Making transactions through Direct Deposit or ACH (Automated Clearing House) is safe, convenient, and easy. With Direct Deposit you may receive your paycheck, benefit check, or other checks directly into your PFCU Savings or Share Draft Checking account.
It also allows you to opt for Originating Deposits, which means having money deposited directly into your PFCU account from another financial institution. You get secure, convenient transactions. You don't need to make trips to the credit union, wait for the mailman to deliver your check, or worry about mail delivery while you're away from home.
At Patriot Federal Credit Union, we know how important your time is. To help you make the most of it, we have a number of Direct Deposit options:
Direct Deposit/ACH Transactions authorizes your employer to automatically send your net pay directly to your credit union account. Your paycheck is protected against loss or theft. You'll also enjoy peace of mind in knowing your check is deposited, even when you're away from home. You no longer have to make special trips to the credit union or stand in long lines on payday. Upon receipt, your money could begin earning interest immediately. To download an application Click here.
"Direct Deposit is really convenient, I no longer have to stop by the credit union to deposit my check. It's great." -Barb Motichka, Chambersburg, PA
Automatic Recurring Transfers are convenient when you have to make loan payments, child support payments, etc. to other financial institutions. With this service you can have funds transferred from your PFCU Savings/Share Draft Checking Account to those obligations at another financial institution.
Quick$tart is a Direct Deposit Service for Federal Payments. The Quick$tart service, provided by PFCU, is designed to assist your enrollment in direct deposit for your Social Security check, as well as other federal payments you may receive. To enroll, simply request a Quick$tart enrollment form, available from any PFCU office.
Originating Deposits deposit funds directly to your PFCU share/share draft account from a savings/checking account at another financial institution. There is no charge for this convenient service.
Anytime, Anyplace Money Management Convenience Just Got More Convenient!
We know you love our family of convenience services. When you add our new PFCU e-BRANCH Internet Service, you are on the superhighway of convenience. Manage your accounts from any PC, anytime, anyplace. You can:
Any of these credit union convenience services is even more convenient when you use PFCU's eBRANCH Home Branching:
Call us today to find out how to get the most from your convenience services and eBRANCH Online Credit Union Internet Service.
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It's Easy To Use eBRANCH
* Look At Your Account Types For:
* Transfer Funds
* Do Check Withdrawals
* Read Messages Or Send Messages
That's all there is to it! You can rest assured your requests will be delivered as requested.
Need Assistance? Call our friendly credit union member service staff at (717) 263-4444 to get help with the service or your account, or to research a problem.
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How much does PFCU eBRANCH cost me?
Nothing. eBRANCH is free to PFCU members. There is no charge to access your accounts, perform inquiries, transfer funds, and perform other transactions.
Is it safe to access my accounts over the Internet?
Very safe. eBRANCH has a number of built-in security measures. These measures include password protection (PIN) and data encryption. PFCU has also installed and tested firewalls to protect our computers (and your data) from unwanted intruders. The browsers show you that security is in place. Navigator shows a key in the lower left hand corner of the screen; Internet Explorer shows a closed padlock.
What PIN number do I use?
Your SMARTLine PIN will allow you to enter eBRANCH. If you need to sign up for SMARTLine or eBRANCH, you can complete the eBRANCH online application and return it to PFCU. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) will be assigned to you in the mail.
Can anyone else see my account information?
Your information is kept confidential. eBRANCH requires both the correct account number and PIN to access account information. Keep in mind the computer you are using to access eBRANCH. If you are using a computer where others have access, you should clear the cache of the browser after exiting eBRANCH to ensure that the next user cannot see your information.
Will I receive a receipt for transaction performed online?
No. However, you can print your own record of transaction if you have a printer attached to your PC.
I am trying to print, but one side keeps getting cut off. What should I do?
Try resetting your printing options to landscape. This will give you a wider printing area.
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How do I access eBRANCH?
Over the Internet. You must have access to the Internet in order to use e-BRANCH.
When I try to access eBRANCH, I receive a message that says "http error 403, forbidden."
The web address is incorrect. You should exit to the PFCU home page and click on the e-BRANCH icon and re-bookmark it.
Are there restrictions on which browser I can use?
Yes. The following Internet browsers have 128 bit encryption (required for security of transactions): AOL 5 with upgrade, AOL 6, Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Internet Explorer 5.0 with upgrades, Netscape 4.7-service pack2 or higher. This list is not an all inclusive list nor is it meant to dictate what browser you must use.
How can I determine which browser version I have?
To check your browser's version:
For Internet Explorer: select ABOUT INTERNET EXPLORER.
For Netscape Navigator: select ABOUT NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR.
This opens a window that reveals the version information.
If the version is less than one of the above mentioned (AOL 5 with upgrade, AOL 6, Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Internet Explorer 5.0 with upgrades, Netscape 4.7-service pack2 or higher) or not 128 bit (cipher or encryption) capable you will need to complete an upgrade. You can contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) on how to complete an upgrade.
Why are the browsers that can be used limited?
For increased security and to safeguard your account only browsers with a minimum encryption level of 128 bits will be able to access e-branch. If you continue to have access problems, contact the credit union and we will direct you to another information source.
I am getting a message telling me that there is a Java-related error.
In order to use e-BRANCH Internet, you must be using a browser that is Java compatible. Java is a computer language some browsers understand. Versions of Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, Internet Explorer 5.0 with upgrades, Netscape 4.7-service pack2 or higher support Java. In AOL, you should be using version 5.0 with upgrade or AOL 6. You must also have selected to make Java active.
I use AOL and cannot log into e-BRANCH. What should I do?
You must use AOL Version AOL 5 with upgrade or AOL 6. Older versions of AOL may use browsers that do not support some of the technology required to use e-BRANCH's functions - i.e., security and graphics. Additionally, you must be using a browser version that is at least 5.0 or higher.
If you discover that the AOL version number is lower than 5.0 with upgrade or AOL 6, you will need to upgrade your AOL connection to use e-BRANCH.
To do so:
If your AOL version is 5.0 with upgrade or AOL 6, but your Internet Explorer Version is not at least IE 5.0 with upgrades, you must upgrade your Browser.
To do so:
*If you continue to have a problem using e-BRANCH, try to run Netscape through your AOL connection. This is done by connecting through AOL and then starting the Netscape application. You must obtain a copy of Netscape over the Internet or at a retail store. Using Netscape in this way bypasses the preferences stored in AOL for the AOL/Internet Explorer browser special version that is a part of AOL.
Because AOL uses a special version of Internet Explorer, using the standalone version of Internet Explorer will not change the problems you are having. This information (except the * text) has been provided directly from AOL.
We regret that PFCU is unable to provide computer or software support answers for the use of AOL or any other browser. If you have additional questions regarding your hardware or software, we recommend contacting the manufacturer of your hardware or software. For AOL CUSTOMER SUPPORT, please call: 1-800-827-6364.
Why does the response time seem so slow?
Response time is the result of a number of factors, including your computer hardware, Internet Service Provider (ISP), modem speed, and the amount of RAM your computer has. It is also affected by the overall traffic on the Internet and the number of people accessing the e-BRANCH
system at any given time.
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In brief, how does SMART Pay work?
You set up a merchant to be paid by either selecting them from a pre-existing list, or adding them to your personal list of merchants. There are two options available, as follows:
As a convenience to members, SMART Pay payment dates may be entered up to one (1) year in advance.
Does SMART Pay support members living outside the US?
The SMART Pay database and system are designed to support U.S. postal addresses. Your mailing address at the PFCU must be a valid U.S. address. Members can only use SMART Pay for vendors with U.S. addresses.
When I add a merchant, how long must I wait before I can make my first bill payment?
The vendor is added to your personal list. Please allow 10 days before scheduling your first payment.
Are there merchants that SMART Pay will not pay?
Yes. Excluded merchants are governmental agencies (including but not limited to federal, state, and local taxing authorities), collection agencies, as well as the recipients of court-ordered payments such as child support and alimony. Payments to any persons or organizations outside the United States.
What will happen if I submit a merchant that is listed on the SMART Pay "no pay" list above?
If SMART Pay detects a payment to an "excluded merchant," it will disallow it and remove it from the database. Any Payment Guarantee will not apply to late fees for payments that are inadvertently made to these merchants.
How long will it take for a merchant to receive payment?
Allow five business days for those merchants paid by paper check (unable to receive electronic payment). Please remember that PFCU cannot control the delivery of payments by the post office or the posting schedule of the merchant (when the payment is actually credited to your account). Because merchants may not post the payment the same day that they receive them, we recommend that you include a few "cushion" days in your timing of bill payments. It is your responsibility to select dates to allow enough time for the payment to get to the merchant so that you are not late with your payments.
What happens if there are not enough funds in my account to cover the payment?
We will be unable to process the Payment Request and you may incur an Overdraft Fee. You will also need to re-initiate the Payment Request.
Is there a dollar limit of checks that can be written?
There is no upper or lower limit for any given check.
I made a payment to a merchant through SMART Pay, and it has not been credited to my account? What should I do?
Check your records. Often, a typing error or date error is responsible for a missing payment. Wait at least fourteen business days for a check payment. Call the merchant at the end of this time to see whether they have received the payment. You should submit a Payment Inquiry to PFCU using this form, or call us at (717) 263-4444.
How long does it take to resolve Payment Inquiries?
PFCU service standard is that 80% of all payment inquiries are resolved within ten business days. The majority of payment inquiries are resolved within five business days. PFCU's ability to resolve payment inquiries quickly is dependent on the degree of merchant responsiveness.
Can I stop a payment?
Once a payment has been mailed or transferred by electronic funds transfer (EFT), it will be processed according to standard procedures. On an exception basis, PFCU may be able to stop a payment made to a check merchant.
How much does SMART PAY cost me?
Your initial 6 months of SMART Pay service is offered without a fee. After this introductory offer, SMART Pay is offered at no charge to PFCU members with a daily loan/deposit balance equal to or greater than $10,000 or a mortgage with PFCU.
The cost for SMART Pay service for members who do not qualify as specified by the above criteria is $4.95 /month for payment of up to six bills. Additional bills (over six) will cost $.75 per paid bill.
Send comments and suggestions to webmaster@patriotfcu.org. Refer to our disclosure statement for full disclosure of the products and services discussed in this site. All contents © 2000 Patriot Federal Credit Union. All Rights Reserved.
Try these two e-services to make your life simpler:
SMARTLine is an automated response system that allows members to inquire about account information and to conduct a variety of transactions simply by using a touch-tone phone. From the safety of home, members can:
Call SMARTLine from home, from work, at the airport, on vacation. If you have a touch-tone phone, you can manage your finances conveniently, wherever you are. To apply for this FREE service, call or visit your nearest credit union location. What could be more convenient?
"SMARTLine really saves a lot of time, you can use it 24-hours a day. And it's very easy to use."
-Marilyn Lingrel, Waynesboro, PA
SMART Pay is another option available to you when you enjoy the convenience of SMARTLine or e-Branch. The service is free to members.
SMART Pay is PFCU's convenient, easy to use bill payment service. With a call to our SMARTLine or a visit to e-BRANCH, you can pay your bills over the phone or via the computer, 24 hours a day, from anywhere in the United States.
With SMART Pay, writing checks and running for stamps are a thing of the past! And you use the same access you have for SMARTLine or e-Branch. It's that easy!
Look at these advantages:
Save With PFCU's No-Surcharge ATMs
Member Wire Transfers provide members with a means to withdraw funds from their PFCU account and have the funds transferred to almost any domestic financial institution.
Funds transfers may be sent or received via Fedwire. Here are the details: