FAQs for ACU

• Locations and contact information?
• What is a credit union?
  A credit union is a cooperative, not-for-profit financial institution organized to promote thrift and provide credit to members. Credit unions are member-owned and controlled through a board of directors elected by the membership, from the membership. The Board of Directors is made up of unpaid volunteers who set the direction of the credit union. The Board of Directors also establishes and revises policy, sets dividend and loan rates, and directs certain operations. As a result, members are provided with a safe place to save as well as a place to borrow at reasonable rates.
• Tell me about Arapahoe CU.
  Arapahoe Credit Union is the premier credit union in Colorado. We began as a teachers credit union and, over 80 years later, we are now able to serve Colorado, current members, and any family or friend associated with these two groups... pretty much anyone.
• Who owns a credit union?
  You do! As a member of Arapahoe Credit Union, you are also an owner. Members can vote for your volunteer Board of Directors, or even run for an open position. We are governed by the best interests of our members, not Wall Street stockholders.
• What's the purpose of a credit union?
  The primary purpose of a credit union is to save members money. Basically, we cut out the stock holders and run a bank without skimming or maximizing profits. As with a bank, people deposit money and we invest or loan this out (insured, of course). Again, we don't have to pay anyone else so all profits stay in-house, paying for better services and better rates. Not-for-profit means we can charge lower rates for loans and pay higher dividends on savings.
• Are my savings federally insured?
  Yes. All savings accounts are insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration), an agency of the federal government similar to the FDIC. Your Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are insured up to an additional $250,000.
• Who can join a credit union?
  Technically, there are federal restrictions that guide who can join a credit union. Realistically, it isn't that complicated. Barring an unusual circumstance, we can almost assuredly make you a member (though, we do reserve the right to refuse).

• What are our funds availability and check hold policies?
  Arapahoe Credit Union will try to make check deposits available to you when we receive them. However, large dollar deposits and certain situations will sometimes make this impossible. Below are some general guidelines to help you with this policy*.

  • ATM and service center deposits will generally allow the first $1000 in deposits to be released for use as soon as they are processed. Any amount over this will be placed on a two-day hold to become available on the third business day. In some cases, this may be extended.
  • Electronic direct deposits and cash will be available on the day we receive the deposit.
  • In some cases, check deposits will need to be on hold longer than two days. Depending on the type of check and the amount you are depositing, funds may not be available until the 5th business day at the earliest, after the day of deposit. However, the first $300.00 will be available immediately.

  * Please note: We will try to reduce inconveniences that result from deposit holds. However, individual circumstances such as deposit size, questions about the physical check, or arrangements made on your account may prevent us from releasing funds on these time frames. Additionally, some other items are eligible for next day availability. If you have questions about your specific deposit or wish to review our full Funds Availability Policy, please let us know. Arapahoe Credit Union reserves the right to delay the availability of funds deposited into non-transaction accounts.

• What is the difference between my member number and my account number?
  Your choice depends on where you want your funds to be pulled from or deposited. Your member number will default to your primary savings account and your checking number will go to your checking account. This is true whether making a direct deposit or paying from your account. Please note: Federal regulations restrict some withdrawals from your savings account to six per calendar month. If this is an issue, please contact us. On direct deposits, Arapahoe Credit Union has the ability to automatically distribute funds into other accounts at the credit union. For example, you can automatically make your loan payments or savings deposit or divide it among all of your accounts.
  
  Your member number is the number you received at the time you opened your account and use to access online banking. Your checking account number is the second set of numbers on the bottom of your checks (the other number is the routing number). This will be ten total digits.

On the Computer: On the left-hand side of the home page of our website, www.arapahoecu.org, click the button that says Loan Pay. On the right-hand side of the screen, under “New User?”, check the box to “Agree to Terms and Conditions” then select “Sign Up”.

Enter your Member Number, Primary’s Birth Date and Zip Code. When entering the birthdate, DO NOT enter preceding zeros to either the month or the day. (E.g., 6/4/1998) Hovering your mouse over the Date of Birth box, will give you an example of the proper format required. Click the “Look Me Up” button for the system to pull up your account.

Next, you will need to create a username and password as well as select security questions. The password will need to be entered twice to ensure it is correct. Please review the password requirements to verify all required criteria have been met. You will also be asked to enter your email twice and a valid phone number that can receive a text message. Select “Register”. You will then be sent an Authentication Code to either your email or phone and once input, you will be registered!

From here, you can access all your loans, save payment methods and set up automatic payments.

On the App: When you log into the mobile app, select the small cog on the upper right-hand side of the screen. Under the “General” menu will be a “Loan Pay” button. Selecting that will open the Loan Pay login screen. Scroll down, and under “New User?”, check the box to “Agree to Terms and Conditions” then select “Sign Up”.

Enter your Member Number, Primary’s Birth Date and Zip Code. When entering the birthdate, DO NOT enter preceding zeros to either the month or the day. (E.g., 6/4/1998) Clicking in the Date of Birth box will give you an example of the proper format required. Click the “Look Me Up” button for the system to pull up your account.

Next, you will need to create a username and password as well as select security questions. The password will need to be entered twice to ensure it is correct. Please review the password requirements to verify all required criteria have been met. You will also be asked to enter your email twice and a valid phone number that can receive a text message. Select “Register”. You will then be sent an Authentication Code to either your email or phone and once input, you will be registered!

From here, you can access all your loans, save payment methods and set up automatic payments.