Credit and Debit Card Helpful Tips
OECU is happy to offer its members several convenient options for making purchases and obtaining cash during and after the credit union’s business hours. We want these services to work as intended with little interruptions or hassles. To prevent these unforeseen situations, we wish to inform our members about a few things that might affect your debit or credit card.
Limits
Credit card limits are established at the time the card is issued and are typically not increased without applying for an increase. Debit card limits are per day and vary based on the type of checking account you have. Student (SDN) and Fresh Start (SDFR) checking accounts usually have daily limits of $100 for ATM withdrawals and $300 for purchases. All other account types typically have daily limits of $505 for ATM and $1,000 for purchases. Daily limits may be temporarily raised for large purchases and may require the completion of a form to do so.
Fraud
When it comes to fraud, the credit union exercises great caution to protect itself and its members from incurring losses. Fraud claims are on the rise and financial institutions and their members must remain proactive if they wish to keep this very convenient payment method from becoming a financial burden.
To help, members should practice the following:
- Promptly review their credit card and account statements for errors and report them to the credit union immediately.
- Immediately report lost or stolen credit or debit cards even if you think you know where it is. In many cases, we can freeze the card until you find it so you won’t have to wait for a replacement.
The number to call for lost/stolen debit cards is (800) 791-2525
For credit cards, the number is (833) 541-0777
- Never keep your card and PIN in the same place.
- Use only private computers which have up-to-date versions of antivirus software to make online purchases or conduct online banking. Using public WIFI is not recommended.
Blocked Merchants/Locations
From time to time, the credit union receives reports of compromised cards or notices patterns in reported card fraud that point to particular areas or merchants. When this happens, we may make the difficult decision to block all or some transactions from these sources in the interest of protecting the credit union and its members from unnecessary risk. Because of high levels of fraud in California, Colorado, Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Michigan, only pin-based transactions will be authorized in these areas. Online transactions to these states will not be affected. Out-of-country transactions will also be declined when a PIN is not used.
Travel
Before you leave for your trip, please call the credit union to let us know if you plan to be using your debit or credit card. We’ll need to know how long you will be gone, where you’re going, and what path you’re taking. This is just so that our fraud detection systems will not stop your card from working when they find an unusual out-of-area activity for you. Also, If you are planning on traveling to any of the blocked areas noted above, we may be able to make an exception so that your card will work for all transactions in these areas.
Fraud Watch
The credit union will never ask you for your account or card number unless you call us first. Our credit card processor, however, will sometimes ask you to verify your address when they call about strange activity on your account. If you receive a call from someone asking for information that you are uncertain about giving, hang up and call us. We can verify if the call is legit before you give up any possibly compromising personal information.
Closed/Reordered Cards
If your card needs to be closed, you should contact any companies that make automatic withdrawals from your account using the old card number so that you can set up alternative payment methods. You should receive your new card within 7 to 10 business days after re-issuance. The PIN is sent separately and debit card PINs contain a slip that you can mail back to change the number to something of your choosing. Call the credit union if you do not receive your PIN or Card within a reasonable amount of time.
