DCU - Members' Monthly

Manage Your Finances Online – Quickly, Conveniently, and Securely
By Remar Sutton, DCU StreetWise National Spokesperson

How busy are you? Most of our to-do lists are a mile long. Would you like to save time on some repetitive financial chores while increasing security and benefits? Most people have online access to their financial accounts, but many are not taking full advantage of some major benefits offered such as direct deposit, electronic bill pay, and paperless statements. Take a moment to see how these services might work for you.

Sign Up for Direct Deposit
If you're not using direct deposit, then you're missing out on some important benefits. With direct deposit your paycheck, Social Security check, retirement check, or any other recurring check is electronically deposited into your account. You don't have to wait for the check to come in the mail or go to the credit union to deposit it. There's no worry that the check might get lost in the mail or stolen from your mailbox. You also get your money more quickly. With direct deposit, the funds are typically available the day the deposit is made. At DCU, many payroll checks are even available early, up to two days in advance of payday. Ask your employer or other check provider if direct deposit is available.

Pay Bills Electronically
Paying bills electronically can save you time and money. Setting up automatically recurring payments can prevent missed due dates and late fees. You'll use fewer stamps and checks. You can pay almost any bill electronically, such as for utilities, mortgages, credit cards, and insurance. There are several ways that you can pay bills electronically.

ACH payments. Also known as pre-authorized debits or withdrawals, these payments withdraw the amount due directly from your checking account on a specific date, typically the due date. To set up this type of payment, you must agree to the process and provide your account information. Some companies will require a signed agreement and voided check. For others, you provide your information online.
Pre-authorized credit card charges. For some bills, you can have the bill automatically charged to a credit card. To set up this type of payment, you provide the biller with the credit card information. The biller will charge the amount due on a specific date, typically the due date.
Bill paying services. These services, such as DCU Bill Payer, allow you to pay recurring bills as well as one-time payments. With these services, you enter the bills you want to pay and when you want the payment to be made. The amounts are deducted from your checking account as they are made. Some services allow you to set up automatic payments. With many services, if the payee doesn't accept electronic payment, the service will send a paper check. You may also have the option to receive electronic bills through the service. DCU Bill Payer is free and is available in PC Branch.

Choose Paperless Statements
Many companies you do business with, such as utility companies and credit card issuers, offer paperless statements. With this service, you receive a bill in your email rather than in a paper envelope in your snail mail box. Stealing bills out of mail boxes is a favorite tactic used by identity thieves to get personal information. Smart ones even open your mail carefully, copy the information, and leave the original statement in your box – you don't know you've been hit until much later. With electronic statements, you can print paper copies if needed in the security of your home or office.

Keep Your Computer Secure
You've heard this advice a thousand times, but it bears emphasizing. Financial institutions such as DCU work hard to keep your account information secure. But you must also do your part:

Make sure your computer has good security software (antivirus, firewall programs, etc.) installed and keep it up to date.
Don't access your financial accounts or transact any financial business over any public wireless network – even if it says it is secure.
If you use a wireless system at home make sure it is secure before you log on to any financial services.

Enjoy Your Savings Using online financial services such as direct deposit, electronic bill pay, and paperless statements can save you time, money (for stamps and gas), and worry. Learn more at dcu.org.

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DCU Information Center
508.263.6700 or 800.328.8797

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800.328.8797, ext. 6077

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800.328.8797, ext. 6978

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888.832.8929

Digital Federal Credit Union
PO Box 9130
Marlborough, MA 01752-9130
508.263.6700 • 800.328.8797 • dcu.org • dcu@dcu.org
TTY 800.395.5146 (For hearing impaired only)

Have you had a good experience with DCU that you want to share with others? Send us an email at dcu@dcu.org or mail it to:

DCU
Attn: Marketing Dept.
PO Box 9130
Marlborough, MA 01752-9130

For direct deposit: routing and transit
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Editor: James Paquette
To apply for a Home Equity Loan, Consumer Loan, or Mortgage anytime, call 508.263.6700 or 800.328.8797 (select 3) or visit dcu.org. For a complete listing of DCU's rates, visit our web site at dcu.org or stop by your nearest DCU branch.