eCheck is EFCU's Debit Card. This card combines all of the functions of an ATM card with the ability to make purchases at any location that accepts the Visa debit card--that's more than 19 million locations worldwide!

There are two ways to use this convenient card:

• With a PIN (Personal Identification Number) like an ATM card. Funds are almost instantly withdrawn from your account.
• As a Visa credit card. You will sign a slip for this purchase, and the funds are deducted from your checking account in about the time it would take a check to go through.
• Don't forget you can use this card for balance inquiries and transfers at the ATM, also! To find an ATM on one of our surcharge-free networks, click on our ATM Locator.

It's much faster than writing a check, because there will be no requests for extra identification and no "check approvals" required.

When to Use eCheck and When to Use Your Credit Card:

At hotels or car rental companies, it's better to use your credit card. Why? Because many merchants will put a "hold" on your card to secure the entire bill--or an even higher amount for a deposit. This means that for a week's hotel stay and rental car, the "hold" could amount to thousands of dollars, and it decreases the amount of money you are able to spend on a daily basis. If you don't typically carry that much in checking, you can see why using your eCheck card could lead to problems.

Use eCheck (debit) for expenses you'd normally pay by cash or check:

• Groceries
• Shopping
• Gasoline
• Restaurants
• Services

Use your Credit Card for major expenses:

• Travel
• Hotels and rental cars
• Large purchases
• Instances where you need the 25-day grace period for payment

New! Verified by Visa: For Secure Online Shopping

Verified by Visa is a new service that addresses a consumers number one concern when shopping online: security. Verified by Visa enables you to add an online password to your existing card so that you can be certain that no one else can successfully use your EFCU Visa* Credit Card or Debit Card online without knowledge of your unique password. You must register your card and choose a password to activate this service. Click Here to register your debit card.

The on-line limits for the debit card are as follows:

Maximum ATM/POS withdrawal	$500.00
Maximum VISA withdrawal	$2000.00

The off-line limits for the debit card are as follows:

Maximum ATM/POS withdrawal	$200.00
Maximum VISA withdrawal	$1000.00

All transactions shall be authorized based on the actual balance of the account, minus any outstanding authorizations.

Please note, also, that multiple swipes by a merchant may indeed result in a multiple charge to your card or in a hold for that amount. Always check with a merchant if your card has been swiped more than once.

Lost your eCheck Debit card?

Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 4:00 pm: Call EFCU at 800-223-2177 or 301-670-1300, option 3.

Holidays, weekends, or after hours: Call 800-472-3272

When you lose your ATM or Debit card:

• Report the theft immediately to the card issuer. The amount you can be held responsible for depends on how quickly you report the loss to the card issuer.
• It's a good idea to follow up the phone call with a letter--ask the representative where you should send such a letter. Include the account number, when you noticed your card was missing, and the date your reported the loss.
• If possible, transfer any money available through the card to a safe place--if you have a joint account with a spouse, you can transfer it there or ask a representative to open an Accumulator Savings Account on your current account. This particular subaccount cannot be accessed via ATM or Debit cards.
• Continue to monitor the activity on your account through eBranch or Powerline. If you see any more unauthorized activity after you reported the stolen/lost card, send a letter to the card issuer decribing each questionable charge and telling them when you reported the card stolen/lost.

For tips on Preventing Stolen ATM or Debit Cards and Fraud, click here.

Federally Insured by NCUA

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