Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Credit Union?
A credit union is a non-profit institution that is owned and operated entirely by its members. Credit unions provide financial services for their members, including savings and lending. All board members and committee members for the credit union are volunteers as opposed to banks who pay all board and committee members.
Who is eligible to join Stewart’s Federal Credit Union?
To join Stewart’s FCU you must be a partner, retiree or producer of Stewart’s Shops or an immediate family member of an existing member. When a person deposits money in a credit union, he/she becomes a member of the credit union because the deposit is considered partial ownership in the credit union.
How do I join the credit union?
There is a membership application that needs to be completed. You can come in to fill out an application or call the credit union and a staff member can take your information over the phone. Applications are also available online, at district offices, the Plant, and the Ridge. For identification purposes, a copy of your driver’s license or government ID is required. A minimum deposit of $10 in a share/savings account is also required.
Can I keep my account open once I leave Stewart’s Shops?
Yes. Once a member joins the credit union, they are always a member of the credit union until the account is closed.
Do you have a Notary Public on staff?
Yes, we have 3 on staff. Call ahead to confirm a Notary will be available.
When will my Christmas Club be available?
Your Christmas Club will be transferred into your share savings account on October 1st.
How can I make a withdrawal if I do not live near the Credit Union?
You can obtain your money the following ways:
Withdraw funds from your Stewart’s CU share/savings account or draft/checking account with your ATM Card or VISA debit card. At any Stewart’s Shops ATM, you get 5 FREE withdrawals per month, with a $1 fee for each withdrawal thereafter. This partnership with Stewart’s Shops gives us the ability to enable our members to have FREE ATM withdrawals in a secure and convenient location!
Request a check from your savings account by calling the VRU at 518-581-1201 ext. 7900.
Order a check from your savings account online at www.stewartscu.com using our home banking program.
Contact the Credit Union at 518-581-1201 ext. 3900 to request a check mailed to you.
How can I create a home banking login?
Simply click on the Get Started tab located below the User ID number box, follow the prompts, enter your 5-digit account number, answer questions presented, and create your User ID and Password. You will be using these credentials as you go forward. With each device, you will be prompted upon first login to answer a security question. This service is provided to you for FREE and is available 24/7.
I forgot my home banking password, what do I do?
Click the “click here if you forgot your password” button on the login screen. A temporary password will be sent to you. Keep in mind that after 3 wrong tries you will be locked out of your home banking account. If this happens, you will need to call the credit union to be unlocked.
How can I make a deposit if I can’t make into the Credit Union?
You can use Deposzip to remotely deposit your checks into your account simply by taking a picture of the check with your smart phone (iPhone or Android) through the Stewart’s FCU app. From any location, your deposit is easy and secure. You will need to contact the Credit Union to be enrolled and important information will be sent to you at that time.
You can send a check via the mail; we can send you postage paid/self-addressed envelopes for your convenience.
Do you offer overdraft protection?
If you have funds in your savings account, we will transfer to your draft checking account to cover the first 3 overdrafts per month FREE, after the 3rd there will be a $2 fee per transfer.
What is Courtesy Pay?
If you have a transaction come through and you do not have enough money in your checking account to cover it, we will first try to cover the overdraft by using Overdraft Protection from your savings account. Once your Overdraft Protection options have been exhausted, we may pay the overdraft through Courtesy Pay (up to $200 limit including fees) if you are opted in.
The Courtesy Pay limit includes the amount of the overdraft(s), plus a Paid Courtesy Pay Fee of $20 per transaction.
Courtesy Pay applies to checks, ACH (automatic or pre-authorized) debits, Bill Pay transactions, and debit card transactions.
You are responsible for managing your account; we recommend you regularly monitor your account through Online and/or Mobile Banking so you are immediately aware if an overdraft occurs.
If you exceed your Courtesy Pay limit, any additional transactions for payment will be returned and applicable fees will be applied.
If I change my address with the payroll department at Stewart’s, is it changed at the Credit Union?
No, we need to receive a change directly from the member.
How do I change my address?
All address changes must be made in writing and sent to the credit union. They may be faxed, scanned and emailed, or sent by US mail and must contain a signature and date. Address changes can also be made in person at the credit union. For a docusign option, call the credit union.
How do I change my name on my account?
We need a copy of the legal document stating that your name has changed (i.e., copy of marriage license, divorce decree or driver’s license). It may be faxed, scanned and emailed, or sent by US mail.
What are the credit union hours?
Monday – Wednesday: 8am – 3pm
Thursday & Friday: 8am – 5pm
At the Plant:
Tuesday: 11am – 1pm (in the hauling office)
Thursday: 11am – 1pm (in Fishbowl conference room)
How can I direct deposit to the credit union?
We can set up your direct deposit with Stewart’s Shops. If your direct deposit is coming from another employer, you would need to set it up by using our routing number and your 14-digit account number. You may need to call the Credit Union for verification.
Can I direct deposit into my credit union from an employer other than Stewart’s Shops (including Social Security or pension checks)?
Yes. Your employer would need your 14-digit account number and the credit unions routing number (021382642).
Can I direct deposit some of my payroll check to the credit union?
Yes. You can direct deposit just a portion of your check to the credit union and another portion to another financial institution.
What is your routing number and what does it mean?
Routing numbers are used to signify each financial institution as well as the Federal Reserve Bank used by that institution. Stewart’s FCU routing number is 021382642.
Does my share draft checking account have to maintain a certain balance?
No minimum balance is required.
Does my share savings account have to maintain a certain balance?
You need to maintain a balance of $10.00 for an individual account and $20.00 for a joint account.
Do I have to open a savings account if I only want a share draft checking account?
Yes. The savings account represents your ownership within the credit union and qualifies you as a member. As a member you are entitled to all other services we offer, one of which is a share draft checking account.
Does Stewart’s FCU offer CD’s (Certificate of Deposit)?
Yes. A CD is a savings certificate entitling the owner to receive interest. A CD has a maturity date with a specified fixed interest rate. When you open a CD, your money is on deposit for a specific time period. For agreeing to keep it on deposit for a specified time period, you earn more than you would in a regular savings account. If you cash it in before its maturity date, you pay a penalty.
Stewart’s FCU offers certificates with terms of 6, 12, and 24 months and minimum balances of $500. Funds withdrawn before the maturity date of the certificate are subject to a penalty of the loss of 90 days of interest. If the certificate has not been on deposit for 90 days, the penalty will be all interest since purchase. Rates for certificates are available on the “Rate Addendum and Schedule of Fees and Charges” sheet.
How much do checks cost?
When opening a new draft checking account, your 1st box of checks is FREE! We offer basic checks at a reduced cost. Call the credit union for the current cost.
How can I check my balances?
Download our FREE Stewart’s Federal Credit Union APP! Managing your finances anytime, anywhere with Mobile Banking is so easy. Search Stewart’s Federal Credit Union in your App store to download!
Members may use home banking to access their accounts online through our website.
Our 24/7 phone system, Voice Response Unit (VRU) at 518-581-1201, ext. 7900.
Members may call the credit union and speak to our friendly staff!
How do I place a stop payment on a check or ACH Transaction?
Contact the credit union for assistance. A Stop Payment form must be completed and signed. There is a fee for stop payment located on the “Rate Addendum and Schedule of Fees and Charges” sheet.
Loans
Do I have to be a member to apply for a loan?
Yes. Members with a minimum of a Share/Savings Account can apply. There is no waiting period for a member to apply for a loan.
How do I apply for a loan?
Loan applications can be completed online, by mail or by stopping into the credit union office.
What types of loans do you offer?
New and Used Auto/Motorcycle, Personal, Secured Personal, Share Secured, Recreation and Home Equity.
Do I have to come to the credit union to sign loan documents?
No. We use DocuSign, where you can sign your loan document on your computer or cellphone. Loan documents may be faxed or emailed to members, signed, and sent back to the credit union.
When are loan payments due?
All loan payments are due the last business day of the month. There is a 10 day grace period before loans are considered late and charged a fee.
Do you do mortgages?
Yes. While we do not do them in-house, we work in cooperation with Homeowner’s Advantage to provide mortgages to our members.
Electronic Banking
What online services do you have?
Home banking:
Perform account inquires
Make a withdrawal (have an official bank check sent to you)
Account transfers
View cleared drafts/checks
Name your accounts
E-statements
Bill Pay
Deposzip: Mobile Check Deposit
Spot Pay: Take payments over the phone or through our website from another financial institution with a small fee (fee can be found on “Rate Addendum and Schedule of Fees and Charges” sheet).
Do you offer E-statements?
Yes. E-statements are a safe, smart, and convenient way to receive your statements. They are delivered in an easy-to-read format. You don’t have to wait days for them to show up in the mail. Every statement cycle, we will send you an e-mail as soon as the statement is available to you.
How do I sign up for E-statements?
Simply log into Home Banking and click on the Statement tab at the top of the page to enroll. The next month you will start receiving your E-statements!
Do you offer online bill payment and if so, what is the cost?
FREE Online bill payment is available to all members with a draft account. Just imagine no stamps, no more checks, no running to the post office, no standing in line, and no late fees.
How do I sign up of online bill payment?
Simply log into Homebanking, go to Bill Pay at the top of the page, and follow the prompts. There is an informative tutorial.
How do I pay a Stewart’s FCU loan using another financial institution?
Using SPOT PAY you can pay a loan either by calling in or going to our website. There is a fee per payment. Refer to our Fee Schedule.
Do you accept and send wires?
Yes. To send funds from your Stewart’s FCU Account, there is a form that needs to be completed and signed. Please call the credit union for assistance. There is a fee for outgoing wires, located on the “Rate Addendum and Schedule of Fees and Charges” sheet.
To wire funds into your account with Stewart’s FCU follow the instructions below:
Wire to:
EASCORP
35 Corporate Drive
Burlington, MA 01803
ABA Number or Routing Number: 211391773
Credit to:
Stewart’s Federal Credit Union
PO Box 435
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
ABA Number or Routing Number: 021382642
Final Credit:
Member Name & Account #
(Beneficiary)
ATM/Debit Cards
How long will it take for me to receive my ATM or Debit card?
You will receive your cards in 7 – 10 business days. Your PIN will arrive in a separate mailing, which could be the day before or after you receive your card.
Can I change or choose my PIN for my ATM or Debit Card?
Yes, call the credit union for assistance.
I forgot my pin. Can you tell me what it is?
No, we do not have access to your PIN, but we can change it with proper ID verification.
Do I get charged to check my balance at the ATM?
Yes, you are charged a $.75 Fee at Stewart’s Shops and $1.00 at non-Stewart’s Shops ATM’s.
Does the credit union have any ATMs that do not charge a fee?
You will get 5 FREE ATM withdrawals each month at any of the Stewart’s Shops ATM’s. After the 5th withdrawal, the Credit Union will be charging a $1.00 fee per withdrawal. This partnership with Stewart’s Shops will give us the ability to enable our members to have FREE ATM withdrawals, in a secure and convenient location!
Is there a limit to how many ATM transaction I can make?
You are allowed a maximum of 10 ATM transactions in the NYCE 24-hour cycle. The 24-hour period for the NYCE daily activity is from 7:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Are there limits on the amount of money I can withdraw with my ATM or Debit card?
Your DAILY cash and Point of Sale activity limit is $500.00 (i.e. a $200 grocery purchase using the ATM card will allow only a $300 cash withdrawal in the same 24 hour period).
I lost my Debit Card, what do I do?
If your VISA DEBIT Card is lost or stolen, it is critical that you contact VISA immediately at 1-800-543-5073 AND call the Credit Union office @1-518-581-1201 ext. 3900.
What is the SecurLOCK APP to help keep your debit cards more secure?
The FREE SecurLOCK app gives you the ability to control the functions of your VISA Debit Card. Simply go to your app store and download and install the SecurLOCK app. The features available: turn your card on and off entirely or by channel (in-store, online, mobile, ATM, etc.), set transaction spend limits, select geographic locations where the card can be used, set merchant locations where the card can be used, view recent transactions, and receive alerts for card usage.
Do you offer Apple Pay/Google Pay?
Apple Pay and Google Pay is available to all our members with a Stewart’s VISA Debit Card! Go to your mobile wallet and add your Stewart’s FCU Debit Card.
Pay confidently with VISA. Paying for purchases is easy and secure! It’s safe – your card details are never stored on your device.
