Branch Updates – May 16, 2022
Protecting the health and safety of our Members, employees and community remains our top priority.
WCTFCU remains secure and committed to providing our Members with uninterrupted service.
Due to the increase in the COVID-19 infection rate in our areas, and in accordance CDC guidelines and recommendations from the State of Connecticut Department of Health, effective Monday, May 16, 2022:
ALL individuals are required to wear a mask, when inside WCTFCU offices, REGARDLESS of Vaccination Status.
Please use the Drive-Thru's. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed, or cannot wear a face mask.
Our branches remain open and we look forward to seeing you in person!
The following safety guidelines will be in place when you visit our offices:
For your convenience, you can continue to conduct banking transactions through our electronic services such as ATMs, online, mobile, and telephone banking where you can make transfers, deposit a check with our mobile app, pay bills, make loan, and credit card payments and view account balances.
Secure, and Here for You. If you are facing a financial challenge, or are unable to make your loan payments due to COVID-19, please call us at 800.992.2226 x2079. Thank you for being a valued Member of the Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union family.
Branch Updates – March 28, 2022
WCTFCU remains secure and committed to providing our Members with uninterrupted service. We will continue to monitor this situation, and update this section to provide further updates to you as necessary. ____________________________________________________________________________________
Our branches are open and we look forward to seeing you in person!
WCTFCU continues to carefully comply with state and federal directives, and CDC guidelines for COVID-19. The following safety guidelines will be in place when you visit our offices:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE: Effective Monday, August 16, 2021 Mask Required In Branches Protecting the health and safety of our Members and employees, remains our top priority. Therefore, due to the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in our area, and in accordance with CDC and State of CT Recommendations, effective Monday, August 16, 2021: ALL individuals are required to wear a mask, when inside WCTFCU offices, REGARDLESS of Vaccination Status. Please use the Drive-Thru's. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed, or cannot wear a face mask. WCTFCU continues to carefully comply with state and federal directives, and CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Until further notice, the following protocols will continue: • Health Status. Do not come to the branch if you have a fever, flu-like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. • Masks & Distancing. When in-branch you MUST wear a face mask over your nose & mouth, and follow social distancing guidelines. If you do not have a face mask, we will provide a paper one. There will be no exceptions to this policy. • ID Required. For security purposes, prior to entering the branch for your appointment, we may ask you to present ID and briefly lower your face mask for proper identification. • No Loitering. We will endeavor to help you make your branch visit as brief as possible. Please limit the people you bring with you, to only those necessary to the appointed transaction. • Hand Sanitizer available. • Restrooms are not available for public use. For withdrawals, deposits, transfers, loan & Visa payments and applications, we strongly encourage you to utilize the many 24/7 resources available. These include ATMs, Online Banking, the WCTFCU App with mobile check deposit & peer-to-peer pay (P2P), and Telephone Banking. In addition to the following information, please consult this website for details, or call us for assistance. • Cash Withdrawals - may be made from an ATM, and our Drive-up windows. • Deposits - WCTFCU App’s mobile check deposit, our 3 ATMs, our Drive-ups, WCTFCU branch night-drops. • Transfers – in online banking, telephone banking (Call 24), call a branch. • Loan & Visa Payments - by mail, WCTFCU Drive-ups and branch night drops, transfer within online banking, set a bill pay from another bank to your WCTFCU Loan or Visa. • Apply for a Loan or Visa Credit Card - apply on line @ wctfcu.com, or call us 800.992.2226 x2077 during business hours. Secure, and Here for You. Updates and useful information may be found on this page, our COVID-19 Information Page. If you are facing a financial challenge, or are unable to make your loan payments due to COVID-19, please call us at 800.992.2226 x2079. WCTFCU remains secure and committed to providing our Members with uninterrupted service. We will continue to monitor this situation, and provide further updates to you as necessary by email &/or here - on this COVID-19 Information Page. Thank you for being a valued Member of the Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union family. Sincerely, Pete Pete McCasland Board Chairman Marty Marty Misset President / CEO
Update 5.18.21 Branches to Fully Re-Opened Wednesday, May 19, 2021 In accordance with Governor Lamont’s May 19th, 2021 lifting of the remaining business restrictions, WCTFCU will fully re-open our branch lobbies on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. For your safety, and that of our employees, WCTFCU continues to follow the CDC and State of Connecticut guidelines. The following guidelines will be followed by all employees, and by Members when inside of our branches: • Please do not enter the building, but instead use the Drive-thru, if; you are feeling sick, have come in contact with someone who may have COVID-19, have recently returned from a recognized COVID hot spot, or if you have not been fully vaccinated and cannot wear a mask. • If you are not fully vaccinated, a face covering must be worn over nose and mouth. If you do not have a face covering, we will provide one to you. If you cannot wear a face covering, kindly use our full-service drive-thru, and electronic banking services. • Please respectfully maintain social distancing of 6’. We have installed social distancing markers throughout our lobbies. We request that Members follow this guidance. • Please limit your visit to only the Member(s) necessary to perform the transaction, and continue to use the drive-up when possible. • Please remove your hat and sunglasses before entering the branch. You may be asked to present ID and remove your face mask temporarily for identification and security purposes. • Please use the supplied hand sanitizer upon entering. • Restrooms are not available for public use. • Continue to call ahead, if your banking matter will need preparation on our part, prior to your arrival. This will lessen the time you will need to be in the branch. Additional steps we are taking: • Plexiglass shields have been installed at all of our Member Service Representative workstations, as well as in office areas. • Hand sanitizer stations available throughout our branches. • Signage to remind Members about the branch guidelines. • Both Credit Union Offices are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. As a reminder: • Cash Withdrawals can be done at an ATM, and our Drive-thrus. • Deposits can be made through the WCTFCU ATMs, Drive-thrus, our branch Night-Drops, and by mobile check deposit through the WCTFCU App. • You can pay your bills conveniently through online Bill Payment. • You can send money to almost anyone through Online Banking & the WCTFCU App. • Loan & Visa Payments can be made by mail, WCTFCU Night-Drops, our Drive-thrus, set up as a transfer through your online banking, the WCTFCU App, and made as a Bill Pay from another bank to your WCTFCU loan. • Transfers can be done through online banking, the WCTFCU App, telephone banking (Call 24), and by calling a branch. • New accounts can be opened online at wctfcu.com. • Loan Applications can be done online 24/7, or by calling 800-992-2226, x2077 during business hours.
*Update 4.10.20 Branches Re-Opening Monday, April 12, 2021 We will be re-opening our branch lobbies in a modified capacity on Monday, April 12th. Your safety, and the safety of our employees, continues to remain our top priority. Therefore, we have implemented the following guidelines for in branch visits:
Additional steps we are taking:
As a reminder:
Updated Saturday, 4.10.21* IRS 2020 Tax Deadline Extension The IRS has extended the 2020 tax deadline from April 15 to Monday, May 17, 2021. 3.16.21 Governor Lamont Issues Scam Alert: Use the link below for information from the Governor’s office about a number of vaccine & post-vaccine scams currently taking place. Our Members are among those who have been taken by these scams. Please be vigilant about not sharing personal information, credit card & banking information with callers. Here is the link to Governor Lamont's Alert: WCTFCU's Emergency Relief Resources: To learn about all of the Resources now available to Members, visit the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources page on this website. CT State Travel Advisories & COVID-19 Info Visit the CT State website for details & Executive Orders. The 2021 WCTFCU Annual Meeting will be held Thursday, May 27th at 3:30pm. Details to follow College Student & Family Resources - Visit our Student Loans page to find important resources, very helpful information, and opportunities for College Students and their families. Economic Impact Payments Info Payments will be made by direct deposit, by check, and by pre-paid debit cards. The pre-paid debit cards were issued by Metabank. NOTE: The debit cards require activation directly through Metabank (see Q.45*). *Visit the IRS Economic Impact Information Center website for detailed answers to all your questions and to make sure you are using the valid website for Metabank activation of this pre-paid debit card. IRS "Get My Payment" tool Use it to check your payment status, check your payment type, track your payment, and enter your direct deposit information, if your direct deposit information was not included in your 2018 or 2019 taxes (your most recent). Visit IRS.gov/EIP for more information. Scam Phone Calls Alert. Never give account numbers, date of birth, or passwords to anyone who calls. WCTFCU never calls Members for this info & will never ask your password. Cyber-criminal Scams Unfortunately times of crisis become a time of opportunity for criminal activity, especially cyber-criminals. Unsure about a link in an email? Hovering over links in an email will show the actual URL at the bottom, but a good fake can still steer you wrong. Only click on links in emails sent to you by those you trust. Your Email Address & WCTFCU Updates. Are you using your work email address for your Credit Union emails? For your privacy, and to ensure you receive Credit Union alerts & communications; we suggest you use your personal email address (ex. gmail, yahoo, etc.). Simply update your email address, in your Online Banking profile, or call Member Service for assistance.
*3.12.21 Dear Member, The U.S. Treasury Department has begun distributing the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP).
Some of the qualifications for receiving a payment have changed since the last round. In order to find out if you qualify to receive a payment, and for further EIP information please visit: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
If you qualify to receive a payment, it will be made to you in the same manner your prior payments were made; by either direct deposit, check, or pre-paid debit card.
You may have received a direct deposit in your account that says “Pending” and a subsequent date. This is the date on which the US Treasury direct deposited funds will be available to you. Pay Less Use this opportunity to take a look at how you are managing & protecting your money. Are you paying as little interest as possible on the money you have already borrowed? Consider the following useful products & services for better debt management. a. Mortgage Debt – Have you been paying your mortgage for a number of years? Take a look at our Mortgage Accelerator Loan. Fast-track your mortgage payments to an 8, 12 or 15-year term. Spring Special Rate from 2.74% APR*. No Fees. No Points. No Closing Costs. Available 4.1.21-6/30/21. b. Auto Loans Debt – Refi your current non-WCTFCU car loans. New, Used & Refi Car Loan Rates from 2.39% APR*. No fees. Visit the Car Tools page on this website. c. Debt Consolidation Loan – Consider a Debt Consolidation Loan. Consolidate your debt into a single, lower, fixed-rate, monthly payment. No fees. Winter Special Rates from 4.75% APR* available 1.1.21 – 3.31.21. d. 4 Visa Credit Cards – Members appreciate the no Annual Fee, low fixed rates from 8.00% APR and variety of cards we offer: a new 1% Cashback Visa, a Platinum Rewards Points Visa, a no-frills Gold Visa, and a basic Student Visa Card. Special 2.99% APR* Introductory Rate on no-fee balance transfers from your higher-rate credit cards, & cash advances. Details, to apply online, or to exchange your WCTFCU Visa Credit Card for the new 1% Cashback Visa click on the respective linked words herein.
e. Debt & Refi Calculators – Use for auto, home, debt, loans & refi’s.
Risk Mitigation Minimize your exposure to risk by using the following: a. Credit Score, Reports & Alerts– free & available to online banking Members. b. Security Apps – Available for Visa Credit Card & for Debit Card Security. Download to set alerts, turn card on/off & monitor card usage. c. Scam Phone Calls & eMails – The US Treasury, IRS and WCTFCU will never call or email you to request personal information. Do not share your personal information, account details, usernames, passwords, and such. Hang up and call the published telephone number, should you want to discuss. For more helpful suggestions page-down on this WCTFCU COVID-19 Information Page to read the Found Money postings. WCTFCU Remains Secure. Throughout our 87 year history we have weathered many challenges. We continue our unwavering commitment to our Members, staff and community - while keeping you safe and informed. We will continue to inform you, via email, here on wctfcu.com, and on social media, regarding any relevant updates. Thank you for being a valued Member of the Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union family. Sincerely,
Pete Pete McCasland, Chairman, Board of Directors
Marty
Marty Misset, President / CEO *Annual Percentage Rate
1.04.21 Dear Member, The U.S. Treasury Department has begun distribution of the second round of Economic Impact Payments. If you received a Stimulus Check in 2020, it is said that you will receive one again. The forthcoming payment will be made to you in the same manner your first payment was made; by either direct deposit, check, or pre-paid debit card. Economic Impact Payments information may be found at irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment . Optimize Now for 2021 This is a good time to take a look at how you are managing & protecting your money. Pay Less. Are you paying as little interest as possible on the money you have already borrowed? a. Mortgage Debt – Have you been paying your mortgage for a number of years? Take a look at our Mortgage Accelerator Loan. Fast-track your mortgage payments to an 8, 12 or 15-year term. Rates from 3.00% APR. No Fees. No Points. No Closing Costs. b. Auto Loans Debt – Refi your current non-WCTFCU car loans. Rates from 2.39% APR. No fees. c. Debt Consolidation Loan – Consider a Debt Consolidation Loan. Consolidate your debt into a single, lower, fixed-rate, monthly payment. No fees. Special rates from 4.75% available 1.1.21 – 3.31.21. d. Debt & Refi Calculators – Use for auto, home, debt, loans & refi’s found here @ wctfcu.com Risk Mitigation. Minimize your exposure to risk - Details here on wctfcu.com a. Credit Alerts, Score & Reports – free & available to all Members who use online banking b. Security Apps – Visa Credit Card & Debit Card Security. Download to set alerts & monitor card usage. c. Scam Phone Calls & eMails – The US Treasury, IRS and WCTFCU will never call or email you to request personal information. Do not share your personal information, account details, usernames, passwords, and such. Hang up and call the published telephone number, should you want to discuss. For more helpful suggestions page-down on this WCTFCU COVID-19 Information Page to read the Found Money postings. WCTFCU Remains Secure. Throughout our 87 year history we have weathered many challenges. We continue our unwavering commitment to our Members, staff and community - while keeping you safe and informed. We will continue to update you, via email, here on wctfcu.com, and on social media, regarding any relevant updates. Thank you for being a valued Member of the Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union family. Sincerely, Pete McCasland Chairman, Board of Directors Marty Misset President / CEO
Appointments for other matters may be made by calling the: Middlebury Branch - 203.758.9500 x2078 Middlebury Loan Dept. - 203.758.9500 x2077 Danbury Branch - 203.791.1117 Danbury Loan Officer - 203.791.1117 x103 Secure, and Here for You. Updates and useful information may be found on our COVID-19 Information Page at wctfcu.com. If you are facing a financial challenge, or are unable to make your loan payments due to COVID-19, please call us at 800-992-2226 x2079 or visit our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources Page at wctfcu.com. WCTFCU remains secure and committed to providing our Members with uninterrupted service, even under these restricted operations. We will continue to monitor this situation, and provide further updates to you as necessary by email &/or on our WCTFCU COVID-19 Information Page @ wctfcu.com. Thank you for being a valued Member of the Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union family. Sincerely, Pete Pete McCasland, Board Chairman
Marty Marty Misset, President / CEO
Update 09.15.20 Middlebury Branch Open We will be opening the Middlebury branch lobby in a modified capacity on Tuesday, September 15th (Thursdays lobby closes at 5pm, drive-thru remains open until 7pm). The Danbury lobby will remain closed to Member traffic, but will continue to offer drive though services, and in-branch visits by appointment only. Your safety, and the safety of our employees continues to remain at the forefront of our focus. Therefore, we have implemented the following guidelines for in branch visits:
Sent via email 06.04.20 Moving Forward Together, a WCTFCU Update. Hello Member, As the State of Connecticut begins to cautiously relax some of the COVID-19 restrictions, effective Wednesday, June 10th WCTFCU will begin to offer our Members select, in-branch services on an appointment only basis. Protecting the health and safety of our Members and our staff, remains our top priority. In order to comply with state and federal directives, as well as CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, there are certain restrictions we will all need to follow. Please note the following protective measures will continue until further notice:
Please note appointments will not be taken for:
Please remember that most transactions normally done with a Member Service representative can be easily completed online, by phone or by using our branch ATMs, WCTFCU App, Night-Drops & Drive-thrus. Appointments for other matters may be made by calling the: Middlebury Branch - 203.758.9500 x2078 Middlebury Loan Dept. - 203.758.9500 x2077 Danbury Branch - 203.791.1117 Danbury Loan Officer - 203.791.1117 x103 We will continue to monitor developments concerning COVID-19, and will update you via email, wctfcu.com, and social media regarding any changes to our status or procedures. Thank you for your patience during this evolving situation. WCTFCU Remains Secure. Throughout our 86 year history we have weathered many challenges. We continue our unwavering commitment to our Members, staff and community while keeping you safe and informed. Thank you for being a valued Member of the Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union family. Sincerely, Jack Jack Cronan Chairman, Board of Directors Marty Marty Misset President/CEO
Happy Friday, Member! Over 3,500 Members found last Friday's Found Money email, to be very helpful. So, this morning we've updated it with 5 new tips, along with the original suggestions below.
Found Money Sent via email Friday, 05.08.20 Hello Member!
We are living and spending differently right now.
Here are a 8 ways to capture savings, and re-purpose & optimize your money today.
This all adds up over 1-3 months, to some noteworthy, real-time found-money!
We are all spending differently now. Make sure you are not still spending on those services you cannot use at the moment. In fact, you may need to purchase different services right now; like a boosted wifi subscription!
Apply your found-money from this momentary savings, to your new/current needs, your debt, an emergency savings account or CD, or pre-pay to get ahead on next month's mortgage.
We are here! Visit wctfcu.com or call us to discuss ways you can save, reconfigure debt, and improve your home today with current specials from 3.00%APR*!
A different look at your usual budget will help you to adjust accordingly.
Take care,
WCTFCU
Your Credit Union
*Annual Percentage Rate
Here are some examples of scams:
Update Thursday, 04.09.20 11:18am To our Waterbury CT Teachers FCU family,
We understand. These are uncertain and overwhelming times for many. WCTFCU is committed to doing everything we can to help you stay safe, manage your finances, and get the financial help you need.
You can rest assured, knowing that your money is secure with us. WCTFCU is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, and backed by the full faith of the United States government.
Your Credit Union is extremely well capitalized, financially strong, and well positioned to meet all of your financial needs.
Resources. In order to offer immediate assistance to our Members during this challenging time, WCTFCU has developed new resources, and made adjustments to standard resources; all of which are now available.
For complete details visit the WCTFCU COVID-19 Information page, and the Emergency Relief Resources page, on wctfcu.com.
Available 24/7 for your secure convenience, to get cash, apply for a loan, deposit checks, check your balances, pay bills, access your statements, transfer funds and more:
Beware.
Scam Phone Calls Never give account numbers, date of birth, or passwords to anyone who calls. WCTFCU never calls Members for this info & will never ask your password.
Cyber-criminal Scams Unfortunately times of crisis become a time of opportunity for criminal activity, especially cyber-criminals. Unsure about a link in an email? Hovering over links in an email will show the actual URL at the bottom, but a good fake can still steer you wrong. Only click on links in emails sent to you by those you trust.
Your Email Address & WCTFCU Updates. Are you using your work email address for your Credit Union emails? For your privacy, and to ensure you receive Credit Union alerts & communications; we suggest you use your personal email address (ex. gmail, yahoo, etc.). Simply update your email address, in your Online Banking profile, or call Member Services for assistance.
For complete details, and updates to WCTFCU services, visit this WCTFCU COVID-19 Information page, and the Emergency Relief Resources page, also here on wctfcu.com. Or call us at 800-992-2226.
* Annual Percentage Rate
UPDATE: Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Based upon the recently elevated health and safety measures, and for the health of our Members and employees, effective Monday, March 23 Branch Access will be limited to Drive-up only (no in-branch service).
We strongly encourage you to utilize one of the many resources available to you to get cash, apply for a loan, deposit checks, check your balances, pay bills, access your statements, transfer funds and more.
In order to help our Members during this challenging time, WCTFCU is now providing additional adjustments, services and products. Learn more on our new COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources page at wctfcu.com. Furthermore, if you are facing a financial challenge, or are unable to make your loan payments due to COVID-19, please call us at 800-992-2226 x2079 or visit our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources page at wctfcu.com.
WCTFCU remains committed to providing our Members with uninterrupted service, and fully meeting your needs, even under these restricted operations. We have made all necessary preparations to ensure that WCTFCU policies, processes and infrastructure are securely in place; through off-site business services and support for an extended duration, if required.
Events note: Shred Hunger! and the Pre-Retirement Workshop have been postponed.
We will continue to monitor the evolving situation, and provide further updates as necessary to you by email &/or on our WCTFCU Covid-19 Information page @ wctfcu.com.
Sincerely,
Jack Marty
Jack Cronan Marty Misset
Board Chairman President / CEO
UPDATE: Monday, March 16, 2020 As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and impact communities with the closure of schools and some businesses, we want to assure you that the Credit Union is financially strong, well-capitalized and fully prepared to meet your needs during these uncertain times. We continue to monitor updates from the WHO, CDC and the State of Connecticut closely so that we can take the necessary measures to support our continued operations. While our branches remain open today, we are considering operating in a drive-up only mode. Should we need to restrict branch services or close our branches, we are prepared to conduct business remotely, and will continue to deliver essential financial services without interruption. Updates will be emailed and posted here, on the WCTFCU COVID-19 Information page. WCTFCU continues to take the necessary precautions to keep Members and employees safe including:
WCTFCU Members can manage their credit union accounts without visiting a branch through our free digital and telephone banking channels. Our Online Banking is a virtual branch, and the WCTFCU Mobile App offers mobile check deposit, person-to-person pay and much more. Our Digital Services, Telephone Banking system (Call 24), ATMs, and night-drop are available 24/7. If you are not yet enrolled in our Online Banking or Telephone Banking system, we encourage you to do so now, in order to ensure uninterrupted access to WCTFCU services. Our staff is available to assist you with access to whatever level of online technology and digital services you feel most comfortable. If you are facing a financial challenge or are unable to make your loan payments due to COVID-19, please call us at 203-758-9500 x2079 or 800-992-2226 x2079. Sincerely, Jack Jack Cronan Board Chairman Marty Marty Misset President / CEO
Thursday, March 12, 2020 Dear Member, As we all adjust to the evolving impact COVID-19 is having on our daily lives, WCTFCU’s top priorities remain the well-being of our Members and employees. We want to assure you that your funds are secure, and ensure that you can continue to use the Credit Union for all your financial needs during this uncertain time. Be assured your Credit Union has planned for this type of situation and as part of our internal pandemic preparedness plan we have instituted steps to ensure we continue to fulfill your financial needs throughout this event. We are actively monitoring the information, recommendations and directives provided by the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and Federal, State and Local agencies. As developments occur, we will provide regular updates on our website wctfcu.com to inform you of any potential changes to services which may include limited access to our branch locations. Please remember that it is not always necessary to visit a branch to conduct your business. Our free Online Banking, Mobile App, Telephone Banking system (Call 24), and ATMs are available 24/7. If you are not yet enrolled in our Online Banking or Telephone Banking system, we encourage you to do so now, in order to ensure uninterrupted access to WCTFCU services. Please call us at 203-758-9500 or 800-992-2226, our staff is available to assist you with access to whatever level of online technology and digital services you feel most comfortable. There are no fees or charges for these services. This is not intended to alarm you. Rather our intent is to help you prepare for a possible worst case scenario. You can rest assured, knowing that your Credit Union is open for business. We are committed to you, our Members, and to helping you be prepared as this event continues to unfold. Take the steps now, so that you can optimize access to your funds, through our secure Online Banking, Mobile App & Telephone Banking as necessary. The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Waterbury CT Teachers Federal Credit Union thank you for your patience and understanding during these trying times. With your partnership, we all will get through this situation with little interruption or inconvenience. Sincerely,
Jack Jack Cronan Chairman of the Board
Marty Martin Misset President/CEO
While you take care of your health:
We will continue to help you take care of your money.
Your 24/7 WCTFCU Resources: