The new holiday shopping season brings a new wave of scammers shopping for victims. Here are some tips to help you outsmart those scamming Scrooges and navigate this season of giving safely and securely.
We are excited about the new Video Tellers in the drive-up lanes at our FWB Branch. Simply touch the screen to activate the Video Teller and one of our friendly EFCU tellers will greet you to assist you with your transactions. Video Tellers are available during normal drive up hours, please have your photo ID ready. Video Tellers also operate as ATMs 24/7 using your EFCU ATM or Debit card.
Know the telltale signs of common tax scams. Every year scammers add new twists to well-known tax-related scams and 2020 is no exception. Click the link below to learn more about how you can avoid becoming a victim of a tax scam.
learn more about tax scamsGain control of your credit health with your free comprehensive credit report, including your credit score. Now available when logged into your account online via a broswer or the EFCU Mobile App.
Click the banner in Home Branch or the Mobile App and agree to the terms to access this new and exciting feature
Effective August 20, 2019: To provide added security for your accounts we have new username and password requirements. You will now be required to create a unique username for accessing your accounts and will need to meet new password complexity requirements.
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.
read the EFCU Auto Buying GuideAn increasingly more common form of elder fraud is the 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 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?
Mobile Wallets allow EFCU cardholders to make convenient and secure purchases using a smartphone. EFCU debit and credit cards can be used with Apple PayTM, Samsung PayTM and Google PayTM.
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
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.
Every year scammers add new twists to well-known tax-related scams and 2020 is no exception.
Taxpayers should remember that the IRS generally first mails a bill to a taxpayer who owes taxes. There are special circumstances when the IRS will call or come to a home or business.
Click the link below to visit IRS.gov for more tips to help you spot email phishing scams and phone scams and avoid becoming a victim.
IRS.gov | Tips to spot scams & avoid being a victimUnauthorized access is a major problem in the high-tech world we operate in today. If you are a victim of these hacks, the consequences can include loss of money, bank account information, and identity theft. It is more important than ever to take necessary actions ensuring your username and password are secure. We have made the decision to require usernames rather than account numbers to enhance the safety of your account. We also require that you evaluate your password for complexity as an extra security measure.
You are the first line of defense in protecting your account access. Password complexity goes a long way to keep your financial information safe, but a unique username can provide additional security to protect your account just as much as a strong password. So what makes a strong username and password? Below are some guidelines you may consider when creating a secure username and password combination.
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 our online banking platforms, 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have ever received your credit score from the three major credit bureaus, you may have noticed that these scores are not the same. Why do credit scores vary? Here is why.
Scoring Models
Differences in credit scores derive from the numerous credit scoring models that are used in the financial industry. Credit scoring models are used by credit bureaus to collect and analyze your statistical data to determine your credit eligibility. There are a range of credit scoring models that weigh in on varying factors which change the way scores are computed, however, EFCU uses the FICO 9 scoring model and the VantageScore model.
FICO Scoring Model
The FICO Scoring model has been around since 1989 and is the most widely used measure of creditworthiness primarily due to its longevity. FICO scores take payment history, credit utilization, credit history, types of credit, and new credit into account when determining its credit score, with much emphasis or "weight" placed on payment history and credit utilization. EFCU has upgraded to FICO 9 which is the score used for all EFCU loan decisions.
VantageScore Model
The VantageScore model was created by the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) in 2006. The VantageScore model takes payment history, age and type of credit, credit utilization, total balances, recent behavior, and available credit into account when determining its credit score, with much emphasis or "weight" placed on payment history, age and type of credit, and credit utilization. Your free credit score uses the VantageScore model.
If you have any further questions regarding your comprehensive credit report, contact us at 850.862.0111 x.1421.
Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) recommences renovations to its Fort Walton Beach Branch at 838 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach. "We are excited about the exterior renovations at our Fort Walton Beach branch," said Jerry Williams, President and CEO of EFCU. "Our members who rely on this location can, over the next couple of months, look forward to more enhancements to the exterior of the branch, including new walkways, new landscape and a new Drive-Up area. Our EFCU logo will be featured on the building along with new electronic signage. Renovations will also include relocating our parking lot ATM and the deployment of NEW Video Tellers at the Drive-Up."
The next phase of renovations will require us to close the FWB Branch Drive-Up Lanes which will be closed beginning June 2nd. We apologize for any inconveniences that you may experience while visiting our FWB Branch and will continue to work hard to keep them to a minimum. Thank you in advance for your patience as we complete this project.
In addition to these tips, you may also sign up for free scam alerts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) so you can get the latest tips and advice regarding scams sent to your inbox.
EFCU has also partnered with Digital Defense Inc. to provide Security Awareness Training courses relevant to you to improve your online security.
EFCU is here to ensure you keep your information safe and maintain the upper hand against cybercrime this holiday season. To contact us, please visit our contact page.
Routing Number: 263178070 *APR = Annual Percentage Rate.
©2021 Eglin Federal Credit Union. Eglin Federal Credit Union is Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender (NMLS 440642). Equal Opportunity Employer. Information submitted to EFCU via email is not encrypted and may not be secure. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience to our visitors. The Credit Union is not responsible for the availability, content, or privacy practices of any linked site. Images used for representational purposes only; do not imply government endorsement. If you experience any problems accessing our website or using online services, please call 800.367.6159 during our normal business hours (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm CST, excluding federal holidays).
When you received your loan you agreed to maintain adequate insurance coverage. If your insurance information has changed or you receive a letter stating we do not have proper documentation, you should provide us with a copy of your insurance declarations page (not your insurance card). The declarations page must show the following information:
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VEHICLE TYPE | TERM | APR* (as low as) |
---|---|---|
New or Used Up to 15 Years Old | 66 Months | 2.99% |
New or Used Up to 10 Years Old | 74 Months | 3.49% |
New or Used Up to 10 Years Old ($20k +) | 84 Months | 4.49% |
* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. There is a range of rates for each loan type. The rate received will be determined by an evaluation of the applicant's credit. The above rates are current as of Friday, January 22, 2021 and are subject to change
LOAN VALUE | LOAN TERM | APR*(as low as) |
---|---|---|
Up to $10,000 | 60 Months | 4.75% |
Up to $25,000 | 120 Months | 5.75% |
Up to $50,000 | 144 Months | 6.00% |
Over $50,000 | 180 Months | 6.00% |
LOAN VALUE | LOAN TERM | APR*(as low as) |
---|---|---|
Up to $10,000 | 60 Months | 5.75% |
Up to $25,000 | 120 Months | 6.75% |
Up to $50,000 | 144 Months | 7.00% |
Over $50,000 | 180 Months | 7.00% |
LOAN VALUE | LOAN TERM | APR*(as low as) |
---|---|---|
Up to $10,000 | 60 Months | 4.75% |
Over $10,000 | 120 Months | 5.75% |
Over $25,000 | 144 Months | 6.00% |
Over $50,000 | 180 Months | 6.00% |
LOAN VALUE | LOAN TERM | APR*(as low as) |
---|---|---|
Up to $10,000 | 60 Months | 5.75% |
Over $10,000 | 120 Months | 6.75% |
Over $25,000 | 144 Months | 7.00% |
Over $50,000 | 180 Months | 7.00% |
LOAN VALUE | LOAN TERM | APR*(as low as) |
---|---|---|
Up to $10,000 | 60 Months | 5.00% |
Over $10,000 | 72 Months | 6.75% |
Over $20,000 | 84 Months | 7.25% |
LOAN VALUE | LOAN TERM | APR*(as low as) |
---|---|---|
Up to $10,0001 | 48 Months | 6.00% |
Over $10,0002 | 60 Months | 6.00% |
LOAN TERM (up to) | APR*(as low as) |
---|---|
60 Months | 5.00% |
LOAN TERM | APR* | ORIGINATION FEE | POINTS |
---|---|---|---|
30 year | 3.125% | 0% | 0 |
20 year | 3.000% | 0% | 0 |
15 year | 2.750% | 0% | 0 |
LOAN TERM | APR* | ORIGINATION FEE | POINTS |
---|---|---|---|
30 year | 3.125% | 0% | 0 |
20 year | 3.000% | 0% | 0 |
15 year | 2.750% | 0% | 0 |
LOAN TERM | APR* | ORIGINATION FEE | POINTS |
---|---|---|---|
30 year | 3.125% | 0% | 0 |
20 year | 3.000% | 0% | 0 |
15 year | 2.750% | 0% | 0 |
INTEREST RATE | MAXIMUM COMBINED LTV** (TLTV) |
---|---|
5.25% APR* | 80% |
INTEREST RATE | MINIMUM ADVANCE | CLOSING COSTS |
---|---|---|
3.25% APR* | $5,000 | NONE |
MAX TERM | APR* |
---|---|
5 years | 8.50% |
10 years | 9.00% |
MAX TERM | APR* |
---|---|
9 months | 5.50% |
LOAN TERM | APR* as low as | MAX LOAN AMOUNT |
---|---|---|
42 Months | 8.90% | $20,000 |
LOAN TERM | APR* as low as | MAX LOAN AMOUNT |
---|---|---|
------ | 8.90% | $20,000 |
REPAYMENT PERIOD | APR* | MAX LOAN AMOUNT |
---|---|---|
120 days | 16.9% | $500 |
REPAYMENT PERIOD | APR* as low as | MAX LOAN AMOUNT |
---|---|---|
42 Months | 13.90% | $3000 |
REPAYMENT PERIOD | APR* as low as | MAX LOAN AMOUNT |
---|---|---|
42 Months | 5.00% | $2000 |
LOAN TYPE | MAX LOAN AMOUNT | REPAYMENT PERIOD | APR* |
---|---|---|---|
Share Loan Pledging S1 or S4 | Available balance in account pledged | 84 months | 2.00% |
Share Loan Pledging S7 | Available balance in account pledged | 84 months | 2.50% |
Share Loan (Variable Rate) | Secured by funds in S-1. Rate adjusted quarterly, APR* 3% above S-1 dividend rate. | 84 months | Variable% |
Share Certificate Loan | Rate is 3% above Share Certificate Rate. Maximum term is Maturity of Share Certificate. | Paid at maturity | 3% above Share Certificate Rate |
PREMIUM CHECKING | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $500 minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .15% | .15% |
REGULAR SHARE SAVINGS | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $50 daily minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .30% | .30% |
FL UNIFORM TRANSFER TO MINORS SAVINGS | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $50 daily minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .30% | .30% |
CHRISTMAS CLUB SAVINGS | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $50 daily minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .30% | .30% |
VIP SAVINGS | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $50 daily minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .30% | .30% |
The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous month. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends.
MONEY MARKET TIER | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
Balance between $.00 to 2,499.99 | .15% | .15% |
Balance between $2,500.00 to 9,999.99 | .30% | .30% |
Balance between $10,000.00 to 24,999.99 | .35% | .35% |
Balance between $25,000.00 to 49,999.99 | .40% | .40% |
Balance $50,000.00 and up | .45% | .45% |
COVERDELL EDUCATION SAVINGS | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $50 daily minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .30% | .30% |
TRADITIONAL IRA | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $50 daily minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .87% | .87% |
Roth IRA | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
A $50 daily minimum balance is required to earn dividends. The APY stated is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date, which is the last day of the previous quarter. Dividend rate and APY are variable and subject to change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid you will not receive the accrued dividends. | .87% | .87% |
A $2500.00 minimum deposit required. There is a penalty for early withdrawal.
Rates listed are current from 1/22/2021 - 1/28/2021.CERTIFICATE TYPE | DIVIDEND RATE | APY* |
---|---|---|
31 Days / 1 month Certificate | .30% | .30% |
92 days / 3 month Certificate | .30% | .30% |
182 days / 6 month Certificate | .40% | .40% |
365 days / 12 month Certificate | .60% | .60% |
548 days / 18 month Certificate | .70% | .70% |
730 days / 24 month Certificate | .75% | .75% |
1095 days / 36 month Certificate | .80% | .80% |
1460 days / 48 month Certificate | .85% | .85% |
1825 days / 60 month Certificate | .90% | .90% |
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases, Balance Transfers, and Cash Advances | as low as 7.9% up to 14.9% The APR is determined at account opening and is based on the borrower's credit score. |
Penalty APR | None |
Paying Interest | Your due date is at least 24 days after the close of each billing cycle. We will not charge you interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month. We will begin charging interest on cash advances and balance transfers on the transaction date |
Minimum Interest Charge | None |
For Credit Card Tips from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | To learn more about factors to consider when applying for or using a credit card, visit the website of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at http://www.consumerfinance.gov/learnmore |
Annual Fee | None |
Transaction Fees | |
Balance Transfer | None |
Cash Advance | None |
International Transaction | 1.1% of each international transaction, in U.S. Dollars. |
Penalty Fees | |
Late Payment | $20 or the amount of the required minimum payment, whichever is less, if you are 12 or more days late in making a payment. |
Over-the-Credit-Limit | None |
Returned Payment | Up to $28.00 |
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases, Balance Transfers, and Cash Advances | as low as 8.9% up to 15.9% The APR is determined at account opening and is based on the borrower's credit score. |
Penalty APR | None |
Paying Interest | Your due date is at least 24 days after the close of each billing cycle. We will not charge you interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month. We will begin charging interest on cash advances and balance transfers on the transaction date |
Minimum Interest Charge | None |
For Credit Card Tips from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | To learn more about factors to consider when applying for or using a credit card, visit the website of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at http://www.consumerfinance.gov/learnmore |
Annual Fee | None |
Transaction Fees | |
Balance Transfer | None |
Cash Advance | None |
International Transaction | 1.1% of each international transaction, in U.S. Dollars. |
Penalty Fees | |
Late Payment | $20 or the amount of the required minimum payment, whichever is less, if you are 12 or more days late in making a payment. |
Over-the-Credit-Limit | None |
Returned Payment | Up to $28.00 |
When you received your loan you agreed to maintain adequate insurance coverage. If your insurance information has changed or you receive a letter stating we do not have proper documentation, you should provide us with a copy of your insurance declarations page (not your insurance card). The declarations page must show the following information:
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.
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.
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.
Defense Credit Union Council |
Eglin Air Force Base |
Hurlburt Field |
Internal Revenue Service |
National Association of Federal Credit Unions |
National Credit Union Administration |
Please refer to the following guidelines for providing your account number:
We recommend that members with online account access log in to make these changes in the "Contact Information" section under the "My Profile" tab.
Please note: For the safety and security of our members, some services may be limited for up to 30 days after an address change. Print the Change of Contact Information form to submit it in person at an EFCU branch.
Complete the skip-a-pay form to agree to the terms* and request your preference to skip your next loan payment on your EFCU loan product. Please note: It may take up to 2 business days to process your request. If submitted via DocuSign, you will receive a confirmation email when your request has been processed. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please call 850.862.0111 or 800.367.6159.
*Subject to approval. Your account must be in good standing. This offer is subject to a $20 processing fee for each loan payment skipped. Only one skip allowed per loan per 12-month period. This offer excludes Mastercard®, S.A.F.E. Loans, Share Certificate Loans, Mortgage Loans, and Mobile Home Loans. Loan must be at least one year old. Skipping a payment will extend the repayment period on the loan and interest continues to accrue during the skip period. Except as expressly amended by this agreement the terms of the original loan agreement remain in full force and effect. Annual Percentage Rate and scheduled payment do not change. GAP protection coverage will be reduced if you skip or miss more than 2 monthly payments over the life of the loan.
You are not required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the 2020 tax year. This RMD waiver applies to 2020 RMDs, including 2019 RMDs paid between January 1, 2020 and April 1, 2020. If you have already taken a Required Minimum Distribution from your EFCU IRA, you have 60 days to rollover those funds back into your IRA. If your 2020 Required Minimum Distribution was more than 60 days ago, seek competent tax advice for available options.
Please complete this application in its entirety to ensure your request will be processed in a timely manner. Signatures must be witnessed by an Eglin FCU employee, a Notary Public, or signed electronically using an Eglin FCU eSignature service.
Print the 2020 IRA Required Minimum Distribution Waiver Request to submit it in person at an EFCU branch.