Frequently Asked Questions :: Help Center :: School Employees Credit Union of Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you'll find answers to some commonly asked questions about School Employees Credit Union. If you don't see what you're looking for, please e-mail us at accounts@secuwa.org or call us weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1-888-628-4010.

Tell me more about:

Tell me more about Online Banking

What is Online Banking?

Online Banking is Internet home banking. Think of it as your nearest branch. It offers instant access to all of your School Employees Credit Union of Washington accounts, whether you're at home, at work, or on vacation.

What can I do using Online Banking?

Check your current account balances.
View your account history, (deposits, cleared checks, etc.)
Transfer money between your accounts and accounts at other financial institutions.
Request a withdrawal check be mailed to you.
Review the dividends you're earning.
View loan account information, including interest rate and next payment due date.
Export your transaction history to MS Money or Quicken personal financial-management software.
Use Online Bill Payer to make payments.
View your e-Statements, and more.

How much does it cost?
You get unlimited use FREE!

How do first time users log in?
Enter your Account Number as it appears on your statement, and use the last four digits of your Social Security Number in the PASSWORD field. After you've logged in, you'll be prompted to select a secret PASSWORD of your choice.

What kind of equipment and software will I need to use Online Banking?
All you need is Internet access, and an Internet browser such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.X or higher, or Mozilla Firefox version 2.0 or higher, or Safari version 1.2 or higher.

Can I "test the waters" before signing up?
Yes. You can practice making transactions with fictional accounts using our online demo by returning to the Home Page and clicking the Demo link.

How do I sign up for Online Banking?
No need to sign up. To log in, return to our Home Page, enter your account number (as it appears on your statement) and your PIN (which will be the last four digits of your Social Security number the first time you log on). You'll be prompted to change it to a secret numeric PIN of your choice.

What do I need to know about Online Banking security?

What type of security does Online Banking use?
Online Banking uses the industry's preferred security method, Secure Sockets Layer version 3.0 with 128-bit encryption.

What is encryption?
Encryption occurs for all information going to and from both you and our Online Banking system. Simply stated, encryption creates "mumbo jumbo." It scrambles otherwise meaningful text and numbers into numerical nonsense before transmission across the Internet. This process uses complex formulas to create a key that's used to translate the mumbo jumbo back to meaningful data. There are billions of potential keys, and a different one is used for each Online Banking session. When you connect your computer to Online Banking, the system establishes which key will be used.

To determine if your browser supports 128-bit encryption, click on "Help" in the toolbar of your Internet browser and click on "About [browser name]". A pop-up box or window will display. For Internet Explorer - Next to "Cipher strength" you should see "128-bit".

If your browser does not support 128-bit encryption, you will need to upgrade to a browser that does in order to continue to access secure pages of the website. Recommended browsers include:

How do I know if my browser supports SSL 3.0?
For Internet Explorer, begin by opening your browser, select Tools, Internet Options, Advanced tab. Scroll to the Security Section. There should be a check mark next to SSL 3.0 if it is enabled. If there is not a checkmark next to SSL 3.0, simply select the option.

If you do not see SSL 3.0 as a listed option, you will want to upgrade your browser. Most browsers do have SSL 3.0 since this has been in existence since 1996.

What is Enhanced Online Security?
Enhanced Online Security is a free online security feature that prevents unauthorized access to your accounts and secure financial information.

Why do I need Enhanced Online Security?
Enhanced Online Security identifies you as the true owner of your account, not only by recognizing your log in information but also by remembering your computer. That extra step can stop online fraudsters in their tracks - even if they somehow get your account number and password. If we don't recognize your computer, we'll request additional information known only to you and your joint account holder(s) to ensure authorized access.

In response to concern about identity theft, regulators are mandating financial institutions to use additional security measures beginning in 2007.

What do I need to do?
You'll want to register each computer that you routinely use for online banking. You can do that easily when you set up your challenge question and, for other machines, by clicking the User Options link in our online banking system. Whenever you log in from a registered computer, you'll automatically have additional protection and notice no difference in the way you log in. However if you log in from an unregistered computer, you'll be asked to answer the challenge question you've set up.

Please note that if you use multiple browsers within the same computer, you'll need to register each browser separately. (You'll still use the same challenge question and answer.)

In addition, if your name is listed on an account with a different member number (for example, your child's Savvy Saver account), you'll need to register each computer for that account separately.

How do you recognize my computer?
When you add Enhanced Online Security to your computer, a secure cookie will be placed on your computer and browser. This secure cookie is unique and, when used in combination with your log in information, it identifies you to the system. It's used by School Employees Credit Union of Washington for no other purpose than to validate your identity. It contains no personal information.

What will happen if I remove Enhanced Online Security from this computer?
If you remove Enhanced Online Security, the secure cookie will be removed from the computer you are currently logged into. All future log-ins from this computer will require you to answer the challenge question you've set up. To remove Enhanced Online Security from this computer, go to User Options, "Enhanced Online Security," "Remove extra security from this computer," and click the Submit button. You also can choose to "Remove enhanced security protection on all computers."

Can I still log in anywhere from multiple computers and browsers?
Yes, you can log in from as many different computers and browsers as you like. If you log in from a computer that you have not registered for Enhanced Online Security, you'll be asked to answer a challenge question that you've set up so that we can verify it's really you. After answering correctly, you'll have the option to add Enhanced Online Security to that computer so you won't be asked to answer the question when using it in the future.

Please note that if you use multiple browsers within the same computer, you will need to enroll each browser separately.

What should I do if I don't want to use a computer that I have previously registered for Enhanced Online Security?
If, for any reason, you no longer plan on using a registered computer to access your accounts, you should remove Enhanced Online Security from that computer. Log into your account from the computer and go to User Options, "Enhanced Online Security," "Remove extra security from this computer," and click the Submit button. That will remove the secure cookie from that machine's browser. If an attempt to log in to your account is made from that computer, the user must answer your challenge question before access is granted.

If you no longer have access to the computer (you donated it to a charity, it was lost, etc.), you can select "Remove enhanced security protection on all computers." When you log in to access your online account, you'll be required to answer your challenge question, and you'll be given the opportunity to register the computer you're currently using.

Why do I keep getting asked the challenge question when I log in from a computer that I've already registered?
Most likely, the secure cookie that was placed on your browser has been deleted. That can happen during fixes for other computer problems or when anti-spyware software is used to remove potentially risky items from your computer. (Anti-spyware software typically removes ALL cookies as a precaution, even though very few cookies are actually security risks.) To avoid having to answer the challenge question at each log in, you'll want to re-register your computer by going to User Options, "Enhanced Online Security," "Add extra security to this computer (Recommended)," clicking the Submit button, and selecting "OK" on the confirmation screen.

I share my computer with someone who also uses Internet banking. Can both of us still log in from the same computer?
Yes. You can use the same computer to log in to your individual accounts safely, yet you will not be able to access each other's information. That's because your secure cookie is linked only to your log in information. There is no limit on how many secure cookies can be installed on the same computer. Just remember to never share your Account Number or PIN with anyone except your joint account holder(s).

My husband and I have a joint account and use the same computer, but we log on to the machine with different user profiles. Will we need to register separately, each using our own profile?
Yes. To our Enhanced Online Security system, your different user profiles will look like different computers. You'll share the same challenge question, though, since it's tied to your joint account number.

What type of member support does Online Banking have?

Our "Help Center" feature should answer most of your questions. If it doesn't, please call us between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. weekdays at (206) 628-4010 or 1-888-628-4010 toll free. You also can e-mail us at accounts@secuwa.org.

When you contact us, please be prepared with the following information:

Account number you're accessing.
Location of the computer you're using (at home or work).
Browser and version you're using (For example: Firefox 3.0, IE 6.0).
Internet Service Provider you're using (such as America Online or Verizon).

Also, we may ask you the following questions:

Has this feature or function worked in the past?
When did the problem start happening?
Exactly what steps were performed that led to the problem?
Are you able to recreate the problem?
What is the specific error message?
What is the connection to the Internet? Dial-up? DSL?
What area of Online Banking did the problem occur in? For example: transfer confirmation page. Is the problem intermittent (happens all the time or just sometimes)?

How do I download account history to Quicken or Money?

Our Online Banking system discontinued support for Quicken 2005 and Quickbooks 2005. If you are using these versions, we recommend you upgrade to a newer version of the software.

To search for help with Quicken, visit the Intuit web site at http://www.intuit.com/support/.

To search for help with Microsoft Money, visit http://www.microsoft.com/money/.

Tell me more about Online Bill Payer

What is Online Bill Payer?
Our Online Banking system offers Online Bill Payer as an easy way for you to make payments without writing a check. By selecting a payee from your personal Bill Payer screen, you can enter an amount to pay and the date to send the payment; Online Bill Payer will then display the date the payment will be delivered. The funds are automatically deducted from your checking account to make your payment. Bill Payer has two methods for issuing payments: by check and by ACH (electronic). ACH, an acronym for Automated Clearing House, serves as a network between financial institutions and the Federal Reserve.

Is there a charge to use Online Bill Payer?
No. We offer this service for free.

How do I sign up for Online Bill Payer?
Our Online Banking system features easy-to-follow instructions to help you sign up online.

If I use Online Bill Payer, which account will the money be withdrawn from?
Online Bill Payer withdraws funds from your checking account. Be sure you have enough money in your appropriate checking account to cover all scheduled payments. If you don't have the funds available, your account will be charged the standard nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee. The Online Bill Payer charges this fee when we return the debit as NSF, and the Credit Union passes it along to the member. Members should make sure they have funds available to cover all pending payments. If you have multiple checking accounts with the Credit Union, you can pay bills from any of those accounts.

Does Overdraft Protection cover my checking account if there aren't enough funds in it?
Yes. If you have an Overdraft Protection loan on the checking account you are using with Online Bill Payer, your account is covered for overdrafts up to your limit. Online Bill Payment would make your payment as long as it doesn't go over your Overdraft Protection limit.

Why can't Online Bill Payer pay my bills from my savings account?
By federal regulation, savings accounts are classified as a non-transactional accounts and can't be used by Online Bill Payer.

How long does it take to process a payment?
Depending on the payee, your payment will be sent either electronically or by check. Electronic payments are generally received and posted by the payee in 2 to 3 business days. Check payments may take up to 5 business days. Online Bill Payer indicates the payment method for each of your payees. When you schedule a payment, the processing date will default to the earliest date a payment can be sent. You can accept this date, select a date in the future, or use the online calendar to select a date. Once you have selected a processing date, Online Bill Payer will determine the required method of payment for the payee and indicate the delivery date of the payment.

When are funds withdrawn from my checking account?
Your checking account will show a debit within 2 business days of the date Online Bill Payer issues the check or sends the electronic payment to the payee. This is also known as the "processing date." Please note that the processing time doesn't include weekends and holidays.

How do I close my Online Bill Payer service?
You may close your Online Bill Payer service any time by contacting the Credit Union. Your service also may be closed by the Credit Union at any time. The Credit Union will not be liable for unpaid payments, fees, or charges with respect to your bills previously paid or scheduled to be paid with this service. The Credit Union may close your Online Bill Payer service if there is no payment activity for more than 120 calendar days. To reactivate the service, simply contact the Credit Union.

In order to use Online Bill Payer does my computer need to be set to allow cookies?
Yes, your computer must be set to accept cookies. Please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for instructions on how to adjust your settings to allow cookies.

Is my browser supported for Online Bill Payer?
The table below includes the browsers and operating systems approved for Online Bill Payer to meet security and application requirements:

For additional information, click here.

I'm a Firefox® user, and I get an error message when trying to use Online Bill Payer. What do I need to do?
Go to: Tools, Options, Cookies and select "allow third-party cookies."

Tell me more about Online External Transfers

What is the External Transfers service?
External Transfer allows you to transfer money electronically between your Credit Union accounts and your accounts at other financial institutions nationwide. It's safe, easy, and available anytime whether you're moving money into or out of your School Employees Credit Union account.

Why would I want to use this service?
External Transfer allows a convenient way to manage money between your School Employees Credit Union accounts and accounts at other financial institutions without the inconvenience of having to visit those institutions, make a deposit by mail, or wire funds. This service is made-to-order for people who currently mail deposits to SECUWA and also have an account at a local financial institution. It's a faster and easier method.

Who can use the External Transfers service?
In order to register for this service, you must be the primary account holder at School Employees Credit Union of Washington.

What does "primary account holder" mean?
Primary account holder refers to the individual's name that is listed first on an account. This is the individual who qualified for membership when the account was initially opened, such as a school employee. View your account statement to confirm whether or not you are listed primary on an account. If the statement is addressed in your name, you are the primary member of any account listed on that statement.

If you're still unsure whether or not you are listed as the primary or joint account holder, please contact School Employees Credit Union of Washington at (888) 628-4010.

How is External Transfer different from Online Bill Payer?
External Transfer gives you the ability to transfer funds to and from your accounts at other financial institutions. Bill Payment is used to pay bills or other third parties and does not provide the ability to transfer funds from your accounts at other financial institutions to your School Employees Credit Union account(s).

Is this service different from a wire transfer?
Yes. In most cases, it is necessary for members to contact a financial institution in order to initiate a wire transfer. Most often, there is a processing charge for both incoming and outgoing wires to your account(s). There is no charge for members to use the External Transfer service. In addition, these transfers can be made from the convenience of your home 24 hours a day.

Do I have to be listed as an "owner" of the external account I'm transferring to/from in order to use this service? Yes. You must be listed as a "primary owner" in order to transfer funds between accounts using External Transfer.

How do I access and sign up for this service?
There are 3 simple steps for signing up:

Log onto Online Banking, click on "Money Manager", and choose "External Transfers".
Complete the online registration form and accept the terms and conditions.
An e-mail notification will be sent to you containing a "validation code." The validation code will be approximately 10 digits and is used to confirm your e-mail address has been entered correctly. Once you have received the validation code, return to Online External Transfer. You will be asked to enter your validation code. Click, "Edit your Profile" and enter your validation code.

I have never used Online Banking before, what is it and how do I use it to access External Transfers?
With Internet access, you can manage your School Employees Credit Union of Washington accounts 24 hours a day from any computer.

Online Banking is easy to use. To log on, simply use your account number as it appears on your statement, and a secret PIN of your choice. First-time users should enter the last four numbers of the Social Security Number on the account as the PIN. After that, you'll be prompted to enter a new secret PIN. Your secret PIN must be between 4 and 16 digits.

Once you have signed on to Online Banking, you may access "External Transfers" following the previous steps listed under "How do I sign up for this service?"

What if I don't receive an e-mail with a validation code?
There may be a couple of reasons why you didn't receive an e-mail.

This notification may be inadvertently classified as "spam" by your e-mail service provider. Be sure to check your "spam" folder for this notice before deleting its contents. If the notification is sent to your "spam" folder, make the appropriate adjustments as outlined by your e-mail service provider to ensure that future notices will be delivered directly to your inbox.
The e-mail address we have on file for you may be outdated. Verify the correct e-mail address is being used by viewing "Edit Your Profile" located at the bottom of any External Transfer screen. If the e-mail address is incorrect, update it by clicking on "Add E-mail*" located under the E-mail Profile screen and follow the steps prompted by the External Transfer program.

*Updating your e-mail address in External Transfers will not update SECUWA records. To update SECUWA records, please click on "change address click here" from the Online Banking "Account Access" page.

While attempting to register for the External Transfers service I received an error message stating the e-mail address I'm currently using was assigned to someone else. Why would I receive this message?
If both you and your spouse each have your own School Employees Credit Union account on which you are listed as the primary account holder, and are sharing one e-mail address, you may receive this message. Only one External Transfer account may be registered with each e-mail address. If one spouse has already used an e-mail address in order to register for the service, it will be necessary for the other to register with a separate e-mail address; such as a work e-mail address or by creating a new e-mail account.

What if I try to log on to External Transfers and the screen does not advance from the page I'm on but instead appears "stuck"?
Please review your browser security settings. If you're attempting to access External Transfer from work, it may be due to Internet access restrictions at your workplace.

Are there any particular browser settings I should be aware of?
The browser settings required for External Transfer are the same as those required for Online Banking. If you are using Online Banking successfully, External Transfers should be running successfully as well. The following browser security settings are necessary for Online Banking users to use this service:

Microsoft Internet Explorer users must turn off their Content Advisor. Restore the default settings on the browser or download the more current version of the browser. If you access the Internet at work, your employer may not have access to secure sites. That would result in a time-limit session window, so you'd need to check with your system administrator.
Be sure your browser is set up to receive cookies.
Make sure Java JIT compiler enabled checkbox is selected.
Make sure the Java radio button is set to Medium Safety. Under Scripting of Java applets make sure the radio button is set to Enable.

How long does the sign-up process take?
The sign-up process is almost immediate.

How long does it take to verify my external account?
For most financial institutions, you will be asked to complete a deposit verification process that generally takes 2-3 business days. This process is to ensure that the request is coming from no one other than you.

Some financial institutions will also allow online account verification of individual accounts for which you have Internet access to. Accounts verified using this method will be available in a matter of minutes.

What does "deposit verification" mean?
Deposit verification means that two small deposits will be made into the external account being verified. You will be required to confirm the amounts of those deposits via e-mail. This process takes approximately three business days. Once the account has been verified, you
will have immediate access to transferring funds between your external account and your account(s) at School Employees Credit Union of Washington.

Will I have to go through the account verification process every time I want to add a new external account?
For your protection you will asked to complete the individual account verification process for each account you add. However, once you've added an account you will not have to wait for the account verification process to set up an external transfer.

Can I make changes after the initial account set up?
Definitely! You can add or delete accounts at any time from the Overview page.

What types of accounts are eligible for transfers?
Any checking, savings, or money market account held at any commercial bank, credit union, or brokerage house nationwide that is able to accept ACH transfers. Please keep in mind that many institutions (including School Employees Credit Union) place transaction limits on savings accounts. Any limits and conditions placed on transactions into or out of your savings account by the holding institution will apply to transactions executed through this service.

Accounts which are not eligible for transfers include:

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Custodial and/or Trust Accounts
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) or other time-based accounts
Loan Accounts (including credit cards and home equity lines of credit)

There may be other accounts that are ineligible for transfers based on restrictions set forth by your financial institution(s). When in doubt, please contact your financial institution(s) to ensure that your accounts are eligible.

How do I add my accounts at other institutions so that I can use the External Transfers service?
To add new accounts, click "Manage Accounts" from the menu bar located on the Overview page. Search for the institution by entering either the name or 9-digit ABA Transit/Routing number. A list of financial institutions matching your search criteria will appear. Select your financial institution and you will be prompted to enter the required information to set up the account.

Why can't I find my financial institution in the search list?

Your search may not be successful if you've included an abbreviation in the search criteria or entered the institution's name in a way that is inconsistent with the listing in our database. Try entering the full name of the institution again and check for spelling errors or search by the 9-digit ABA/Transit Routing number.
You may be trying to submit an account that is not eligible for transfers. Accounts currently eligible include: checking; money market and savings accounts. However your financial institution may have limitations or other restrictions for electronic transfers. Check with your financial institution to ensure that the account you are trying to add is eligible for this service.
The institution you are searching for may not be in our database yet. While our listing includes over 23,000 banks, credit unions, and brokerages in the U.S., there are still a few, especially smaller institutions that are not yet included.

Is there a fee for using this service?
No, there is no fee for using this service.

Are there restrictions on the number of transfers I can make or the amount of dollars I can transfer?
Yes. The number of transfers per day is not limited. However, the dollar amount is limited. The limit per day for transferring into the credit union is $2,000. The limit per day for transferring out of the credit union is $15,000.

In addition to the daily limits, there is also a 30 day limit. The incoming transfer limit for each 30 days is $5,000 while the limit for outgoing is $25,000.

When a new transfer is attempted, a rolling 30-day period is used to calculate funds available for transfer. All transfers made within the last 30 days are subtracted from the 30 day Period Transfer Limit to determine the funds available.

Am I required to transfer a minimum amount?
Yes. There is a $10.00 minimum transfer requirement for each transfer request.

Are there restrictions on the number of external accounts I can set up?
Yes. The maximum number of external accounts is five.

Will my Overdraft Protection cover transfer requests from my School Employees Credit Union checking account?
Yes, available Overdraft Protection will cover amounts being debited from your School Employees Credit Union checking account up to the limit of your Overdraft Protection.

How long does it take to transfer my money?
Transfers that are requested prior to 10 p.m. PT will be posted to the destination account before Start-of-Business on the third business day from the date the transfer is initiated. The date the transfer is initiated is considered day zero.

For example; for a transfer initiated on 10/10/2005:

10/10 is day zero.
10/11 is day one.
10/12 is day two.
10/13 is day three.

The destination account will be credited before start-of-business on 10/13.

When will the funds be debited from the account the transfer is being made out of?
The source account will be debited before Start-of-Business the following business day after the transfer is initiated.

My security software program includes a pop-up blocker. Will that create a problem in using this service?
A pop-up blocker may prevent the External Transfer service from opening initially. It may be necessary to allow temporary pop-ups in order to use this service.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with a transfer request that was initiated but returned unable to process?
Please contact the financial institution to verify the correct routing number and account number. If the information originally submitted is correct, please contact us at 1-888-628-4010 or accounts@secuwa.org.

Who do I contact with general questions about how the External Transfers program works?
For general information or help signing up or using the "External Transfers" program, please contact us at (888) 628-4010 or accounts@secuwa.org.

Tell me more about Deposit Online

What is Deposit Online?
Deposit Online is a service that allows eligible members to get immediate credit for mailed check deposits (up to a combined total of $1,500.00) before the checks reach us through U.S. Mail.
Members provide details about their deposits via Online Banking and use a special green Deposit Online envelope (with their “Session Number” written on it) to mail their deposits. Your funds are available immediately in your School Employees Credit Union checking or savings account. We require that we receive your deposit check(s) by mail within ten (10) calendar days from the date of your online deposit.

How do I qualify for Deposit Online?
We ask that you meet the following criteria to qualify for Deposit Online:

You’ve used direct deposit or payroll deduction within the past 45 days
You use e-Statements
Your credit is approved

How do I access Deposit Online?
Log into Online Banking at www.secuwa.org and select “Money Manager” and “Deposit Online.” If you receive the message “Deposit Online is not enabled for your account,” please contact School Employees Credit Union.

Will I be able to use Deposit Online immediately upon registering?
Yes. As soon as you accept the Terms and Conditions, you may begin using the service.

How much does Deposit Online cost?
It’s free. However, online deposits not received by School Employees Credit Union within ten (10) calendar days may be reversed on your account. That may result in negative account balances and fees.

How long do I have to mail my online deposit to School Employees Credit Union?
School Employees Credit Union must receive all the items included in a Deposit Online session within ten (10) calendar days. This period begins the day after the date of each Deposit Online session. If the credit union doesn’t receive the deposit items within 10 calendar days, the deposit total may be reversed on your account.

Can I use an ATM to deposit my Deposit Online checks instead of mailing them?
No. You must deposit items through U.S. Mail only.

I received the message “Deposit Online is not enabled for your account” when I clicked on Deposit Online. What does that mean?
Please contact School Employees Credit Union at (206) 628-4010 or toll free 1-888-628-4010. You need to be approved for Deposit Online service.

What is the Deposit Online limit?
The maximum combined total of one or more checks deposited using this service is $1,500.00.

Can I enter a check amount for less than $1.00? What is the format for entering the check?
Yes. When entering the check amount for less than a dollar, enter a zero followed by a decimal point. Example: $0.25.

What if my check is greater than $1,500.00?
Deposit Online can be used only to deposit checks up to a combined total of $1,500.00. Checks greater than $1,500.00 can be mailed in our standard gold bank-by-mail envelopes and will be credited to your account when received. Checks greater than $1,500.00 also can be deposited at an ATM. Deposits may be placed on hold until funds have cleared. Click on the link http://www.secuwa.org/home/atm to search for ATM locations.

Can I split my deposit among different accounts?
All funds deposited during a Deposit Online session are deposited to the same account. If you have more than one check, you may start another deposit session if you would like items deposited to a different account. You also could make a transfer using Online Banking or Telephone Banking to move the deposit to the desired account.

Can I use Deposit Online to deposit cash?
No. Deposit Online is for check deposits only. Unacceptable Online Deposits will be immediately reversed and may result in suspension of the service.

What types of items can’t be deposited?
Unacceptable online deposits include cash, foreign checks, checks drawn on your School Employees Credit Union checking account, non-negotiable items, incomplete items (missing endorsement or signature), and stale-dated checks.

Can I deposit Traveler’s Checks or Money Orders?
Yes. Be sure to enter the check number exactly as it appears on the Traveler’s Check or Money Order. The company that issued the Traveler’s Check or Money Order should be entered in the “Maker” field.

What is a Session Number? Where can I find it?
You can think of it like a “confirmation number.” It appears on the last screen of your Deposit Online session to show that your deposit was completed successfully. A Session Number is automatically assigned for each Deposit Online session. In exchange for the availability of funds using Deposit Online, you agree to record the assigned Deposit Online Session Number on your mailing envelope.

Where do I mail my online deposit?
We urge you to use our green postage-paid Deposit Online envelopes to ensure your checks are received on time and processed properly. However, if you need to send checks and do not have a Deposit Online envelope; please address your envelope exactly as follows:

Session #______________________________

School Employees Credit Union of Washington

P.O. Box 576

Seattle, WA 98111-0576

Use a plain, standard envelope (not our gold bank-by-mail envelope) and be sure to print the Session Number on the envelope.

How do I order Deposit Online envelopes?
Click the “Order Envelopes” button from the Deposit Online welcome page or call us at (206) 628-4010 or toll free 1-888-628-4010. Five envelopes will be mailed to your address of record.

When are online deposits credited to my account?
Your deposit(s) are credited immediately to your savings or checking account. When you receive the Session Number, the deposit is credited to your account.

How do I know if my online deposit was received?
You can view outstanding deposits by clicking on the “Deposit Details” button. Deposit Details displays any deposits that have been submitted to, but not yet received by, School Employees Credit Union.

What happens if the Deposit Online checks I mailed get lost?
School Employees Credit Union will not be liable for negative account balances on accounts caused by the non-payment of checks due to insufficient funds, delays in the mail, checks not received, or for any action by the member that results in the reversal of an online deposit.

How do I log out of a Deposit Online session?
The best way to log out is to click the “Exit Deposit Online” button when you have completed your Deposit Online session.

How do I view my available Deposit Online balance or limit?
Your available balance or limit will appear on the entry page of Deposit Online each time you access the service. It also will appear inside your Deposit Online session in the left-side navigation bar.

What are the differences in available Deposit Online balance and current Deposit Online balance?
Your available Deposit Online balance is the amount School Employees Credit Union will credit your account up to the maximum combined total of $1,500.00. Your current Deposit Online balance reflects any online deposits made that School Employees Credit Union has not yet received.

Will I receive notification if there’s a problem with my online deposit?
We’ll call you if there are any errors or your deposit needs to be adjusted.

How do I cancel/opt out of Deposit Online?
Select “Opt Out” from the Deposit Online welcome page. Selecting Opt Out deactivates your access. To use the service in the future, you must consent again to the Deposit Online Terms and Conditions.

Once I sign up for Deposit Online, do I have to use it?
No. Deposit Online is provided purely as a convenience to make it easier for you to manage your credit union accounts.

Can I access Deposit Online from another computer?
Yes. Deposit Online can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection. You just log in to Online Banking at www.secuwa.org.

What could cause the credit union to suspend this service for my account?

Failure to write your deposit Session Number on the green Deposit Online envelope
Entering inaccurate check information online
Entering incomplete information online
Checks not received within ten (10) calendar days
Checks mailed to any credit union address other than the one shown above
Checks placed in the credit union’s After-Hours Drop Box
Checks deposited in ATMs

Tell me more about Telephone Banking

Our Telephone Banking system allows you to perform many of the same transactions available with our Online Banking system. You can combine both spoken and keyed commands in the same call, plus you can stop payment on a check, activate debit and credit cards, and report lost or stolen cards, and more.

The first few times you use the system, please keep this menu handy, listen carefully to the voice prompts, and remember to use your two digit Sub-ID number when you identify your account.

If you have questions, call us weekdays at 1-888-628-4010, and we'll be happy to help.

Tips for using Telephone Banking

Before you dial:
Make sure you're using a touch-tone phone. Double-check your member number (the multi-digit number that identifies you), Sub-ID numbers (the two-digit numbers that identify your various types of accounts), and PIN (the secret password known only to you).

You may print or save a copy of our brochure for assistance with navigation.

Tell me more about e-Statements

What are e-Statements?

E-Statements are a fast and easy way to view your School Employees Credit Union of Washington statements on a secure Internet site - for FREE! They replace the printed statements and provide increased protection against identity theft. Your online statement looks similar to the printed version.

Through Online Banking, you'll be able to access current and previous statements, monthly Bulletin newsletters, frequently asked questions, a customer service section, and an account reconciliation calculator. Your e-Statements are available around-the-clock from anywhere in the world.

How do I sign up for e-Statements?
You sign up for e-Statements through Online Banking. Once you’ve logged in, select the Services menu, and click on the e-Statements link. If you have not yet agreed to the Terms and Conditions, you will be asked to accept them and provide/confirm your e-mail address. Once you’ve completed these steps you’re enrolled. You will receive an e-Statement notification at the next statement cycle.

How do I log on to view my statements?
To view your statements, log in to Online Banking, select the Services menu, and then click on the e-Statement link.

How do I use e-Statements?
Once you register and log on, you can navigate through your e-Statements by clicking the tabs at the top of the page or the links at the bottom.

Do I have to be an Online Banking user to use e-Statements?
Yes. For security reasons, you will be required to log in to Online Banking in order to view your electronic statements.

Will I receive notification when my e-Statement is available?
Yes. You'll receive an e-mail notification when your e-Statement is ready to view. To log in to Online Banking to access your e-Statement, simply click the link in the e-mail.

Will my e-Statements look the same as my printed statements?
Your e-Statements will look similar to your printed statements and will contain all the information that you previously received by mail. E-Statements offer additional features, such as viewing pervious statements, and an account reconciliation calculator.

How can I review statements for previous months?
Select the Previous Statements tab and choose the statement you want to view from the drop-down list. Your statement archive begins to grow with your first e-Statement, so that eventually you'll have up to 14 months available.

You also have the ability to save your e-Statements on your computer indefinitely. (This isn't the same as downloading your statement data to Quicken or Money - it's easier.) To do so, click on the Printable Version button.

Adobe Acrobat will automatically load into your browser window. Click on the Save a Copy icon in the top left of the tool bar next to the small printer icon. This will save a formatted version of the e-Statement that can easily be viewed or printed at any time in the future. The copy is saved locally on your PC, so you can access it without needing to log in to Online Banking.

How will I receive the inserts that would have come with my printed statements?
The ads at the top and bottom of the Current Statement page provide links to the information sent as inserts with printed statements.

How do I view the disclosure information for a particular month's statement?
To view the disclosure information for your current statement, select the Current Statement tab and the Disclosure Information tab. To view the disclosure information for past statements, select the Previous Statements tab, choose a statement from the drop-down list, and select the Disclosure Information tab. The disclosure information is for the most recently selected statement.

Who do I contact about statement discrepancies?
To resolve possible statement discrepancies, select the Account Reconciliation tab, print the form, and enter the requested information. If your account does not balance, go through the questions below the form to locate the source of the discrepancy. For further assistance, contact us through the Customer Service page or telephone us at 1-888-628-4010 toll free.

Can I view the Bulletin newsletter online?
Yes. Click on the Newsletter tab for links to the Bulletin.

If I change my mind, can I go back to printed statements?
Yes, of course. You have the right to request and receive periodic statements in paper form and may withdraw your consent to receive online statements by giving your instructions at any time. There are no fees or account restrictions for requesting any paper statements or for choosing to withdraw your consent for e-Statements.

To un-register, access your e-Statements. Click the Customer Service tab then click on the personal profile information link. In the Media Type section of the Customer Service page, select the button for Print and click Submit. Your future statements will be printed and mailed to you. You cannot select both.

If you prefer to contact us directly, you may send an e-mail to accounts@secuwa.org or telephone us at 1-888-628-4010 during regular business hours.

How do I change my e-mail address?
To change your e-mail address, log in to Online Banking and select Account Access. Click the “change request click here” link located below the listing of your personal information. The Update Account Information Request screen will appear. Enter your new e-mail address and click Submit.

What if I lose or forget my password for Online Banking?

Click the “Forgotten Password” link in the Online Banking Login Box to reset it yourself. You’ll be asked to enter your account number and answer your security question. From there, you can reset your password. (If you’re unable to answer your security question, contact us at 1-888-628-4010 during business hours, and we’ll be glad to help you.)

How can I find out if my account number is one of the Lucky Numbers printed in the Bulletin?
Select the Newsletter tab to go to the list of Bulletin newsletters. Select the Bulletin you're interested in reading. Good luck!

How much does it cost to use e-Statements?
It's FREE. It's just one more electronic, convenient service available to you just for being a member.

When will my e-Statements be available?
Your e-Statement will be available within five calendar days of your statement cut-off date. e-Statements are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What is a Media Type?
The Media Type determines how you receive your statement, by mail or electronically. Any change you submit will become effective with your next statement.

What are the minimum recommended system requirements for e-Statements?
The minimum requirements for e-Statements are:

Processor Speed: 486 or higher
Modem Speed: 28.8 Kbps or higher
Monitor Size: Any size, 800x600 resolution or higher
Memory Size: 16MB or higher

What Web browsers can I use to access e-Statements?
For maximum performance, recommend that you use either Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher or Microsoft® Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher. Although some older versions of these Web browsers support the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol and 40-bit encryption, they do not support 128-bit encryption. For greater data security, we recommend that you update your Web browser to version 4.0 or higher, which will support protocol and 128-bit encryption.

How is the integrity of my data maintained using Internet access with SSL protocol?
School Employees Credit Union of Washington e-Statements use the latest Internet security technology and techniques to help ensure that your statement information is as secure as possible. These techniques include user authentication, data encryption, and the use of secure servers, which are designed to keep out potential intruders. School Employees Credit Union of Washington e-Statements use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to encrypt sensitive data prior to transmission over the Internet so it is protected from anyone attempting to read it in transit. Online log monitoring and analysis are conducted to detect break-in attempts and other problems. There is strong encryption between the member and Web server, as well as between the Web server and back-end systems.

Can I receive a printed statement if my computer isn’t working or I need one for some reason?
Yes, you may request a printed statement by calling 1-888-628-4010 during regular business hours.

Tell me more about e-Notices

What are e-Notices?
Available through our secure Online Banking Web site, e-Notices are electronic messages we send to members to share important information about account overdrafts, past-due payments, IRA distributions, and more.

They're available only to e-Statements users and replace the paper notices, sent via U.S. Mail, that you may be familiar with. (Even for e-Statements users, select notices still will come via U.S. Mail.)

How do I sign up for e-Notices?
There's no sign-up required. If you receive e-Statements, you'll automatically receive e-Notices for most messages.

Is there a fee to receive e-Notices?
No, e-Notices are provided free for your convenience.

What types of notices would I receive through this service?
The credit union uses e-Notices to deliver messages about account overdrafts, past-due payments, and IRA distributions to name a few. Not all notices currently are available through e-Notices, and you still may receive an occasional paper notice in the mail.

How will I know if I have an e-Notice?
Within two business days of the notice date, you'll receive an e-mail (sent to your e-mail address of record) to let you know you have a new e-Notice ready to view on our secure Online Banking site. To view it, simply log in to Online Banking and click the "e-Statements & Notices" tab. Once you're there, select "e-Notices."

Will I still receive paper notices by U.S. Mail?
Occasionally. While e-Notices eliminate the need to mail paper notices for most types of messages, a handful still may come via U.S. Mail. Generally, once you're enrolled in e-Statements, you'll receive both your statements and notices electronically.

Why not just e-mail the e-Notices?
To protect your information, we do not e-mail the notice to you. We'll send you an e-mail to notify you that a new e-Notice is ready for you to view on our secure Online Banking site.

Will details of the notice be included in the e-mail?
No. For your privacy and protection, the e-mail will simply instruct you to log in to Online Banking and select the "e-Statements & Notices" tab.

How long can I view e-Notices online?
Your e-Notices will be available for up to 105 days.

Can I save or print my e-Notices?
Yes. You can save your e-Notices to a folder on your computer by selecting "Save As"' from the "File"' menu option. To print your e-Notice, select "File" from the menu options and select "Print."

Do I need any specific software to receive e-Notices?
Adobe Acrobat Reader® version 6.0 or higher is required to open and view your e-Notices. To download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader®, click here. We also recommend that you use the latest browser version available that supports 128 bit SSL Encryption.

What if I do not currently have e-Statements or if I cancel e-Statements?
Members who are not currently enrolled in e-Statements will continue to receive paper notices in the mail. If a member decides to cancel e-Statements, notices will be provided via U.S. Mail.

I use a Mac. Do I have to install Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Mac users can use Preview to view their e-Notices. When prompted to "Select Application..." navigate to the Applications folder and click on Preview.app.

Tell me more about Skip-a-Payment

What is Skip-a-Payment?
Skip-a-Payment allows you to defer your usual monthly loan payment (on eligible loans) without affecting your credit rating. The missed payment is simply added to the end of your loan term, for example, making a 60-month loan a 61-month loan. It's a great option for months when money is tight.

Which types of loans are eligible for a skip payment?
Skip payments are available for all loan products except co-signer loans, Visa credit cards, overdraft protection, and home equity lines of credit.

Is there a fee to skip a payment?
Yes. A fee of $20 will be collected for each skip payment. You may choose to pay from any savings or checking account under the same account number as your loan.

How many times can I skip a payment?
You may skip two payments per loan for any 12-month period. At least 90 days must pass between each skip payment.

I just opened a new loan account. Can I skip a payment?
The loan must be open for at least six months before a skip payment can be granted.

Why doesn't my loan appear in the "Loans eligible to be skipped" section?
Only loans tied to the account number used to log into Online Banking will appear. To request a skip payment for a loan under a joint account, log in under that account number.

Additionally, only loans eligible for a skip payment will be displayed. If your loan account is not listed, it is not currently eligible for a skip payment. Please call 1-888-628-4010 to speak with a Financial Management Representative for more information.

I have an automatic payment for my loan. Will it stop to accommodate the skip payment?
All automatic payments from a SECUWA savings or checking account or an outside institution (that you've authorized us to debit) will be deferred until the following month.

All direct deposits, payroll deductions, and ACH direct transfers made to a savings or checking account will continue to be deposited but we will not make a debit for the payment.

Tell me more about automated notifications

Important news about your account is always as close as your In Box or cell phone. You can get a variety of information about your online accounts automatically by logging in to Online Banking and clicking “Account Access” and “Notifications.” From there, you’ll be asked to enter the type of information you want and the e-mail address where you’d like to receive it.

What kind of information is available?

You can request notification when:

your balance climbs above or falls below a certain level
you want to check your a balance at regular intervals
a specific check has cleared
payments are due
loan payments are past due
scheduled transfers have been made
you want personal date-driven reminders.

How can I receive text message notifications on my cell phone?

Just give us your cell phone’s messaging address when you complete the Notifications sign-up form on our Web site. If you don’t know your phone’s messaging address (your phone number @ your carrier’s unique suffix), you can find out from your cell phone carrier. Also, be sure to ask your carrier if you’ll incur any additional charges for text notifications sent to your cell phone.

Tell me more about pop-up links and forms.

Sometimes, when I click on a link - especially for forms - nothing happens. What's going on?
Chances are, you have pop-up blocking software on your computer or a pop-up blocker enabled on your browser. Usually, that's a good thing. It gets rid of annoying advertising pop-ups you probably don't want to see. But blockers also can keep you from seeing the pop-up windows you've requested for links and forms. (Another possible cause of the problem: You may have JavaScript disabled, either through a manual setting or via your browser security level.)

What can I do to view the link or form I need?
A quick fix is to hold down the CTRL key while clicking on the link. However, if the problem happens a lot, you'll want to spend a few minutes to update the settings on your computer.

How do I do that?
For Windows Vista and XP users with Internet Explorer, go to the information bar that appears below the address on your browser and click the icon that notifies you when a pop-up has been blocked. Click it to display "Popups okay," then try the link again.

Your site isn't the only one that gives me trouble with pop-ups. Is there a broader fix I can try?
Yes. You can change your pop-up blocker's sensitivity setting in Internet Explorer. To do that, go to the Tools menu, point to Pop-Up Blocker, and click Pop-Up Blocker Settings. Then choose either "High: Block all pop-ups," "Medium: Block most automatic pop-ups," or "Low: Allow pop-ups for secure sites." We recommend you choose "Medium" as your default setting.

From this screen, you also can enter the addresses of Web sites from which you want to allow pop-ups. Just paste in the address where indicated and click "Add."

As another option, you can name School Employees Credit Union as a "Trusted Site" for your browser. To do that, go to Tools, Internet Options, and Security. Click the "Site button," paste www.secuwa.org where indicated, and click "Add." Then, set your Trusted Sites to medium security. That will maintain your chosen settings for the Web in general, while allowing our safe site to operate properly.

Is there any danger in allowing pop-ups?
Most pop-ups are just nuisances, but some can contain "Trojan horse" programs similar to a computer virus. If your browser security is turned to Low, these programs can install themselves after you visit certain Web sites.

If you're concerned that such programs may exist on your computer, search on "Adware" using your favorite search engine to learn more.