Here’s a short list of our most frequently asked questions. For more information about Heritage Financial Credit Union, or if you need support, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 845-561-5607.
Zelle
Wire Transfers
A wire transfer is a method transferring funds or payment electronically by wire.
To send a wire transfer, either a domestic or international, you will need to visit one of our 12 branches to complete the necessary paperwork. Our staff will be able to assist you in doing this quickly and easily. We cannot process a wire transfer over the phone, mail or fax without first having written authorization in the form of a Wire Transfer Agreement. This agreement is available at all of our 12 branches and needs to be completed before initiating a wire where you are unable to come into a branch.
Wires can take up to 48 hours to fully process.
International wires require a ‘SWIFT’ code instead of a routing number. The SWIFT code consists of 8 to 11 of both numeric and alphabetic characters.
Yes, someone with your account information can wire funds directly to your Heritage Financial Credit Union account. You will need to provide them with your account number and HFCU’s routing number. Since we are a credit union, the wire must first be sent to Corporate America Federal Credit Union with instructions to further credit the account here at HFCU. Below is the information you will need to provide the other institution for Corporate America.
Corporate America FCU
4365 Crescent Road
Irondale, AL 35210
ABA Routing Number 262090120
Fees are as follows:
Incoming (with or without notice): Free
Domestic outgoing: $20, Foreign outgoing: $35
Savings & Money Market
Savings Accounts FAQ
To open a Savings Account with HFCU, visit us at your nearest branch location, or get started with one of our jumpstart forms.
HFCU offers a variety of savings accounts to best fit your needs. Please refer to the Savings Accounts table for more information.
The Annual Percentage Yield for a Savings Account varies depending on the level of the account, ranging from 0.01% to 0.15%.
The minimum balance to earn APY varies depending on the level of the account, ranging from $500 to $200,000 depending on the tier. Please refer to the Savings Accounts table for more information.
The minimum amount of money needed to open a Savings Account is $0.01. Please refer to the Savings Accounts table for more information.
The dividend rate ranges from 0.01% to 0.15% depending on the type of Savings Account. Please refer to the Savings Accounts table for more information.
Click here to view our disclosure.
IRA Share Savings Account FAQ
To open an IRA Share Savings Account with HFCU, visit us at your nearest branch location, or get started with one of our jumpstart forms.
The Annual Percentage Yield for an IRA Share Savings Account changes with the market. To see the current rate, please visit our rates page.
The minimum balance to earn APY is $500. Please refer to the IRA Share Savings Account table for more information.
The minimum amount of money needed to open an IRA Share Savings account is $0.01. Please refer to the IRA Share Savings Account table for more information.
The dividend rate for an IRA Share Savings Account changes with the current market. Please refer to the IRA Share Savings Account table for more information or the current rate we offer.
Personal Loans
To apply for a loan with Heritage Financial Credit Union you must live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in, or be a business or other legal entity located in Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Sussex, Pike, or Ulster Counties, New York or have an immediate family member who is already a member of Heritage Financial Credit Union. You will be required to become a member prior to loan closing with a $0.01 initial deposit in a savings account. Get started with your loan application online or visit us at your nearest branch, which can be found here. If you need more information, contact us.
HFCU offers a variety of personal loans to best fit your needs. Please refer to the personal loans table for more information.
The terms for a personal loan vary depending on the type of loan, ranging from 12 months to 60 months. Please refer to the personal loans table for more information.
The variable APR for a personal loan is not applicable. Please refer to the personal loans table for more information.
The fixed APR for a personal loan varies depending on the type of loan, ranging from 9.99% to 18.00%. Please refer to the personal loans table for more information.
HFCU offers a variety of calculators to help estimate your loan payments. Click here for a calculator that best fits your needs.
Click here to view our disclosure.
Overdraft Protection
If you do not have enough funds in your account to cover a transaction for payment, Courtesy Pay allows the transaction to process. Each time a transaction processes without sufficient funds, the account will be charged a fee and the balance remains negative until the amount of the transaction and fee are repaid.
There is no limit on the number of transactions. However, once the negative balance reaches $500 on an account, transactions will no longer be covered by Courtesy Pay.
If an account has reached the $500 negative balance limit, the payment will be returned and Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fees will be charged to the account. These NSF fees will also add to the account negative balance.
Courtesy Pay will cover checks, ACH requests, electronic bill payments, debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals. (Please note: coverage for ATM/Debit Card transactions will only be turned on if we receive a signed opt in.)
Yes. No matter the amount of overdraft from the account, the fee will always be the same. So please note that a $5 debit card purchase could cost +$32 if the account is overdrawn and Courtesy Pay is used to cover the difference.
It will not cover transactions made at a branch. If a check is written against an HFCU checking account that the payee tries to either cash at a teller window, or deposit in an ATM, it will not be covered.
No, it is not a line of credit. There is a fee each time Courtesy Pay is used. Any negative balance accrued using Courtesy Pay must be repaid.
Unless you opt-out, Courtesy Pay will be activated automatically after an account has been open for 60 days. If you would like to activate Courtesy Pay for ATM/ Debit Card transactions, you simply sign our opt-in form. (Please note: once Courtesy Pay has been activated—in either instance—no further notification will be sent to the account holder.)
You can opt-out at any time. Simply request the opt-out form, sign and submit back to the Credit Union.
You can sign-up for Courtesy Pay directly through the form on the Courtesy Pay page here.
Overdraft Line of Credit
To apply for a loan with Heritage Financial Credit Union you must live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in, or be a business or other legal entity located in Orange, Dutchess, Pike, Sussex, Sullivan or Ulster Counties, New York or have an immediate family member who is already a member of Heritage Financial Credit Union. You will be required to become a member prior to loan closing with a $0.01 initial deposit in a savings account. Get started with your loan application online or visit us at your nearest branch, which can be found here. If you need more information, contact us.
The terms for an Overdraft Line of Credit are not applicable. Please refer to the Overdraft Line of Credit table for more information.
The variable APR for an Overdraft Line of Credit is 18.00%. Please refer to the Overdraft Line of Credit table for more information.
The fixed APR for an Overdraft Line of Credit is not applicable. Please refer to the Overdraft Line of Credit table for more information.
Overdraft Protection with Courtesy Pay from HFCU saves you from the inconvenience and embarrassment of insufficient funds in your account. Courtesy Pay is not a line of credit. HFCU will cover your overdrafts up to $500. There is a fee of $32 each time we pay an overdraft, but you will not be caught in the predicament of having your debit card transaction declined due to lack of funds. Plus, you’ll have the added measure of protecting your credit rating. Get started by signing up for Overdraft Protection with Courtesy Pay.
Click here to view our disclosure.
Order Checks
If you are an online banking member, you can order checks easily through Heritage Online. Once you login, select the Order Checks tab. You can shop for check designs, customize your checks, and expedite your shipping if necessary. You can also order checks, view pricing, and explore check designs or related products online at our partner Harland Clarke. For more information or for further assistance, please contact us.
Check costs will vary by account type, quantity and style of checks ordered. You can order checks, view pricing, and explore check designs online through Heritage Online or through our partner Harland Clarke. For more information or for further assistance, please contact us.
You can shop for check designs and customize your checks through Heritage Online. You can also explore check designs online at our partner Harland Clarke. For more information or for further assistance, please contact us.
Online Banking
RDA FAQ
Remote Deposit Anywhere (RDA) is a free service provided by Heritage Financial which allows members the ability to make deposits to their share accounts using their mobile device.
Deposits can be made to any share or share draft checking account to which the member is an owner.
Android, iPhone, iPad and some Windows devices can be used.
There are several ways to sign up for RDA:
- Through Heritage Mobile – Using our app, you can enroll in RDA with the push of a button
- At the branch – Teller can complete the Enrollment form
- By phone – A Representative can complete the Enrollment form
- By requesting RDA in Heritage Online via Secure Message
You must meet the following criteria to use Remote Deposit:
- Be enrolled in Heritage Online (online banking)
- Downloaded and installed our latest mobile app
- iPhone & iPad– minimal version 3.10.1
- Android – minimal version 3.13.1
- Must have a share account and meet the credit unions acceptance criteria
- Must have 60 days of positive activity
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Current mailing and residence address on file
- No HFCU loan delinquency of 30 days or more
- No overdrawn account balances of 16 days or more
- Cannot have caused the credit union a loss
No, this is a free service.
Using Remote Deposit on the Heritage Mobile App – a picture is taken of both the front and the back of the check. The amount of the check is entered and the account for deposit is selected. Clicking on Deposit will send the information to the credit union for processing. A confirmation message will be delivered to the member indicating the status of the deposit within a few moments.
You’ll see a confirmation message when:
- Submitted – deposit has been submitted to the CU
- Duplicate – deposit has been already been processed
- Poor image quality or no endorsement – ensure that the images are clear.
- Check for proper endorsement
- Signature
- For deposit only (You must endorse your check “For Deposit Only”)
- Deposit limit reached – total allowable amount in either check amount or count has been reached for the current 30 day period.
Confirmation e-mails – approved or declined – will be sent to the email address you provide in Heritage Online. Declined messages will indicate why the deposit was rejected.
All checks should be endorsed with the payees’ signature. The words, “For deposit only” should be written underneath. Deposit tickets are not required and will not scan. Deposited checks should be retained in a secure area for a minimum of 15 days.
Personal or business checks drawn on a financial institution and payable in US currency. If the check is payable to multiple parties, all parties must be on the account being credited.
Ineligible items include:
- Checks payable to any person or entity other than the account owner
- Checks that have been altered in any of the check fields
- Checks that are not payable in US dollars
- Checks that are stale or post dated
- Checks that are stamped “non-negotiable”
- Any third party check (a check made payable to another party and “signed over” to the depositor)
Deposit Limits for Consumer Accounts:
All members enrolled/enrolling in Remote Deposit will be permitted 5 items per day with a cumulative daily limit of $1,000.00 and 20 items per month with a cumulative monthly limit of $5,000.00. The hold time for an item is 3 business days.
Deposit Limits for Business Accounts:
Business Level 1– Deposit limitation of 10 items per day with a cumulative daily dollar amount of $2,500.00 and 20 items per rolling 30 days with a cumulative daily dollar amount of $5,000.00.
Business Level 2– Deposit limitation of 10 items per day with a cumulative daily dollar amount of $5,000.00 and 20 items per rolling 30 days with a cumulative daily dollar amount of $10,000.00.
NOTE: A member can request higher deposit limits. Consideration will be then be determined and set on an individual basis upon approval.
Accepted deposits can be viewed in the account immediately. There is a 3 business day hold placed on all deposits. The release/availability date will be viewable in the Account Summary.
MOBILE BANKING FAQ
While every effort is made to verify proper operation for all mobile users on a wide range of devices and operating systems (OSes), it is neither practical nor cost effective to verify compatibility of Internet Solutions mobile software products against every possible device and operating system combination; to ensure success for the majority of our users our quality assurance process is conducted using popular device and operating system combinations. It is also necessary to increase the minimum system requirements from time to time in order to provide the best possible mobile experience to the maximum number of end users as newer devices and OSes are adopted by users.
Users will also need access to the internet using the default browser(s) included by their mobile device manufacturer or the latest goDough® or iBizManager Mobile Banking Application compatible with their device. Android tablets, screen resolution below 470 x 320dp and jailbroken or rooted devices are not
supported.
goDough® Mobile Banking Application
- iOS 9.1 or higher.
- Android 4.4 or higher.
goDough® Mobile Brower
- iOS 9.1 or higher
- Android 4.4 or higher
- Windows 10 or higher
- Most OSes with HTML5 compatible browsers
goDough® Classic View
Most non-HTML5 compatible browsers
iBizManager Mobile Banking Application
iPad running iOS 9.1 or higher
Users will need a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) capable device.
Investing
Investment FAQ
We offer a variety of financial planning and wealth management services to help you save for your future. Please refer to the list of available services for more detail.
We offer a variety of financial planning and wealth management services to help you save for your future. Please refer to the list of available services for more detail.
We partner with Ameriprise Financial to provide you with access to a full range of financial planning services and products. Ameriprise Financial is a leader in the financial advisory market and a valued part of our community with an office located in Goshen, N.Y. Please refer to the list of available services for more detail.
Our offer a variety of investment option to fit your every need. Please refer to the list of available services for more detail.
Home Loans
Mortgages FAQ
To apply for a loan with Heritage Financial Credit Union you must live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in, or be a business or other legal entity located in Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Pike, Sessex, or Ulster Counties, New York or have an immediate family member who is already a member of Heritage Financial Credit Union. You will be required to become a member prior to loan closing with a $0.01 initial deposit in a savings account. Get started with your loan application online or visit us at your nearest branch, which can be found here. If you need more information, contact us.
HFCU offers a variety of mortgage loans to best fit your needs. Please refer to the mortgage loans table for more information.
The rate for a mortgage varies depending on the type of mortgage. Please refer to the mortgage loans table for more information.
The APR for a mortgage varies depending on the type of mortgage. Please refer to the mortgage loans table for more information.
An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Borrowers with FHA loans pay for mortgage insurance, which protects the lender from a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan. Less risk to the lender means more flexibility in guidelines, down payment requirements and most often lower rates.
A VA loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA loan was designed to offer long-term financing to eligible American veterans or their surviving spouses.
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a popular program because it amortizes a mortgage loan over the longest period for lower payments. It’s also the best security against rising mortgage rates. If you’re staying in your home for 5 years or more, a 30-year fixed mortgage offers you the opportunity to keep payments consistent for the duration of the loan. Your monthly payment is based on your interest rate, your principal loan amount, and your actual interest amortized over 30 years.
Click here to view our disclosure.
HELOC FAQ
To apply for a loan with Heritage Financial Credit Union you must live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in, or be a business or other legal entity located in Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Pike, Sussex, or Ulster Counties, New York or have an immediate family member who is already a member of Heritage Financial Credit Union. You will be required to become a member prior to loan closing with a $0.01 initial deposit in a savings account. Get started with your loan application online or visit us at your nearest branch, which can be found here. If you need more information, contact us.
HFCU offers a variety of HELOC loans to best fit your situation. Please refer to the HELOC loans table for more information.
The terms for a HELOC vary depending on the type of loan, ranging from 5 years to 20 years. Please refer to the HELOC table for more information.
The APR for a HELOC varies depending on the type of loan. Please refer to the HELOC table for more information.
The fixed APR for a HELOC varies depending on the type of loan. Please refer to the HELOC table for more information.
Financial Literacy
Watch out for tax scams
Every year, Americans lose untold billions of dollars to a host of tax scams that range from identity theft to return-preparer fraud. While most of these scams can happen at any time, they tend to be most active during tax season, from January through April 15. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen urges taxpayers to “use caution when viewing emails, receiving telephone calls, or getting advice on tax issues.” The IRS has a criminal investigation unit that works closely with the Department of Justice to identify and shut down scams, but when there’s money to be made there will always be new criminals ready to take the place of those who are caught. The best defense against these scams is to know what to look for;
Identity Theft
Most people know what to do if they believe their identity has been compromised. Notify banks, employers, credit card companies, and credit reporting agencies. But for many, these steps may not be enough. An identity thief who has possession of your Social Security number can also file a fraudulent tax return in your name to claim your refund.
In 2013, the IRS stopped 14.6 million fraudulent returns filed as a result of identity theft. That amounted to about $50 billion in refunds. If you suspect your personal information has been stolen, contact the IRS Identity Protection Unit at 800-908-4490.
Telephone Scams
Not all identity theft starts with a lost or stolen wallet or hacked credit card information. Sometimes identity thieves get all the information they need voluntarily from their victims. The IRS reports that in recent years there has been a dramatic increase in phone scams where thieves pose as IRS agents. The scammers can be quite convincing and will usually provide a fake name and an IRS badge number. Some will even spoof the IRS phone number so it appears the call is coming from the IRS.
Scammers posing as IRS agents use threats or promises of sending checks for unclaimed refunds in order to collect personal information, including Social Security numbers. These scams can be quite sophisticated and may include bogus emails and even follow-up phone calls, also faked, from local law enforcement as a means of building credibility. When victims refuse to cooperate, they are threatened with everything from audits and property seizure to arrest and deportation. In some cases, the scammers will offer to take your credit card or checking account information over the phone in order to settle past-due taxes.
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS and you have reason to suspect that you don’t owe any money or are due a refund, immediately call the IRS at 800-829-1040. An actual IRS agent will be able to verify whether you have unpaid taxes or are due a refund. If you are certain that the call was part of a scam, you can report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.
Phishing
The IRS typically does not email taxpayers, which is why any email that purports to come from the agency should be treated with the highest degree of suspicion. This includes emails that link to official-looking sites with URLs that appear to be fake. All legitimate IRS websites begin with www.IRS.gov. If you receive an unsolicited email that appears to be from the IRS or a related agency, you can report it by sending it to phishing@IRS.gov.
Preparer Fraud
It can’t be stressed enough that most tax preparers are honest, hardworking professionals. However, there are scammers and hustlers who pose as tax preparers in order to commit fraud. They will sometimes use fliers and posters promising extra-large refunds, advertising special inside knowledge of little-known tax credits and rebates. They often volunteer to come to your home to prepare your taxes. They may also set up shop in temporary storefronts just for tax season. Fake preparers make their money from identity theft and fees collected from victims.
Spotting fake preparers starts with asking for the PTIN (IRS preparer tax identification number) that all legitimate tax preparers must have. Legitimate preparers always sign returns they prepare and include their PTIN. Since more than 99% of all individual returns can be e-filed, fake preparers will often make an excuse as to why yours must be mailed in. They do this so they can file a fraudulent return and collect your refund themselves.
Some tax preparation scammers will offer to “enhance” your return to get you a larger refund. They do this by intentionally adding fake dependents, leaving off income, claiming credits you’re not eligible for, and other fraudulent schemes. They will often base their fee, which they will insist on being paid up front, on the amount of your anticipated refund. It is important to understand that if you file a return with fraudulent information, even if someone else prepared it, you are responsible for it. You can be penalized up to $5,000.
The best way to avoid preparer fraud is to ask for and check references. Verify PTINs, ask about professional licenses, and steer clear of anyone who seems to have set up shop out of nowhere.
Youth Center FAQ
At Heritage Financial Credit Union, we think it’s important for kids to learn how to be responsible with money. We’ve brought together great financial education tools for preschoolers through college students, featuring information, games and activities here.
At Heritage Financial Credit Union, we think it’s important for kids to learn how to be responsible with money. We’ve brought together great financial education tools for preschoolers through college students, featuring information, games and activities here.
Direct Deposit
To set up direct deposit into your account, you can download this form or contact us.
In order to make sure you have everything you need to get started with direct deposit today, please have your account number readily available.
In order to change your direct deposit, please download and fill out our Direct Deposit Change Request here.
Your routing number can be found on your checks from HFCU in the lower left hand corner.
Your account number can be found on your checks from HFCU in the lower left hand corner next to your routing number.
Our routing number is 221978791.
Credit Cards
VISA® Credit Cards FAQ
HFCU offers a VISA® Credit Card and a Secured VISA® Credit Card. Please refer to the VISA® Credit Cards table for more information.
To apply for a credit card with Heritage Financial Credit Union you must live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in, or be a business or other legal entity located in Orange, Dutchess, Sussex, Sullivan, Pike, or Ulster Counties, New York or have an immediate family member who is already a member of Heritage Financial Credit Union. You will be required to become a member prior to loan closing with a $0.01 initial deposit in a savings account. Get started with your loan application online, print an application, or visit us at your nearest branch, which can be found here. If you need more information, contact us.
The variable APR for a VISA® Credit Card varies depending on the type of credit card, ranging from 9.99% to 17.99%.
The fixed APR for a VISA® Credit Card is not applicable. Please refer to the VISA® Credit Cards table for more information.
The terms for a VISA® Credit Card are not applicable. Please refer to the VISA® Credit Cards table for more information.
An EMV chip is a small computer chip in your card that provides an added layer of security by authenticating and securing transactions as they happen. EMV chips can help in reducing counterfeit card fraud.
You can activate your VISA® Credit online through Heritage Online or call 1-845-561-5607.
Click here to view our disclosure.
Secured VISA® FAQ
A secured card uses a cash collateral deposit as the credit line for that account. The deposit in your collateral account will be 120% of your available balance. For example, if you put $600 in the account, you can charge up to $500.
HFCU allows deposits up to $500. Your credit limit will be the amount of your deposit.
Yes, your deposit will earn the stated share savings interest based on your deposit amount. Please refer to the VISA® Credit Cards table for more information.
Yes, we report to all three major credit bureaus.
We recommend that you do not take out a secured card to carry a balance. While secured cards make sure you never spend more money than you can afford, the purpose of the secured card is to demonstrate disciplined borrowing habits. That means regularly paying back what you’ve borrowed, in-full and on-time.
Checking
To open a checking account with HFCU, visit us at your nearest branch location, or get started with one of our jumpstart forms.
HFCU offers a variety of checking accounts to best fit your needs. Please refer to the checking accounts table for more information.
The Annual Percentage Yield on a checking account varies depending on the level of the account, ranging from 0.00% to 1.25%.
The minimum balance to earn APY depends on the type of checking account. Please refer to the checking accounts table for more information.
There is no minimum amount of money needed to open a checking account. However, you are required to have a savings account with a minimum $0.01 balance. Please refer to the checking accounts table for more information.
The dividend rate ranges from 0.00% to 1.24% depending on the type of checking account.
The dividend crediting for a checking account is monthly. Please refer to the checking accounts table for more information.
The compounding method for a checking account is monthly. Please refer to the checking accounts table for more information.
The interest rate for a checking account is variable. Please refer to the checking accounts table for more information.
Click here to view our disclosure.
Auto Loans
To apply for a loan with Heritage Financial Credit Union you must live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in, or be a business or other legal entity located in Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Sussex, Pike or Ulster Counties, New York or have an immediate family member who is already a member of Heritage Financial Credit Union. You will be required to become a member prior to loan closing with a $0.01 initial deposit in a savings account. Get started with your loan application online or visit us at your nearest branch, which can be found here. If you need more information, contact us.
HFCU offers a variety of vehicle loans to best fit your needs. Please refer to the vehicle loans table for more information.
The fixed APR for a vehicle loan varies depending on the type of loan and can start at 2.49%. Please refer to the vehicle loans table for more information.
HFCU offers a variety of calculators to help estimate your loan payments. For the Vehicle Loan calculator, click here.
Click here to view our disclosure.