FAQs

VISA® Debit Card Conversion FAQs

Why do I have to verify and/or update my address and telephone number information with the credit union?

The credit union needs to have your most current address to mail the new VISA® debit card to you. Your telephone number is one of the elements used to verify your identity when you activate the debit card. 

When will I receive my new debit card?

Members in good standing with active debit cards will receive a new debit card. New debit cards will be mailed in late-September 2024. Please continue to use your old debit card through October 1, 2024.

When may I activate my new debit card?

Your new debit card may be activated on October 2, 2024. You may activate your new debit card by calling 1-800-631-3197. Each cardholder is required to call in separately. Your old debit card will no longer be active on the morning of October 2, 2024. Please shred your old debit card.

What if I do not receive my new debit card?

Please call 1-800-800-2311 if you do not receive your debit card by October 2, 2024. Any debit cards reported not received will be blocked on or after October 2, 2024.

Will my recurring debit card charges be transferred to my new debit card?

Merchants participating with VISA will be updated with the new debit card credentials after the debit card conversion takes place. Although we don’t have a list of the merchants who participate with VISA, many of the major merchants participate. Smaller merchants may need to be updated manually.

Will the account alerts I have set up work with my new debit card?

No, any account alerts you have set up will not be converted to your new debit card. They can be reestablished on our new platform. You will receive more information about alerts at a later date.

Will digital wallets be available?

Digital Wallets are not available at the moment. Please visit our website for updates on when they will be accessible.

When will instant issue serves be available?

Instant issue is not available right now. Please check back for updates on when it will be offered.

Important numbers to remember.

Member Service – 1-866-820-9785

Lost/Stolen – 1-866-820-9785

PIN Change – 1-888-886-0083

VISA® Credit Card Conversion FAQs

Why do I have to verify and/or update my address and telephone number information with the credit union?

The credit union needs to have your most current address to mail the new VISA® credit card to you. Your telephone number is one of the elements used to verify your identity when you activate the credit card. 

When will I receive my new credit card?

Members in good standing with active credit card accounts will receive a new credit card. New credit cards will be mailed in early August 2024. Please continue to use your old credit card until midnight on August 17, 2024.

When may I activate my new credit card?

Your new credit card may be activated on August 18, 2024. You may activate your new credit card by calling 1-800-631-3197. Each member is required to call in separately. Your old credit card will no longer be active on the morning of August 18, 2024. Please shred your old credit card.

What if I do not receive my new credit card?

Please call 1-866-620-6723 if you do not receive your credit card by August 16, 2024.  Any credit cards reported not received will be blocked on August 19, 2024.

Will I send my payments to the same address?

No. After August 14, 2024, the new address to send payments to is:

PO Box 37603

Philadelphia, PA  19101-0603

Payments will be forwarded from the former processor’s lockbox to the new credit card processing center for 60 days after this date. After 60 days, the payment will be returned to you.

Will my electronic credit card payments still be processed?

No, any electronic credit card payments scheduled after August 15, 2024 should be cancelled. Please reschedule these payments after August 19, 2024 with your new credit card information.

Will my recurring credit card charges be transferred to my new credit card?

Merchants participating with VISA will be updated with the new credit card credentials after the credit card conversion takes place. Although we don’t have a list of the merchants who participate with VISA, many of the major merchants participate. Smaller merchants may need to be updated manually.

Will I be able to check my balance and usage on eZCard?

No, you will no longer have access through eZCard Info. You can access your credit card information through e-Tran Online banking and our mobile app which will replace eZCard Info.

Will the account alerts I have set up work with my new credit card?

No, any account alerts you have set up will not be converted to your new credit card. They can be reestablished after January 1, 2025 on our new platform. You will receive more information about alerts at a later date.

How will receiving a new credit card account number affect my credit report?

Your credit report will not be affected. Your credit history will continue on one tradeline from your old credit card account number to your new credit card account number.

What will happen to the CashBack I have earned since November 2023?

Your earned CashBack will be credited to your account on August 18, 2024. CashBack balances will start over at $0 at conversion. After August 18, 2024, you will be able to request your CashBack at any time, but any CashBack outstanding on the November credit card cycle date will be credited to your account. 

Can I still do a cash advance at a LVECU branch?

The last day for in-branch cash advances is August 12, 2024. Cash advances will resume August 19, 2024. Cash advances will be limited to 50% of your Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union credit card credit limit.

Will digital wallets be available?

Yes, once you activate your new credit card it may be loaded into Samsung, Google, Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin digital wallets.

Why do I have a different credit card number than my joint owner(s)?

Every cardholder will have a different credit card number tied to one credit card account. This is so that if one cardholder loses their credit card or experiences fraud, not all credit cards have to be replaced. The other cardholders can continue to utilize their credit cards.

Important numbers to remember:

Member Service – 866-620-6723

Lost or Stolen - 866-620-6723

Card Activation - 800-631-3197

PIN Change - 888-886-0083

Loan FAQs

    • Do I have to be a member to apply for a loan?


      No. You can apply for a loan as a non-member. If you are approved for the loan and wish to proceed, you must then join the credit union.

  • How do I apply for a loan?


    In addition to being able to come into an LVECU location to complete an application, you have the option to apply online through our website. For questions, contact the call center at 610-820-0145.

  • How long is the loan approval process?


    Our goal is to process your loan request as quickly as possible. LVECU strives to get all members a loan response within 24 hours from the time you submit your application (excluding holidays and weekends). Loan closings can usually occur within a week.

  • Can I have a loan with LVECU even if I live out of state?


    Yes, all consumer loans are available to our members in the U.S. However, mortgages and home equity loans are limited to property located in Pennsylvania. Contact us for details.

  • What credit bureau does LVECU use to determine loan approvals?


    TransUnion

  • If I am approved for a loan, am I obligated to take the loan?


    No. Your loan approval is good for 30 days. If you do not accept the loan within this time, you will need to reapply.

  • If I am denied, will it affect my credit report?


    Although a denial will not directly affect your credit report, your report will indicate that LVECU inquired about your credit. If you have a large number of inquiries within a short period of time, it can negatively affect your credit score.

VISA® Credit Card FAQs

  • What do I do if I need a cash advance?


    You may receive a cash advance by presenting your credit card with your driver’s license at any LVECU location, at any other financial institution that is a VISA® member, or by calling the call center at 610-820-0145. Cash advance funds can also be accessed through ATMs that display the VISA® logo. To obtain a cash advance at an ATM, you will need to use your credit card and Personal Identification Number (PIN).

  • What is the minimum amount I can take for a cash advance?


    There is no minimum amount.

  • How can I make a payment?


    You can make payments at any LVECU location, pay online through e-Tran using DXOnline, or send your check to:

    PO Box 37603
    Philadelphia, PA 19101-0603

  • Can I look at my balance and transactions online?


    Yes, you can login to e-Tran Online Banking or our Mobile app to view balances and transactions. Once you're logged in, you can obtain current account information, such as balance, limit, last payment, and recent transactions.

  • I will be traveling overseas. Where can I use my VISA® Credit Card?


    VISA® is accepted at merchants worldwide. To use your VISA® card at an ATM machine, see VISA®'s website for a list of ATM machines in the area you plan to visit.

  • How do I increase or decrease my credit limit?


    You must apply for a credit limit increase. Fill out a new VISA® application obtained from the credit union office, apply online, or call the call center to have one mailed to you. If you apply online, indicate in the comments that you wish to increase your limit, and to what dollar amount. For a limit decrease, simply send a letter signed by all cardholders to:

    LVECU
    Attn: Plastic Card Coordinator
    3720 Hamilton Blvd
    Allentown PA, 18103-4503

    Provide your card number and indicate that you want to have your limit lowered to the amount you specify. A form is also available at any branch or you can call the call center and have the form mailed to you.

Share Draft Checking FAQs

  • Do I have to open a share draft checking account when I join LVECU?


    No. However, our checking account is free and there are many benefits, such as a Free VISA® Debit Card, Free e-Tran Online Banking, Free Bill Pay and more.

  • Is there a minimum balance requirement?


    No, there is no minimum balance required on a checking account.

  • How old do I have to be to open up a share draft checking account?


    You need to be 18 years or older to open a checking account. However, you can open one at 14 years old with a parent or legal guardian.

  • Why is there a difference between my balance and available balance?


    There may be checks on hold that have been deposited, or Point-of-Sale transactions may be on hold until the actual transaction is processed.

  • How do I get a copy of a share draft or teller check?


    If you have e-Tran online banking, you may print a copy of your cleared share draft check for free. For teller checks, or if you don’t have e-Tran you may stop by any branch or contact the call center. There is a $2.00 fee per check copy.

  • How many checks may I write each month without a fee?


    There is no limit to the number of checks you can write and there is no fee per check written.

  • How do I reorder checks?


    You can visit either branch or contact the call center to order checks. You can also reorder checks through e-Tran® by logging into your account, clicking on the “More” widget and selecting “Checking Services”, Click “Reorder Checks”, choose an account, click “Next” and click “Order Checks”. The cost will be automatically deducted from that checking account.

  • When can I expect my checks after I order them?


    Your checks will be mailed to you in 7-10 business days after we receive your order. You may rush order your checks for an additional fee.

VISA® Debit Card FAQs

  • How long will it take to receive my VISA® Debit Card?


    You will receive it about 7-10 business days after the card is ordered.

  • May I select my PIN?


    Yes, after receiving your debit card, call the IVR phone number on the back of the card to activate it and select a PIN.

  • How soon should I activate my VISA® Debit Card?


    You should activate your card as soon as possible. You may activate your card by using calling the IVR number on the back of the card. If you do not activate it within 2 years, your card will be cancelled.

  • What should I do if my VISA® Debit Card is lost/stolen?


    During office hours you can call the call center, after hours call 1-833-311-0082.

  • What if I have a purchase that exceeds my daily limit?


    You can call the call center to request a temporary 1-day limit increase.

  • Is my VISA® Debit Card a credit card?


    No. The card is accepted anywhere that VISA® is accepted; however it is not a credit card. You must have the funds available in your LVECU checking account to cover your purchases/withdrawals.

  • What is a Point-of-Sale (POS) or Point of Purchase (POP)?


    It is the time and place a retail transaction is completed. It is the point at which a customer makes a payment to the merchant in exchange for goods or after provision of a service (this can be a PIN or signature transaction).

  • What is the difference between my total balance and available balance?


    Your total balance is the amount currently in the account. Available balance is the balance minus the holds. Holds include VISA® Debit Card transactions, checks that are pending, and certain deposited items.

  • Will my VISA® Debit Card work when traveling abroad?


    Your VISA® Debit Card is accepted at the same merchants that accept your VISA® Credit Card when traveling abroad.

  • When should I use my card as Debit or Credit?


    The decision affects how your transaction will be processed. The funds will always be deducted from your Share Draft Checking account.

    When you choose Credit:
    • Purchases are processed by VISA®
    • Your signature may be required
    • Funds will be put on hold until processed
    • Purchases may be protected by VISA’s® rules and regulations

    When you choose Debit:
    • Purchases are processed by the STAR System
    • You will need to enter a PIN
    • Funds are deducted from your Share Draft Checking account immediately.
    • Choose Debit when you want cash back
    • Saves you a trip to the ATM and any ATM fees related to it