Tools to put you in a better financial position.
We know life happens and it can be easy to lose track of your account balance. FCCU offers several tools to help you stay on top of your finances and avoid fees that can be charged on your account when you don't have enough money to cover your expenses.
Don't forget, if you're struggling financially or simply need help budgeting, we have a team of certified Financial Coaches on staff qualified to help you solve your financial problems and assist you with getting your budget back on track.
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Courtesy Pay
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Courtesy Pay is a service that covers transactions that exceed the balance in your checking account when using your debit card. Check and ACH items that are presented on your account are also covered.
You can apply for Courtesy Pay online, over the phone, or at one of our branch locations.
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Overdraft Protection
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Overdraft Protection is a checking account feature that some financial institutions offer as a way to help you avoid overdraft fees. There are several types of overdraft protection, including overdraft protection transfers, overdraft lines of credit, overdraft fee grace periods or a combination of these features (Nerdwallet, 2024).
Overdraft Protection is a tool used when you write a check and there isn't enough money in your account to pay it. The check is sent back to the store as "insufficient funds" and the store charges you a fee for writing a bad check. With Overdraft Protection, the store gets paid and you pay a minimal fee to FCCU for covering your overdraft.
There are two ways to use overdraft protection:
#1 Transfer from Savings
If there is not enough money in your checking account to clear the checks you have written, we will check your savings account to see if there are extra funds. If money is available in your savings, we will transfer funds from your savings to cover the checks you've written and charge a transfer fee. You may use any savings or checking account you have at the credit union for this automatic transfer option.
#2 Transfer from Kwik Cash Line of Credit
Your Kwik Cash Line of Credit can be linked to your checking account to automatically transfer money to your checking account if your account is overdrawn. In order to use this option, you would need to fill out a loan application and be approved by a loan officer based on credit standards. There may be a transfer fee associated with this service and you will have to pay interest on the loan until it is paid in full.
A Kwik Cash Line of Credit is a revolving line of credit, meaning that you can draw funds from it as long as it remains open.
You can apply for Overdraft Protection online, over the phone, or at one of our branch locations.
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Resources
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Create a Budget
Walk step-by-step through the process of creating a budget that fits your lifestyle. Using the 50/30/20 rule, every dollar is assigned to needs, wants, or savings. You’ll also receive personalized advice to set you up for success
![Envelope Budgeting [Cash vs. Digital].](https://www.fortcommunity.com/_/kcms-doc/1231/89232/ThumbnailEnvelopeBudgeting.jpg)
Envelope Budgeting [Cash vs. Digital]
Whether it's a cash or a digital envelope system, the envelope budgeting method is one way to help you budget your money.
Digital Spending Traps
Many apps, games, and websites use deceptive or exploitative tactics to convince you to make purchases. While the costs of these items are usually fairly low, small purchases add up.
Grocery Budget Assessment
Grocery spending can quickly eat up your budget. Use this assessment to calculate a realistic budget that fits your household needs and preferences, and aligns with current food costs.
Using Credit
Borrowing money makes it possible to afford things that you couldn’t otherwise, but make sure you understand what you’re signing up for to avoid falling into overwhelming debt.
Finding Funds in an Emergency
Wondering what to do in an emergency if you don't have an emergency fund? Don’t panic. There are things you can do to get through this crisis.
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FCCU reserves the right to require repayment immediately or on demand.
There may be fees associated with the use of Courtesy Pay and Overdraft protection, please see our most current fee schedule.