•A text alert from us warning of suspicious activity on your card will NEVER include a link to be clicked. Never click on a link in a text message that is supposedly from us. A valid notification will provide information about the suspect transaction and ask the cardholder to reply to the text message with answers such as ‘yes’, ‘no’, ‘help’, or ‘stop’. It will never include a link.
• A text alert from us will always be from a 5-digit number and NOT a 10-digit number resembling a phone number. Text caller IDs will be 20733 or 37268.
• A phone call from our institution’s automated dialer will only include a request for your zip code, and no other personal information, unless you confirm that a transaction is fraudulent. Only then will you be transferred to an agent who will ask questions to confirm that you are the actual cardholder before going through your transactions with you. If at any point you are uncertain about questions being asked or the call itself, hang up and call us directly. If a call is received by the cardholder, claiming to be our call center and asking to verify transactions, no information should have to be provided by the cardholder other than their zip code, and a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the transaction provided.
• We will NEVER ask you for your PIN or the 3-digit security code on the back of your card. Don’t give them out to anyone, no matter what they say. Hang up and call us directly. Fraudsters will often ask cardholders to verify fake transactions. When the cardholder says no, they did not perform those transactions, the fraudster then says that their card will be blocked, a new card will be issued, and that they need the card’s PIN to put it on the new card. Many people believe this and provide their PIN. The 3- digit CV2 code on the back of the card will allow a fraudster to conduct card-not-present transactions.
• Regularly check your account online to see if there are any suspicious transactions that have occurred, but especially If you are unsure about a call or text message you’ve received. If anything looks amiss, call us directly for assistance.
• If you have received a voice- or a text message from us and are unsure about responding to it, call us directly for assistance.
Increased Membership Means Higher Returns, Lower Rates for Current Members
Every time you stop into SIUE Credit Union, there’s a good chance you’ll bump into a coworker who’s also there to take advantage of our great services and low rates. But beginning this summer, you’ll also start spotting your friends and neighbors in the lobby or drive-up lane.
Starting in July, SIUE Credit Union is opening membership to those living in Madison and St. Clair Counties! While expanding eligibility provides access to more area residents, it will also pay off for SIUECU’s 2,000 current members – thanks to higher returns on savings, lower rates on loans, and fewer fees on banking services. Further, it will keep ownership of the organization in the hands of those who live, work and teach in our region.
Community-focused, customer-driven
From the day we opened our doors in 1959, SIUE Credit Union has been focused on the Edwardsville community, helping our members grow and prosper financially right here at home.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve witnessed a rapid increase in credit union mergers due to increased regulations, infrastructure costs and technology challenges. According to American Banker, there were 670 mergers between 2015-2017, and right here in Illinois, the number of community and professional credit unions has dwindled from a height of 857 in 1991 to 261 as of March 2018.
With our stable financial foundation and solid member base, the SIUE Credit Union board of directors knew we were one of the few remaining independent credit unions that could continue to stand strong on our own. However, to keep rates competitive for our current members, that would also require additional growth. At our Annual Meeting in March 2017, the decision was made to welcome the residents of Madison and St. Clair Counties to ensure that the SIUECU remains community-focused, customer driven, and financially strong.
The financial benefits of membership
While some members may be concerned about expanding services to those outside the education field, the financial benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
“It all comes down to efficiency through volume,” said Kathy McKinnon, president and CEO of SIUE Credit Union. “With more members, we can negotiate a better rate structure for our members and take advantage of the influx of lending in St. Clair and Madison Counties. That means less money the members have to spend to fulfill their dreams, whether that is a new home, a new vehicle, or college education.”
At the same time, increased growth allows SIUE Credit Union to expand our investment in technology that makes banking easier and more efficient for our members. We’re continuing to upgrade our online presence, and later this fall, an enhanced mobile app will elevate your mobile banking experience.
Said McKinnon, “Technology costs are a top reason for the merger of community credit unions. However, SIUE Credit Union understands the importance of online banking and remains at the forefront of the industry to meet the diverse needs of our members.”
As always, your satisfaction with SIUE Credit Union remains our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service department at 618-650-3760.
Online Bill Pay
If the time, expense and hassle of paying bills aren’t really your idea of time well spent, then consider a convenient alternative – Online Bill Pay from SIUE Credit Union. You can set up a customized payment list, schedule one-time or recurring payments, view your payment history and more!
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s secure. Print this form and return it to our office to get started.
Avoid Account Fraud
Remember, SIUECU will never contact you to ask for personal details or account information. Contact us directly if you ever receive such phone calls, emails or letters, and help us guard against fraud.
