As our lives become increasingly digital, managing finances online has never been more accessible or convenient. Online credit unions offer several exceptional features that streamline the way you handle your finances. Below, we’ll explore the benefits of online credit unions, offer tips on how to maximize these services, and guide you on choosing the best online credit union for your needs.
The People’s Federal Credit Union offers a wide range of online services in addition to in-person banking at our branch locations, ensuring you have flexibility and convenience in managing your finances.
The Benefits of Online Banking Offered By Credit Unions
Let’s examine what some of the key benefits of online banking are so you can take a step toward easier financial management.
1: Convenience
Online credit union services thrive on the idea of convenience. There will be some weeks when you won’t be able to check the “visit bank” box off your to-do list. A credit union’s mobile services ensure that you take care of this essential task by offering access to your checking and savings accounts anywhere and anytime.
Financial institutions that only offer in-person banking limit your ability to conduct transactions to their business hours, which may be restricted or nonexistent during evenings and weekends. Online credit union services, on the other hand, ensure constant access to your accounts with a simple login process.
2: Instant Access
You’ve finally made time to visit a financial institution’s branch during their standard operating hours. When you get to the branch, you see that the line is practically out the door. This situation is especially frustrating if you only have a quick task to complete like depositing a check.
Circumnavigate these inconvenient burdens with the help of a credit union’s online services. You’ll always be first in line when you log into your online credit union account. This instant access helps you finish more financial-related tasks in a shorter amount of time.
3: Quick Bill Payments
Bills are something that you want to take care of in a timely manner. An online credit union can help you set up automatic payments on recurring bills that aren’t subject to change. This payment practice will help you avoid pesky fees that a certain percentage of late bill payments carry.
Have you ever sent in a bill payment and had your check lost in the mail? Even if this unfortunate situation hasn’t happened to you, there’s a chance that it can occur in the future. Online credit unions help you make instant and verifiable bill payments that remain a few clicks away.
4: Easy Money Transfers
Money transfers are a crucial part of managing your finances. Speed and accuracy are the two primary elements that make cash transfers successful. You can achieve fast and accurate money transfers with the help of an online credit union. Simply register your accounts with your credit union’s online service before transferring wherever and whenever you please.
Mobile credit unions ensure your account balances are up to date so you can make more confident transfers.
5: User-Friendly Design
The convenience of online credit unions manifests itself in more ways than one. These mobile banking services are designed to be as accessible as possible. Accounts are a breeze to set up and equally as easy to use.
A number of shortcuts continue to satisfy mobile credit union participants. For example, you can skip the need to re-enter information when sending checks to the same person, so you can spend less time on financial transactions and dedicate more time to other tasks.
How to Get the Most Out of Online Credit Union Services
Maximizing the benefits of your online credit union services requires a few strategic steps. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these convenient features:
Understand Online Banking Security
There’s a chance that you’re wondering how safe online credit union banking really is. Credit unions are aware that your financial data is extremely sensitive information. This understanding has led to credit unions undergoing many steps to ensure that your money and financial information is safe and secure.
You’ll find that online credit unions won’t grant access to specific accounts until a one- or two-factor authentication process is complete. A strong credit union account password with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols will significantly increase your virtual financial security.
We recommend that you utilize a credit union’s smart device apps instead of a browser since browsers offer lower levels of online security.
Know How to Set Up Your Account
When setting up your online banking account, have your account numbers and other relevant information ready to streamline the process. Follow the instructions provided on the credit union’s website or mobile app to create your online profile.
Take Advantage of Online Tutorials and Staff Assistance
Credit unions are known for their dedication to providing quality customer service. Talk to your credit union to see if there are any tutorials or additional resources available to assist you in your online banking process.
Regularly Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly checking your account activity is a good habit to adopt. This helps you spot any unauthorized transactions quickly and ensures your finances are always in order. Set up account alerts if your credit union offers this feature, so you receive notifications about account activity.
How to Choose the Best Online Credit Union for Your Needs
Knowing how to look for the best online credit union is a crucial step toward successful virtual banking. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Look for both in-person and online services. Choose a credit union that offers both online and in-person banking services. This flexibility ensures you can handle your finances conveniently and personally when needed.
- Evaluate the range of financial products. Ensure the credit union offers a wide range of financial products and services, such as savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment options. A comprehensive product range will meet all your financial needs.
- Check for a dedicated mobile app. A user-friendly and secure mobile app is essential for convenient online banking. Look for credit unions with highly rated mobile apps that offer features like mobile check deposit, account transfers, and bill pay.
- Consider customer service quality. Excellent customer service is crucial, especially for online banking. Look for credit unions known for their responsive and helpful customer support, available via multiple channels like phone, chat, and email.
Level Up Your Online Banking With The People’s Federal Credit Union
A quality credit union should offer you access to technology platforms that are easy to use and up to date. The People’s Federal Credit Union checks both of these boxes with an online banking app that’s available via the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The People’s FCU Owner App
This free app provides all of the banking services that you’ll find on our website. Some of these vital financial services include, but are not limited to:
- View statements
- Make loan payments
- Pay MasterCard
- Report a lost card
- Check today’s rates
- Find an ATM or branch location
- Switch your debit card on and off
- Receive fraud alerts
- Establish controls over your spending
- Get debit card usage alerts for more organizations
- Deposit checks
You read that last point correctly. Banks want you to think they are your only option when it comes to handling electronic check deposits. The People’s Federal Credit Union gives you the power to deposit checks in a few simple steps. You can deposit your checks through our mobile app, which asks you to take a picture of your check’s front and back before answering some quick questions. This depositing process is fast, easy, and free.
The People’s Federal Credit Union’s Owner mobile app isn’t the only e-service that we have to offer.
CU@round
CU@round is your virtual branch for The People’s Federal Credit Union that’s available 24/7. You can accomplish these essential banking tasks through CU@round:
- Access your accounts
- Transfer money
- Pay bills online
- Request money
Ready to simplify your banking experience? Join The People’s Federal Credit Union today and take advantage of our convenient online and mobile services!
