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Manage and Protect Your Money with Customizable Account Alerts

Published: June 20, 2024

Manage and Protect Your Money with Customizable Account Alerts

Taking care of your money doesn't have to be a headache. Simplify your financial life by setting up customizable alerts on your accounts through myUSSFCU online banking or the mobile app. It's an easy way to stay on top of your finances and keep an eye out for fraudulent activity, ensuring peace of mind and better control over your money.

Why Set Up Account Alerts?

If you’re not already using account alerts, now is a great time to start. Account alerts help you keep track of your finances and protect against unauthorized transactions. Most people use mobile banking apps regularly, so why not take advantage of these alerts to manage your money better?

Types of Account Alerts

At USSFCU, we offer a range of customizable alerts through my.USSFCU. Here are some key alerts you should consider setting up:

  1. Low Balance Alert
    • Purpose: Notifies you when your account balance drops below a set amount.
    • Benefits: Helps you avoid overdraft fees and keep track of your spending without constantly checking your balance.
    • Example: Set a low balance alert for $500 to get notified when your balance falls below this amount.
  2. High Balance Alert
    • Purpose: Notifies you when your account balance exceeds a set amount.
    • Benefits: Great for managing savings goals and knowing when you have extra funds.
    • Example: Set a high balance alert for $5,000 to know when you’ve reached a savings milestone.
  3. Credit Transaction Alert
    • Purpose: Notifies you when a deposit above a set amount is made.
    • Benefits: Helps you keep track of important deposits like paychecks.
    • Example: Set a credit transaction alert for $100 to get notified of significant deposits.
  4. Debit Transaction Alert
    • Purpose: Notifies you when a withdrawal or purchase above a set amount is made.
    • Benefits: Alerts you to large purchases, helping you monitor spending and detect unauthorized transactions.
    • Example: Set a debit transaction alert for $100 to get notified of any large purchases.
  5. Security Alerts
    • Login from New Device: Notifies you when a new device accesses your account.
    • Password Changes: Notifies you when your account password is changed.
    • Benefits: Helps you detect unauthorized access and secure your account quickly.
    • Example: Get notified immediately if someone tries to access your account from an unrecognized device.

Setting Up Alerts

Here’s how to set up these alerts through my.USSFCU:

  1. Log In: Access your my.USSFCU account online or using the mobile app.
  2. Navigate: Select the account you’d like to set-up alerts for and then click on “Alert preferences.”
  3. Choose Alert Type: Select the type of alert you want to set up.
  4. Set Threshold: Define the threshold amount for the alert.
  5. Select Delivery Method: Choose to receive alerts via email, text, or push notification.
  6. Save Settings: Confirm and save your alert settings.

Card Management Features

Our card management features allow you to control your debit and credit cards directly through my.USSFCU, providing added security and convenience.

  1. Activate New Card
    • How to: Select the card in the Card Management section and choose “Activate New Card.”
  2. Reorder Card
    • How to: Select the card and choose “Reorder Card” to request a new one.
  3. Report Lost/Stolen Card
    • How to: Select the card and choose “Report Lost/Stolen” to immediately disable the card.
  4. Enable/Disable Card
    • How to: Use the toggle switch in the Card Management section to enable or disable your card. This feature helps prevent unauthorized transactions by locking your card when not in use.

How to Access Card Management

  1. Log In: Access your my.USSFCU account online or via mobile app.
  2. Go to Dashboard: Find the Card Management section.
  3. View Card Details: Check card status, last four digits, and associated accounts.
  4. Use Features: Enable or disable your card, activate a new card, reorder a card, or report a lost/stolen card as needed.

Be Aware of Bank Alert Scams

While account alerts are an excellent tool for managing your finances, it’s essential to be aware of potential scams. Scammers may send fake bank alerts through email or text (known as phishing and smishing) to trick you into giving out personal information.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scam messages often ask for personal information like Social Security or bank account numbers. Here are some signs that an alert might be a scam:

  • Requests for personal information.
  • Prompts to log in through a provided link.
  • Instructions to call a phone number that appears to be your bank’s number.

What to do if you receive a suspicious alert:

  • Never give out personal information through email or text.
  • Verify the alert: Contact your bank using a phone number or contact information listed on their official website.
  • Report scams: If you receive a scam message, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also report spam or junk messages through your email server or messaging app.

By setting up these customizable alerts and using our card management features, you can ensure your accounts are always monitored and secure, giving you peace of mind and better control over your finances.

For any assistance with setting up alerts or managing your cards, please contact our online and mobile support team by calling 800.374.2758. We’re here to help you stay informed and secure.

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Members' Voice Testimonials

This credit union is the best, I love the customer service and you can't beat the interest rates. I'm happy to be a member of this great credit union.

- James · Locust Grove, GA

The branch manager introduced herself and was extremely helpful. She stated that if there is anything we ever need to please let her know. Very positive experience!

- Larry · Cumberland, MD

Greta was absolutely amazing - as always. She makes me and my parents feel valued and supported. We are forever grateful. [The Credit Union] has been hugely supportive over many years. And we feel known and cared for.

- Eliza · Washington, DC

Long as I have been with the credit union, I haven't had any problems. I also like the protection on my account.

- Charles · Upper Marlboro, MD

My overall experience at the credit union was exceptional. The staff was hospitable offering water, my service was timely and professional and the office was well lit and clean.

- Denise · Washington, DC

As a member for more than 40 years, i have always had great service from the USSFCU and know that they stand behind their great reputation.

- David · Silver Spring, MD

A top rate Credit Union, [I'm] privileged to be part of! Thank you for all you do for our family! USSFCU Credit Union was able to resolve our financial situation - vehicle, personal loans, customer service/recommendations, within 6 months. We belonged to another credit union for over 20 years, with results not even close to comparison. We switched ...

- Manuel · Bowie, MD

Your people and products are amazing. The recent [online banking] overhaul is phenomenal. [I've] been electronic banking since Tele action phone banking - paying bills with my push button landline decades ago. USSFCU is light years ahead of everyone else in terms of ease of use and client experience!

- Misty · Brookings, OR

I have been a member for more than 30 years. I no longer reside in the DC area but continue to bank with USSFCU because of the ease and the customer service.

- Tamra · Denver, CO

I have been a member for over 50 years, and I have always gotten good service with loans, when I had to have service at a branch, and when I needed to have money sent to me from my savings account. The personnel have always been friendly and treated me with respect.

- John · Fort Washington, MD

I especially appreciate being able to quickly speak with someone (not a robot) and that person has always been knowledgeable and helpful.

- Bernard · Richmond, VA

Excellent customer service streamlined and transparent process. The representatives are efficient, knowledgeable, and understanding of the type of loans offered by Credit Union.

- Erwin · Ellicott City, MD

The USSFCU behaves as a credit union ought to behave. The staff works with and for the members, not for a corporate board. Interest rates for a car loan, a home improvement loan, and a mortgage are low and terms are transparent.

- Ruth · Takoma Park, MD

Staff are courteous and friendly to work with. Very knowledgeable about services and products offered or available. Excellent follow-up with customers.

- Jacquelyn · Sanford, FL

I have appreciated USSFCU services for many years since I left my work on Capitol Hill. I have appreciated the occasional webinars on purchasing a home or retirement planning.

- Jamie · Washington, DC

I have been a member since 2006, and have always appreciated the customer service response to any concern or query. In addition, as I have traveled extensively, USSFCU has provided support and access.

- Kathleen · Ukiah, CA

I've had a credit union account for decades, even though I no longer work on Capitol Hill. I now have two accounts. I've been able to do all of our banking remotely, by app or by phone.

- Richard · Washington, DC

I have been a USSFCU member for almost 20 years. There is nowhere else I want my money to be. I always receive excellent service.

- Nicole · Alexandria, VA

I deeply appreciate the stellar service, the proficiency, the professionalism, and the kindness. I am truly honored and grateful to bank with a financial institution that treats customers like family.

- Angela · Alexandria, VA

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