addition, Glass City Federal offers Excess Share Insurance (ESI) to you at no cost. ESI coverage provides an additional $250,000 of insurance once your balance exceeds the coverage provided by the NCUA. For more information about ESI, please visit www.excessshare.com.
Q. What is the NCUA?
A. The NCUA is the National Credit Union Administration, an independent agency of the federal government. It is responsible for making sure all credit unions are operating soundly. It is the agency that regulates and supervises Glass City Federal Credit Union.
Q. What is the difference between credit unions and other financial institutions?
A. Credit unions are local, not-for-profit financial cooperatives that are owned by their members. Credit unions are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. All members have a voice in how the credit union operates.
Other financial institutions tend to merge, change names, or even go out of business. They are profit-based and stockholder owned. They tend to charge higher loan rates and are more likely to charge fees and require high minimum balances. They are often owned and operated by out-of-state or foreign investors.
Q. Does Glass City Federal offer stocks, bonds, or other investment opportunities?
A. A financial services program, called MEMBERS Financial Services, designed especially for credit union members is available at Glass City Federal. This program offers a variety of investment opportunities. The MEMBERS Financial Services representative, Melvin Boes, is located right in the credit union, and can answer any questions at no cost and no obligation.
Q. What are Glass City Federal’s locations, hours, and phone numbers?
A. Visit our Locations and Hours page for a complete list.
FAQs: Home Banking
Q. Does Glass City Federal offer online banking?
A. Yes – our Home Banking is available to all members, at no cost.
Q. What accounts can I view with Home Banking?
A. You can view all of your credit union accounts, including checking, savings, certificates, IRAs, and most loans.
Q. Can I sign on to Home Banking with my business account?
A. Yes. If you have a “DBA” account, use your Social Security Number to sign on. For any other type of business account, please use your Tax ID #.
Q. Why might Home Banking not be working?
A. Periodically, it is necessary to update and conduct routine maintenance on our Home Banking system. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Q. What else can I do online?
A. You can:
-View your account balances and history
-See checks that have cleared and deposits that have posted
-Transfer funds among your accounts and other members' accounts
-Request a withdrawal by check
-View account information, including interest rates and payment due dates
-Download your posted transactions to personal financial software
Q. I applied for a loan online – how long before I hear a response?
A. Some loans types offer online pre-approval. You will receive a message upon completing your application to let you know if your loan is pre-approved. Otherwise, if you apply during business hours (9 AM to 4:30 PM M-Th/ 7 AM to 6 PM. Fri./ 9 AM to noon Sat.), we will contact you within a few hours. If you apply outside business hours, we will contact you the next business day.
FAQs: Bill Pay
Q. What is the fee for using Bill Pay?
A. Bill Pay is FREE for all Glass City Federal members!
Q. How do I sign up for Bill Pay?
A. Begin by clicking on Home Banking. To use Bill Pay, you must have a checking account at Glass City Federal and be signed on to Home Banking. Once you have entered your account number and Online password, click the “Pay Bills” icon at the top of the screen. Please read and accept the Bill Pay User Agreement. Now, you’re ready to begin setting up your bills! It takes about five minutes to set up each bill for the first time, but then only seconds to pay your bills each month thereafter!
Q. How does Bill Pay work?
A. On the morning of the payment date you select, your checking account will be debited (charged) for the amount of the bill. Our Bill Pay processor will receive your request and forward your payment to your payee. You must have funds in your account on the day you select as your payment date for your bill to be paid! While you are able to set up your payment information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, payments are made by the Bill Pay processor Monday-Friday only (excluding Federal holidays). If you set up a payment to be sent on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, it will be sent on the next business day.
Q. How long will it take for my bill to be paid?
A. For any company you have paid before, or any company that appears in the Company Search List, you should allow 7 business days from your payment due date. On many occasions, your payment will reach your payee more quickly. If your payee is not in the Company Search List, please allow 10 business days for your first payment.
Q. What is the “Company Search List”?
A. The Company Search List is the collection of companies who have previously been paid by Bill Pay. Their address information has previously been verified. You should always check this list first when setting up a new payee by using the Company Search function.
Q. How do companies get verified?
A. When a member enters information for a company that does not currently appear in the Company Search List, the Bill Pay processor will verify all information before issuing any payment. Once the information has been verified, the company is added to the Company Search List for all future payments, and the user will receive an “Alert” message indicating that the new company has been successfully added.
Q. How do I set up the companies that I want to pay?
A. Click on the “Add New Bill” button. Begin by using the Company Search to see if the company you want to pay is already verified. If it is, select the company, and your payment information will be entered. If the company is not in the search list, you must enter information for all of the fields highlighted in blue to proceed with getting that company verified. Please click “HELP” for more information.
Q. There are several options on the Search List for the company that I want to pay. Which one should I choose?
A. It is extremely important that you choose the company billing address and the account number format that matches the address and account number format on your bill. (Please make sure you have a copy of your bill handy when first setting it up in Bill Pay!) Please click “HELP” for more information about matching up your account number.
Q. How will I know that my bill has been paid?
A. You are able to view the Status/History of all of your bills. The Status/History of a bill allows you to view each payment you've made, from start to finish, including: when the money was debited from your account, when the payment was in process, and when the payment was accepted by the company or vendor. Status/History will also include a check or confirmation number with the date your payment cleared.
Q. Will I know if I have sent the payment to the wrong company or the wrong address?
A. You will receive an “Alert” message from the Bill Pay processor if there is ever a problem with your payment. Please watch for new “Alert” messages whenever you log on.
Q. What if I do not have funds in my account to process my payment?
A. Glass City will not make a payment if the funds are not available, and we will only check your account for funds and attempt to pay your bill one time. If the funds are not available, you will be charged a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, and your payment will not be sent. You will need to make arrangements to send your payment by another means.
Q. Do I have overdraft protection on Bill Pay transactions?
A. If you have funds available in your Primary Share Account (S1), or if you have an Overdraft Protection Line of Credit (L33), the payment will be processed using these funds. You will be charged the applicable overdraft transfer fees for each overdraft transfer.
Q. What kinds of payments can I make with Bill Pay?
A. You can pay almost all of your bills with Bill Pay. You can even make payments to individuals by using the “Add Private Party Payment” option and following the instructions to set up this kind of payment. You cannot use Bill Pay to make payments to local, state or Federal Government entities, or to businesses or individuals in foreign countries.
Q. Are there any other restrictions that apply to using Bill Pay?
A. The maximum payment amount on any bill is $5,000. Also, due to Federal regulations, you may only pay your bills through your checking account.
Q. What if I need to cancel or change payment on a bill I have set up in Bill Pay?
A. You can delete or change your payment amount, date, or other information at any time prior to the payment being deducted from your account. Be sure to save any changes you make to your payments by clicking the “Save Changes to Bills” button. All payments must be scheduled by midnight (12:00 AM) each business day to be processed that day.
Q. Can I cancel Bill Pay if I change my mind?
A. You may click on the “Stop Bill Pay Service” button if you choose to no longer use Bill Pay. However, all of the payment information you have previously entered will be deleted, and you will need to reenter all payee information if you decide to use Bill Pay in the future.
Q. What should I do if I need help with using Bill Pay?
A. Please begin by looking at “HELP” first. The “HELP” question mark appears in the top, right-hand corner of all Bill Pay screens. There is a different “HELP” page for each Bill Pay screen, so the information will assist you as you set up your bills and make your payments. If you have additional questions, please contact any branch office for more information.
FAQs: Member Value Program
Q. How can the Member Value Program benefit me?
A. First, you must determine your Participation Level, which is based on the total of all your savings balances and loan balances, as well as whether you use a Glass City checking account and Visa card. The higher your level, the more benefits you will receive. Please review the Member Value Program Description for more info.
Q. What does "active" checking and "active" Visa mean?
A. "Active" means that you must be using the checking and Visa you have with Glass City Federal for it to be recognized by the Member Value Program. You must have an active balance in both accounts. (If you pay your Visa card off monthly, as long as you are using the card, you will still most likely carry an "active" balance.)
Q. When am I put into a Participation Level?
A. On the first business day of every month, your account will be assigned to a Participation Level, and all rewards for that month will be determined based on your level.
Q. Can I change my Participation Level?
A. Absolutely! At the beginning of every month, we will look at the accounts you have at Glass City Federal and your total balances, and you will either remain at the same level or be assigned to a new level for that month. You will ONLY change to a different level at the beginning of each month.
Q. What if I am over age 55, but I qualify for the Elite Participation Level, which has more benefits?
A. You will always be placed into the Participation Level that is most beneficial for you.
If you have any other questions associated with the Member Value Program or other account changes, please email us.
FAQs: ATM, Check Card, Visa
Q. Where are your ATM's located?
A. Click here for a list of no-surcharge ATM's for Glass City members in the northwest Ohio area.
Q. How does a Check Card work?
A. A Glass City Check Card looks like a credit card, but works just like a check. When you swipe your card, the cost of your purchase is deducted from your checking account. Be sure to choose "CREDIT" before you swipe your card.
Q. Can I earn rewards for using my Check Card or credit card?
A. Yes! You can earn ScoreCard Bonus Points when you use either your Check Card or Glass City Visa. Visit www.scorecardrewards.com for more information, and to check your points balance.
Q. What is the difference between a Check Card and a Debit Card?
A. They are the same thing.
Q. Is there a daily purchase limit with the Check Card?
A. The daily purchase limit for the Check Card is $2,500. The daily ATM limit is $310.
Q. Who do I call if I have a question or concern about my Check Card?
A. Please call (800) 543-5073 for activation questions.
Q. How do I report a lost or stolen Check Card?
A. Call (800) 991-4965 to report a check card lost or stolen.
Q. Who do I call if I have a question or concern about my Glass City Visa?
A. Please call (800) 237-6211 for questions about your Visa, or to report your card lost or stolen. You may also access your Visa account online at www.ezcardinfo.com.
Q. What is the Visa payment address?
A. Send your Visa payments to: P.O. Box 4521, Carol Stream, IL, 60197. Or, make your payment online at www.ezcardinfo.com. You may also transfer to your credit card "sweep" account (S80) thru Home Banking.
Q. How can I check my Glass City Visa account?
A. Click on the Visa card link on our Accounts and Services page. Or, call (800) 237-6211 or visit www.ezcardinfo.com.
FAQs: Telephone Banking
Q. How do I sign up for Glass City’s Telephone Banking?
A. Visit our telephone banking page for phone numbers and instructions.
Q. What kind of transactions can I perform with Telephone Banking?
A. With one phone call to Telephone Banking, you can get specific information about all of your Glass City Federal accounts. You can also check to see if checks have cleared or deposits have posted, get interest and dividend information, transfer funds, or even request a withdrawal from your account.
Q. What if I lose or forget my Telephone Banking PIN number?
A. If you lose or forget your Telephone Banking PIN number, you will need to visit one of our branches to reset your account. You must visit a branch – we will not accept email, phone or fax requests to protect your account information. We will then verify your signature to protect your account. Once your account is reset, you can start over and choose a new PIN number.
FAQs: Accounts
Q. How do I open an account?
A. You need to be eligible for membership – by living, working, attending school or church in Lucas, Wood, Fulton and Ottawa counties in Ohio. Once your eligibility is confirmed, all you need is $25 and a completed membership application. At this time, you must open your account in person.
Q. Why must I keep a minimum of $25 in my share savings account?
A. Your $25 minimum deposit into a share savings account establishes you as a member of Glass City Federal. It is your “share” of ownership in the credit union and the basis for opening other accounts and using our many services and member benefits. As long as you maintain your $25 balance, you are a member of the credit union for life.
Q. What types of accounts and services does Glass City offer?
A. Glass City offers all of what you need to meet your financial needs, such as checking accounts, low-cost mortgages and home equity loans, other savings accounts and special convenience services. Check out the full list of our Accounts and Services.
Q. Do you offer business accounts?
A. We offer business checking and savings accounts to businesses that qualify for membership. Please contact a branch manager before visiting one of our branches to determine what information you need to open a Glass City business account.
Q. What are your current loan and savings rates?
A. Click Rates and Calculators for current rates on Glass City accounts.
Q. What are the “suffix numbers” for my accounts?
A.
- S1- Primary Share/Savings
- S3- Checking
- S5- Vacation Club
- S7 - Optimum Checking
- S9- Christmas Club
- S13- Money Market Savings
- S15- Money Market Savings
- S17- Money Market MAX
- S80- Credit Card Payment Sweep
- S86- Mortgage Sweep
- S96- IRA Share Account
- L1 or L60- New Car
- L3 or L70- Used Car
- L5- Recreational Vehicle
- L6- Share/Certificate Secured
- L9- Unsecured/Signature Loan
- L33- Checking Overdraft Line of Credit
- L40, L50 or L75- Home Equity Line of Credit
- Other suffixes and accounts also exist – please contact us for details.
Q. Does Glass City offer checking with no monthly fees?
A. Yes – our basic checking account is completely free – there are no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, no per-check fees, and no check writing limit. The only cost to you is the cost of the checks that you purchase.
Q. How do I stop payment on a check?
A. Call or stop in to any branch. Click here for locations.
Q. How can I order new checks?
A. You can order new checks by calling or visiting one of our branches. Click here to order your checks online.
Q. What is Glass City Federal Credit Union’s routing and transit number?
A. The routing and transit number is 241-282-153
Q. May I cash or purchase savings bonds at the credit union?
A. Yes. You may cash or purchase savings bonds at any branch office.
FAQs: Membership
Q. How can I join Glass City Federal Credit Union?
A. All individuals and businesses who live, work, worship or attend school in:
• Lucas County
• Wood County
• Fulton County
• Ottawa County
are eligible to join Glass City! Please visit our "How To Join" page.
Q. How can my company offer membership in Glass City Federal?
A. If your company currently does not offer the benefit of credit union membership, just let us know. All you need to do is contact us. We will contact you once we receive your letter. We look forward to welcoming you to Glass City Federal Credit Union!
Q. Are my family members eligible for membership?
A. Everyone in your immediate family is eligible to join. That means your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and step-family members may join the credit union. Individuals living within your household may also join Glass City Federal.
Q. If I move out of the area or leave my current job, can I still keep my account?
A. Once you’re a member, you’re always a member. Because we have online banking and other electronic services, you can bank with us anywhere you go.
Q. Will our employees have to change their accounts over to the credit union if we decide to offer this benefit to them?
A. No. Credit union membership is their choice. They may use whichever financial institution best meets their financial needs. Of course, we hope this will be Glass City Federal!
Q. Can I still join if I’m retired?
A. Yes, you may still join if you reside within Lucas, Fulton, Wood or Ottawa counties in Ohio.
