MEMBER PROFILE

The Credit Path

Credit Path Illustration

As Alternatives Credit Union has grown and changed, our use of the Credit Path model of financial empowerment has changed as well. Originally developed by Bill Myers as a way of understanding our members' financial situations and incorporating that into our business planning, the Credit Path describes where people are situated at various points along a continuum between poverty and self-sufficiency. Our job, as a community development financial institution, is to help our members move along that continuum by empowering them to make decisions, and offering opportunities, that will move them towards financial self-sufficiency.<

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Q: How do I sign up for eStatements?
A: You can sign up online by going to the Member Online Services box, located at the upper left corner of this page, or any page on our website. Select enroll, and enter your account number and for your temporary password, use the last 4 digits of your social security number (or tax id number if yours is a business account). This will take you to the registration page. Enter all required information, including the password you will use to access your eStatements. eStatements are immediately available.

Q: How do I log on and use the system?
A: You may access your eStatements in two different ways: through the link sent with your notification e-mail or through the Member Login link, located in the box at the upper left corner of this page, or any page of our website. Simply enter your Alternatives account number and password, and click the Login button. This logs you on to the system and takes you to the main member services area. From there select the eStatements tab.

Q: Will I receive notification when my eStatement is available?
A: Yes. You will receive an email notification on approximately the third business day of each month that your latest eStatement is ready to view. If you change your email address, you must notify Alternatives Federal Credit Union of the change to continue receiving eStatement notifications.

Q: Will my electronic statements look the same as my regular printed statements?
A: Your eStatements will look similar to your printed statements.

Q: How can I view eStatements for previous months?
A: From the eStatements page, choose the month you want to view from the drop-down list, then click the "Go" button.

Q: What if my account balances don't agree?
A: If your account balances don't agree: Check the addition and subtraction in your register Make sure you didn't forget to record any additional transactions (e.g., ATM, Overdraft Protection transfers, online transfers, Visa Debit) not found in your register. Compare the amount of each check with the amount shown on the eStatement. Compare deposit receipts and entries in your register with the eStatement. Be sure all checks have been recorded in your register. Be sure any dividends are entered in the deposit column of your register. Deduct from your register any charges for check reorders, stop payments, NSF, etc. Add any automatic transfers from your Savings Account to your Checking Account.

Q: How do I view the disclosure information for a particular month's statement?
A: Every time you log in to the member area, the disclosure information will be displayed the first time you access the main eStatements page.

Q: Will I still receive paper statements by mail?
A: Yes. You will receive paper statements AND eStatements UNLESS you Opt-Out of paper. On the eStatement page, click "Change Statement Delivery Method". The Statement Delivery Method determines if the account holder receives their statement by mail AND electronically, or electronically only. Any change you submit before the end of the month will become effective with your next statement. You may change your Statement Delivery Method as often as you like.

Q: How do I change my email address?
A: On the main "Members Only Services" page click "Forms & Applications". Click on "Change Email Address" and send your request to change your email address.

Q: What if I lose or forget my eStatement password?
A: Please contact Member Services by email at support@alternatives.org.

Q: If I've never used the system before, what is my initial password?
A: The initial password for an account is the last four digits of the Social Security number for the primary account holder.

Q: What kind of computer do I need to access my eStatements?
A: Processor Speed: 486 or higher
Modem Speed: 28.8 Kbps or higher
Monitor Size: Any size, 800x600 resolution or higher
Memory Size: 16MB or higher

Q: What Web browsers can I use to access my eStatements?
A: For maximum performance and security, we recommend that you use either Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.

Q: Am I able to use an older version of either Web browser?
A: Although some older versions of these Web browsers support the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol and 40-bit encryption, they do not support 128-bit encryption. For greater data security, we recommend that you update your Web browser to version 4.0 or higher, which will support SSL protocol and 128-bit encryption.

Q: How is the integrity of my data maintained using Internet access with SSL protocol?
A: Alternatives Federal Credit Union eStatements use the latest Internet security technology and techniques to help ensure that your statement information is as secure as possible. These techniques include user authentication, data encryption, and the use of secure servers, which are designed to keep out potential intruders. Alternatives Federal Credit Union eStatements use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to encrypt sensitive data prior to transmission over the Internet so it is protected from anyone attempting to read it in transit. Online log monitoring and analysis are conducted to detect break-in attempts and other problems. There is strong encryption between the member and Web server, as well as between the Web server and back-end systems.

Q: Can I receive a printed statement if my computer isn't working or I need one for some reason?
A: The kiosk in the Credit Union lobby is available to access your account and print eStatements. Alternatively, you may request a printed statement by calling (607) 273-4611.