Effective immediately, the Credit Union will be putting a block on all transactions conducted in foreign countries for both Debit and Credit Cards. Members must call or visit the Credit Union to have a release put on their Debit or Credit Card so they are able to use the card in a foreign country. We are doing this to protect our members against fraud. Recently there seems to have been an influx of fraud occurring on both Debit and Credit Card transactions in foreign countries.

Along with foreign countries, Credit Union of Georgia has also issued blocks on ATM withdrawals from the following states:

• California
• Nevada

Also, due to recent fraud, certain merchants in the state of Arizona have been blocked for Debit and Credit Card transactions.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Please visit any branch location or contact the Credit Union at 678-486-1111 if you plan on traveling to a foreign country or one of the states listed above in the future.

Important Notice on ATM Withdrawal Limits

Beginning September 1, 2011, online transactions conducted at an ATM machine will have a $200 maximum withdrawal limit within a 24 hour period.  This means that cash withdrawals attempted at an ATM over $200 within a 24 hour period will be declined. This decision was made to protect our members against risk and mitigate fraud. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you need assistance or have any questions please contact our MAPS (Mail and Phone Service) department at 678-486-1111 or any Credit Union of Georgia Branch Location.

Also, with these changes we had to implement an Annual Fee of $15 on all our cards. The Annual Fee will be charged on the anniversary date of the card opening, the easiest way to learn your anniversary date is to look at the first two numbers immediately following the text “Good Thru” on your card. These two numbers indicate the month your card was opened, your anniversary date. Also, you will be reminded of your Annual Fee on your statement the month BEFORE you are charged.

In times like these we know it is tough when rates increase and fees are imposed, but we’d like you to be reminiscent that our rates have not increased in well over five years. While many credit card companies have increased rates well over 20% APR in recent years for no reason, the rates at Credit Union of Georgia stayed the same. However, with the costs related to the continuous  governmental changes, and the fees from our processor the Credit Union had to make some changes to ensure we could continue to offer this product to our membership.

While rates have increased slightly and an Annual Fee has been imposed, your Credit Union of Georgia Visa Credit Card will continue to offer you:

• No fees or rate increases on Balance Transfers or Cash Advances
• No interest rate hikes if a payment is received late
• A Late Fee of only $25 (most credit card companies charge $35-$39)
• 25 day grace period on purchases
• Zero Liability for Fraud

Please know that we value your membership with the Credit Union and would like the chance to address any of your questions and concerns about these changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our MAPS (Mail and Phone Services) department at 678-486-1111 or visit any of our branch locations.

Through consumer education you can reduce your risk of falling prey to this scheme. When using one of these machines take a few extra seconds for these precautionary measures. It could save you time, money and a lot of hassle in the future!

• Check the card slot. Is there loose metal or plastic, is it shiny and new, does it fit properly? Give it a wiggle. Does it feel as though it could come off easily? This could be an indication a skimming devise has been attached to the reader.
• Look for small pin holes in a piece of equipment above or near the PIN pad. Thieves will often install mini video cameras on machines to capture PIN numbers. Shield your hand when entering your PIN with your other hand whenever possible so your movement over the numbers can not be recorded.
• Run your hand over the keypad. It should be flush with the machine. Do the keys feel normal, or do they have a spongy feel? There could be a fake pad on top of the real one.
• Look for new cameras or unusual signage that looks suspicious on or around the machine.

The most important thing to remember is if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. If this is the case you should leave and find another machine or place to complete your transaction.

One of the best ways to minimize loses arising out of skimming is to monitor your account closely. Use eBranch to review your account on-line and look for unfamiliar charges. Set up eAlerts on your account to notify you if your balance drops below a certain level. If you do find suspicious activity on your account you should immediately notify the Credit Union by calling 678-486-1111 or in person at one of our branch locations.

In an effort to protect our members against portable skimming devices, we now have Smart Guard Card Protectors available at all branch locations free of charge. To protect your card(s) from being compromised simply insert your card in the sleeve before placing it in your wallet. These sleeves contain RFID blocking devices that will block thieves who employ portable skimming devices to scan your debit and credit card numbers and other information without even touching you!

You can also visit http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/ and type in the unique identifier to verify that the Mortgage Loan Officer is registered with a NMLS ID.

We have been a part of the Northwest Georgia Community and have served the faculty, staff, and students of local school systems and institutions of higher learning and their immediate family members for over 50 years. We are a sound financial institution and we are still lending money.

Should you have any questions, we invite you to come see us in person; we are also happy to address and clarify any concerns our members or the general public might have.

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Biltmore Estate – Asheville, NC

Click Here for Discounted Admission Tickets and use the Offer Code: CUOFGA

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Dell- Credit Union of Georgia Members Save Up to 30% on All Dell Products

Discover the happiness Dell, Invest in America and fantastic discounts can bring at LoveMyCreditUnion.org.

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DIRECTV Kicks Up the Savings!

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General Motors

You can hit the road this summer with extra savings from Credit Union of Georgia and the Credit Union Member Discount from GM. As a Credit Union of Georgia member, you can already save big on a new Chevrolet, Buick or GM vehicle, but new consumer cash incentives of $2,000 – $3,000 can be combined with this exclusive member discount to help you save even more!

GM is offering combined savings on crossovers, full-size SUVs or the Buick Regal. Here’s an example of what you can save on a 2011 GMC Yukon:

Yukon SLE 2WD MSRP starting at: $39,895.00

GM Preferred Pricing: $37,727.78

Consumer Cash: $3,000.00

Price You Pay $34,727.78

Your Savings: $5,167.22

Plus you can save even more when you finance your new GM through Credit Union of Georgia and take advantage of our low auto loan rates, which start at 2.99%!

Get your discounts today!

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LA Fitness Member Discount

NO CONTRACT!
$25 REGISTRATION FEE
(REGULAR $149)

$29.99 MONTHLY
(REGULAR $44.99)

MONTH-TO-MONTH
NO CONTRACT
MULTI CLUB / MULTI STATE
A 75% DISCOUNT

FIRST & LAST MONTHS DUES AT SIGNING
$29.99 + $29.99 + $25 = $84.98

To join, please contact LA Fitness Account Manager:
Eric Mwangi at 678-202-5612, 770-256-2280, or mwangi.eric@gmail.com

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Sam’s Club

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Six Flags Over Georgia & Six Flags White Water

 Check Back Soon for 2012 Deals!

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Shop America

So whether you’re looking to shop online with Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, Apple or hundreds of other stores, you can save and get paid to shop. Don’t forget to make your Shop America purchases with your credit union credit or debit card.

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Sprint

Click on the banner to enjoy the benefits of discount pricing on your Sprint Cell Phone Plan! Receive 10% off your monthly bill!

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Stone Mountain Park

Click Here for Stone Mountain Park discount tickets Or Click Here for Snow Mountain Park discounted tickets – use Access Code: CUOFGA


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Due to new legislation, Credit Union of Georgia is no longer able to authorize and pay overdrafts on ATM and everyday Debit Card transactions unless specifically authorized by you to do so.

If you choose not to authorize the Credit Union to pay overdrafts on these transactions, your ATM and Debit Card transactions, for which there are not enough funds in your account, will be declined.

We urge you to take this opportunity to opt-in now by simply logging in to your eBranch Account or completing this Opt-In Form and faxing it to us at 678-486-1191 or mailing the completed form to Credit Union of Georgia at P.O. Box 2148, Woodstock, GA 30188-1375.

At the Credit Union, we truly believe that Return Guard is a useful service that in many cases, prevents the inconvenience and potential embarrassment of declined transactions. There is no charge for simply having Return Guard on your account; you will only be charged if you use the service to pay items in excess of your available balance.

Please remember that if you choose not to opt-in to the Credit Union’s FREE Return Guard Service, all ATM and Debit Card transactions that would overdraw your account will be declined beginning August 15, 2010.

If you have any questions regarding these upcoming changes or on how you can opt-in to take advantage of Return Guard on your account, please contact us today at 678-486-1111.

1. Check your credit report for accuracy
2. Address errors or outdated information
3. Look for indications of identity theft
4. Develop a strategy to overcome fraud
5. Learn how to improve your credit score

As a benefit of membership with Credit Union of Georgia, you have access to BALANCE, a financial fitness program. BALANCE counselors are available to help you with any questions about your personal finances. One key element of financial success is an accurate credit report – we recommend checking your report once a year, and before any major purchase or life-change. BALANCE can provide you a free credit report review to explain and clarify all of the information being reported by the credit bureaus.

While fee-based credit reports are available through BALANCE, you have the right to a free report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus. The three credit bureaus have established one central website, telephone number, and mailing address to use for ordering your report. The credit bureaus will only provide the free annual reports through this central location, not through their individual websites, telephone numbers, or addresses.

www.annualcreditreport.com
1-877-322-8228
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

You may also call a FREE hotline option with CredAbility at 1-877-345-3688. 

Once you receive your credit report, if you have any questions, feel free to call BALANCE at 1-888-456-2227. The BALANCE certified credit report review specialists will review it with you and work with you to help you achieve your goals.