FAQs

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.

  • Where do I send my payments?


    You can make payments at LVECU, pay online through e-Tran, eZCardinfo or send your check to:

    LVECU
    3720 Hamilton Blvd
    Allentown, PA 18103-4503

  • Can I look at my balance and transactions online?


    Yes, you can. Go to eZCardinfo.com and click on the link to enroll. Enter the information requested. Once you're logged in, you can obtain current account information, such as balance, limit, last payment, and recent transactions. Once logged in you can also enroll in paperless statements.

  • 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.

  • What is Regulation D?


    The Federal Reserve System’s Regulation D (Reg. D) limits the number of transfers and withdrawals which can be made from a share savings account each month.

    Affected Accounts: Regular Shares, Holiday Shares, Vacation Shares, Alternate Shares, Statement Shares, Super Saver Shares & Money Market Shares. Each member account is allowed a total of 6 limited transactions per month, from those affected accounts.

    Limited Transactions:
    • Employee-assisted telephone transfers
    • e-Tran® transfers
    • Automated telephone transfers (ART)
    • Pre-authorized payments to third-party merchants
    • Overdraft from savings (excludes line of credit)
    • VISA® Debit Card purchases from savings
    • Drafts/checks from money market shares

    Unlimited Transactions:
    • Deposits, withdrawals, transfers done in person
    • ATM deposits, withdrawals, transfers (see VISA® Debit Cards FAQs for other limitations)
    • VISA® Debit Card purchases from share draft
    • Transfer to an LVECU loan or credit card
    • Transfer and withdrawals by mail

  • 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