Member News
New things are always happening at Rails West FCU! As a member, one simple way you can stay connected with us is through the Rails West Roundup, our monthly online newsletter.
Our newsletter is an electronic newsletter chock-full of valuable info about our products, services, events, and the overall Rails West FCU community. With our online newsletter, you can stay informed about:
* New promotions and rates
* New services
* Helpful articles and tips
* Upcoming Events
* Safety and security suggestions and alerts
* Branch locations
* Holiday closings
* And more!
Click Here 3rd Quarter Newsletter 2024
Best practices for your New EMV Chip Card:
- Activate your new chip card by calling the provided activation number with your EMV Chip Card.
- Once you have activated your new card you will need to discard your old magnetic stripe card, as it will no longer work, and start using your new chip card.
- Your card number and PIN will not be changing, but you will need to update recurring payment information (utility bills, gym memberships, PayPal, Amazon, cell phone bill, etc.) with the new expiration date and CVV Code (3-digit code on back of card).
Follow these steps to use your card at a chip-enabled terminal:
- Insert your card, face up and chip end first into the chip-enabled terminal.
- Leave the card in the terminal during the entire transaction.
- Follow the instructions on the screen and either sign your name or enter your PIN as needed. Be sure to remove your card and take your receipt when the transaction is complete.
Call us at 800-354-5511 with any questions about your new card, or stop in and talk with a Member Service Representative today.
EMV Chip Card FAQs
What is an EMV Chip Card?
An EMV Chip Card looks like a regular debit or credit card with a microchip. This chip is used to secure transactions, making your card almost impossible to duplicate at chip reading transaction terminals. Information programmed into the chip is personalized for your account and each transaction generates a unique code, adding an extra safeguard against unauthorized use and counterfeiting.
Will my debit or credit card number change?
No, your current card number will remain the same. Your card will have a new expiration date and new CVV Code, so you will need to update recurring payment information that is affiliated with your debit or credit card.
Will my Personal Identification Number (PIN) change?
No, your PIN will remain the same. You may change your PIN at any time by calling 866-642-0450.
Will my new expiration date impact my automatic payments?
You will need to update your expiration date and CVV Code with any automatic payments affiliated with your debit or credit card.
Can I use my card at a merchant’s terminal or ATM that is not yet chip-enabled?
Yes! Your chip card will also have the usual magnetic stripe on the back so you can continue using your card at ATM’s and Point of Sale Terminals while merchants in the U.S. are transitioning to new terminals.
What is the replacement cost for a lost, stolen or damaged EMV Chip Card?
The replacement cost is $5.50 per card.
ATM fraud is becoming more prevalent with the invention of smaller
computing devices. One of the methods that criminals use to access your
account is ATM skimming. Skimming occurs when a device is place into the
ATM machine and interferes with typical ATM transactions. This device
may be a substitute card reader inserted into the ATM or a touch screen
device may take the place of the original screen. The purpose of these
devices all have one goal: to collect your personal banking information.
Your credit union offers these tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of ATM skimming:
* Inspect the ATM. Be on the lookout for anything that looks strange
or out of the ordinary before using it, such as anything loose,
crooked, or damaged, or if you notice equipment or wires out of place.
* When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
* Don't use an ATM that directs you to another machine with a card reader attached.
* If your card isn't returned after the transaction is completed or
after hitting "cancel," immediately contact your credit union.
* And, remember to check your account regularly to look for any unauthorized transactions.
If you do suspect an ATM has been tampered with, contact the
financial institution that operates the ATM machine. Your security is
important to us.
Mobile banking is gaining popularity with members because of its convenience and efficiency. Despite this, members are still concerned over hackers targeting mobile phones and apps on their phones using malware or other schemes. Nevertheless, you can protect yourself by following a few simple steps:
- Use a Strong Password for mobile banking
- Never use public Wi-Fi
- Only use Official Apps from the app store
- Keep your apps updated
- Be sure to logout of mobile banking when you are finished
- Don’t have your browsers save passwords
Rails West Federal Credit Union cares about the security of your personal information. Below are some helpful tips for keeping your personal information safe:
1. Use complex passwords: Using at least 8 characters or more, including a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. An example of a great password would be ak380KA36.
2. Use different passwords for each of your accounts.
3. Change your passwords on a regular basis for all online accounts. Do not use your name and birthdate as part of your password.
4. Keep your passwords private.
5. Do not write down your passwords and keep them in your wallet or purse. If someone was to steal your wallet or you lose it, they will have access to everything. Keep them in a safe place where no one would expect them to be.
Being able to file your taxes online may have simplified this April ritual, but it's also made it easier for cybercriminals to claim your tax refund. In the 2019 season, the IRS reported seeing a significant increase in cyberattacks on tax filers. There's no reason to believe the 2020 tax season will see any less crime. The Department of Homeland Security encourages consumers to protect themselves from online tax fraud by taking these measures:
* Avoid giving out personal information, unless it is to a trusted entity like Rails West Federal Credit Union.
* Watch for fake messages or websites purportedly from the IRS or tax preparation services; DHS warns that sites can look quite legitimate, so examine them carefully.
* Don't believe promises of "free money" from inflated refunds.
* Back up data and store your electronic tax files securely.
* Never share personal information over an insecure network. Look for "https:" in the URL and a lock sign.
Also, know that the IRS only uses written communications to connect with taxpayers to request personal information. Any electronic communication - email, text, or social media - is fake.
Member News 2024 is here and with it comes the start of income tax filing season. Although the filing deadline is not until April, being pro-active can make for a smoother, less stressful process.
You can begin preparing now by following some simple tax-time tips:
1. Round up your records. There are various documents you should begin gathering which will help to support income or deductions you plan to claim on your tax return. These include receipts, canceled checks, a copy of your Social Security card, tuition bills, and student loan statements.
2. Keep an eye out for tax-related mail. Important tax documents are sure to be making their way to your mailbox, including W2s and 1099s. These are essential to filing your return.
3. Consider your filing options. You have a variety of options for filing your return. You can go it alone or enlist the services of a tax preparer. Plus, for those who are eligible, there are free volunteer sites that exist to offer face-to-face tax help.
Rails West FCU is currently accepting resumes for serving as a volunteer member of the Board of Directors. The Board consists of seven members which are elected by the credit union membership to serve a three-year term. You must be at least 18 years old and a primary account holder at Rails West to be considered for the Board of Directors.
As a volunteer you will have opportunities to work hand in hand with the credit union to help ensure Rails West members receive the best products and services the credit union can offer. The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the goals and direction of the credit union. The Board of Directors is required to meet monthly, attend an annual planning session, and attend occasional training.
If you are interested in becoming a voluntary member of the Rails West Board of Directors, please submit a personal resume before November 30th, 2024 to:
Rails West Federal Credit Union
ATTN: Board of Directors
PO Box 1450
Pocatello ID 83204
Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing
crimes in the United States. ID theft is a crime where a thief steals
your personal information, such as your full name or Social Security
number, to commit fraud. The identity thief can use your information to
fraudulently apply for credit, file taxes, or get medical services. Here
are some ways to help prevent this from happening to you.
* Place outgoing "snail mail" in a secure mailbox. If you don't have
a locked mailbox, pick up incoming mail as soon as possible.
* Pay close attention to billing cycles. If a bill doesn't arrive on time, it's possible an identity thief has stolen it.
* Protect your Social Security number by leaving your card at home
in a secure location. Do not carry it with you on a daily basis. Be very
careful about giving the number out.
* Place passwords on bank, credit card, and phone accounts. Choose a
password that mixes random numbers with letters. Do not use your
birthday, your dog's name, or anything else a thief could guess.
* Keep your information safe online. If you shop online frequently,
consider having a separate account for your online purchases. Make sure
you have virus protection - update it regularly.
* Do not give out any personal information over the Internet, on the
phone, or through the mail unless you were the one to initiate contact
or you are sure about the identity of the person or the company.
* Shred documents that you no longer need, including credit card
applications, insurance forms, health forms, and billing statements.
* Store private documents in a secured location.
You love your smart phone, so be sure to stay smart about it. Here are some do's and don'ts:
1. Don't leave your phone unattended. Thieves can quickly snatch phones from tables at the library, restaurants, and elsewhere.
2. Do write down your phone's model number, serial number and device identification number. If your phone is stolen, you'll need to report these numbers to police and to your carrier.
3. Do use your phone carefully in public and never while you are walking. Thieves have perfected a technique in which approaching from behind, they slap victims on the back of the head, dislodging the phone and catching it before it even hits the ground.
4. Do use password protection.
5. Do activate the location-tracking app.
6. Don't call back a missed "unknown" number; it may cost you fraudulent fees.
For more information, including what to do if your phone is stolen, visit the Federal Communications Commission's Website: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/stolen-and-lost-wireless-devices.
ATM fraud is becoming more prevalent with the invention of smaller computing devices. One of the methods that criminals use to access your account is ATM skimming. Skimming occurs when a device is place into the ATM machine and interferes with typical ATM transactions. This device may be a substitute card reader inserted into the ATM or a touch screen device may take the place of the original screen. The purpose of these devices all have one goal: to collect your personal banking information.
Your credit union offers these tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of ATM skimming:
* Inspect the ATM. Be on the lookout for anything that looks strange or out of the ordinary before using it, such as anything loose, crooked, or damaged, or if you notice equipment or wires out of place.
* When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.
* Don't use an ATM that directs you to another machine with a card reader attached.
* If your card isn't returned after the transaction is completed or after hitting "cancel," immediately contact your credit union.
* And, remember to check your account regularly to look for any unauthorized transactions.
If you do suspect an ATM has been tampered with, contact the financial institution that operates the ATM machine. Your security is important to us.
You know you should keep your financial house in order. But somehow that
shoebox still overflows with account statements, bills, tax
information, and random receipts. Now that spring is in the air, it's a
great time to get a fresh start and get those financial documents under
control. The key is knowing what to keep and what to toss. As a rule of
thumb, save things related to your taxes, including returns and
documentation for income, deductions, and credits for seven years. The
IRS has three years to audit for good-faith errors, but six years if it
thinks you've underreported your gross income by 25 percent or more.
(There's no statute of limitation for failure to file or tax fraud.)
Consumer experts recommend you save your actual tax returns
indefinitely. Keep Individual Retirement Account contribution records
indefinitely as well. Keep monthly or quarterly statements for your
retirement plans until you receive your annual statement. If everything
matches up, you can shred the quarterly statements. Same with statements
from the credit union, other financial institutions, and brokerage
firms except save records of checks and transactions related to your
taxes, including securities purchases, home improvements, mortgage or
business expenses.
Go through your bills and shred those not related to taxes or to big
purchases where you may need to prove their value for an insurance
claim. Keep legal documents such as those related to legal filings,
wills, inheritance, and so on indefinitely.
If you want to go paperless, converting all documents to electronic
files, be sure to keep up with technology. Anyone who has stored tax
records on a floppy disk may be sorry now.
Q. What is Early ACH Posting?
A. Early ACH posting is the posting of ACH credit entries earlier than required by the ACH Rules. At this time, only ACH credit entries will be posted 1-2 days earlier than what members are accustomed to.
Q. Why is Rails West FCU adopting early ACH Posting at this time?
A. Rails West FCU surveyed the competitive landscape and has seen that other Financial Institutions have been adopting early ACH as a competitive differentiator. With that in mind, Rails West FCU didn’t want our members to miss out on getting their money earlier and faster than before.
Q. What will members expect with Early ACH Posting?
A. Members should see little difference in the posting of ACHs. This allows members to receive their deposits a bit earlier than usual, which may benefit them especially around weekends and holidays. For some members, it may be as many as 2 days earlier than what was usually posted in their account. Since each member’s situation is a little different, it is difficult to say with any certainty how members will be affected. Rails West FCU does anticipate that many members will benefit from the early posting change come August 1, 2024. However, members need to know that some of the factors that impact earlier posting may be out of Rails West FCU’s control.
Q. What problems can members expect with Early ACH Posting?
A. Since money is coming in early, auto transfers for loan payments may be affected, especially if members forget to leave enough money into their account for those scheduled loans. This may result in late loan payments and late fees. Furthermore, with deposits coming in early, if money is withdrawn earlier than known ACH debits are scheduled to take place, it may result in NSF fees if subsequent ACH debit entries have been scheduled as well. Members will need to pay particular attention to their account to avoid any late payments or fees.
Q. What can be done by members to prevent loans from being late, or the account from receiving NSF Fees?
A. If members have questions, they should contact the credit union to speak with credit union employees who will be able to advise them of moving their payment date on their loans, and/or obtaining ACH information. Members can also utilize the Rails West banking app to check their account whenever they need to.