Frequently Asked Questions
First Atlantic urges you to help yourself, by reading through our most frequently asked questions below. If you have a question that you would like us to add to this database, please e-mail us at service@fafcu.com (subject line: FAQs) and we will gladly research the question and post it with the answer below.
You may also Search Our Knowledgebase
Address Change
ACH Origination
ATM & Check Cards
Auto Loans
Automatic Transfers
Bank Checks
Check by Phone
Check Imaging
Checking Accounts
Direct Deposit
Enhanced Login Security
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Online Banking
Online Bill Pay
Personal Loans
Quicken™ and Money™ WebConnect
Rates and Fees
Savings Secured Loans
Stop Payments
Tellerphone
Term Share Loans
Wire Transfers
Address Change
Q: How do I change my address with First Atlantic?
A: There are three different ways you can change your address with us:
- In person at a Service Center (just bring photo ID with signature)
- Inside Online Banking in the Secure Forms section
- By Mail: go to the First Atlantic Forms and complete and sign an Address Change Request Form. Upon verifying your signature, your address will be changed.
ACH Origination
Q: What is ACH?
A: Automated Clearing House (ACH) Network. The ACH Network is a highly reliable and efficient nationwide batch-oriented electronic funds transfer system governed by the NACHA OPERATING RULES which provide for the interbank clearing of electronic payments for participating depository financial institutions. The Federal Reserve and Electronic Payments Network act as ACH Operators, central clearing facilities through which financial institutions transmit or receive ACH entries.
ACH payments include:
- Direct Deposit of payroll, Social Security and other government benefits, and tax refunds
- Direct Payment of consumer bills such as mortgages, loans, utility bills and insurance premiums
- Business-to-business payments
- E-checks
- E-commerce payments
- Federal, state and local tax payments
Q: What information is required when setting up an ACH with First Atlantic?
A: The following is required to complete ACH origination set up:
- Account number
- Start date
- Name of receiving or sending institution
- Dollar amount
- ABA number
First Atlantic Forms section)
ATM & Check Cards
Q: When I open a new checking account, how many Visa Check Cards am I able to receive free if it is a sole account?
A: You are only allowed one free Visa Check Card for each account holder.
Q: What is the maximum daily withdrawal limit when using my Visa Check Card at an ATM?
A: $500
Q: What is the maximum daily POS (point of sale) limit when using my Visa Check Card?
A: $750
Q: What is the maximum daily ATM withdrawal and POS limit when using a Visa Check Card?
A: $500 ATM
$750 POS
Q: If I have $5,000 in my checking account and want to make an online purchase for $1,100 using my Visa Check Card, will the purchase go through?
A: No, the purchase will not go through. However you can contact a Member Services Specialist, at 732-380-3600, and inquire about a temporary limit increase. Qualifications may apply.
Q: Can I have my daily Visa Check Card limit permanently increased?
A: Yes, as long as you meet certain criteria, you are eligible for a permanent increase. Please call a Member Services Specialist, at 732-380-3600, for further details.
Q: If I lose my Visa Check Card, is there a replacement fee?
A: Yes, it is currently $5 to replace a lost or stolen Visa Check Card.
Q: Even though I have a free checking account with First Atlantic, can I still have an ATM card?
A: Yes, you may although certain criteria may apply. Please see our Checking Comparison Chart for details.
Auto Loans
Q: What terms are available for new auto loans?
A: 24 months/ 36 months/ 48 months/ 60 months/ 72 months
Q: What terms are available for used auto loans?
A: 24 months/ 36 months/ 48 months/ 60 months/ 72 months
Q: Does First Atlantic offer leasing programs?
A: No
Q: Can I be pre-approved for an auto loan before shopping for a new or used car?
A: Yes, you can. Apply online today!
Q: Do I get a discount on my rate if I have direct deposit with First Atlantic?
A: Yes you do! All First Atlantic members who have direct deposit, get an additional .25% off of their auto loan rate.
Q: Does First Atlantic finance recreational vehicles? If so which ones?
A: Yes, we finance motor homes, watercrafts, and campers.
Q: What terms are available for new and used recreational vehicle loans?
A: New - Up to 144 months
Used - Up to 72 months
Q: Will First Atlantic finance my motorcycle?
A: Yes, we offer financing for Motorcycle loans.
Automatic Transfers
Q: What is an Automatic Transfer?
A: An automatic transfer is a scheduled transfer that you request in which funds will be moved automatically from one of you First Atlantic accounts to another at a requested frequency.
Q: Can I have automatic transfers set up to make loan payments?
A: Yes you can. You can set up automatic transfers for any First Atlantic account you own.
Q: How can I set up an Automatic Transfer?
A: You can call a Member Services Specialist at 732-380-3600 or visit a Service Center today and they will be more than happy to set one for you!
Bank Checks
Q: Is there a fee for a counter check?
A: Yes, there is a nominal fee.
Q: How can I place a stop payment on a counter check?
A: You can place a stop payment on a counter check by contacting a Member Services Specialist at 732-380-3600 or by visiting one of our Service Centers. There is a fee for a stop payment.
Q: What is required when performing a stop payment on a bank check?
A: Check number/date of the check/dollar amount/payable to information.
Check by Phone
Q: What is a check by phone transaction?
A: A check by phone is authorization by you, the member, to deduct funds from an account at another financial institution to make a First Atlantic loan payment. You will need to provide the ABA number account number, financial institution name and check number to complete the transaction.
Q: Is there a fee for a check by phone?
A: Yes, currently there is a fee for a check by phone.
Check Imaging
Q: How can I access my check images?
A: It's easy! Just go to www.fafcu.com and log in to your Online Banking account. Then:
- Click "Account Access"
- Click on "Checking"
- In the "Check #" column, click on the check number link (in blue)
- Your check image will appear in a separate browser window
You can then print it, copy it or simply view it from your Online Banking Account as needed. The front and back of each check is presented separately so bear this in mind when copying, e-mailing or printing
To print, copy/save or e-mail the check, "just mouse over" the check image in the upper left corner until you see the save, print, e-mail and image icons. You can also use your browser menu commands but since different browsers can work differently, it may be easier to "mouse over" instead.
Q: Are all my First Atlantic check images available?
A: No, only checks that cleared after the service implementation date of May 18, 2006.
Q: How long will my check images be available?
A: Your check images will be available for approximately 6 months.
Q: I clicked on a check number link but I received a message saying "Service Not Available". What does that mean?
A: There are four causes of an "Image Not Available" message:
- Check images will be viewable for approximately five minutes and will then time out. So, if you receive an "Image Not Available" message while you're viewing your checks, it may be because the image timed out. Just close the window and re-click the check image link to view it again.
- You may also see the "Image Not Available" message due to a lag time in the image transfer process. Should this occur, simply check back the next business day to view the check image.
- Check images are available for checks that cleared after May 18, 2006, when the service was installed in Online Banking. So, you will not be able to retrieve and image for a check that cleared prior to that date.
- ACH transactions will not have a check image, but will have a check number link next to the transaction on your Online Banking account.
Checking Accounts
Q: What age do I need to be to open a sole checking account?
A: You must be at least 18 years old to open a sole checking account with
First Atlantic.
Q: Even though I have a free checking account with First Atlantic, can I still have an ATM card?
A: Yes, you may although certain criteria may apply. Please see our Checking Comparison Chart for details.
Q: With a free checking account, do I have to maintain a minimum balance?
A: No, there is no minimum balance requirement with a First Atlantic free checking account.
Q: What is the minimum balance if I want to earn interest on my interest checking account?
A: $500
Q: What if the balance on my interest checking account falls below the minimum requirement?
A: The interest is forfeited for that month and you are assessed a $5.00 fee.
Q: If my prestige checking account drops below the minimum balance requirement, what fee, if any will I be charged?
A: A $5.00 monthly fee will be charged for each month that your balance is below the minimum requirement.
Q: How can I qualify for a First Atlantic prestige checking account?
A: Your checking account balance must average at least $1,000 per month or you must have an aggregate savings and loan balances with First Atlantic of $75,000 or more.
Q: Are my first 50 checks free for all First Atlantic checking accounts?
A: Yes.
Q: How can I reorder checks?
A: To reorder checks you can either call a Member Services Specialist at
732-380-3600, visit one of our Service Centers, or re-order online.
Direct Deposit
Q: What is Direct Deposit?
A: Direct Deposit is a service to transfer recurring funds (such as payroll, social security or disability) to your First Atlantic savings or checking account.
Q: How do I set up Direct Deposit?
A: You can easily set up Direct Deposit by completing a Direct Deposit form, which you can get from the First Atlantic Forms page, and submitting it to your Human Resources or Payroll Department at your current employer. You will need your First Atlantic savings or checking account number, as well as the First Atlantic ABA routing number which is 221275779.
Q: Is there a fee for Direct Deposit?
A: No, there is no fee to set-up or use Direct Deposit at First Atlantic.
Enhanced Login Security
Q: What is Enhanced Login Security?
A: This is a feature we are offering to help improve the security of your Online Banking account. Enrolling in Enhanced Login Security will help prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Q: What is an IRA?
A: An IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account. There are 3 different types of IRA accounts that First Atlantic offers: Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Coverdell IRA.
Q: What is a Traditional IRA?
A: A Traditional IRA could be the perfect choice if you're not covered by a retirement plan at work. You may be able to deduct your contributions from your taxes, and your earnings will grow tax-deferred.
Q: What is a Roth IRA?
A: A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that offers more flexibility than a traditional IRA allowing contributions to be withdrawn tax and penalty-free at any time. Your contributions are not tax deductible, but earnings grow tax-free when certain conditions are met.
Q: What is a Coverdell IRA?
A: This is an IRA that let's you save for your child or grandchild's educational expenses. Withdrawals for certain qualified education expenses are tax and penalty-free, and funds can be transferred from one child's account to an account for another child in the family.
Q: Is there a limit on how much I can deposit in my IRA?
A: Yes, for 2010 the limit is $5,000 for both traditional and Roth IRAs and $6,000 if you are over 50 years of age. The limit for Coverdell IRA is $2,000.
Online Banking
Q: How do I sign up for Online Banking?
A: Simply go to our Web site home page: fafcu.com. In the upper left-hand corner you will see our Online Banking login. Just enter your member number and password and you're ready to go!
First time users: Your password is the same as your Tellerphone password. If you do not have a Tellerphone password, simply use the last four digits of your social security number.
Q: Why is there a screen in Online Banking asking me to answer a challenge question?
A: This is the challenge question and answer that you set up when we launched Enhanced Login Security. You will be asked this question in Online Banking if you are logging in from a different computer than the one you were using when you enrolled.
Online Bill Pay
Q: What is the cost to use First Atlantic's Online Bill Pay service?
A: Online Bill Pay is free at First Atlantic.
Q: How do I register for Online Bill Pay?
A: You may register by logging into your Online Banking account and clicking on the Bill Payment icon. First, you will be requested to read and accept First Atlantic Federal Credit Union's authorization disclosure. Failure to accept the disclosure terms prevents the registration process from proceeding. After the disclosure is agreed to, you complete an online registration form. After submission, the registration form is electronically forwarded to First Atlantic Federal Credit Union for review. First Atlantic Federal Credit Union is responsible for checking the information submitted and for assigning the payment plan.
If you try to enter the Bill Pay session during the application-processing period, which usually takes about three days, you will be shown a page requesting that you wait for the acceptance notification.
Q: When can I start using Online Bill Pay?
A: After enrolling, you will first receive an Approval e-mail. Once your account has been enabled, you will receive an Activation e-mail indicating that you may log on to your Online Banking session, and begin using Online Bill Pay.
Q: What frequency of recurring payments is allowed?
A: The frequency of recurring payments can be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, semi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually.
Q: How do I find my recurring payments?
A: Recurring payments are viewed by selecting View Payments. To view recurring payments: Click the payee name link. A popup screen appears showing the recurring payee name, account number, process date, confirmation number, payment status (I.e., pending-recurring), payment frequency, and final payment date.
Q: How do I check the status of a payment?
A: Online Bill Pay tells you the status of your payment on the View Pending and History Payments page in the Status column. Please refer to the Status definitions for more information.
Q: What does payment status mean?
A: Payment Status indicates:
- a payment that is pending,
- a payment that has been sent.
- A single payment that is scheduled to be paid is shown as Pending-Single,
- A recurring payment that has not been paid is shown as Pending-Recurring,
- A payment that has been paid is shown as Payment Sent.
Q: How do I edit a pending payment?
A: To edit pending payments:
- In the View Payments screen, click the checkbox next to the payment to be changed.
- Click on Edit Payments. The Edit Payment screen appears.
- Click the appropriate field and enter the changes.
- Once the changes are correct, click the Edit Payments button.
Q: What does Estimated Total refer to?
A: The estimated total figure refers to the cumulative total amount for pending payments only. Totaling begins by adding the first payment to the next pending payment (by date), then to the next and so on. The total amount of all pending payments is shown in green. The 'Estimated Total' value assumes no payments will be edited or deleted and payment dates (pending and recurring) will be maintained.
Q: How do I view my history payments?
A: Payment history is viewed in the View Payments screen. When first viewed, payments for the past 15 days pending payments for the next 30 days are shown. For additional payment history:
- Enter a new date range using the Next Payment Date Range fields.
- Click on the Next Date Range button.
Q: How far back can I view historical payments?
A: At least six months of payment history can be viewed online. The Bill Pay processor maintains payment history for up to seven years.
Q: How quickly is Online Bill Pay updated when a new payee is added or when a payment account number is changed?
A: When you update payee information, the new information is available immediately.
Q: Can I use Online Bill Pay with all my accounts?
A: No, only a single checking account may be used for payments.
Q: When is Online Bill Pay available?
A: You may schedule payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Q: How are Online Bill Pay transactions reflected on my checking account?
A: All Bill Pay transactions are reflected as an ACH debit on the account statement.
Q: How do I add new payees?
A: You add payees by using the Add Payee page.
Q: How do I search for a payee?
A: To search for a payee: Select Payee.
- Click the Search for Payee button.
- Click the General, or VISA or MasterCard entry fields and enter the payee's name or the first 8 digits of the card number, as applicable.
- Click the Search for Payee button.
- If the payee's name is found on the database, click on the checkbox to the left of the Payee's name.
- Click the Select Payee button, the Add Payee screen appears.
- Add the Payee's nickname and account number. The account number may be found on the bill.
- Click the Add button, the Payee will be added to the list of Payees.
Q: Can I sort my list of payees?
A: Payees are automatically sorted and then displayed alphabetically starting from the top of the page.
Q: How do I delete a payee?
A: Pending payments must be deleted before a payee can be deleted. To delete a payee:
- Click the View Payments button, the View Payments screen appears.
- In the fields under Next Payment Date Range, enter the "From" and "To" dates for the pending payment.
- Click the Next Date Range button, all pending payments falling between these selected dates will be displayed within the View Payments screen.
- Click the checkbox next to the payment to be deleted.
- Click the Delete Payments button, the payment will be deleted from the view payment summary.
- Click the Payee button.
- Click the checkboxes of the payee to be deleted.
- Click the Delete Payee button, a new screen appears showing payee(s) to be deleted.
- Click the Cancel button to abort and return to the Payee list or;
- Click the Delete button to permanently delete the payee(s) from the payee list. A deleted payee confirmation screen will confirm this payee has been deleted.
Q: How long does it take to add a new payee to a payee list?
A: New payees added using the Add Payee page will be added to the payee list immediately.
Q: How do I change a payee's information?
A: Only the Nickname and Account Number may be edited once a payee is set up. To edit these items:
- Select Payees and your list of payees appear.
- From the Payee list, select the checkbox to the left of each payee to be edited.
- Click the Edit Payees button and information on selected payees appears.
- Fields for Account Number and Nickname contain the current description - edit fields you want to change.
- Click the Submit button and a confirmation page appears with the updated information and a status indicating whether the change was successful or not.
Q: If I receive an error message while scheduling payments, how can I be sure the payments are actually scheduled?
A: Return to the View Payments screen and verify your payment has been scheduled. From the View Payment screen, you may edit, delete, or re-schedule your
payment(s). Make sure that you are viewing the relevant date range.
Q: How do I schedule recurring payments?
A: To schedule recurring payments:
- Click the Schedule Payments button, the Schedule Payments screen appears showing current payees.
- Click the checkbox next to the payee to receive recurring payments.
- Click on the Amount field, then type in the amount of the payment. Do not include a dollar sign or comma:
- Press the Tab key or click the Recurring Date button, the Payment Date screen appears.
- Select the frequency of payment from the appropriate Payment Date drop-down menu.
Note: Entering payment data into any field causes the associated payment type to be selected. For example, selecting Monday from the drop-down box in the weekly field will cause the recurring payment radio button to be selected. Likewise, entering a date into the single payment date field causes the single payment radio button to be selected. This is done to provide visual feedback to the user of what type of payment has been selected.
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- In the Final Payment Date field, enter the date of the last recurring payment. Use the Tab key to navigate through the date fields.
- Click the OK button, a Payment Confirmation screen appears indicating payment was successfully scheduled.
Q: How do I skip a recurring payment?
A: Recurring payments cannot be skipped, only deleted.
Q: How do I delete a recurring payment?
A: CAUTION, deleting a recurring payment deletes all pending payments associated with that recurring payment. To delete a payment:
- Click the View Payments button, the View Payments screen appears.
- In the fields under Next Payment Date Range, enter the "From" and "To" dates for the pending payment.
Click the Next Date Range button, all pending payments falling between these selected dates will be displayed within the View Payments screen. - Click the checkbox next to the payment to be deleted.
- Click the Delete Payments button, the payment will be deleted from the view payment summary.
- Reschedule the new payment.
Q: What happens if sufficient funds (Non-sufficient funds or NSF) are not available in the account used for Online Bill Pay?
A: If a 'non-sufficient funds' condition exists, the debit will be returned via banking channels. The ACH return will prompt the system to block your bill payment account, preventing you from making more bill payments until the NSF condition is resolved. Any future dated recurring payments scheduled for release during the time the account is blocked will not be sent.
Q: Can I use Online Bill Pay internationally?
A: Online Bill Pay provides you with peace-of-mind when you are traveling for an extended period of time. If you have Internet access with a secure browser, you may pay your bills while out of the country. Payments may only be made to payees within the fifty United States and territories.
Q: Can I pay bills to payees outside the U.S.?
A: No. Payments cannot be made to Payees outside the U.S.
Q: When are funds debited from my checking account?
A: On the process date, the Bill Payment processor generates an ACH debit (in the amount of the bill payment) to your checking account. Your checking account will be debited within two banking business days.
Q: What do payees actually receive?
A: Electronic payees receive payment information in an electronic format that credits their account. Non-electronic merchants or individual payees receive a laser-printed paper check sent through the U.S. Postal Service.
Q: When may bill payments be scheduled for processing?
A: The Bill Payment processor processes payments on all days excluding Sundays and Federal Reserve Board recognized holidays. In cases where a payment gets scheduled on a Sunday (this can potentially happen on a recurring payment), the payment is processed on the day before (Saturday). If you happen to be setting up the payment on this particular Saturday, the bill payment will be processed on the next banking business day. Also, please note that weekly recurring payments may not be scheduled on Saturdays.
Q: Who can be paid using the Online Bill Pay user interface?
A: Anyone in the fifty United States and territories who can accept a check, with the exception of tax payments (such as federal, state and local), court-directed payments (such as alimony and child support) and any other government related payments.
Q: What are the Federal Reserve holidays for 2011?
A: The Federal Reserve Board's bank holidays for 2010 are:
New Year's Day - January 1
Martin Luther King, Jar. Day - January 18
Presidents' Day - February 15
Memorial Day - May 31
Independence Day - July 5
Labor Day - September 6
Columbus Day - October 10
Veteran's Day - November 11
Thanksgiving Day - November 24
Christmas - December 26
Q: What is the lead-time for processing payments?
A: The payee will be in receipt of payment within three (3) banking business days for an electronic payee and five (5) banking business days if the payee is paid by check.
Q: Is there a limit on the dollar amount of each payment?
A: The Bill Pay processor has a payment cap of $ 9999.00, regardless of how the payment is disbursed. The Bill Pay user interface limits the entry of payment amounts greater than this amount.
Q: How do I place a 'stop payment' on a bill payment?
A: A payment may be edited or deleted anytime before the payment is processed. For stop payment requests initiated after processing, you must contact the Bill Pay processor Customer Support. Payments remitted electronically cannot be stopped.
Q: What if my account information is incorrect?
A: To change your address and phone number, you must contact a First Atlantic Member Services Specialist at 732-380-3600 and we will correct your information.
Q: If I move, do I need to change my address in Bill Pay?
A: Yes. When making a payment through Bill Pay, it's important that your current address is always on file. That way, the company or person you're paying has the correct contact information. You can change your address in Bill Pay by logging onto your Online Banking account, clicking on the forms tab and filling out the Address Change form or contact a Member Services Specialist at 732-380-3600.
Q: How do I close my Bill Payment account?
A: Contact a Member Services Specialist at 732-380-3600 or e-mail us at service@fafcu.com.
Q: If I don't use Bill Pay for a certain amount of time, will my Bill Pay account be deactivated?
A: Yes. In order to keep your Bill Pay account active, you must pay at least one bill per 90 day period. If your Bill Pay account is inactive for three or more consecutive months, First Atlantic will send you an e-mail notifying you that your account will be deactivated. You may reply to this e-mail requesting that your Bill Pay account remain active. Otherwise, your account will be deactivated. However, you can always enroll in this service again at any time.
Personal Loans
Q: What is the maximum term for a personal loan with First Atlantic?
A: 5 years
Q: Is the interest on a personal loan fixed or variable?
A: Fixed
Q: How long can I have a personal line of credit?
A: You are able to keep your personal line of credit open as long as you want.
Q: What is the collateral on a personal loan?
A: The only collateral First Atlantic needs is your signature.
Q: Do I need collateral for a personal line of credit?
A: No.
Q: If I take an advance on my personal line of credit, how and when will it impact my monthly payment?
A: Your monthly payment amount will only increase to a new amount the following month.
Intuit Quicken™ and Microsoft Money™ Web Connect
Q: Can I download my First Atlantic account information into my Intuit Quicken™ or Microsoft Money™ personal finance software? Which versions?
A: Yes. You may download your account information into:
- Quicken for Windows
- Money
Savings Secured Loans
Q: What is a savings secured loan?
A: This is a First Atlantic loan where you borrow money from yourself using one of your savings accounts as collateral.
Q: How much can I borrow for a savings secured loan?
A: You can only borrow up to 100% of the funds available in your traditional savings account.
Stop Payment
Q: How can I stop payment on a check I wrote?
A: Call a Member Services Specialist at 732-380-3600 or visit a Service Center and they will gladly stop payment on the check for you. There is a fee for a stop payment.
Q: What information will I need to place a stop payment?
A: Check number/date of the check/dollar amount/"payable to" information
Tellerphone
Q: What is Tellerphone?
A: Tellerphone is the automated bank by phone system that First Atlantic offers to all members. You can perform many different transactions on our automated system by simply dialing 732-380-3600, option 4.
Q: If I have never used Tellerphone before, what would I use as my PIN #?
A: Your default PIN would be the last 4 digits of your social security number.
Term Share Loans
Q: What is a term share loan?
A: A term share loan is a loan where you borrow money from yourself using your term share certificate as collateral.
Q: Does a term share loan need to be for a certain length of time?
A: It can be up to the maturity date of the term share but no longer than 12 months.
Q: What happens if my term share loan is due but I have a loan attached to the share that is unpaid?
A: You can choose to pay off the loan or re-new the term share and re-establish the loan.
Wire Transfers
Q: How do I perform a Wire Transfers?
A: You can perform a wire transfer by visiting a Service Center or calling a Member Services Specialist at 732-380-3600.
Q: What documents/ items will I need when requesting a Wire Transfer?
A: You must have a Wire Password on file with First Atlantic to refer to when requesting a wire.
Q: How do I put a Wire Password on file with First Atlantic?
A: You can either visit a Service Center and complete a wire password form in person, or you can print one online in First Atlantic Forms and mail it in. After signature verification, we will store your password in our system for future reference.
