What's New.........
HELOC Special
For a limited time only, Capitol Region is offering a special Home Equity Line of Credit at an APR that will remain at 3.00% for 120 days after closing. This special low-rate offer may be withdrawn at any time without advance notice.
Members with an existing Capitol Region HELOC may also apply for the special new HELOC at the initial 3.00% APR, provided the new HELOC is approved with a limit that is at least $10,000.00 higher than the current limit; and provided that at the closing, they draw a minimum of $10,000.00 against the new HELOC, in addition to paying the balance being refinanced from the prior HELOC.
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is an adjustable-rate mortgage loan secured by a primary residence. Adjustable-rate Capitol Region HELOCs provide borrowing ease and flexibility. Members may draw funds against their HELOCs, paying interest only on the amounts that are borrowed. After the initial 120 days, rates can change monthly, based on the Prime Lending Rate published in the Wall Street Journal. There is no application fee. All applications are subject to approval. Other qualifications and conditions apply. For assistance, call a Loan Officer today: 860-513-4024 x212 or x207.
GREAT RATES GREAT SERVICE! AUTO LOANS
Capitol Region offers excellent auto loan rates for both purchase and re-finance of new and used vehicles. Members can save with low-rate CRFCU auto loans...and they can save even more with reduced-rate "Green" loans for certain fuel-efficient, hybrid and environmentally friendly passenger vehicles.
The best strategy? Before you start shopping for a vehicle, get pre-approved for your CRFCU auto loan so you'll know exactly what your maximum loan budget could be. And don't forget to review the benefits of GAP protection: GAP from Capitol Region costs only $249; from many auto dealers, it costs between $500 and $700...sometimes more.
Loan Rates range from 2.84% APR to 4.85% APR. Rate offers are subject to change, so apply now!
Save with Enterprise Car Sales Program- Sales Promotion Going On NOW!
CRFCU has a relationship with Enterprise Car Sales that provides CRFCU members a selection of thousands of late-model, certified used vehicles. The closest of Enterprise's 150 car sales locations is 411 Connecticut Boulevard, East Hartford, CT. Tel. (860) 610-8049. Click here to preview Enterprise’s local and national vehicle inventory.
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Social Security Payments to be “Paperless”: Seniors can Receive
Payments by Direct Deposit to their Capitol Region Accounts
The U.S. Treasury Department is discontinuing the payment of federal benefits by paper check. Instead, Social Security recipients, as well as and others who receive federal benefit payments, will be receiving their payments electronically, starting as early as May 1, 2011.
Individuals applying for Social Security or other federal benefits after May 1, 2011, must have their benefits electronically deposited to their accounts at financial institutions, or to a Direct Express® debit card. Everyone who started receiving paper check payments before May 1 will need to switch to direct deposit between now and March 1, 2013.
Direct deposit is a safe, secure and reliable means of electronically transmitting funds into an account. Capitol Region FCU members may designate either their free checking accounts or their share/savings accounts to receive benefits. Direct deposit is a free service for Capitol Region members.
Capitol Region is a partner in the U.S. Treasury Department's “Go Direct” campaign that informs, encourages and assists individuals to enroll in direct deposit. For Go Direct information, visit http://www.godirect.org/
Capitol Region Invites Members to Use Checking to Receive Social Security Payments
For the convenience of members receiving Social security and any other payments by direct deposit, Capitol Region Federal Credit Union offers accounts that can include both checking and MasterMoney™ ATM-debit cards. Members of 100+ Employee Groups, including the West Hartford and Bloomfield Senior Centers, are invited to join the credit union by opening a $5 or larger account; there are no membership dues or fees.
Save on the Cost of Your Electricity at www.CRFCU-Power.org
Your credit union wants you to pay less for electricity. Our partnership with Discount Power, Inc, a low-cost electricity supplier in Connecticut, means you can expect consistently lower rates and consistently greater savings. Discount Power's products are available to both residential and commercial customers. Discount Power's commitment is to keep prices low and stable.
Deregulation allows for companies other than the public utilities to offer electric power to consumers. This allows for competition which results in lower prices. Connecticut is one of the most expensive states when it comes to purchasing electricity. You have the ability to choose from whom you buy the generation portion of your electric bill. Deregulation was created to introduce competition and drive prices down. Discount Power, Inc. is dedicated to helping you save money.
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Enrollment is fast and easy...no strings attached.
♦ Free enrollment
♦ No fees
♦ No credit checks
♦ Service and billing continue to be provided by CL&P or UI
Start saving! It's easy to enroll. All you need is your utility bill from CL&P or UI to sign up:
Enroll:
♦ At any Capitol Region FCU office
♦ By calling 860-513-4024
♦ Online at www.CRFCU-Power.org
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What would be the estimated savings on the generation portion of my electric bill?
A. Savings will vary, depending on whether you are you are currently using CL&P or UI, or with a currently deregulated supplier.
Q. What do you mean by the generation portion of my bill?
A. There are two elements to your electric bill; one is the cost of the electricity and the other is the cost of delivering the electricity to your home or office. The generation portion of your bill is the cost you pay to buy the electricity.
Q. What is deregulation and what does it mean to me?
A. Deregulation allows for companies other than the public utilities to offer electric power to consumers. This allows for competition which results in lower prices.
Q. Will CL&P or UI be upset if I choose an electric supplier?
A. No. CL&P and UI encourage their customers to choose an electric supplier to help lower energy costs.
Q. Will I get two electric bills?
A. No, you will still receive and pay only one bill from either CL&P or UI.
Q. Do I have to sign a contract?
A. No, variable rate customers can cancel any time. Fixed price customers will be asked to sign a contract.
Q. What do do if my power goes out?
A. Call the public utility if your service goes out or you have other repair issues.
♦ CL&P: 800-286-2000
♦ UI: 800-7CALLUI or 203-499-3333
You can learn more and enroll at www.CRFCU-Power.org or at any Capitol Region FCU office.
Fraud Protection...Tips for Safeguarding Your Personal Identity:
Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your card in your wallet; don't write it on a check; don't use it as all or part of a password.
Shred financial documents and paperwork containing personal information before discarding.
Don't use obvious passwords, like a birthdate, mother's maiden name, account number or any part of your Social Security number.
Never click on links on unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address that you know. Also, use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your computer. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
Securely store personal information at home, especially if you have roommates or are having workers make repairs or improvements at your home.
Request and review free credit reports available annually from each of three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. To obtain yours, visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
Place a free "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports if they show fraudulent or suspicious information. A toll-free call to any one of the credit reporting companies is sufficient: Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; Experian, 1-888-397-3742; or TransUnion, 1-800-680-7289.
Capitol Region FCU and other financial institutions, credit card servicers and other legitimate organizations will never solicit sensitive information by text message, phone or e-mail.
The Federal Trade Commission created a special clearinghouse for reports about identity theft. Call 877-ID-THEFT or use the ID theft report form on www.consumer.gov/idtheft. You will also receive a booklet from the FTC with step-by-step instructions on what to do to clear your name.
Online BillPay Saves Time and Expense; Personal Coaching is Free
Capitol Region's user-friendly Online BillPay is available to members at no cost. It enables members to use their PCs to pay bills online. Our service-rich, highly secure BillPay system is easy to use, even for the novice...and it makes it simpler, easier and faster to manage, control and keep records of personal finances.
Members With Home Banking can click CRFCU@Home, then log in, then click on the "Pay Your Bills" globe icon near the CRFCU logo at top left of the page for simple instructions on enrollment and use of Online BillPay.
Members who Do Not yet have home banking need to do three things defore enrolling in Online BillPay:
- Open a free checking (share draft) account at any office;
- Enroll in free Capitol Connection telephone banking. It's easy: just call 860-513-4031 and follow the prompts.
- Enroll in free CRFCU@Home home banking. Simpy click here to download the Home Banking Application from this website; then, either deliver the completed application to a CRFCU branch or fax it to 860-513-4030.
Free Coaching Makes On-line Banking and Online BillPay Easier. Private, one-on-one coaching assistance can help members become comfortable using Online BillPay and Online Banking. We'll show how to set up and use online services, answer your questions, and provide suggestions and recommendations that can help you learn how to experience the simplicity, speed and cost-savings of online CRFCU services.
Coaching Sessions will usually take up to one-half hour. To schedule an appointment, please call Krista Kelly, Operations Assistant, 513-4024 x205; or send an e-mail request to info@capitolregionfcu.org
Save time and expense while simplifying your record keeping with Online Bill Pay.
Skip-a-Loan Program Can Help Cash Flow
Our “Skip-a-Loan-Payment” program is a great solution when you're faced with unplanned expenses or an unexpected new opportunity. For a $40.00 fee for each postponement, the monthly payment on many types of CRFCU loans can be postponed for one month: the term of the loan will be extended by one month with no negative impact on the member's credit report. Payments may be postponed on more than one loan. Pre-approval is required. Call a Loan Officer for details at 860-513-4024 x 212 or x 207; request your application online; or apply at a CRFCU office today.
Pay Off Expensive Debt with a Personal Loan for Debt Consolidation
If high interest rates (sometimes more than 20% APR) on credit card payments are creating a heavy burden, consider paying off expensive credit card debt with a CRFCU Personal Loan. Rates vary according to term and account relationship; lowest rates are for members with Capitol Plus Accounts. For information or to apply, call a Loan Officer at 860-513-4024, x 207 or x212. To securely apply online, click here.
No Surcharges at 28,000-plus ATMs with CRFCU MasterMoneyTM Card
Members with Capitol Region's MasterMoneyTM ATM-Debit Cards have surcharge-free use of more than 28,000 CO-OP Network and SUM Program ATMs in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico...over 500 of which are in New England, and over 200 of which are in New York city. These ATMs all provide withdrawals and some also accept deposits...with no surcharge to Capitol Region MasterMoneyTM card holders. To find convenient network ATMs, click here for the CO-OP Network website, or click here for the SUM Program website.
New, Low Rates on Mortgage Loans to Buy or Re-finance
Click Here to check current mortgage rates and features...or even apply on line for a wide selection of mortgage plans through our partner Mortgage Markets CUSO...some with no points or closing costs. Recent record-low mortgage rates provide an excellent opportunity to refinance existing mortgages or to make home purchases more affordable. Need more information? Call Laurie Mornhineway, Loan Manager, 860/513-4024 x212.
Order Your Free Credit Report Now, and Learn
How Credit Reports and Credit Scores Affect You
The Federal Reserve has created an online resource for consumers struggling to understand credit reports, credit scores, and the importance of protecting personal credit histories.
The Fed's new "Consumer's Guide to Credit Reports and Credit Scores" describes the contents of credit reports, explains how credit scores are used by companies that request them, and discusses the role of credit bureaus in collecting and disseminating this information. This useful guide is available free at http://www.federalreserve.gov/creditreports/#credit_score
One free credit report per year is available from each of the three credit reporting companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Click AnnualCreditReport.com. for a direct link to order your free credit report/s. If information on the report/s is erroneous, attempt to correct it. Free credit reports do not include credit scores, which may be obtained from each credit reporting company for a fee.
Employers Invited to Offer Capitol Region Membership as Benefit for Employees
Capitol Region can provide central Connecticut businesses and non-profits the opportunity to offer credit union membership as a benefit for their employees, retirees and volunteers. There is no employer cost or obligation, nor are there membership fees or dues. Interested employers of any size are always welcome to inquire.
- Capitol Region is a professionally managed, member-owned, financial cooperative founded in 1954. The many thousands of individuals we serve are affiliated with more than 100 area businesses, municipalities and non-profits (see lists) that have asked us to offer membership to their employees, retirees, members and volunteers. We are known for our low-cost financial products and personalized, professional service. Take advantage of this opportunity!
- Consumer Reports praised credit unions in March 2007, stating "...credit unions offer..the best banking deals around." Capitol Region offers a complete menu of low-cost, personal banking products and services, including free checking, home mortgages, auto loans, and FREE online banking and bill pay.
- REQUEST MEMBERSHIP TODAY by contacting Capitol Region at (860) 513-4024 x205, or via email info@capitolregionfcu.org The VALUE of membership in Capitol Region Federal Credit Union is priceless!
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