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About Credit Unions

General Information

Share Savings

Checking

Mortgage

What is Phishing?

Automated Services
CU@Home
TONI
Electronic Bill Pay
ATM/Debit Card

Certificate Questions

IRA Questions

About Credit Unions

Q. What is a credit union?
A credit union is a financial cooperative. It is a not-for-profit organization that is owned by its members. All members of a credit union have equal voting rights, regardless of their deposit balance. Credit unions focus on their members and return profits to the members in the form of higher savings rates, lower loan rates, and better services.

Q. Is my money safe?
Yes! The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the Federal Government, federally insures all funds deposited at a credit union up to $100,000.

Depending on account type and ownership (i.e. joint accounts), your deposits may be insured for more.


Q. Who can join?
Membership is open to you if you work for or belong to any of the groups in our Field of Membership. The Field of Membership includes our core military and government groups as well as many companies in the South Mississippi area. Your immediate family and household members are also eligible to join. To find out if you’re eligible call us at 1-888-KEESLER or send an e-mail to membership@kfcu.org.

Q. What if I move?
“Once a member, always a member”. Even if you move out of the area or leave your current employer, you can still take advantage of our convenient services no matter where you are. With CU@Home Internet Home Banking, TONI the Touch Tone Teller, ATM machines, our toll-free Member Services Call Center, and Express Lending we think you’ll find accessing your accounts is very convenient – from almost anywhere in the world.

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General Information

Q. What is KFCU’s Routing and Transit Number
A. Our ABA Bank Transit number is 265577585.

Q. If I need to wire funds to the Credit Union, what information do I need?
A. When electronically wiring money to the Credit Union, please inform the financial institution from which the funds will be withdrawn of the following information

Wire to: Keesler Federal Credit Union
Biloxi, MS
ABA/Routing #: 265577585

Also include: Member Name
Member Account #
Where you want the money designated
(i.e. checking, savings, loan payment, etc.)

Q. Where are you located?
A. Our International Headquarters is located at 2602 Pass Road in Biloxi, MS. We have thirteen branches located in South Mississippi and four in the United Kingdom. Click here for Branch hours and locations.

Q. How can I get information about my credit report?
A. There are three major credit bureaus in the United States. Click here for their names and addresses, as well as articles about the importance of your credit report and information on identity theft.

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Share Savings

Q. Can I have more than one share savings account?
A. Yes – with Alternate Share Savings accounts you can personalize saving accounts to fit your specific saving needs. Open one for a vacation, a college fund or just plain fun money! Alternate Share Savings accounts mirror your regular share savings account, joint owners and beneficiaries are the same.

Q. What is KFCU’s Routing and Transit Number
A. Our ABA Bank Transit number is 265577585.

Q. What are dividends?
A. In Credit Unions, it’s the money paid to members for deposits, similar to the interest banks pay to their customers for deposits.

Q. How are dividends paid?
A. Dividends are paid from current income and available earnings after required transfers to reserves at the end of a dividend period. Click here for Current Rates and Terms.

Q. What is Truth in Savings?
A. Truth in Savings is an important regulation that is intended to facilitate comparison-shopping among consumers for deposit accounts. It is primarily a disclosure regulation that requires financial institutions to provide detailed account disclosures to consumers.

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Checking

Q. How do I order checks?
A. You can order checks by calling Member Services, at any branch office or through CU@HOME Internet Home Banking.

Q. What is KFCU’s Routing and Transit Number
A. Our ABA Bank Transit number is 265577585.

Q. How do I place a stop payment on a check?
A. You may go into any KFCU branch office or call Member Services to place a stop payment. You can also place stop payments electronically through TONI – the Touch Tone Teller and through CU@Home. The fee to place a stop payment is $15.00.

Q. Does KFCU offer overdraft protection?
A. Yes – overdraft protection is available from your share savings or HIMMA. It is also available on other accounts that you may be primary or joint on. Overdraft protection is also available through KreditLine for qualifying members.

Q. When are my deposits available?
A. Our policy is to make funds from cash and check deposits available to you on the same business day we receive your deposit. In some cases, we will not make all of the funds that you deposit by check available to you on the same business day of your deposit. Depending on the type of check that you deposit, funds may not be available until the fifth business day after the day of your deposit. Longer delays may apply in the U.K.

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Certificate Questions

Q. What is the minimum to purchase a Share Certificate of Deposit?
A. The minimum purchase is $1,000. However, we now offer a FirstStep Certificate with a minimum of $100. With the First Step Certificate you can also make deposits of at least $10 at anytime and even set it up by payroll deduction.

Q. Does the rate change during the Certificate period?
A. No, once the Certificate is purchased the rate will remain the same until the maturity date.

Q. What happens on the maturity date if I have not contacted the Credit Union?
A. Around three weeks prior to the maturity date a renewal letter will be mailed to you with instructions and options. Unless you notify us otherwise, the Certificate will automatically rollover for an additional period of time at the new certificate rate.

Q. Can I have my dividends paid to me instead of the Certificate?
A. Yes, all of our Certificates except the FirstStep can have the dividends pulled from the Certificate and deposited into an account or a check mailed.

Q. What if I change my mind and want a different option on my dividends and it is not the maturity date?
A. Your option can be changed at anytime with just a phone call or written instructions from you.

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Mortgage Loans

Q. What are Closing Costs?
A. Closing costs are fees necessary to process and close your loan. These costs may include fees such as appraisal, credit report, attorney, loan origination, title insurance, termite inspection, recording, flood certification and survey. These are in addition to any down payment and pre-paid expenses.

Q. What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A. This is an estimate on closing costs and prepaid items disclosed to you by the lender within three days of the date of application.

Q. What is a point?
A. A point is equal to one percent of the loan amount. For example, if you get a mortgage for $100,000.00 with one point, you'll pay $1,000.00 in points as part of your closing cost.

Q. Are there any points charged on a mortgage?
A. Our rates are quoted with one point. You can choose to pay zero points and get a higher rate or you can pay additional points to get a lower rate.

Q. What does “pre-approval” mean?
A. Pre-approval means we have approved your loan based on your credit criteria and debt-to-income ratio. That approval is good for 90 days. If you don't go through with your loan within that timeframe, you'll need to re-apply.

Q. What up-front fees are associated with applying for a mortgage through the credit union? Are any of the fees refundable if I change my mind?
A. If you are shopping for a home and first want only a pre-approval, the up front fee is $25.00 for the cost of a credit report and is non-refundable. If you are ready to proceed with full application we will collect the appraisal fee of approximately $300.00 to $400.00 depending on the loan type. Once the appraisal is ordered the fee is non-refundable.

Q. What is an Annual Percentage Rate (APR)?
A. Annual Percentage Rate is an interest rate reflecting the cost of a mortgage as a yearly rate. This rate is likely to be higher than the stated note rate or advertised rate on the mortgage, because it takes into account points, interest and other credit costs. The APR allows borrowers to compare different types of mortgages and lenders based on the annual cost for each loan.

Q. What is an Escrow Account?
A. An Escrow account is an account established by the lender to pay your property taxes and homeowner's insurance when they are due. Your monthly payment is divided into principle, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI). The amount for your taxes and insurance is deposited to your escrow account. Keesler Federal Credit Union pays dividends on your escrow account.

Q. How long does it take to complete the loan process?
A. Generally, the process of financing or refinancing your home loan takes about 30 days from application to closing. Financing raw land may take a little less. New construction financing can be approved in about the same amount of time, yet the actual construction usually takes 6 months. All these programs require complete financial and property information, so it is essential that the mortgage loan application be thoroughly completed as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.

Q. What does it mean to lock or float an interest rate during the application process?
A. Mortgage loan interest rates can change on a daily basis. Some members prefer to avoid this uncertainty by locking in the rate quoted at the time of loan application. Others prefer to “float” their rate, or take a risk on the market, which determines interest rates. A lock agreement must be executed by all parties at the time of loan application in order for the lock to be valid. Changing from a “Float” to a “Lock” decision can be done over the phone only if you have previously decided to “Float” during the initial application process.

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What is Phishing?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recommendations for avoiding being taken in by a Phishing scam. Among them:

• DO NOT reply or click links included in e-mail requesting personal or financial information. Legitimate organizations don't ask for sensitive information via e-mail.

• DO NOT e-mail personal or financial information. Unlike secured Web connections such as CU@Home Online Account Access, e-mail is not a secure method of transmitting personal information.

• If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization by phone or by typing a Web address (URL) you know to be genuine into your browser. The only Web address for Keesler Federal is www.kfcu.org

• Review financial account statements as soon as possible to determine whether there are unauthorized charges.
  

Report suspicious activity to abuse@kfcu.org and the FTC. If you believe you've been scammed, learn what steps to take.

IRA Questions

Q. What is the difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?
A. The biggest difference in the two types of IRA accounts is that the Traditional IRA includes tax differed earnings, income replacement for retirement, and, in some cases, an income tax deduction. Members defer paying the taxes until they are retired and in a lower tax bracket

A Roth IRA allows only nondeductible contributions but features tax-free withdrawals for certain distribution reasons after a five-year holding period and reaching 59 ½ years old. Because the taxes on the principal of a Roth have already been paid you are allowed to withdraw the principal tax-free at any time.

Q. Can I have more than one IRA account?
A. Yes, Traditional and/or Roth IRAs as long as they do not exceed the maximum combined deposit of $4,000 for the current tax year. If you are 50 or older you are allowed a “Catch-up" contribution of $1000, which will give you a total of $5,000.

Q. When do I pay taxes on an IRA account?
A. On the Traditional IRA you will pay the taxes for the year in which the withdrawal was made plus a penalty to the IRS of 10% if you are under the age of 59 ½. Taxes are paid on the Roth IRA if the dividends are withdrawn prior to the five years and turning 59 ½. Remember that principal can be withdrawn without penalty, as taxes have already been paid.

Q. Which IRA is right for me?
A. Your tax advisor can answer that question. If you were able to claim the withdrawal on your taxes now and plan to be in a lower tax bracket when you retire then the Traditional IRA would be the best for you. If you cannot claim the tax deduction and have an adjusted gross income of less then $160,000 (if you are married) or $110,000 (if you are single) the Roth would be best for you.

Q. If I have an emergency how hard is it to withdraw from my IRA?
A. If you were in the local area it would just require a visit to anyone of our branches. If not, contact our IRA department at 1-888-KEESLER and we would be happy to accept a faxed signed letter. CAUTION: Tax penalties may be imposed on funds withdrawn early. Consult your tax advisor.

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Automated Services

CU@Home (Internet Homebanking)

Q. How do I sign up for CU@HOME?
A. You can sign up for CU@HOME at any KFCU branch or by completing an on-line application and mailing it to Keesler Federal Credit union, Box 7001, Biloxi, MS 39534-7001.

Q. I get to the CU@Home log-on page and enter my information, and then get an error message. Why?
A. Make sure you are using at least Netscape 6.1 (if you are using Netscape 4.7, you will get an error message). Next, clear your Temporary Internet Files (go to the "Start" menu in the lower left corner of your sreen, click "Settings", "Control Panel" and "Internet Options". In the middle of the window you will see "Temporary Internet Files", click "Delete Files" and select to delete offline content as well. Click OK and close the window.) If you have unsuccessfuly tried to access your account multiple times, you could be "locked out" for security purposes. Contact Electronic Services (esd@kfcu.org) at 228-385-5500 if you feel you are locked out, or you have tried the above and still have problems.

Q. I click on the house icon to access CU@Home and nothing happens. Why?
A. You will need to disable any "pop-up" blocking software you might have installed. If you do not wish to disable your "pop-up" blocking software, click here to launch CU@Home. Also, make sure your security settings are set no higher than "medium" and make sure you are able to accept cookies. Finally, check to make sure your browser is at least Netscape 6.1 or Internet Explorer 6.0.

Q. I keep getting "pop-up" security warnings, how can I disable them?
A. You can disable these warning messages by clicking on the "Start" menu [lower left corner of the screen] choose Settings/Control Panel/Internet Options/Security then Custom Level. Scroll down and choose "enable" under "display mixed content". Then go to the Advanced tab scroll down to the bottom and de-select "warn when changing between secure and not secure mode".

Q. What browser do I need?
A. We recommend using Netscape Navigator 6.1or newer, or Internet Explorer 6.0 or newer for PCs and Macintosh computers. Also, now is a great time to download the latest and greatest version of your browser of choice because most browsers are being offered for “free.” By having a new browser, you can take advantage of the latest technology and security features on the Internet. To download the latest version of Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, click here.

Q. Is it secure?
A. Yes! Click here for a complete Security Overview.

Q. What do I do if I forgot my password?
A. Contact Member Services at 1-888-KEESLER or any branch office to reset your password. Once password is reset and you can login to CU@Home, use the Change Password option to customize your password.

Q. I tried to access my account and I was informed that it is “frozen”.
Why?
A. This is a security feature to help protect your account from unauthorized entry. Contact Electronic Services at 1-888-KEESLER Monday through Friday, or e-mail us to reactivate.

Q. ACH deposits posted sooner than the date. Why?
A. Direct Deposits are sometimes posted earlier than the Post Date depending on when the month ends.  For instance, if the last day of the month falls on a weekend , the Direct Deposits with a Post Date for Monday will be posted on the previous Friday evening.

TONI

Q. How do I use TONI?
A. Dial (228) 432-8664 MS Gulf Coast or 1-800-272-8664. Enter your account number and 4 digit PIN followed by the # sign. Your PIN number is initially setup as the last 4 digits of your social security number. Enter any 2 digit service code followed by the # key. If you are not set up on TONI call 1-888-KEESLER and speak with a Member Service Representative.

Q. I’ve forgotten my PIN number for TONI. How can I get a new one?
A. When you are initially set up for TONI your PIN number is set to the last 4 digits of your social security number. If you have changed your PIN number contact Member Services at 1-888-KEESLER or any branch office to reset your number to the last four digits of your social security number. Once the PIN number is changed you can then go in and customize your PIN number.

Q. What is the difference between Beginner and Expert mode?
A. “Beginner” or Menu mode uses voice prompts to give you account access. The “Expert” mode requires you to input specific Service Codes to access a particular account service.

Online Bill Pay

Q. How do I sign up for Online Bill Pay?
A. Before you sign up for Bill Pay you are required to have a checking account, an ATM or Debit card, and be signed up for CU@HOME Online Account Access.

You sign up online by selecting the Bill Pay option on the CU@HOME menu. Fill out the application online and submit. It will take approximately 2 business days to set you up.

Q. If I have a question regarding a payment I made through Online Bill Pay who do I contact?
A. For questions regarding payments made through Online Bill Pay call 1-800-472-4998 or select Messages on the Bill Pay page and then Send Mail. These services are available 24/7.

ATM/Debit Card

Q. What should I do if my Debit/Credit card is lost or stolen?
A. Call 1-800-449-7728 immediately to report your card lost or stolen.

Q. What should I do if my ATM card is lost or stolen?
A. During normal business hours contact any KFCU branch or Member Services at 1-888-KEESLER.

Q. What should I do if I become the victim of identity theft?
A. Click here to view an article on the steps that should be taken after your identity has been stolen.

Q. How do I get a Debit card?
A. You must first have a checking account with KFCU. You can request a Debit Card Application online, at any KFCU branch or by calling Member Services at 1-888-KEESLER.

Q. How can I view my ATM/Debit card transactions online?
A. You can view and print current account history through the history selection at CU@HOME . To activate your account for Internet access complete the CU@HOME application, then mail it in or drop it off at your nearest branch.

Q. How can I change my PIN number for my ATM or my Debit card if my number has been compromised?
A. If you are in the local area you can take your card to the branch office nearest you to change your PIN. If you are in the UK or outside the local area you can contact us by e-mail or call Member Services at 1-888-KEESLER to request your PIN be changed.

Q. Can I make deposits to my KFCU account at non-KFCU ATM?
A. Yes, if that credit union belongs to the CU24 Network. To locate an ATM near you click here.

Q. How can I find an ATM that will access my KFCU account?
A. KFCU has ATMs located at over 30 convenient locations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in the United Kingdom. Click here for a listing of local and UK ATMs. You can also access your account through other various networks including AFFN, Cirrus, Pulse, Plus, CU24 Here, The Exchange, Visa, Discover/Novus, MasterCard, Maestro, and American Express. Click here for an ATM Network Locator.

Q. I used my KFCU ATM/Debit card at another financial institutions ATM and did not receive my money. What should I do?
A. Check your account balance first to see if the transaction posted. If the money was withdrawn from your account contact Electronic Services by e-mail or call 1-888-KEESLER.

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