Checking

A checking account created for those who don't want to worry about keeping an average daily balance to avoid a fee, yet appreciate a dividend and flexibility on statement delivery.

Benefits:

• No Minimum Balance Requirements.

• No Monthly Service Charge/Fee.

• Over 55,000 ATMs worldwide part of our surcharge free network.

• Free Online and Mobile Banking Access.

• Free Online and Mobile Bill Pay.

• Free Online and Mobile PopMoney.

• Free Text Banking.

• Pays Dividends on Daily Average Balances of $200 or more.

• Free Paper Statements or eStatements.

• Optional MasterCard Debit Card with $1/month fee.

Our Premiere Checking has all the benefits of the Classic Checking, with many "Perks" our members love. Why is it such a popular offering in Cortland and Tompkins County? All we ask is that you maintain a $500 average daily balance^* and set up your direct deposit to this account.

Benefits:

• No Monthly Service Charge/Fee if a $500 average daily balance is kept.^*

• Over 55,000 ATMs worldwide part of our surcharge free network.

• Free Online and Mobile Banking Access.

• Free Online and Mobile Bill Pay.

• Free Online and Mobile PopMoney.

• Free Text Banking.

• Pays Dividends on Daily Average Balances of $500 or more.

• Free Paper Statements or eStatements.

Premiere Perks

• $1 per month MasterCard Debit Card fee waived.

• Dividend Increases on new Certificates.

• $10 discount on every box of checks ordered through CFCU.

• Free Teller Checks.^**

• Higher Dividends than Classic Checking.

* The average daily balance is determined by adding end of day balance in the account for each day of the month and dividing by the number of days in the month. If your average balance falls below $500 for the month, you pay a $5 per month fee.

** Limit 2 teller checks per visit, 6 per month.

Premiere or Classic or eChecking - Which is right for you?

Benefits on all accounts:

• Over 55,000 ATMs worldwide part of our surcharge free network.

• Free Online and Mobile Banking Access.

• Free Online and Mobile Bill Pay.

• Free Online and Mobile PopMoney.

• Free Text Banking.

• Free eStatements.

Benefit only on Classic Checking:

• No Minimum Balance Requirements while earning dividends.

Benefit only on eChecking:

• No Minimum Balance Requirements with a Free MasterCard Debit Card.

Benefits only on Premiere Checking:

• Dividend Increases on new Certificates.

• Free MasterCard Debit Card while earning dividends.

• $10 discount on every box of checks ordered through CFCU.

• Free Teller Checks.*

• Higher Dividends than Classic Checking.

* Limit 2 teller checks per visit, 6 per month.

Setting up your Direct Deposit:

Why wait for your funds to become accessible when you can set up Direct Deposit and access them quicker? Head to your Human Resources / Payroll Department today and give them our Routing Number (221381540) and your MICR number at CFCU. This convenience can also be set up with Retirement Checks, Social Security, and other Federally recurring payments.

• What is a MICR number and how do I find it?
  

  The MICR number appears at the bottom edge of a check. MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. The ink is read electronically by a machine for security and record-keeping purposes. The MICR number consists of three sets of numbers—the routing/transit number, account number, and check number.

  This number is found at the bottom of your checks.

  

  

Any questions about how to set up Direct Deposit for your particular situation? We're here to help in person or on the phone.

• What is checking?
  

  An account that you can use...it's your money, so spend wisely.

• What are your account fees?
  

  Updated Fees can be found here

• How much do checks cost?
  

  The price varies depending on which style you order. Premiere Checking members get $10 off their order.

  Bill Pay checks are free. Learn more about Bill Pay!

• What are the requirements for a checking account?
  

  Compare Premiere vs. Classic Checking Accounts!

• Can I see my Checking and Savings Accounts Online?
  

  Yes! Our Online and Mobile Banking are excellent options for members who want to stay on top of their balances. Additionally, we also have Text Banking all free for you!

  For each of these, you'll need to be enrolled in Online Banking.

• What is the Average Daily Balance?
  

  The average daily balance is determined by adding end of day balance in the account for each day of the month and dividing by the number of days in the month.

• How long does it take to get checks?
  

  Temporary checks can be printed at the branch immediately. Ordered checks take 7-10 business days.

• How many checking accounts can I have?
  

  Up to 10!

• How do I open a Checking Account?
  

  As we need a physical signature to open a checking account, you will either need to stop into a branch or contact us to fax or mail you a copy of the form.

  Contact us

• How do I get statements?
  

  Paper and eStatements are available to our members.

• How can I view cleared checks?
  

  Via Online Banking. Click on the blue highlighted check numbers.

• What is an account suffix?
  

  This is just an account identifier.

• What numbers do I use for online payments / direct deposit?
  

  The CFCU Routing Number (221381540) and your MICR #.

  

  

• What is a MICR number and how do I find it?
  

  The MICR number appears at the bottom edge of a check. MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. The ink is read electronically by a machine for security and record-keeping purposes. The MICR number consists of three sets of numbers—the routing/transit number, account number, and check number.

  This number is found at the bottom of your checks.

  

  

• When do I get statements? Are they quarterly only?
  

  Statements for our deposit accounts come monthly for transactional accounts such as Checking, and quarterly for non-transactional accounts such as Savings. Savings account statements will, however, come monthly if an ACH is set up on the account.

  That's a bunch of trees... help us save money and the environment by signing up for eStatements! Learn how to sign up for eStatements.

• Can I rename my account (change my account name) to make it easier for me to figure out online?
  

  Not a problem. Give us a ring, stop in, or go into Online Banking (scroll to the bottom, the Online Banking Help Center) to get it done!

• Can I use my accounts overseas? (particularly checking and the debit card) Are there fees to do so?
  

  Yes you can use your accounts overseas. Please contact CFCU ahead of time to let us know when and where you will be traveling. There is a 1% currency conversion fee.

  Note: Certain Countries have restrictions. Contact us for more information.

• Who sets the rates for the Credit Union?
  

  Our Asset Liability Management Committee diligently sets our rates to be competitive in the marketplace and to benefit our members.

• How can I make deposits?
  

  • Visit any branch.

  • Via our many night drop locations.

  • Via our deposit taking ATMs.

  • Via Direct Deposit.

  • Via ACH.

  • Via Mobile Deposit!

  Contact us for any depositing needs you have!

• How long does it take to get a debit card?
  

  7-10 business days (or longer).

• What is the low balance fee?
  

  Premiere Checking account: Pertains to our $500 average daily balance to avoid the $5 low balance fee.

  The average daily balance is determined by adding end of day balance in the account for each day of the month and dividing by the number of days in the month.

• Are there any minimum balance requirements with Checking Accounts?
  

  Classic Checking: No.

  Premiere Checking: Yes, you need to maintain a $500 average daily balance to avoid the $5 low balance fee.

  The average daily balance is determined by adding end of day balance in the account for each day of the month and dividing by the number of days in the month.

• What are the benefits of a checking account?
  

  eChecking — learn about updated benefits

  Classic Checking — learn about updated benefits

  Premiere checking — learn about updated benefits

  Compare the two checking account types!

• Where can I find the CFCU Reconciliation Form?
  

  Why, right here of course! We also keep it at your fingertips on our forms page. Click 'Accounts' on the menu, then 'Forms' to get there.

  Click to download the CFCU Reconciliation Form

• Need a Deposit Slip Form?
  

  Click here for a deposit slip! (pdf)

• What is stop payment and what are the fees?
  

  Stop payment is a way for you to cancel a check or payment that has not been processed yet. This can be done by calling CFCU or within Online Banking. The fee is $35 per item.