APRIL 2020
FIRST VIEW A PUBLICATION OF FIRST COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION • HOUSTON, TEXAS
What's Inside - Banking in a Socially Distant Environment - Steps FCCU is Taking - Emergency Loan - Cybersecurity Awareness - Virtual Banking - Wealth Advisors - Earn up to 1,000 Bonus FCCU Rewards Points - 2020 Scholarship Winners
HOW IS FCCU HELPING MEMBERS DURING COVID-19?
Some ways we are assisting include:
As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, the wellbeing of our members, employees and communities EARN MORE remains top of mind. We understand that many are worried about balances of their financial health right now. Our $1-$20,000 goal, as your credit union, is to provide the financial guidance and information you may be seeking.
•Emergency Loan •Mortgage Loan Payment Assistance
During this time, we want to make sure we do that in the safest way possible.
•Skip-A-Pay for loan payments •Waived Fees
Credit Card payments were voluntarily skipped for 2 months for all cardholders, with payments to resume in June 2020. Check out the many other ways we are assisting members at FCCU.org/COVID. Over 40,000 members have received some financial relief from FCCU. We’re in this together and remain here to support you. If we can be of assistance to you or your family, please email us at info@fccu.org or call us at 281.856.5300.
BANKING IN A SOCIALLY DISTANT ENVIRONMENT
Complete your banking right from the mobile device at your fingertips…all from the comfort of your home. Download the FCCU mobile app for access to your accounts to make transfers, loan payments and more. With the mobile app, no need to visit a branch for a check deposit. Making a Mobile Deposit takes less than a minute! Plus, we review deposits hourly to have your funds to you as quickly as possible. Sign. Snap. Submit.
Many other transactions can be completed through Online Banking such as sending a wire and even applying for a loan. In fact, our complete online loan process from application to receiving your funds allows you to stay in your pajamas all day, if you want. We can all use a day like that! If you have a question, our 24/7/365 Call Center has the answers. We look forward to talking to you when you need us or, if you prefer, email us at info@fccu.org.
STEPS FCCU IS TAKING Regardless of what each day holds, rest assured you will have access to your accounts, insured by NCUA, through mobile and online banking or through our live Personal Video Tellers. In order to maintain the health and safety of employees and members, all in-store branches are temporarily closed; however, through technology, some branches have Personal Video Tellers open for you. Hand sanitizer stations are available at all branches for your use to help slow the spread. The shared branching service is temporarily unavailable at all branches in an effort to limit the number of people visiting our branches at one time. We are evaluating the city and state recommendations on when to return to business as usual. We will keep our website updated with the latest branch updates showing which locations are open/closed and when the shared branching service returns to FCCU. No need to worry though! If you need to speak to a personal banker, please make an appointment at the branch most convenient to you. Simply click on the link to Make an Appointment through the FCCU Mobile App or online at FCCU.org.
FCCU.org/COVID
While we’re a little farther apart these days, that doesn’t mean FCCU is off limits; it’s just a new way of visiting a branch. We’re here for you today and we’ll be here long after we overcome these unique times together.
VIRTUAL BANKING We’re a modern financial partner with all the financial tools you need, both for today and for the future. Get the tools to keep you safe and keep banking from the comfort of your home.
Mobile Banking Online Banking
Mobile Deposits
Direct Deposit
Text Banking
Complete account
Wires
opening process
Complete Lending Process
Check and Debit Card Orders
LEARN MORE AT
FCCU.ORG/VIRTUAL
Rates as low as
24/7/365 CALL CENTER
BillPay CardSwap BillerDirect
EMERGENCY LOAN 1
PR 6.49 A %
FCCU loan payments from another financial institution
We understand that you may have experienced a vast impact during these uncertain times. We have helped over 180 members by providing over $500k in financial relief. Our emergency loan3 may be able to offer up to an immediate $5,000 and can be used for everyday expenses, medical needs or to give you a little extra cushion during this stressful time.
Up to 90 days no payments and it's easy to apply! If you are in need to relief, contact us at 281.856.5300. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms subject to change. 2Loan amounts up to $5,000 with up to 36 months repayment terms. Certain credit criteria applies for the loan amount, loan term, and lowest rate quoted. Rates quoted on these loans include the following: 1) 0.50% off for purchase of credit life and disability insurance coverage; 2) 0.20% off with either First Rewards Checking or Texans Checking; 3) 0.30% off with an FCCU Visa Credit Card. Maximum discount of 0.50%. 36 months @ 6.49% APR = monthly payment of $30.63 per $1,000 borrowed. See FCCU representative for details. 1
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS Fraudsters are taking advantage of COVID-19 and we want to make sure you don’t fall victim to it. Never provide your account number, debit/credit card number, PIN number, online banking login, etc. to anyone you would not normally give this information to. With stimulus payments being deployed, scammers are ready to go. Be on the lookout for the following domains: • covidflix19.xyz • clearcovid19virus.com • aircovid19virus.com • covidflix20.xyz • coronabreath.com Should you receive a call from someone stating they are with First Community Credit Union, ask the person for their name and phone number and then contact our Call Center at 281.856.5300 to verify the validity of the call you received.
WEALTH ADVISORS
First Community
Wealth Advisors It’s useful to have strategies in place that prepare you both financially and psychologically to handle market volatility. First Community Wealth Advisors1 are here to help you navigate these unique times whether you have a specific question or just want to explore options to assist with your long-term planning and savings goals.
For more information on COVID scams and to learn how to protect yourself, visit FCCU.org/Alerts Fight fraud fast with FCCU Card Manager and Alerts inside Online Banking o
Stay in control of your money with FCCU Card Manager. Monitor your FCCU Debit and Credit Cards to know where they are used, set alerts, turn off transaction types and even turn your card on/off as needed anytime.
o
Set alerts inside Online Banking to notify you of unauthorized activity on your checking, savings and other accounts.
Don’t let the crooks have control of your account. Working together, we’ll stop them in their tracks!
Our Wealth Advisors can help with a variety of options, including: • Retirement Planning • Asset Allocation • Mutual Funds • College Funding such as 529 Plans • Annuities • Stocks, Bonds, Trusts • Life, Disability, Long-term Care Insurance and more! Learn more or schedule a complimentary consultation by calling 281.856.5644 Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. 1
2020 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS We are pleased to present the 2020 winners of FCCU’s annual scholarship program. These young adults are outstanding individuals and are very deserving of our scholarship. Each student has earned $4,000 to assist with their continued education. Morgan M. – Katy ISD; I will be attending Sam Houston State University next fall as a part of the Honors College majoring in Biomedical Science. During my time in high school, I was motivated by my family to work hard and to always do my best. McKenna T. – Spring Branch ISD; I will be attending Rice University next year. My family has always emphasized the importance of doing your best on your work, and that's the lesson I've tried to carry with me throughout my high school experience. I'm a big believer in making my work something to be proud of, even if it's not perfect. Amanda M. – Needville ISD; I will be studying aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University this coming fall. What has motivated me through high school is the desire to receive an excellent education and graduate as valedictorian of my class, and also the desire to excel in all that I do.
PERSONAL FINANCE TIPS! Some personal finance tips that may be helpful during this time: o Prioritize monthly subscriptions and cancel any unnecessary payments (i.e., unused music or video streaming, magazines/newspapers, gym, EZ Tag, cleaning services) o Use your credit card points to cash in on gift cards (i.e., Amazon / Whole Foods) o Contact your creditors to discuss options to change your due date, skip a payment or two or a modification to loan payments. o Research how furloughed employment may impact unemployment benefits o Clean out your freezer and pantry prior to buying more groceries
Blanca S. – Klein ISD; I will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall 2020 semester, majoring in Finance and minoring in Economics. My number one motivator during my high school career has been my mother and being able to provide her with a better future. She taught me that it’s not about how much you have, but what you can do with what you have. Everything I do is to make my mother proud because she has worked hard and sacrificed so much for me to become the young successful woman I am today! Josue H.R. – Alief ISD; I will be continuing my education at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. I will be pursuing a degree in Public Policy on a Pre-Law track. What motivated me through high school was the idea that the change I plan to make isn't exclusive to my own life. My family, community, and those around me have influenced me to pursue education and I plan to pay it forward. Rachel D. – Cypress Fairbanks ISD; I am currently deciding between Texas A&M, the University of Texas, and the University of Houston. What motivates me is knowing that my efforts and time that I sacrifice are making a difference in my school and the lives of my peers around me! Our 2021 Scholarship application will be available in late July. Learn more at FCCU.org/Scholarship
ANNOUNCEMENTS/HOLIDAYS Our annual meeting has been postponed until further notice. Watch our website, FCCU.org, for an announcement on when this will be held. COMING SOON! Grad Pack (coming May 15th)
A special offer for high school graduates to start/continue their financial journey with FCCU. Graduating in 2020 and already have your account at FCCU? Visit FCCU.org/gradpack for instructions on how to receive your milestone reward. Teacher Appreciation Loan (coming May 11th)
A special offer for the heroes in our classrooms teaching future generations!
PRESORTED STANDARD U S POSTAGE
15260 FM 529 Houston, TX 77095 FCCU.org 281.856.5300
PAID
HOUSTON TEXAS PERMIT NO. 1769
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government
Federally insured by NCUA
UPCOMING HOLIDAYS Memorial Day - Monday, May 25th Independence Day - Saturday, July 4th All FCCU locations wil be closed. View our full holiday schedule at FCCU.org/Holidays
EARN UP TO 1,000 BONUS FCCU REWARDS POINTS WITH OUR FCCU REWARDS CREDIT CARD The FCCU Rewards Credit Card provides peace of mind when you are short on funds. An intro rate of 0% APR1 for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, makes this a great time to review other cards and transfer a high rate balance over to our card. Pay off faster, plus, no payment is due until June!
Our App makes it easy to monitor your card and identify fraud faster, should it occur. You’ll have more control, more convenience and more confidence with the Card Manager App.
Download the FCCU Card App today!
Protect your credit card with our FCCU Card Manager app to keep up with all activity on your account. Plus, earn FCCU Rewards points with every swipe to redeem for cash back2, gift cards and more! Follow these easy steps and you’ll be on your way to 1,000 FCCU Rewards points. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Get your FCCU Rewards Credit Card. Apply at FCCU.org/Rewards. Download the FCCU Card Manager App from the Apple or Google Play store. Register your FCCU Rewards credit card in the app to earn 500 points. Then, register your FCCU debit card in the app to earn an additional 500 points.
APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Certain credit criteria apply. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. New cardholders will receive an intro rate of 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. After intro rate expires, standard rate will be between 9.99% and 17.99% APR based on creditworthiness. Minimum payment of $18 or 3%, whichever is greater, required monthly. 2New credit cardholders and existing credit cardholders that do not have the FCCU Card Manager app or existing credit cardholders that have the app but have not registered their FCCU credit card are eligible for the bonus rewards offer. Bonus Rewards offer up to a max of 1,000 bonus points. Points are awarded in the following manner: receive 500 bonus rewards points when cardholder downloads the FCCU Card Manager app and registers their credit card in the app; receive an additional 500 bonus rewards points when member registers their FCCU debit card in the app. Existing members with the app and their credit card was registered prior to the beginning of the promotion will not receive bonus points unless another FCCU card is registered in the app. Offer valid April 15, 2020 – July 15, 2020 only. Bonus points will be credited within 30-45 days of the promotion ending. Rewards points have no cash value. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise and more offered through the FCCU Rewards website. Points are non-transferrable to others. Cash back statement credit reward(s) will appear as a credit, in the form of a payment, in cardholder’s rewards card payment history. Cardholder is responsible for any outstanding balance owed on the account after the credit is applied. If there is a zero balance owed on the card, the statement credit will post to the cardholders savings account when received. First Community Credit Union invites anyone that lives or works in Harris, Ft. Bend or Montgomery County to experience the FCCU difference! 1