What's New

ALERT- New Smishing Scam Via Text Messaging – May 9, 2013

Please be aware that members are reporting receiving fraudulent text messages. Two separate versions have been reported, the text-messages read:

“([FirstCityCU]) Call: 817 430 1037. 424734XXXXXX.Accnt.Issue.”

“([FirstCityCU]) Call: 912 303 8092. 424734XXXXXX.Accnt.Issue.”

Once the number is called, members are asked to enter the card number and press #.
This is another scam used to capture your personal information! DO NOT click any link or call the provided number as you are putting yourself in serious danger of identity theft. Immediately delete the message from your phone. The numbers have been logged, reported, and are in the process of being deactivated.

First City will NEVER request personal information via phone or text messaging. Please report these to fraudalert@firstcitycu.org

ALERT- Phishing Scam Via Text Messaging – February 25, 2013

Please be aware that members are reporting receiving fraudulent text messages from the California Credit Union (CCU). The text-message reads: “CUSTOMER ISSUE, CALIFORNIA CREDIT UNION SERVICE FROZEN. PLEASE CALL XXX-XXX-XXXX.”

This is a scam to capture your personal information! DO NOT click the links or call the numbers as you are putting yourself in serious danger of identity theft. Immediately delete the message from your phone.

First City will NEVER request personal information via phone or text messaging.

Thank you.

Most People Think Big Banks Have More ATMs and Branches…

It’s Just NOT True! First City Has Way MORE Fee-FREE ATMs

According to Nerdwallet.com, credit unions such as First City that participate in the CO-OP® ATM network have way more fee-free ATMs nationwide than Bank of America and ALL other major banks—(we could have told them that)! Popular retailers such as 7-Eleven®, Costco® and Walgreens® are just some of the convenient places you can get cash fee-FREE. Compare and see for yourself how easy it is to find an ATM as a First City member:

     Source: nerdwallet.com

With Over 6,000 Locations—We Have MORE Branches Than Chase!
 

As far as branches go, First City can compete with the big banks when you take into consideration our affiliation with the CU Service Centers® shared branch network. By joining cooperatively with other credit unions nationwide and internationally, First City gives you access to over 6,000 CU Service Centers. So, no matter where your travels take you, there’s always a branch nearby!

Find a CO-OP ATM or a CU Service Center near you on our homepage.
 

Driving Gives You Freedom.  Your Auto Loan Should Too.  
New and Used Auto Rates as Low as 2.25% APR* for up to 60 months!

MPOWER^TM is Here!

Experience financial freedom with a new or used auto, or lower your payments by refinancing your loan from another lender at First City. Not only will you get rock-bottom rates, but every First City auto loan also includes these complimentary MPOWER+ VEHICLE LOAN PROTECTION benefits:

• MPOWER + Vehicle Return Program – allows you to walk away from your loan obligation should uncontrollable circumstances cause you to lose your income within 6 months following your purchase or refinance. (Available for all vehicles)
• 24/7 Roadside Assistance for the life of your loan—including towing, flat tire changes, jump starts, fluid delivery, and lockout and concierge services—to get you back on the road safely.

Apply Now!
To apply for your auto loan, call (800) 944-2200, ext. 5 - anytime, or apply here with the Instant Loan Application.

*Annual Percentage Rate. Rates may vary depending on your credit qualifications, term, model year of vehicle, mileage and loan-to-value. No payment for 90 days offer is not available on existing First City loans. Payment estimate: on a $15,000 loan with a term of 60 months at 2.25% APR = $265. 2006 model years or newer up to 110% of Kelley Blue Book value for used cars, or 110% MSRP for new cars. This offer cannot be combined with other First City promotional offers. Rates and program details subject to change without notice. Credit approval is required. Other conditions may apply.  MPower products not available on Indirect loans.
**Interest will accrue from date of funding.
 

New! Change Your User ID in Homebanking to a Code of Your Choosing

The Alternate User ID function is now enabled for all membership accounts on Home Banking. This will allow members to change their user id from their current member number to something more personal and secure. To change their user id to an alternate user id, the member must be logged into Home Banking. It’s located under User Options, Change User ID. Shown below are the requirements for the alternate user id:

NOTE: Your new User ID should:

• be different than your current User ID
• be 6 to 36 characters in length
• contain a letter
• contain a number

Members who have an alternate user id setup on their account must use this when logging into Home Banking. Their member number will no longer work after the change.

Take First City's Visa Platinum with You Everywhere You Go!

Rates as Low as 9.25% APR*

Carrying around credit cards with annual fees, balance transfer fees, cash advances fees, and penalty rate increases, is dragging you down! Escape to what First City offers:

• NO annual fee
• NO balance transfer or cash advance fees
• A true 25-day grace period on purchases
• Generous credit limit up to $15,000

You’ll also enjoy plugging into these Platinum-level perks:
• Up to $500,000 coverage in travel insurance
• Up to $15,000 coverage for personal ID Theft
• Auto Rental and Collision Damage Repair and more!

Apply for Your First City Visa Platinum Credit Card Today!

Cut to the chase and get a low rate and fewer fees... Apply for a First City Visa Platinum! To apply, call (800) 944-2200, ext. 5, or apply here on the Instant Loan Application.

*Variable rate based on the Prime Rate plus a margin, subject to change monthly. Your rate and margin may vary, depending on your credit qualifications. Credit approval required.

Make the Big Switch-A-Roo to First City Checking!

Think Big on Benefits, small on fees and what you've got is First City Checking--checking as you please! When you switch to a First City Checking Account, you won't feel crossed up with:

• FREE debit card purchases with NO monthly fee
• Fee-FREE withdrawals and deposits at over 28,000 CO-OP® ATMs nationwide
• First 50 checks FREE
• FREE FirstCityLink online banking and bill payment
• FREE point-of-sale transactions (some merchants add a transaction fee)

For more information or to apply for a checking account, click here or call (800) 944-2200, ext. 0. Or stop by any First City branch. 52 reasons to open a First City checking account

A Share-Secured Loan Offers a Rainbow of Benefits…

A Share Secured Loan is a bright idea if you want to build your credit or need to make a purchase, but don't want to dip into savings. Here’s how it works:
• Use the funds in your Savings or Term Certificate Account as security against the loan
• Pay just 1.50% APR* over your current dividend rate while you continue to earn dividends on your savings
• Enjoy flexible terms and pay NO fees

Apply for your share-secured loan today! Call (800) 944-2200, ext. 5 - anytime, or apply here with the Instant Loan Application.

*Annual Percentage Rate. Rate based on current dividend rate plus 1.50% APR. Term is based on certificate maturity or maximum of 60 months for share-secured. Rate is subject to change without notice.

New Branch and ATM Finder iPhone Apps

CO-OP ATM Network or CU Service Centers have introduced iPhone locator Apps! CU Service Center app is also available on your Android. First City members have free access to over 25,000 CO-OP ATMs (including 5,500 7-Eleven stores), and 2,600 CU Service Center branches nationwide. To find the nearest location on our web site, simply type in your zip in the Branch/ATM locator box at www.firstcitycu.org. 

Bank with your smart phone! Type wireless.firstcitycu.org on your smart phone’s browser and use your member number and home banking passcode to log-in. 

Refinance Now for a Lower Monthly Payment
Record Low Mortgage Rates

With our partnership with CU Members Mortgage, First City is able to offer a full range of first mortgage products at record-low rates… for purchase or refinance.

• VA Loans
• FHA Loans
• First-Time Homebuyer Loans
• 15, 20, 30 and 40 year terms
• Reverse Mortgages
• Out of state
• Non-owner occupied and multiple unit properties

Apply 24-hours a Day
For more information about CU Members, or to apply 24 hours a day, click on the First Mortgage Link. You can also apply 24/7 by calling (800) 944-2200, ext. 6. Qualified applicants are approved in minutes, and offered a choice of rates and options. Also ask about our home equity loan, and line of credit.

IMPORTANT:  IF YOU HAVE A VISA CHECK (DEBIT) OR ATM CARD, PLEASE READ

Changes to Courtesy Pay Debit Transactions
New federal regulations, effective August 15, 2010 have required that consumers "Opt-in" for Courtesy Pay to cover debit transactions made at merchant locations, such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc.* This regulation includes transactions made with your Visa Check (debit) or ATM card.

What Happens If You Don't "Opt-in"
Unless you "Opt-in," your purchases made with your Visa Check (debit) or ATM card will be denied if funds are not available in the your checking account to cover the transaction - even in emergencies or while you are traveling.

How Do You "Opt-in"?
To Opt-in, please click here for the online form.  Or call (800) 944-2200, ext. 0, or stop by any First City branch for a printed copy.

*This regulation only includes debit transactions made at merchant locations.  It does not include checks, ACH electronic transactions, or online transactions, which will continue to be covered by Courtesy Pay on a discretionary basis for qualified members.

Courtesy Pay:
A Valuable Convenience—If Handled Responsibly
Courtesy Pay is an overdraft service provided to qualified First City checking account holders, to protect against Non-sufficient Funds (NSF).  Courtesy Pay covers overdrawn checking transactions*—including checks, ACH electronic payments, internet, and merchant debit purchases—up to a designated limit.

Courtesy Pay protects against the inconvenience and expense of NSFs.  And it can save you hundreds of dollars in merchant fees and penalties, while it protects your good name and credit rating.  At the same, the service must be handled with care. Here's why:
 

• A $29 fee is charged each time the service is used (up to maximum of five items a day).
• An item covered by Courtesy Pay must be paid within 18 days, or it will be referred to Collections, and an additional $25 fee will be charged.
• If the item is not paid within 30 days, the service will be shut-off, and the item may be reported to credit agencies.  The member's checking account may also be closed.

To avoid using overdrawing your account, should regularly monitor your clearings, available balance, and deposits.   Our free FirstCitylink online banking service at www.firstcitycu.org, makes it easy. You can also use PhoneTeller, our 24-hour automated phone service, at 800-934-2489, or call (800) 944-2200, ext. 0 for personal assistance, 8 am - 6 pm, Monday-Friday..

Member checking transactions can also be covered by First City's Overdraft Protection service, with automatic transfers from available funds in regular Savings or Visa Platinum Credit Card account. Unlike Courtesy Pay, there is no fee to use this service. To request Overdraft Protection from your Savings Account, call (800) 944-2200, ext. 0, 8 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Friday.  Apply here for a Visa Platinum Credit Card 24 hours a day, or dial ext. 5.

First City's Courtesy Pay service is non-contractual and discretionary. It is available only to members with accounts in good standing that have been open at least 60 days. We reserve the right to cancel the service at anytime, without notice.

Go GREEN With Us!
Sign up for eStatements!
 
Did you know that the printing of First City monthly statements requires about 1.4 million pieces of paper each year?  That's why we want to encourage members to receive their statements online.  Help us save our forest!  Sign up for eStatements!

Top 10 Reasons To Sign Up for eStatements

1. It's safe and secure:  Banking on the internet (including, online banking, eStatements and bill payment) is the most secure way to do your banking.  It is fully encrypted within an electronically secured environment that only the account holder can access (assuming you do not give your PIN to anyone). It is certainly more secure than receiving your bills and statements in your mailbox!
   
2. Your statements arrive faster:  eStatements are available to you the day they are processed (generally the first or second business day of each month).  Mailed statements are delivered around the sixth or seventh day of the month, depending on the statement processor and the U.S. Postal Service.
   
3. They are easy to access:  After you sign-up, your next month's eStatement will be available within FirstCitylink online banking. When your eStatement is processed, you will receive an email telling you that it is available for viewing..  You can then access your statement by clicking on the eStatement button in online banking.
   
4. Copies of your checks are instantly available:  A free copy of the front and back of your check (with endorsement) is available to view and print, simply by clicking on the check number in your eStatement.  With mailed statements, if you need a copy of a check, you would need to order it from the credit union, pay a small fee, and wait for it to arrive by mail.
   
5. You have instant access to your last 12 months of statements:  eStatements are stored within online banking, and available for viewing, for a year.
   
6. You can print eStatements if you want paper copies:  eStatements can be printed if you ever need a copy, or want to keep for your records.
   
7. eStatements are GREEN!  Every year, printed statements require an enormous amount of paper.  SAVE A TREE!  Sign up for eStatements!
   
8. eStatements save your credit union money:  Each mailed statement costs First City about $2.13, including the cost of the paper, printing, processing, and postage - and the costs are rising every year.  eStatements cost the credit union about 10-cents each.  Remember: credit union cost savings and earnings are returned to you, as a member/owner, in the form of better rates and higher quality services!
   
9. eStatements, online banking, and bill payment are FREE:  There is no cost to use First City's online banking services. 
   
10. It's easy to sign up:  To sign up for eStatements, simply click on the eStatement within FirstCitylink online banking.  If you are not registered for online banking, click on the "Sign-up" button in the FirstCitylink box on the home page of www.firstcitycu.org.   

View Your Statements Online

Your First City monthly statements are now available within our FirstCitylink online banking service. eStatements are displayed in the same easy-to-read format as our printed statements – plus you’ll be able to view and print-out copies of your checks! If you are not yet registered for online banking, click on the “Sign-up” link in the FirstCitylink box at www.firstcitycu.org. It’s easy, and it’s FREE!
 

New!  Special Offers for First City members

Discounted Disneyland tickets are available to First City members within our FREE FirstCitylink online banking service!  To order your tickets, click on the "Buy Disneyland Tickets Now" link within online banking.  You must be a registered user of online banking qualify for the Disneyland discount.  To register, click on the FirstCitylink "Sign-up" link at www.firstcitycu.org.

Member-only Aquarium of the Pacific Discounts
 
First City has signed up for the the Aquarium of the Pacific Member and Employee Online Discount Tickets Program. This means, as a member,  you can now buy discounted tickets for the Aquarium of the Pacific online!   You may purchase tickets by going directly to their online store at https://affiliatetickets.aquariumofpacific.org and entering this personalized Store Name: First City Credit Union

We hope you are able to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific soon!

Montrose Travel
Montrose Travel offers

Refer a Friend and You BOTH Get $25!

When you refer a friend, family member or co-worker for first city membership, you'll both receive $25! Have your friend submit the Referral Form and you'll get $25 when their new accounts are opened.

Who Can Join:

For more information, or to verify that the person you are referring can join, call (800) 944-2200, ext. 0 or visit the "Become a Member"  section.

Don't Get PHISHED!
 

"Phishing" is a term used by Internet fraud artists who send email lures to "fish" for private information, such as passwords and account numbers from consumers.  Personal information should never be provided to a site or email, unless you initiate a request or inquiry. And remember: First City, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), or any other reputable organization, would never solicit personal information from you through an email! If you suspect that you have been phished under the guise of First City's name, please call (800) 944-2200, ext. 0. For more information about protecting yourself from fraud, please visit the Federal Trade Commission site at http://onguardonline.gov/index.html

Online Banking Security Upgrade
Enhanced Login Procedures Provide Added Protection

Your online security is important to us. We have upgraded your online banking experience to include a new security service, which is known in the online security industry as Multifactor Authentication (MFA), to further help protect you from identity theft. At First City Credit Union we refer to this as Enhanced Login Security. With this enhanced login security, both your online banking password and your computer will be automatically recognized by our data processing systems. This feature will tell us if you’ve logged on to online banking from a public computer or one you have NOT used before. If you’re using a computer we do not recognize, we will e-mail a temporary passcode to your personal mobile phone. You will need to know the temporary passcode, in addition to your online banking password, to access your account. This will prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. Your Homebanking password will need to be changed semiannually for security reasons.  You will be prompted in Homebanking when the password change is required.

Signing Up for Enhanced Security

Simply sign up once, using the home banking login prompts for Enhanced Security, register your PC and email address, and you’re all set. The next time you log in, it’s business as usual. The rest of your online banking experience will remain the same. We’ve posted a list of Frequently Asked Questions about these new features here. For assistance or more information on Enhanced Login Security, please contact us at (800) 944-2200, ext. 0.