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FAQ’sTHIRD PARTY CHECKS
What is a 'third-party check?'
An endorsed third-party check is a check payable to someone other than the drawer who in turn transfers the check to a third party by endorsing the back of the check by writing "pay to the order of" to name a new holder. This action transfers the instrument to a new holder who has the same legal rights as the endorser. The new holder can negotiate the check by endorsing the check and depositing it or cashing it.
Why do I need to bring in the payee of a third-party check to the credit union so the teller can witness their signature and obtain their photo identification?
The UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) gives the payee of the check three years to claim that they did not endorse the check. When a payee does this, the financial institution has to prove that the signature on the back of the check is that of the payee. The only way to prove this is for one of our employees to witness the signature and make a copy of photo identification to attach to the check.
This procedure is in place to protect our members. If you deposit or cash a third-party check and the original payee claims that they did not sign the back of the check and the Credit Union has to give them back the money for the check, then the law states that our member is now responsible to the Credit Union for the money. Our procedures are designed o protect you from claims of fraudulent endorsement.
When I deposit a check at the Credit Union, you always place a hold on it. That never happens when I deposit checks at my other Credit Union. Why is this?
First of all, you should be aware that you are personally responsible for any check that you deposit or cash at the Credit Union. If you give us a counterfeit check, an NSF check, a check drawn off of a closed account or any other check that is returned to us unpaid for any reason, you are required to pay us for that check.
So if you are trying to cash a check and don't ahve enough money in your account to cover the check if it is returned to us unpaid, we may exercise our right to place a hold on the check. If your other Credit Union or bank doesn't place holds on your checks, it may be because you maintain more of your business with them. If you only maintain a $25 savings account with us and bring us a personal check drawn on an out-of-state bank for $500, then yes, we'l probably place a hold on that check.
Members shouldn't take check holds personally. There are several things you should always remember:
- All financial institutions reserve the right to not accept any check. There is no law that requires us or anyone else to cash a check or accept a check for deposit.
- We're not judging you. We're making our decision primarily based on the check.
- Many large banks refuse to verify funds. If you bring us a check drawn off of a large bank, we can call them to ask them to verify that the check is good and the funds are currently available to pay us for the check. Very frequently, we're told by the large banks that they do not verify funds. If they refuse to do this, then we can place a hold on the check because we have reason to believe that the check may not be paid. (Lack of verification.)
- You should NEVER write and give out checks drawn off of your account under the assumption that the check you plan to deposit tomorrow is going to cover these checks. When you do this, you're risking returned checks and overdraft fees. Until we see a check, we cannot guarantee that we won't place a hold on it. The hold keeps the checks you've already written from clearing your account.
- We see hundreds of thousands of dollars in counterfeit and bad checks each year. Sometimes we can recognize a counterfeit check and sometimes they're so well made that even we cannot tell the difference. Just because we accept your check, doesn't mean that the check is "good." And if the check is returned, you owe us the money according to law.
AnyTime Access & e-Statements
Are there any fees for AnyTime Access?
There are no set-up fees, no annual fees, and no per transaction fees for using AnyTime Access. However, any account which has not used AnyTime Access for 90 days or more will have access to the online banking system terminated.You will not receive notification of termination.
How do I sign up for AnyTime Access?
You can self-enroll by clicking on "Sign up now" on the log-in page or you can complete and sign an application. Once we verify your signature(s), we will send you a password and a copy of the EFT agreement in the mail.
If you want to have the capability of moving funds between two or more accounts, then the main members of all linked accounts must sign the application. By requesting that accounts be linked, you are authorizing anyone with access to these accounts access to the information on your account and the ability to perform transactions, even if they are not a joint owner on a particular savings, checking or loan suffix.
How do I log in to AnyTime Access?
AnyTime Access & e-Statements can be accessed by going to our web site www.centralmainecu.com and clicking on the AnyTime Access Online Banking login link.
May I select my own password?
If you enroll by sending us an application, then the first time you sign on to AnyTime Access & e-Statements, you must use the password we send you. You will be prompted to select a new password upon signing on for the first time.
If you self-enroll, you may select your own password. Your password must be between 6 and 8 characters in length and contain both numbers and letters. The password is upper and lower case sensitive.
How long may I use AnyTime Access & e-Statements in a single session?
You may stay on as long as you like, but you will be automatically exited from the system after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Must an actual transaction be performed to avoid termination or does account inquiry prevent the account from being terminated?
Just an inquiry on your account every 90 days will prevent your access from being terminated.
Are there any fees for e-Statements?
e-Statements are available to you at no charge. However, if you request a paper copy of a statement from the credit union, there is a $2.00 per month charge.
How do I access my e-Statements?
From the credit union web site,click on "AnyTime Access Online Banking & e-Statements." Log on with your User ID and Password. Click on eDocuments and View e-Statements. You can then display the statement month you wish to view.
How do I sign up for e-Statements?
You can self-enroll by clicking on "Sign up now" on the log-in page or you can complete and sign an application. Once we verify your signature(s), we will send you a password and a copy of the EFT agreement in the mail.
When are e-Statements available for viewing each month?
e-Statements are generally available on the first business day of each month.
Will I be able to print my e-Statements?
Yes. And you should save your printed e-Statements just as you would your paper statements.
Will I continue to receive paper statements in the mail?
For the first month only, you will receive a paper statement in the mail and an e-Statement. Going forward, you will receive e-Statements only. Once you are signed up for e-Statements, you will build up to 12 months of statement history for your account.
How can I get a copy of a check I have written?
When reviewing your checking account history in AnyTime Access, you should see the number of any check you've written highlighted and underlined. If you click on this check number, (it's called an 'item #' in AnyTime Access) a copy of the front and back of the check will pop up. Be patient, sometimes this takes a moment to complete. When you can see the image of the check, you're able to print out a copy. This is a free service for AnyTime Access users.
If you need us to print out a copy of a check for you, there is a $2.00 fee per check.
How do I use AnyTime Access to place a Stop Payment on a check?
You select the Stop Payment function and enter the check number(s), then verify your request. A fee of $5.00 will be assessed to your checking account. You will save $15.00 by using AnyTime Access to place a stop payment on a check in lieu of calling or visiting the Credit Union to do this.
VISA Credit Cards:
At what age does a member qualify for a Visa Credit Card?
Minors at least age 14 will be permitted to apply for a Visa Credit Card with a qualifying member parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must have their own membership account at the credit union.
The maximum limit for a credit card for a minor younger than 16 is $500.
At age 16, maximum limit increases to $1,000.
Please call the credit union for details.
Can I make automatic payments on my central Maine FCU Visa Credit Card?
Yes. Come to our Card Services Department. We can set up your fixed amount automatic payments for any business day of the week, such as every Friday, or once a month on the 16th.
Can I review my Central Maine Visa Credit Card history and payments on the Internet?
Yes. Just log onto eZCardInfo.com.
Can I use my Central Maine Visa Credit Card to pay off another credit card?
Yes. You may call or come into the Card Services Department at the Credit Union and we can issue Visa Convenience Checks for payoffs.
Did you know that when you place an alert on your credit history, that it could affect you when you are travelling?
If you are planning to rent a car with Hertz, they may pull your credit before approving the car rental. If they cannot pull your credit, they will give you an "advisory information brochure" letting you know why and you will have to call another car rental service. It is always good to check out your car rental companies before you make your reservations.
Can I have Credit Life and Credit Disability insurance on my Central Maine Visa Credit Card?
Yes. Central Maine FCU offers a Credit Life/ Disability insurance for our Visa program. Call or come in to the Card Services Department and we will explain the program to you.
How much of my Visa line can I use for cash advances?
You can use 100% of your credit line for cash advances.
How can I secure my online Vise purchases?
We want you to be aware of a Security Feature called "VERIFIED BY VISA". This feature is used for shopping online at participating merchants. You will see new screens asking you for your Verified by Visa password before continuing with your transaction. If you do not provide this password, you will need to provide another form of payment.
Before shopping online, go to www.centralmainecu.com and locate the Verified by Visa Link or www.visa.com/verified and create your security password for shopping online. This only takes a moment. If you need assistance, please call Kathy or Christine in Card Services. Even if you do not go online, we still suggest that you sign up for Verified by Visa, as Internet fraud can and does occur on card numbers that are never used over the Internet.
How do I report my Central Maine Visa Credit Card lost or stolen?
If you believe that your card has been lost or stolen, or that someone has performed a transaction without your permission, call us at (207) 783-1475 during business hours and ask for our Card Services Department. During non-business hours, call 1-800-991-4961.
If my Central Maine Visa Credit Card is worn and not working correctly, can I get a new one?
Yes. It takes approximately 10 to 14 business days to obtain a new card.
If you lose your Central Maine FCU Visa Card, there will be a $5.00 fee to replace it. If you need to replace a damaged Central Maine FCU Visa Card, there may be a $5.00 fee charged. This fee will be refunded when the damaged card is returned to the Credit Union.
I have lost a credit card receipt. How do I obtain a new one?
If you paid with your Central Maine FCU Visa, we can order a copy of the draft. The price for the draft is $5.00 and can be charged to your Visa, checking or savings.
What can I do to prevent credit card fraud?
Sign your card with permanent ink immediately upon receipt. Carry only the cards you plan to use. Cards you are not carrying should be
safely stored and inaccessible to others. Open your statements promptly and reconcile your account. Review all credit card transactions carefully and immediately report anything you
find unusual, or transactions you don't recognize, to our Card Services
Department. Take receipts with you (including carbons) or tear them up before they are
thrown away. Notify the post office to put a hold on your mail when you are out of town, or
arrange for a trusted person to collect your mail each day. Never loan your credit card to anyone. Do not keep your Social Security Card in your wallet. Do not keep personal information on your desk at work. Never give your card, card number, Social Security number or PIN to anyone. Do not allow your credit card out of sight during a sales transaction. Never give personal information, such as account numbers, your Social Security
number or PIN over the phone, or respond to any email requesting personal or
account information.
VISA Debit Cards:
Can my child have a Visa Debit Card?
Yes. We may issue debit cards to a minor if the minor is at least 13 years of age, a parent or guardian is joint on the account that the debit card is tied to, and the parent or guardian signs on the debit card application. Please be aware that we pull credit when considering whether or not to issue a debit card.
How can I avoid surcharges?
You can avoid surcharges by using your Central Maine FCU Debit Card at any ATM owned by a Maine Credit Union that participates in the SurF Alliance. You can recognize an ATM machine that is a member of the alliance by the SurF logo on the machine. Click here for a list of SurF ATMs in Maine.
You can also avoid surcharges by using one of 28,000 ATMs in the CO-OP Network. Click here to find CO-OP ATMs.
I would like to change my PIN (Personal Identification Number) to something other than the PIN sent to me. Can I do this?
You may change your Central Maine FCU Debit Card PIN number at our ATM located at 1000 Lisbon Street in Lewiston. You will need your current PIN number for this change option.
1. Simply insert your card and enter your current PIN number.
2. Select PIN change.
3. Enter your new 4-digit PIN.
4. Re-enter your new PIN for verification.
5. Your transaction will read PIN change completed.
6. You may then proceed with your transaction.
NOTICE: We cannot change your Central Maine FCU Debit Card PIN number over the phone. You may choose to change it yourself at the Central Maine FCU ATM by following the directions above, or see one of our Card Services Representatives to assist you. There is a $.50 fee for our staff to change your PIN. You can avoid this fee by changing your PIN yourself at our ATM.
If I lose my PIN, how do I get another one?
Call or come into the Card Services Department and we can order the same PIN or have another PIN number issued.
I performed a transaction using my Debit Card and the withdrawal from my account does not appear on my statement until several days after the transaction.
Some merchants have what is known as ''real time'' functionality for their debit card transactions. This means that the withdrawal from your account occurs immediately after the transaction. Other merchants only submit their debit card transactions to payments once each day, every few days, or even once a month. This causes a delay between the time the transaction is performed by you and the time the withdrawal from your account occurs.
You should always assume that the withdrawal for your transaction will occur immediately and record this in your checkbook register. This will help you to avoid overdrafts on your account. Remember, never write a check or use your debit card unless you already have the money for the transaction in your account at the time of the transaction.
What is the difference between a debit and a credit transaction?
When you slide your card through an electronic card scanner, the machine is simply asking you how you would like the transaction to be processed. Both purchases will be deducted from your checking account.
When you select debit, the transaction is processed through an ATM network that requires you to use a PIN. When you select credit, the transaction is processed through the Visa network and you must sign for the purchase. This option helps your credit union because Visa transactions cost less and preserve your charge back rights.
Should I select 'Credit' or 'Debit' at the point of sale?
You should select credit.
How do automated fuel dispensers work?
When you use your Central Maine Debit or Credit Card at an automated fuel dispenser (gas pump), the fuel dispenser merchant will try to authorize a hold up to $75.00 even if you are only planning to purchase $25.00 worth of fuel. This hold is then released. The $75.00 is then checked against the account for availability before an approval is made. You need to have $75.00 in your account to purchase fuel from an automated fuel dispenser. If you want to purchase more than $75.00 in fuel with your debit or credit card, you will need to stop at $75.00 and re-authorize for more. Some fuel merchants may only authorize $1.00 and release the hold.
What is a pinless debit transaction?
We allow non-Visa debit transaction processing. This means you may use your Visa Check Card on a PIN-Debit Network (a non-Visa network) without using a PIN to authenticate your transactions.
The non-Visa debit network for which such transactions are allowed is NYCE.
Types of actions required to initiate a Visa transaction on your Visa Check Card include: signing a receipt; providing a debit card number over the phone or via the Internet; or swiping the debit card through a point-of-sale terminal.
VISA Gift Cards:
Can I get cash back from a merchant?
No. Cash back is not an option on your Gift Card.
Does my gift card have an expiration date?
Yes. It expires when the remaining balance is $0 or on the expiration date shown on the front of the card. There is a monthly service fee of $2.50 waived for the first six months. This fee will be deducted from your card balance the first of the month beginning in month seven until the balance is $0 or the card expires.
How do I check the balance on my gift card?
Go to libertygiftcard.com or call 1-866-244-5360.
What happens if there is a balance remaining after my gift card expires?
You may request that a new card be issued and the remaining balance transferred to the new card. A balance/transfer fee of $5.00 will be deducted from the balance and a new card issuance fee may also apply. Once the card expires, a $10 monthly fee will be assessed until the balance is $0, or until you request a new card. You may terminate your card and receive the funds via a check. Within six to eight weeks of a written request, a check will be sent less the $25.00 service fee.
What if my purchase is denied?
The card's available balance is probably less than the purchase amount. Call 1-866-244-5360 for the remaining balance on the card and use another form of payment to pay the difference, subject to the policy of the merchant.
What happens if my gift card is lost or stolen?
You should immediately report any problems or a lost or stolen card by calling our 24-hour toll-free support line at 1-866-244-5360. A replacement card will be issued and any available balance will be transferred to the new card, less the $5.00 lost/stolen fee that will be deducted from your card's available balance (a new card issuance fee may also apply). As long as the lost or stolen card is reported immediately, you are not responsible for any unauthorized merchant charges.
What is the fee for purchasing a gift card at the Credit Union?
5.95 for all card amounts.
If you use the link on our web site, the fees are: $5.95 for $25.00 - $500.00
If you would like to have the person's name embossed on the Gift Card that you are purchasing, you will have to purchase the Gift Card online. The card cannot be reloaded.
How are disputes handled?
Simply call our toll-free customer service number, 1-866-244-5360, and they will walk you through the process.
Miscellaneous:
What is Central Maine Federal Credit Union's Routing Number?
Our number is: 211287926. You may need this when wiring money or setting up direct deposit with your employer.
What is Overdraft Protection?
Overdraft Protection transfers money from a savings or a line of credit loan to your checking account to cover a check, debit card transaction, ACH Debit, etc., if you do not have enough money in your checking account.
How can I stop payment on a Credit Union Money Order?
You must come into the Credit Union to place a Stop Payment on a lost or stolen money order. Because money orders are guaranteed funds, if we place a Stop Payment on a money order, we must reissue the money order to the original payee. This means we cannot give you cash for the money order. You will need to complete a form to place a Stop Payment and have a money order reissued to the original payee. If there was no payee on the money order, we would be unable to reissue it.
Maine's Uniform Commercial Code requires that we wait 90 days before reissuing a money order. There is a $25 fee for placing a stop payment on a money order, if the stop payment is permitted.
When I am purchasing a Money Order, the Members Service Representative asks me if I would like the payee typed on the Money Order. Why do they do this?
If you should lose the money order, we will be unable to re-issue another to replace it and you will lose the money you used to buy it. Money orders are ''guaranteed funds'', which means that the person who has the money order is guaranteed to collect on it. If you do not place a payee on a money order, then you have no opportunity to place a Stop Payment. The person in possession of the money order is entitled by law to the cash.
Why do I need to show identification at the teller window, especially when I've been a member for so long?
For your protection Central Maine FCU requires identification that you are the authorized owner of an account prior to conducting business. This is to ensure the security and privacy of our members.
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