News & Education

Learn more about new EFCU products, services, promotions and other financial news.

Preventing Tech Scams Against the Elderly

An increasingly more common form of elder fraud is the technical-support (tech-support) scam. This is where criminals trick victims into giving remote access to their computers while pretending to provide technical support. Arming yourself with information to combat scams is critical.

EFCU Auto Buying Guide

Shopping for a new or used vehicle can be a hefty process but doesn't have to be stressful. Preparation is key to getting a good deal on your big investment. Whether it's your first time looking for a vehicle or you want to trade up to a new or used vehicle, this simple guide is full of helpful information for every stage of the auto buying process.

Tax Refund Scam Alert

If you receive a strange phone call notifying you that your tax refund was deposited to your account 'in error,' you should be on alert.

SPIRIT Newsletter

SPIRIT, our quarterly newsletter, features educational articles and information about our current products and services as well as announcements about upcoming events.

read the SPIRIT quarterly newsletter

Safety & Security

EFCU is dedicated to protecting our member's financial information in all areas of our operations. But how can you stay vigilant while on the go?

CardValet^TM

Your Card on Your Terms. Manage your EFCU Debit Card usage through your mobile device with the CardValet app.

Mobile Wallets

Mobile Wallets allow EFCU cardholders to make convenient and secure purchases using a smartphone. EFCU debit and credit cards can be used with Apple Pay^TM, Samsung Pay^TM and Google Pay^TM.

CO-OP Shared Branch & ATMs

CO-OP Shared Branch serves EFCU members across the United States. Credit unions in the CO-OP Shared Branch network all over the country share facilities to give members thousands of convenient locations to perform transactions just as if they were in their home credit union.

10 Ways to Avoid Fraud

According to Federal Trade Commission reports, crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine new technology with old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. Here are some practical tips to help you stay a step ahead.

Preventing Tech Scams Aganst the Elderly

The issue of elder of abuse is growing for Credit Union members. An average of 10,000 Americans turn 65 a day, a pace that is expected to continue according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Arming yourself with information to combat scams is critical. An increasingly more common form of elder fraud is the technical-support (tech-support) scam. This is where criminals trick victims into giving remote access to their computers while pretending to provide technical support.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), older adults are the hardest hit by such scams. The FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network received nearly 143,000 reports with a loss of $55 million on tech support scams in 2018. Consumers 60 and over filed more loss reports on tech-support scams from 2015 to 2018 than on any other type of fraud reported to the Consumer Sentinel Network. The median individual reported loss to tech-support scams was $400, however, people 60 and over reported a 25 percent higher median loss of $500.

Tech-scam frauds are done in several ways: the criminals make telephone calls and claim to be computer technicians associated with a well-known company or may use internet pop-up messages to warn about non-existent computer problems. They might claim they have detected viruses or other malware on a victim's computer. They then pretend to be "tech support" and ask the victim to allow remote access to his or her computer. Eventually, they diagnose a non-existent problem and ask for payment for unnecessary services.

Money isn't the only thing people can lose with tech-support scams. People hand over control when they give the scammers remote access to their computer. Scammers can then steal sensitive information or install spyware to gather information. Some have even been persuaded to log into their accounts whereby the scammer can then move funds remotely. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed a resource infographic for consumers that explain how to spot, avoid, report and recover from such scams. Review the infographic to learn more on how to spot a Tech Support scam and visit ftc.gov/TechSupportScams to learn more.

Government Shutdown Assistance

If your pay is affected by the government shutdown and/or you anticipate experiencing financial difficulty as a result of the shutdown, contact us during our regular business hours at 850.862.0111 or 800.367.6159 or visit one of our branch offices. We are ready to help.

Loan Assistance: Several options may be available including temporary reduction of payments, skip a payment, share secured loans, debt consolidation, and refinancing of other loans and credit cards to lower payments.
Overdraft Protection: You can establish Overdraft protection from available funds in your Savings or Money Market accounts. The available credit limit on your EFCU Mastercard or Line of Credit can also be used for Overdraft protection. If you would like to establish Overdraft protection or apply for EFCU Mastercard visit any of the branch offices.
Certificate Withdrawal: You may make an early withdrawal from your Certificates without a penalty.
Financial counseling and budget assistance: Visit https://eglinfcu.balancepro.org/programs for tools to help assist you through this reduction of income. You may also take advantage of Free Financial Counseling through BALANCE by calling 1.888.456.2227.

Security Update: TLS 1.1

What is TLS?

TLS is short for "Transport Layer Security." It is a network protocol that allows you to communicate securely over the Internet for email, data transfers, and other services. TLS 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2 are the three versions of TLS, to date.

How does TLS send online information securely?

TLS sends online information securely through a process known as encryption. Encryption is a method of protecting your sensitive information (i.e. Social Security numbers, account numbers, debit/credit card numbers, etc.) while it is being sent over the internet.

Why is EFCU disabling TLS 1.0?

EFCU continually strives to protect our members by using the latest, most secure protocols. TLS 1.0 encryption protocol has become outdated and is now considered unsecure. To keep up with industry standards as well as promote the safety of our members' financial information, our website now requires browser encryption protocol requirements of TLS 1.1 or higher. Members who have not upgraded their web browser to TLS 1.1 or higher may no longer be able to access EFCU's website and online services once the security upgrade is complete.

When did the change happen?

EFCU requires TLS 1.1 or higher as of June 11, 2018.

Test your browser's compatibility

You may receive an error message when trying to access the Eglin FCU website or Internet & Mobile Banking as we implement TLS 1.2 during June. To check if your Web browser needs to be updated to ensure uninterrupted online service, please visit the following resources:

visit "How's My SSL?" website

visit "Qualys SSL Labs" website

My browser is not compatible, how can I update it?

If you experience errors viewing this website, you will need to ensure your web browser is compatible with TLS 1.1 or higher. The following is a list of browser versions that are compatible with TLS 1.1 or higher. If your browser is not up to date, click the appropriate link below to download and update your browser (please note: If your computer or device is outdated, you may not be able to update your browser. If this is the case, it may be time to upgrade to a newer computer or device):

Google Chrome: Version 29 or newer
Mozilla Firefox: Version 33 or newer
Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE): Version 10 or newer
Opera Browser: Version 16 or newer
Apple® Safari® (Desktop): Version 6 or newer
Apple Safari (Mobile): Version 5 or newer (iPhone® OS 4 or newer)

If you have elected to receive your Statements and Notices electronically and cannot update your browser to access your account electronically, please call Account Services at 850.862.0111 during normal business hours to request paper copies.

How can I be sure I am always using the latest TLS protocol?

Keeping your web browser on your computer and/or mobile device up to date can ensure you are using the latest TLS protocol and getting the best, most secure browsing experience.

Shopping for a new or used vehicle is an important task but it doesn't have to be stressful. Preparation is key to getting a good deal on your big investment. Whether it's your first time looking for a vehicle or you want to trade up to a new or used vehicle, this simple guide is full of helpful information for every stage of the auto buying process.

STEP 1: BUDGET

miniature car model on money next to a calculator and pencil

With any large investment, it is important to establish your budget first. If you're looking to finance, our auto loan payment calculator is available to help you get a sense of various monthly loan payment amounts and the amount you could be paying over the term of your loan. With your budget and personal preferences in mind, you can then decide how much you want to spend on a new or used vehicle. If you receive an EFCU pre-approved auto loan (PAL) by mail or through Home Branch, be sure to have it readily available as you shop for your next vehicle. PALs outline how much you can spend when auto shopping and can essentially place bargaining power right in the palm of your hands.

If you do not have a PAL, you can apply for an auto loan directly from our website. It may also help if you review your credit history before you begin shopping, you can get a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com.

STEP 2: LOOK AROUND

It is important to take your time and look to multiple sources to find the vehicle you want at the right price. When you're ready to begin your search, take advantage of the hassle-free AutoSMART online purchasing program. Here you can search streamlined inventories of participating dealers in our network right from your home. You can also visit any of our participating 5 Star Dealers. Regardless of your preference, your EFCU auto loan can be financed on the spot through any of these participating dealerships - even after-hours and on weekends!

couple holding tablet and shopping online for autos

Get an added bonus with our AutoCash coupon. Bring it to one of the participating auto dealers listed on the form to redeem your FREE $20 Gas Card. No purchase is required, you earn free fuel just for browsing. If you decide to purchase a vehicle from a participating dealer and finance it with EFCU, you can exchange your AutoCash coupon for a $50 VISA Gift Card instead.

STEP 3: RESEARCH

When you find a vehicle you like, do some investigation. Research new and used auto values through the NADA Pricing Guide. This pricing guide will help determine what a vehicle is worth and can also serve as a powerful negotiation tool. The annual percentage rate (APR), term and maximum loan amount on your EFCU auto loan is based on the vehicle's model year, MSRP Value (new vehicles), NADA Retail Value (Used vehicles up to 1 year old) and NADA Clean Trade Value (Used vehicles 2 to 15 years old). We also offer EFCU members a discounted CARFAX to assist with determining a used vehicle's history.

You may also find the information available through the Consumer Reports website helpful. Reading what vehicle experts and owners have to say about safety features and performance regarding your potential purchase can provide excellent insight before you buy. If you plan to trade in a vehicle, you should also research its value before you begin negotiations.

STEP 4: PURCHASE

When you find the vehicle you want, it is important to use all the information you've researched in order to obtain the best deal. If you've done your research, you'll know if the seller is asking a fair price or offering a fair price for your trade-in. Be sure to use your pre-approved auto loan from Eglin Federal Credit Union. If you are financing with EFCU and purchasing at a dealership participating in the AutoCash program, remember to submit your AutoCash coupon for a $50 gift card.

STEP 5: PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Once you receive the keys to your vehicle, do your happy dance!

Afterwards, think what you can do to protect yourself and your new investment. EFCU has partnered with TruStage to provide auto insurance quotes for your new or used vehicle so that you, your investment and passengers are protected in the event of collision, injury, and/or loss. As an added benefit, your membership with EFCU can result in some sweet savings on auto insurance.

Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) can help fill the gap between what your vehicle insurance will pay and what you owe on your loan, to cushion you against sudden out of pocket expenses if your vehicle is totaled or stolen. GAP can help lighten the financial burden for you and the people you care about. Get GAP today so you can worry a little less about tomorrow. GAP is voluntary, competitively priced, and can be added to your auto loan at any time.

Debt Protection is another voluntary loan protection product that may be added to your auto loan at any time. Debt Protection could cancel your loan balance or payments up to the contract maximums if a protected event such as sickness or injury, loss of life, or involuntary unemployment occurs.

EFCU is here to help you through all stages of the auto buying process so you can be prepared, informed, and enjoy the road ahead. Give us a call at 850.862.0111 or stop by any EFCU branch to get started.

Tax Refund Scam Alert

An emerging fraud scheme has been identified by the IRS.

Cybercriminals are using taxpayers' sensitive information (e.g., Social Security numbers, addresses, and account information) to file fraudulent refunds. The fraudsters are then proceeding to contact taxpayers, posing as employees of debt collecting agencies working with the IRS. Their ultimate mission is to fool taxpayers into depositing refunds to their criminal accounts, typically by phone.

If you receive a strange phone call notifying you that your tax refund was deposited to your account 'in error,' you should be on alert, particularly if you have yet to file your income taxes.

Click here to visit the IRS website for more information on this tax scam and ways you can keep your data safe.

Don't get CAughT in a Holiday Scam

The holiday season should be a time of celebration. Don't let scammers ruin your Ho-Ho-Ho!

With the Holiday season in full swing, you are likely very busy. Be extra vigilant. Check your balances and your statements regularly. Consider these additional tips to protect you from online holiday scams:

Sign-up for real-time alerts through CardNav^SM (for EFCU Credit Cards) and CardValet^® (for EFCU Debit Cards) and stay on top of your transactions by monitoring your account closely. Report suspicious activity to the Credit Union immediately.
Think before you click! In addition to emails, be weary of online ads, applications, eGreeting cards and much more. Cybercriminals mimic legitimate content making it difficult to detect, so lookout for slightly altered URLs or receiving an email with links from an unknown person or business.
Don't trust a site or name you don't know and don't fall for the "too good to be true."
Use payment methods such as mobile wallets, that convert your card information through tokenization, to help protect yourself from data breaches.
Have unique, complex passwords for sites that store your card information when shopping online and change your passwords frequently.
Be cautious of the charities you are giving to online. Visit Give.org to make informed decisions regarding your charities of choice.
Take preventive measures. Ensure home computers, laptops, and tablets are protected with antivirus and anti-spyware software.

Faster Processing with Same Day ACH

On September 15^th 2017, the Federal Reserve began processing most ACH debits on the same day they are transacted. In light of these changes, we are now posting ACH debits to your account throughout the day. This means that some of your payments may clear your account the same day they are authorized.

Typical ACH debits include payments to utilities, health club dues, credit card providers, etc. However, some other payments that you may not think are electronic but may post and clear on the same day include the following:

Paper checks that may be converted to ACH debits.
Retailer cards that link your checking account and use the ACH process.

3 Tips for Being Prepared

Don't Assume Funds Will Clear a Day or Two After Making a Payment. Habits can be hard to break. Get in the habit of planning for funds to clear at the same time you make an online payment, payment over the phone, or write a check.
Stay On Top of Your Balances. Keeping your available account balances at a level that supports your spending is always the best approach. Both Eglin Federal Credit Union's Home Branch and Mobile Banking provide you with access to your account balances 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Need More Information? Contact us by phone at 850.862.0111 (toll free 1.800.367.6159), email us at [email protected] or stop by any branch.

Safety & Security

EFCU is dedicated to protecting our member's financial information in all areas of our operations. But how can you stay vigilant while on the go? Visit the Safety & Security page for tips for keeping safe while online.

Here are a few helpful measures to take:

Never give your Social Security number or other personal information over the phone
Change your passwords regularly
Set up alerts to monitor account activity
Don't save account numbers on mobile devices
Avoid using public Wi-Fi
Never open suspicious links in emails
Keep your computer and mobile devices updated
Turn off your computer when it is not in use
Stay in the know about the latest scams
Always logout and close your browser window
Report any suspicious activity as soon as possible

We have also partnered with Digital Defense Inc. to provide you Training, Education, and Awareness Modules™ (TEAM) that are relevant and easy to understand. Using a web browser you can access the security training anytime and anywhere from our Safety & Security page. Training classes include Secure Passwords, Home Computer Tips, Wireless Security, and Child Safety Online.

CardValet^TM -- Your Card, on Your Terms

Manage your EFCU Debit Card usage through your mobile device by downloading the CardValet app.

Turn your card on or off instantly
Use your mobile device to instantly turn your EFCU Debit Card on or off. This is a useful tool for parental control and peace of mind if your card is misplaced or stolen.

Control maximum transaction amounts
Set spending limits on your Debit Card. This is a great tool for parents. The spending limit can be adjusted at any time through the CardValet app.

Control where your card can be used
Control where your Debit Card is used based on specific merchant categories (gas, hotels, travel, restaurants, groceries, or electronic stores) or restrict transactions to only be allowable if they occur within a specified range of your mobile device (requires location services to be active on your device).

Receive alerts
CardValet can send a real-time alert when your Debit Card is used, when a transaction is approved and exceeds a specified amount, or when your Debit Card has been attempted but is declined.

click here to download for
Apple Devices

click here to download for
Android Devices

10 Ways to Avoid Fraud

Spot imposters. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity, or a company you do business with. Don't send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request regardless of whether it comes as a text, a phone call, or an email.
Do online searches. Type a company or product name into your favorite search engine with words like "review," "complaint" or "scam." Or search for a phrase that describes your situation, like "IRS call." You can even search for phone numbers to see if other people have reported them as scams.
Don't believe your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren't always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.
Don't pay upfront for a promise. Someone might ask you to pay in advance for things like debt relief, credit and loan offers, mortgage assistance, or a job. They might even say you've won a prize, but first you have to pay taxes or fees. If you do, they will probably take the money and disappear.
Consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built in, but some payment methods don't. Wiring money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram is risky because it's nearly impossible to get your money back. That's also true for reloadable cards like MoneyPak, Reloadit or Vanilla. Government offices and honest companies won't require you to use these payment methods.
Talk to someone. Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert or just tell a friend.
Hang up on robocalls. If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up and report it to the FTC. These calls are illegal, and often the products are bogus. Don't press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list. That could lead to more calls.
Be skeptical about free trial offers. Some companies use free trials to sign you up for products and bill you every month until you cancel. Before you agree to a free trial, research the company and read the cancellation policy. And always review your monthly statements for charges you don't recognize.
Don't deposit a check and wire money back. By law, banks must make funds from deposited checks available within days, but uncovering a fake check can take weeks. If a check you deposit turns out to be a fake, you're responsible for repaying the bank.
Sign up for free scam alerts from the FTC. Get the latest tips and advice about scams sent right to your inbox.

If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC by clicking here. Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement investigate scams and bring crooks to justice.

CO-OP Shared Branch & ATM Network

CO-OP Shared Branching Serves EFCU Members Across the United States

Credit unions in the CO-OP Shared Branch network all over the country share facilities to give members thousands of convenient locations to perform transactions just as if they were in their home credit union. Whether you are at work, home, or your favorite travel destination, EFCU is always nearby.
Anywhere you see the CO-OP Shared Branch logo you can conduct a range of transactions including deposits, withdrawals, transfers and loan payments. You must have your EFCU account number and an acceptable/valid ID such as a state issued driver's license.

When You Go On Vacation We're Not Far Away

As you make your summer travel plans, remember that CO-OP ATMs are available at these retail locations for you to access your EFCU accounts. There are over 30,000 locations nationwide and free of surcharge:

Kangaroo Express
Publix Supermarket
Costco
Rite-Aid
Dunkin Donuts

...and many more.

To locate a credit union or ATM in the CO-OP Network, visit our locations page

Mobile Wallets

Mobile Wallets allow EFCU cardholders to make convenient and secure purchases using a smartphone. Our debit and credit cards can be used with Apple Pay™, Samsung Pay™ and Google Pay™.

CONVENIENCE
Mobile wallets can make online purchases more convenient by eliminating the need to input your personal information every time you make a transaction. When shopping in stores that accept your mobile wallet, simply hold your device near the card reader when checking out and follow the prompts.

SECURITY
Mobile Wallets can increase the security of transactions since the wallet does not pass payment card details to the merchant. A unique transaction identifier or token is used instead, reducing the amount of personal data that is shared with the merchant. If that merchant's system is breached, your information is less likely to be compromised.

If you are interested in learning more about how to setup and use a mobile wallet, visit our Mobile Wallets page.

SPIRIT Quarterly Newsletter Archive

January 2019 (current) October 2018 July 2018 April 2018

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Mobile Notifications

smartphone screen showing a notification alerting to a NSF fee posted

Set up notifications on your mobile device to keep you informed when any of your account alerts are triggered.

You may now set up notifications for the Eglin FCU Mobile App. Notifications correspond to the alerts you have set up inside of Home Branch or the Eglin FCU Mobile App. To receive notifications you must open the "settings" menu in the mobile app and turn on the "notifications" button (you will also need to open your device settings and turn on notifications for the mobile app itself). If you do not have any alerts established inside of Home Branch you will not receive any notifications. To set up alerts, open the "eServices" section of the main navigation menu inside the mobile app or Home Branch and select "Alerts." Click here to learn more about alerts.

Hurricane Relief

stylized image of the state of florida with a heart overlaid

Affected by Hurricane Michael?

We're here to help. Call 850.862.0111 or 800.367.6159 for assistance with EFCU Mastercard (x.1481), Loans (x.1471) or Account Services (x.1402).

You can help too.

We are partnering with the Air Force Enlisted Village who is administering the collection of donations and delivery of critical supplies to all impacted areas. Click here to donate online to the Hurricane Michael Emergency Relief fund. Monetary donations are also being accepted at all EFCU Branches.

EFCU's Web Policy

Use of Cookies
Eglin Federal Credit Union uses small text files called cookies to collect anonymous Web site traffic data. This information helps improve our Web services. Our cookies do not collect or store any personally identifiable information.

Browser Support

Supported Browsers

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Version 10 and higher

Microsoft Edge
Current version

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Google Chrome
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Safari
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Opera
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While most elements of our website will function on earlier versions of the browsers listed above, we highly recommend updating your browser to the current version.

Browser Settings

To maximize your browsing experience on our site, please add eglinfcu.org and billpaysite.com as trusted sites in your browser and, if applicable, in your firewall. For eglinfcu.org you will need to enable Javascript. For Home Branch you will need to enable SSL (encryption) support, cookies (Requires session-only cookies that are returned to the originating server - eglinfcu.org), and secure pages to be saved to the hard disk.

Information about your browser:

Click here to run the Bill Payer browser test

Certificates

Important Information About Opening a New Account

USA PATRIOT Act
To help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens or signs on an account.

What This Means For You
When you open an account, we will ask you for your name, physical address, date of birth and other information that will allow us to identify you.

ROUTING & TRANSIT NUMBER

EFCU's Routing & Transit Number for Direct Deposit or any other electronic transfer of funds is 263178070.

Please refer to the following guidelines for providing your account number:

For Checking and Savings Accounts:Please provide your full 5-digit or 6-digit Account Number when authorizing electronic debits or credits.
For Money Market accounts: If you have a 6-digit account number you will need to add "990" to the beginning of your account number, if you have a 5-digit account number you will need to add "9900" to the beginning of your account number.

If you have pre-printed EFCU checks, the Routing & Transit Number and Account Number begin at the bottom-left of your checks, with the routing number listed in the first section and the account number in the second.

Allen Turner Chevrolet

Allen Turner Hyundai

Audi Pensacola

BMW of Fort Walton Beach

Bob Tyler Toyota

Buick GMC Fort Walton Beach

Buick GMC Pensacola

Centennial Imports

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Crestview

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fort Walton Beach

Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson

Ft. Walton Mitsubishi

Gary Smith Ford

Gary Smith Honda

Hampton Hyundai

Hill Kelly Dodge

Hub City Ford

Kia Fort Walton Beach

Lee Buick GMC

Lee Nissan

Mazda of Fort Walton Beach

Pensacola Honda

Performance Cars Niceville

Pete Moore Chevrolet

Pete Moore Imports

Porsche of Destin

Preston Hood Chevrolet

Sandy & Bubba`s Milton Chevrolet

Sandy Sansing BMW Mini Cooper

Sandy Sansing Chevrolet

Sandy Sansing Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Sandy Sansing Mazda

Sandy Sansing Nissan

Subaru Fort Walton Beach

Tim Smith Acura

Toyota of Fort Walton Beach

Volkswagen Fort Walton Beach

World Ford Pensacola

ZT Motors of FWB

Third Party Website

Online Account Access