What's New...

Fraud Protection...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.

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Low Rates on Auto Loans...and GAP Protection for Only $ 249
           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 Auto" loans for certain fuel-efficient, hybrid and environmentally friendly  passenger vehicles.

The best strategy? Before you start shopping for a vehicle, pre-apply 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 some auto dealers, it costs between $500 and $700.

• Loan Rates for Standard Auto  range from 4.50% APR to 6.00% APR.
• Loan Rates for Green Autos start as low as 4.09 % APR, and are available for both  Hybrid and other fuel-efficient passenger vehicles with an EPA combined rating of 30 MPG (Miles Per Gallon) or higher; and  for specific ethanol E85 flex-fuel passenger vehicles. The website  http://www.hybridcars.com/shop-by-technology provides lists that include vehicles that are eligible for our Green loan rates, 
  
• Best loan rates benefit members with Capitol Plus accounts...next best rates are for members with Capitol accounts. APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Click here for all of Capitol Region's low auto loan rates. To securely apply online, click here.

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Online BillPay Saves Time And Expense...and 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:

1. Open a free checking (share draft) account at any office;
2. Enroll in free Capitol Connection telephone banking. It's easy: just call 860-513-4031 and follow the prompts.
3. 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.

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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. Annual Percentage Rates range from 10.00% to 12.10%, and maximum term is 60 months. 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 MasterMoney^TM Card
Members with CRFCU MasterMoney^TM 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 MasterMoney^TM 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 Mortgage Markets CUSO...some with no points or closing costs. Need more information? Call Laurie Mornhineway, Loan Manager, 860/513-4024 x212.

Order Your Free Credit Report Now
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.

Enterprise Car Sales Program
Enterprise Car Sales’ selection of 1,000s of late-model, used vehicles is now available to CRFCU members. The closest of Enterprise's 150 Car Sales locations is 411 Connecticut Boulevard, East Hartford, Tel. 860/610-8049. When you call or visit, introduce yourself as a Capitol Region member and ask about any special promotions. To save time, apply to Capitol Region to have your vehicle loan pre-approved before car shopping. 

Click here to preview Enterprise’s local and national vehicle inventory, and to learn whether they are conduting any promotions.

Enterprise Car Sales selects their best cars, (most from their own fleet); offers them at competitive prices, and backs them with one of the industry's best used car warranties. Other important features include:
          ♦ No-haggle price displayed on every late-model vehicle. ¹ 
          ♦ Certification: all Enterprise vehicles pass a rigorous 109-point ASE- certified inspection.
          ♦ Enterprise gladly accepts trade-ins. ^{6, 7} 
          ♦ 7-Day Repurchase: Enterprise will repurchase vehicles - no questions asked - for the exact amount paid up to 7 days or 1,000 miles after the purchase.² 
          ♦ All Enterprise-certified vehicles backed by 12-month/12,000-mile limited Power Train Warranty.³ 
          ♦ Purchases include Enterprise's one-year roadside assistance program.⁵ 
          ♦ Free CARFAX® Vehicle History Report available for every vehicle
¹Price does not include tax, title, tags, governmental fees, any emissions testing charges, and any finance charges (if applicable). Unless otherwise stated separately in the vehicle details, price does not include processing, administrative, closing or similar fees of $149 or less. Vehicles subject to prior sale. We make every effort to provide accurate information including but not limited to price, miles and vehicle options, but please verify with your local Enterprise Car Sales location before purchasing. Current mileage may vary due to test drives and vehicle relocation. Used vehicles were previously part of Enterprise short term rental, lease fleet or purchased by Enterprise from other sources including auto auctions, with previous use possibly short term rental, lease or other.

²For a period of seven days beyond the date of delivery or 1,000 miles beyond the odometer reading at delivery, whichever comes first, the vehicle may be returned for the exact price originally paid minus a $200 documentation and cleaning fee (as allowed by law). Restrictions apply. For details, see an Enterprise Car Sales representative or call 1 888 Car Sales (1-888-227-7253).

³Limited warranty begins on vehicle purchase date and extends for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Restrictions apply. For details, see an Enterprise Car Sales representative or call 1 888 Car Sales (1-888-227-7253).

 Vehicle service contracts are available up to 60 months/84,000 miles. Total contract coverage cannot exceed 100,000 miles.

⁵Enterprise 12-Month Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance Package is provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and its affiliated clubs in the United States and Canada.

⁶Enterprise provides a fair and competitive offer on your vehicle. Customer is responsible to any extent vehicle pay-off exceeds Enterprise offer. Restrictions apply. For details, see an Enterprise Car Sales Manager.

⁷Trade-in values obtained from ©2008 Kelley Blue Book Co.’s website KBB.com. Blue Book Trade-in Value is based on accurate condition rating and mileage of vehicle. Accurately appraising the condition of the vehicle is an important aspect of determining its Blue Book Trade-in Value. If a Blue Book Trade-in value is not available for your vehicle Enterprise will provide a fair and competitive value for customer’s vehicle. Customer is responsible to any extent vehicle pay-off exceeds Enterprise offer. Customer must provide required proof of ownership/registration and all other necessary paperwork to transfer title. Restrictions apply. For details, see an Enterprise Car Sales Manager. Offer void where prohibited.   

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 an optional 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 collaborative 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 low-cost financial products and personalized, professional service.
• 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 online banking and bill pay.
• Area business and non-profit managers are invited to contact Gerry Whitehead, Capitol Region's Manager of Membership Development, at 860/513-4024 x209, or via e-mail by clicking here.  Arrangements are simple: a brief request letter and three-question form (no financial data) can result  in the valuable, permanent and multi-faceted benefit of credit union membership for your employees and volunteers.