Credit, Debit, and Ability Cards

Contactless Chip Cards

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All cards issued after April 18, 2023 are contactless.

• + What is a contactless card?

  A contactless card is a chip card that is embedded with a near-field communication (NFC) antenna. This allows you to “tap to pay” at a contactless-enabled checkout terminal without having to swipe, dip, or insert the card.

• + What is the difference between my existing chip card and my contactless card?

  Contactless cards use the same security as a chip card but allow you to pay without touching surfaces for a quick and secure checkout experience. The key difference is that you can tap to pay at a contactless-enabled checkout terminal.

• + Why the change to a contactless card?

  Contactless payments are just as secure as payments made with a contact chip card but have the added feature to tap to pay for a touch-free checkout experience.

• + Where can contactless cards be used?

  Contactless credit and debit cards can be used with any retailer that has a contactless option at their checkout terminal. You can identify these options by looking for the contactless symbol ^* or the words “tap here.”

• + How do I use a contactless card?

  When prompted by the checkout terminal, bring your contactless card within a few inches of the terminal. Your payment will be processed within seconds.

• + Are contactless cards secure?

  Yes. Each contactless transaction is conducted using a unique, one-time code. During that transaction, your personal information is not transmitted. The contactless method eliminates the need to swipe or insert your card into the checkout terminal, which means the card cannot be compromised by skimming devices.

• + What should I do if my contactless card is lost or stolen?

  As with all UFCU cards, if your contactless card has been lost or stolen, or your card has been declined and you suspect possible fraud, call Member Services at (800) 252-8311.

• + What if the store doesn’t have a contactless checkout terminal?

  Your contactless card also has a chip and a traditional magnetic stripe that can be used at checkout terminals that do not have contactless options.

*The Contactless Symbol is trademarked owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC

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Credit Cards

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• + What should I do if I lose my card or find fraudulent charges?

  If your UFCU Credit Card has been lost or stolen, or your card has been declined and you suspect possible fraud, call Member Services at (800) 252-8311(800) 252-8311.

• + Can I make credit card payments at the credit union?

  Yes. Credit card payments can be made at any UFCU branch. You can also call Member Service to transfer funds to pay your UFCU credit card from your UFCU checking or savings account. In addition, payments can be made through Online Banking or Mobile Banking.

• + Where do I mail credit card payments if I don't have my remittance envelope?

  The payment address is:

  VISA
  PO Box 9389 
  Austin TX, 78766-9389

  Please be sure to include your credit card account number on your check.

• + How do I dispute a charge on my credit card statement?

  All billing disputes and inquiries must be submitted in writing to the following address:

  UFCU
  Attn: Card Services
  P.O. Box 9350
  Austin, TX 78766-9350

  Note: Your letter should include your name and credit card account number, the charge in question and an explanation of why you believe there is an error. All billing disputes must be received within 60 days of the date that the charge first appeared.

• + How do I change my billing address?

  You can update your billing address in either of the following ways:

  • Log in to Online Banking, and select Settings » Change Contact Info.
  • Visit any branch.
• + How can I obtain a personal identification number (PIN) for my credit card in order to access cash through an ATM machine?

  If you would like to choose your own PIN, you can call (866) 928-5450, and set or change your PIN over the phone. The Credit Card Department at UFCU DOES NOT have access to PINs.

• + How can I add an additional user to my account?

  The primary cardholder must complete and submit an Add Authorized User Request form.

  Your request will be processed in 2-3 business days and you should receive the new card with the additional user's name in 7-10 business days.

• + How can I transfer a balance to my UFCU card from another credit card?

  In order to perform a balance transfer, complete the Balance Transfer Request form.

• + Can I make a credit card payment for an amount greater than my credit card balance?

  You cannot make a payment for an amount greater than your credit card balance.

• + What is the benefit of having my credit card information available in Online Banking?

  By integrating your credit card information into Online Banking, you are able to make credit card payments by directly transferring funds into your credit card account.

• + My credit card account information is incorrect or missing from my Account Summary page. What can I do?

  Please contact a UFCU Representative, who will be able to correct this problem.

• + I've opened a new UFCU account and my credit card information is no longer shown. What happened?

  Your credit card account information could still be associated with your older account. Please contact a UFCU Representative so that they can correct this problem.

• + Can my credit card statement be combined with my checking account statement?

  At this time, both statements will continue to be delivered separately.

• + Can my credit card information be removed from Online Banking?

  Not at this time, though your credit card information will be removed when you close your credit card account.

• + Why did I receive a credit limit increase?

  UFCU increased credit card limits for Members who have demonstrated wise use of their credit. If UFCU has increased your credit card limit, it generally is because you are a cardholder in good standing who has consistently made payments on time.

• + Can anyone get an automatic credit limit increase?

  No. Automatic increases are awarded to cardholders in good standing who have maintained a positive payment history. However, you can request an increase by contacting us at (512) 498- 2277.

• + How can I request a credit limit increase?

  If you have been making on-time credit card payments for some time, or have had an increase in your income, you can request a higher credit card limit. UFCU will pull a credit bureau report to determine if you may be eligible for a credit limit increase. Contact us at (512) 498- 2277 to request a higher credit card limit.

• + How can I opt out of a credit card limit increase?

  To decline an automatic increase to your UFCU credit card limit, contact us at [email protected] or call (512) 467-8080.

• + Will increasing my credit limit impact my credit score?

  Credit card limit increases can have a positive impact on your credit score by potentially improving your credit utilization ratio. (Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of available credit you are using, or your total outstanding credit card balance divided by your total credit limit.) If your credit limit increases but your balance stays the same, your credit utilization ratio will be lower. That can lead to a higher credit score, because the credit utilization ratio is one of several factors used to determine your credit score.

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Debit Cards

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• + What is a debit card preauthorization hold?

  When you use your debit card to conduct a credit transaction (you do not enter your PIN), the merchant sends us the amount, usually your purchase total, for preauthorization. This amount is placed on hold and removed from your available balance immediately. The hold is released after approximately 72 hours or when the transaction clears, whichever comes first. The hold helps reflect the most current available balance on your account through UFCU’s Online Banking, Phone Banking, Account Alerts and at ATMs.

• + Will debit card preauthorization holds apply to all my purchases?

  No, they only apply to debit card purchases when you sign your name or do not enter a PIN. Debit purchases and ATM withdrawals made using a PIN subtract the funds immediately from your account, thereby reflecting an accurate available balance.

  Exception: When using your PIN at a fuel dispenser, the merchant may still send a preauthorization request.

• + What is the difference between my actual balance and my available balance?

  Your available balance reflects any preauthorization holds or deposit holds and is used to determine available funds when future transactions attempt to clear the account.

  The balance we use internally as transactions clear is called your actual balance or total balance and includes all items that have cleared the account up to that point. This actual balance does not include outstanding debit purchases, share drafts (checks), or automatic drafts. If funds are not sufficient in the actual balance at the time of clearing, an overdraft fee is charged for each transaction that attempts to clear.

• + Why is UFCU implementing debit card preauthorization holds? Won’t that mean less money for me?

  Most members depend on the accuracy of their available balances to help them avoid NSF situations or Courtesy Pay fees. Debit card preauthorization holds allow members to view pending transactions and provide timely available balance information. For example:

  John visits the ATM and sees his available checking balance is $100, so he withdraws $50. He doesn’t realize his wife made a debit card signature purchase for $75 from their joint account earlier in the day. The resulting balance in their account would be negative when the debit transaction arrives for processing, so their overdraft protection is triggered to transfer $25.

  However, if UFCU had placed a debit card preauthorization hold for his wife’s $75 transaction, John would have known that he really only had $25 available to him and could have avoided the NSF situation by withdrawing less money.

• + Is UFCU implementing debit card preauthorization holds to generate more overdraft fees?

  No, in fact, we believe this feature provides the information needed to help members avoid overdraft situations and thereby avoid Courtesy Pay fees. There is no change to our overdraft transfer or Courtesy Pay policies or processing.

  The advantage of preauthorization holds is that you can check your balance and get a more accurate picture of what is truly available to you before you spend.

• + How will I know if a debit card preauthorization hold has been placed?

  Your preauthorization transactions will appear as Pending Transactions within UFCU’s Online Banking. You can also obtain your available balance through UFCU’s Phone Banking and at ATMs.

  In addition, you may use an Account Balance Change Alert to notify you via email or text message when your account reaches an available balance threshold you specify.

• + Will the debit card preauthorization hold always equal the exact amount of my transaction?

  No. Some merchants, especially gas stations, hotels and sometimes restaurants, will preauthorize an amount that is higher or lower than the actual purchase amount. For example:

  Gas stations: Many gas stations preauthorize transactions for amounts ranging from $1 to $75 because they do not know how much gas you will actually pump in advance of your transaction. If they preauthorize $75, we will place a hold for $75, even if your actual transaction is only $45. After 2 hours, we will release the hold and those funds will be available to you again.

  If you are worried about large preauthorization holds from gas stations, we recommend the following:

  Use a UFCU credit card for your transaction.

  -or-

  Use your debit card as "debit" and enter your PIN.

  Hotels: When using a debit card to make reservations in advance, hotels generally will preauthorize an amount equal to an overnight stay, or more, depending on the length of your stay. This will result in a hold on your account up to 72 hours. Then, when you actually arrive, the hotel will place another preauthorization, often larger than the cost of your stay to cover possible incidental expenses. Because these can result in significant holds against your account, we recommend always using your UFCU credit card for hotel reservations.

• + When I make a purchase online or by phone using my debit card, is it processed as a credit or debit transaction?

  Online and telephone debit card transactions are generally processed as credit transactions because you do not have the option to enter your PIN. These types of purchases will create a preauthorization hold.

• + If you place a hold on my account and then the transaction comes in, is there a chance you’ll subtract it again?

  When merchants preauthorize an amount that is different from the final transaction total, there is a chance that the hold and the transaction will not match, and the hold will not release. If the transaction does not match the hold, the system will automatically release the hold on your account in 72 hours.

• + Do all debit card transactions clear within 72 hours?

  No. Some merchants will not send the final transaction through to us within the 72-hour time frame of the hold. In that case, the hold will drop off and funds will appear to be available again, however, the debit transaction still has to clear your account. Unfortunately, we have no control over how quickly merchants process their transactions.

• + Can I set up overdraft transfer protection to help avoid fees?

  It is always a good idea to have overdraft transfer protection set up on your account. Overdraft transfer protection helps you avoid larger Courtesy Pay fees by using your Savings Account, Money Market Account or Line-of-Credit loan to automatically cover the insufficient funds.

  When you open a UFCU checking account, your Savings account is automatically established as the overdraft account, but you may also use a Money Market account or Line-of-Credit loan as well. Please contact us for more details.

• + Can debit card preauthorization holds on my debit card be removed?

  It is not our policy to remove debit card preauthorization holds unless an error was made. If an erroneous hold was placed, or there are extenuating circumstances, please contact us.

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Ability Cards

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• + What is the UFCU ABILITY Card?

  The UFCU ABILITY Card is a reloadable debit card that can be used anywhere VISA^® cards are accepted. It is a member-friendly alternative to credit cards and traditional banking.

  With the UFCU ABILITY Card you can only spend what you deposit into your account, therefore there are no costly overdraft or interest fees. This card is easy-to-use with convenient reloadable capabilities 24/7, eliminating the concern of going into debt or overdrawing your account.

• + How does the UFCU ABILITY Card work?
  • Load your card —
    • Sign up for Direct Deposit,
    • Make a cash or check deposit at a UFCU ATM which accepts deposits or any UFCU branch,
    • Deposit checks using UFCU Mobile Deposit,
    • Or transfer money onto your card online, by phone, with UFCU Mobile Banking, or at a UFCU ATM.
  • Use your card — Shop online or in stores, or withdraw money at any ATM or branch.
  • Reload your card — Continue to add money to your card so you have funds to spend. Plus, you can set up online or mobile account access at ufcu.org to receive Account Alerts, view your balance and recent activity, and transfer money to your UFCU ABILITY Card from an eligible UFCU accounts.
• + What are the benefits of owning a UFCU ABILITY Card?
  • You won't be charged any overdraft fees.
  • You can monitor your activity and stay on top of your spending by checking your balance through UFCU Mobile and Online Banking.
  • Tag and categorize all of your debit card transactions using UFCU Money Manager.
  • Use the card to shop anywhere VISA^® debit cards are accepted.
  • Pay your bills online or using your mobile device anytime with free Bill Pay.
  • Load with funds and make withdrawals for no fee at over 300 ATMs in central Texas and 5,000 branches nationwide.
  • It's safer than cash, and you can rest easy knowing your money is insured by the National Credit Union Administration's Share Insurance Fund.
• + Is the UFCU ABILITY Card a credit card?

  No, the UFCU ABILITY Card is a reloadable debit card that you can load with money at any time. Unlike credit cards, you can perform PIN based and cash back transactions at merchants and the funds are withdrawn from the card immediately. This allows you to easily determine how much money you have to spend.

• + How is the UFCU ABILITY Card different from a gift card?

  The UFCU ABILITY Card is reloadable and personalized with your name. You can continually add money to your card with cash or checks, or through direct deposit. There is no need to open a different card. And unlike many gift cards, you can make ATM withdrawals.

  We do not recommend giving the UFCU ABILITY Card as a gift card.

Open

• + How can I get a UFCU ABILITY card?

  Visit any UFCU branch to open a UFCU ABILITY Card. Once you have opened your UFCU ABILITY Card account a personalized card will be issued to you instantly. You may begin using your UFCU ABILITY Card to make purchases immediately.

• + How much does it cost to open a UFCU ABILITY Card?

  If you're currently a member of UFCU, there is no fee to open a UFCU ABILITY Card. However, initially you are required to load a minimum of $25.

• + Can anyone get a UFCU ABILITY Card?

  You must be at least 18 years old and an eligible UFCU member to open a UFCU ABILITY Card.

Load & Reload

• + How can I add money to my UFCU ABILITY Card?

  There are four convenient ways to add money:

  1. Sign up for Direct Deposit.
  2. Load cash or checks at a UFCU ATM which accepts deposits or any UFCU branch.
  3. Load checks using UFCU Mobile Deposit on your mobile device.
  4. Transfer money via Online Banking, Mobile Banking or by phone from your other eligible UFCU accounts.
• + Can I use the UFCU ABILITY Card at an ATM?

  Yes. You can get cash surcharge free at over 300 of UFCU's ATM Alliance machines.

• + Can I add money at a non-UFCU ATM?

  No. ATM deposits to your UFCU ABILITY Card can only be made at a UFCU ATM which accepts deposits.

• + Does the UFCU ABILITY Card have a minimum or maximum balance requirement?

  No. There are no limits on how much or how little money you have on your card. However, you will be required to load $25 onto your UFCU ABILITY card when you open your account, and you will not be able to spend funds from your card if your balance is $0 or less.

Go

• + How does the UFCU ABILITY Card work?

  Once you open a UFCU ABILITY Card at any UFCU branch, you can use it anywhere VISA^® debit cards are accepted. (Shopping online, paying bills through your service provider by using your card number and withdrawals from ATMs are approved UFCU ABILITY Card behaviors.)

• + Can I use my UFCU ABILITY Card immediately after adding money?

  You can use your UFCU ABILITY Card immediately after you make a cash deposit at a UFCU ATM which accepts deposits or UFCU branch. AvailABILITY of check deposits is subject to our Funds AvailABILITY Policy.

• + Can I use my UFCU ABILITY Card in other countries? Is there a cost or fee for doing so?

  Yes, for your convenience you have access to your accounts internationally via our National & International Shared Branches.

  You can also use your UFCU ABILITY Card internationally wherever VISA^® debit cards are accepted. If the purchase is not completed in U.S. Dollars, it will be converted or exchanged to U.S. Dollars. The exchange rate will be applied either by the network that processes your transaction or the government-mandated rate in effect for the date that the network processes your transaction, which may be on a date that is different than when you actually used the card. In addition, a VISA^® 1% International Service Fee will be added to the converted amount.

• + Can I get cash at the register when I am making a purchase with my UFCU ABILITY Card?

  You can get cash back at a checkout terminal during a PIN-based transaction if the merchant supports it. Just select "debit" or "ATM" at the register.

• + Is there a fee for using a non-UFCU ATM?

  Yes. UFCU imposes a $1 fee when using a non-UFCU affiliated ATM. The non-UFCU ATM owner may impose an additional fee.

  To avoid ATM fees visit ufcu.org or UFCU Mobile Banking and search for your nearest ATM Alliance associated ATM.

• + Can I split a purchase, paying with my UFCU ABILITY Card and a portion in cash?

  You may do so if the merchant allows it.

• + Can my UFCU ABILITY Card purchases be declined?

  Most merchants ask us to authorize your purchase. When we give authorization to a merchant, we will hold funds on your UFCU ABILITY Card, generally for up to 3 business days, to pay for your purchase. For gas station purchases, up to $50 may be temporarily reserved when you use your UFCU ABILITY Card to pay at the pump. To avoid a declined purchase or incurring a hold greater than your actual purchase, pay for gas purchases at the cashier.

• + When swiping my card, should I select "credit" or "debit"?

  You have a choice and it is always up to you:

  • If you select "credit," you will not need to provide your PIN and you may need to sign a receipt
  • If you select "debit" or "ATM," you will need to enter your PIN. You can use the "debit" option to withdraw cash with your purchase.
• + Can I pay bills or make payments with my UFCU ABILITY Card?

  Yes. You can pay bills using your UFCU ABILITY Card number at biller sites wherever VISA^® debit cards are accepted. For billers who do not accept payments using a VISA^® debit card, you can pay using ACH, or use UFCU Bill Pay through Online or Mobile Banking.

• + How can I sign up for Direct Deposit?

  Visit ufcu.org, and download a Direct Deposit form. Complete the appropriate form and give to your employer's payroll department to request Direct Deposit of your payroll check.

  UFCU's Routing & Transit (R&T) number is 314977405.

• + Are there any limits on transactions?

  Yes. You may withdraw up to $1,000 cash per day from the ATM, and you may make purchases totaling up to $2,000 per day.

Managing your UFCU ABILITY Card

• + How can I manage my UFCU ABILITY Card online using ufcu.org?

  When you enroll in UFCU Online Banking, you can have the convenience of 24-hour banking from your home or office, allowing you to:

  • View and download account information and transactions.
  • Tag expenses, see your cash flow, and create spending budgets.
  • Pay your bills for free.
  • Transfer money between your accounts, to other members, and to other financial institutions.
  • View your statements, tax forms and check images.
  • And more!
• + How can I check my UFCU ABILITY Card balance and activity?

  There are several convenient ways to check your UFCU ABILITY Card balance:

  • UFCU Mobile Banking — Please note the Mobile Banking Account Summary screen will display your ABILITY Card Current Balance. To view your Current Balance and Available Balance you will need to click through to Account Details screen.
  • UFCU Online Banking with Account Alerts at ufcu.org
  • Call us at (512) 467-8080 — Austin, (409) 797-3300 — Galveston, (800) 252-8311 — US Toll—free
  • Visit any UFCU ATM or your nearest branch
• + Can my UFCU ABILITY Card have a negative balance?

  A negative balance may occur if the final purchase amount the merchant submits to us is greater than the amount we originally authorized, or the merchant processes a transaction without prior authorization. Your Monthly Service Fee may also deduct from your balance even when your available balance is less than the Monthly Service Fee. You should immediately add more money to you UFCU ABILITY Card to bring your balance above zero. There are no overdraft fees for the UFCU ABILITY Card.

• + Can I deposit funds into my UFCU ABILITY Card account through UFCU Mobile Deposit?

  Yes, with a capable mobile device. Check deposits using UFCU Mobile Deposit are subject to the Funds Availability Policy.

Good Things to Know

• + Where can I go if I have a question about the UFCU ABILITY Card?

  Please contact us at your convenience.

• + Is there a monthly fee for the Ability Card?

  Yes, there is a $5 monthly service charge assessed on the last day of each month.

• + Does the UFCU ABILITY Card expire?

  Yes. A new UFCU ABILITY Card will be mailed to your address on file before your current UFCU ABILITY Card expires. You will need to follow the activation instructions included with that card before you can use your new card. To ensure your new card reaches you, always notify UFCU immediately of an address change.

• + What if my card, PIN or password is lost or stolen? Am I protected against any fraudulent charges or identity theft?

  Yes. Please contact us at your convenience to report your lost or stolen information or card. Fraudulent charges are handled on a case-by-case basis as each situation is unique for our cardholders.

• + Is my money covered by any insurance?

  Yes. UFCU members are insured up to $250,000 per account ownership type (per member, not account number!) through the National Credit Union Share Administration's Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF). Please visit ufcu.org for more information.

• + Can I rent cars, trucks, or boats with my UFCU ABILITY Card?

  Yes, you may use the ABILITY Card to pay for any car, truck, or boat rental. However, please be aware that these companies may place a hold on your account for more than the purchase amount. Because of this type of significant hold against your account, we recommend always using your UFCU credit card for rentals.